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Head-to-head · AI 3D Scanning Software

Polycam vs Artec Studio

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 2 checks side by side
Higher score Polycam #1 in AI 3D Scanning Software 9.3/10 Free plan · 7-day trial Free planFree trial✓ 1 of 4 features Visit Polycam
Artec Studio #7 in AI 3D Scanning Software 8.2/10 30-day trial Free trial✓ 1 of 4 features Visit Artec Studio

Polycam leads on 1 check, Artec Studio on 0, and 1 is even. Who comes out ahead on the 2 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scorePolycam · 9.3/10
  • Free planonly Polycam
  • Free trialboth

Polycam scores higher on our rubric for ai 3d scanning software: 9.3 against 8.2 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #7.

Polycam offers free plan; Artec Studio doesn't.

Polycam is the better fit for broad mobile, cloud, and survey scanning. Artec Studio is the better fit for professional scanner and scan-to-CAD workflows.

  • Polycam fits best

    Broad mobile, cloud, and survey scanning

  • Artec Studio fits best

    Professional scanner and scan-to-CAD workflows

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.

Side by side

Feature Polycam 9.3/10 Visit ↗ Artec Studio 8.2/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.3 8.2
Ranking #1 in AI 3D Scanning Software #7 in AI 3D Scanning Software
Best for Broad mobile, cloud, and survey scanning Professional scanner and scan-to-CAD workflows
Pricing model Free plan + paid Paid
Starting price $150/yr $480/user/yr
Free plan ✓ (best) —
Free trial 7 days 30 days
Free trial length 7 days 30 days
Deployment Cloud, Mobile Desktop
Platforms Web, iOS, Android Windows
Support Email, Docs Email, Docs · 24/7
Built for Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features Polycam 1/4 · Artec Studio 1/4
Textured mesh output Not checked yet Not checked yet
Measurement tools Not checked yet Not checked yet
Web app Not checked yet Not checked yet
API access ✓ ✓
Specs
Capture input Not checked yet Not checked yet
Mobile platforms Not checked yet Not checked yet
Export formats Not checked yet OBJ, PLY, WRL, STL, AOP, ASC, Disney PTEX, E57, XYZRGB, USD, USDZ, PTX, BTX, XYZ, RCP, CSV, DXF, XML, STEP, IGES, X_T
Our review
Pros
  • Photogrammetry, drone mapping, orthomosaics, and georeferenced exports
  • Web, iOS, Android, API access, and webhook support
  • Free plan plus mesh, point-cloud, floor-plan, and report workflows
  • Supports scanner capture, photogrammetry, point clouds, and mesh processing
  • Includes reverse engineering, inspection, measurement, and deviation analysis
  • Offers workflow scripting, command-line processing, and an SDK/API
Cons
  • Free plan limits captures, storage, exports, and AI usage
  • Cloud processing may not suit offline or local-only workflows
  • Ground-control-point workflows use CloudCompare rather than an in-app editor
  • Runs on Windows 10 x64 and Windows 11 only
  • The trial does not allow project saving or export
  • Lite plans do not support 3D scanning
Our verdict

Polycam is a cloud-based 3D capture platform for creators, contractors, designers, and enterprise teams. Its mobile apps and web workspace process photos, videos, LiDAR captures, drone imagery, and aerial mapping inputs into 3D models and…

Read the review →

Artec Studio is a Windows-based application for 3D scanner capture, photogrammetry, model processing, measurement, inspection, and export. It supports Artec structured-light, LiDAR, and target-based laser scanners, along with photos,…

Read the review →
  1. PolycamAI 3D Scanning Software 9.3Free plan · 7-day trial
  2. Artec StudioAI 3D Scanning Software 8.230-day trial

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Polycam — where it wins

    • Photogrammetry, drone mapping, orthomosaics, and georeferenced exports
    • Web, iOS, Android, API access, and webhook support
    • Free plan plus mesh, point-cloud, floor-plan, and report workflows

    Where it doesn't

    • Free plan limits captures, storage, exports, and AI usage
    • Cloud processing may not suit offline or local-only workflows
    • Ground-control-point workflows use CloudCompare rather than an in-app editor

  • Artec Studio — where it wins

    • Supports scanner capture, photogrammetry, point clouds, and mesh processing
    • Includes reverse engineering, inspection, measurement, and deviation analysis
    • Offers workflow scripting, command-line processing, and an SDK/API

    Where it doesn't

    • Runs on Windows 10 x64 and Windows 11 only
    • The trial does not allow project saving or export
    • Lite plans do not support 3D scanning

More comparisons

All AI 3D scanning software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update