Today, I’m going to introduce the best and most affordable 3D scanners. As 3D model enthusiasts and professionals in the 3D industry, expensive 3D scanning equipment has always been a major obstacle that prevents us from accessing better and more personalized 3D models. These high-end devices often come with hefty price tags, making it difficult for hobbyists and smaller businesses to invest in quality scanning technology. However, with the advancement of more accessible and affordable options, like the KIRI Engine, creating high-quality 3D models is no longer limited to those with large budgets. This breakthrough offers a way for everyone to enjoy high-quality 3D scanning without breaking the bank.
Physical 3D Scanners
When it comes to high-end 3D scanning, many professional devices come with a unique advantages but also hefty price tags. Here are a few examples:
Creaform HandySCAN 3D
The Creaform HandySCAN 3D, priced from $24,900, is one of the most accurate handheld 3D scanners available, boasting an impressive accuracy of up to 0.025 mm. This compact and portable scanner is designed for high-precision industrial applications such as reverse engineering, quality control, and prototyping. With real-time scanning and no need for spray, it can capture a wide range of surfaces, including shiny ones. The scanner is paired with Creaform’s VXelements software, allowing for efficient post-processing and easy export of 3D models for manufacturing and design.
Artec Eva
The Artec Eva is a high-precision 3D scanner priced at $19,800, known for its ability to capture full-color 3D models with an accuracy of up to 0.1 mm. It offers fast scanning speeds of up to 16 frames per second, making it ideal for real-time scans. Its versatility makes it suitable for various industries like healthcare, automotive, and heritage preservation, enabling detailed 3D models of objects and people. The scanner is portable and lightweight, easy to use in various environments, and integrates seamlessly with Artec Studio software for further refinement and model export.
Go3DPro: EinScan HX Hybrid Blue Laser & LED Handheld 3D Scanner
The EinScan HX Hybrid Blue Laser & LED Handheld 3D Scanner, priced at $7,999, combines both blue laser and LED technologies to offer high-accuracy 3D scanning. This hybrid approach allows for versatile scanning of both small and large objects with exceptional precision. The scanner can capture intricate details with an accuracy of up to 0.05mm and offers a fast scanning speed, making it ideal for professional applications such as reverse engineering, rapid prototyping, and inspection. It features a portable, lightweight design, making it easy to use in various environments. Additionally, the EinScan HX supports both automatic and manual scanning modes and can scan objects with complex surfaces, including dark and reflective materials, with minimal need for additional preparation.
Creality 3D Scanner CR-Scan Ferret Pro
The Creality 3D Scanner CR-Scan Ferret Pro, available on Amazon for $449, offers a more budget-friendly option compared to other professional 3D scanners, but it can still be quite expensive for many hobbyists and casual users looking for an easy and affordable way to create 3D models. This scanner features a compact, portable design, making it ideal for on-the-go scanning. It utilizes structured light technology to capture detailed 3D scans with high accuracy, providing a great balance between performance and affordability. The CR-Scan Ferret Pro is capable of scanning objects with fine details and can handle various object sizes, making it versatile for different 3D scanning needs. However, while it offers great value for its price, its cost may still be a barrier for casual users who don’t need advanced features.
Artec Micro II Automated Desktop 3D Scanner
The Artec Micro II Automated Desktop 3D Scanner is a top-tier scanner priced at a staggering $22,500, designed for highly detailed and automated scanning needs. It offers exceptional scanning performance, capturing intricate details with precision and providing a fully automated workflow that makes it ideal for professionals in fields requiring high-end 3D scanning. Despite its impressive capabilities, the exorbitant price tag puts it out of reach for most hobbyists and small businesses, limiting its accessibility and making it more suitable for large enterprises or specialized applications that can justify such an investment.
With prices ranging from a few hundred dollars to over $20,000, regular 3D scanners can be prohibitively expensive for many users, making them inaccessible for hobbyists or small businesses looking to explore 3D scanning and printing.
Best and Affordable 3D Scanner: KIRI Engine
Looking for a 3D scanner app that combines both quality and affordability? Look no further than KIRI Engine! Unlike physical 3D scanners that can cost thousands of dollars, KIRI Engine offers an accessible and budget-friendly solution for everyone. Whether you're a hobbyist, designer, or someone who simply wants to scan everyday objects into 3D models, KIRI Engine makes it easy and affordable. Simply download the app on your phone or log into the web version from your computer to start scanning in any location, anytime—no expensive hardware required. Let’s explore how KIRI Engine is revolutionizing the world of 3D scanning!
KIRI Engine offers two distinct pricing plans, catering to both casual users and professionals looking for advanced 3D scanning capabilities. Let’s break down the details of each plan and what you can expect from them.
Basic Plan (Free)
The Basic Plan is perfect for those just getting started with 3D scanning or those who want to explore KIRI Engine’s powerful features without any cost. This plan includes cutting-edge photogrammetry with photo scan options, room and scene scans, and object capture using LiDAR technology. You’ll also have access to in-app tools for cropping and texturing, allowing you to refine your scans with ease.
For more advanced functionality, the Basic Plan provides high-poly exports and adjustable texture resolution, which means you can scale your models as needed. You’ll also benefit from advanced camera control and unlimited 3D scans, along with 3 free exports per week. Plus, you’ll be able to upload unlimited photos for photogrammetry through KIRI Engine’s web platform. This plan is perfect for anyone looking to experiment with 3D scanning on a budget.
Yearly Pro Plan ($6.66/Month, Billed at $79.99/Year)
For users who want to unlock even more powerful 3D scanning features, the Yearly Pro Plan is the ideal choice. For just $6.66 per month, billed annually, you gain all the benefits of the Basic Plan, plus additional professional-grade tools. This includes Featureless Object Scan, mesh-inclusive 3DGS Scan, and the ability to generate PBR (Physically-Based Rendering) materials. With quad mesh support, your models will be enhanced with cleaner, more efficient meshes, making them easier to work with for more advanced applications.
The Yearly Pro Plan also boosts your workflow with faster queuing processing speeds and allows you to upload up to 300 photos per upload. Plus, you’ll receive unlimited exports, which is essential for heavy-duty users who need to produce multiple models or work on larger projects. All these features, along with KIRI's cross-platform compatibility, make the Yearly Pro Plan a great choice for serious 3D scanning enthusiasts or professionals.
Monthly Pro Plan ($17.99/Month)
The Monthly Pro Plan offers the same features as the Yearly Pro Plan but on a month-to-month basis for $17.99. This plan is ideal for users who need the full suite of KIRI Engine’s features but prefer the flexibility of a monthly subscription without the commitment of an annual plan. With the Monthly Pro Plan, you’ll receive all the premium features, including the ability to access Featureless Object Scan, mesh-inclusive 3DGS Scan, generate PBR materials, and utilize Quad-Mesh Retopology.
Additionally, this plan comes with faster queuing processing, unlimited exports, and a local photo upload limit increased to 300 photos per upload. As with the Yearly Pro Plan, you'll get unlimited access to KIRI Engine’s web version, which is available for all users, making it perfect for anyone who requires frequent, high-quality 3D scanning capabilities.
For the best value, choose the Yearly Pro Plan—unlock all premium features at a lower monthly cost of just $6.66, saving more compared to the monthly subscription!
Why KIRI Engine Is the Best 3D Scanner
KIRI Engine offers versatile scanning modes designed to tackle challenges that traditional physical 3D scanners face, such as difficulty scanning pure black objects or highly reflective surfaces. KIRI Engine’s specialized modes ensure high-quality results regardless of the object’s color or texture. Unlike traditional physical scanners, which are often influenced by external factors like weather conditions or lighting, KIRI Engine provides consistent, reliable results, free from environmental limitations.
Furthermore, while physical scanners require users to spend time learning specific software and adjusting complex settings, KIRI Engine simplifies the process. Its user-friendly interface makes it easy to operate, with simple setup and exporting options for various 3D model file formats, eliminating the steep learning curve and time investment that traditional scanners demand.
With over one million registered users, KIRI Engine has proven to be the go-to choice for 3D scanning enthusiasts. Compared to Polycam, KIRI Engine provides superior 3DGS Scan technology, resulting in higher-quality models with better details, smoother textures, and more accurate geometry. Whether you're a hobbyist or a professional, KIRI Engine delivers unmatched ease, flexibility, and affordability—making it the ultimate choice for creating high-quality 3D models.
KIRI Engine On Google APP store
KIRI Engine Price vs. Polycam Price
We have conducted a detailed comparison between KIRI Engine and Polycam, which you can check out in the article below.
While Polycam is currently more well-known, KIRI Engine offers better features at a significantly lower price, making it the best and most affordable 3D scanner on the market.
When it comes to pricing, KIRI Engine provides a Pro Plan at just $17.99 per month, but new users can take advantage of a limited-time discount—if they subscribe to the yearly plan within the first three days, it costs only $47.99, bringing the price down to an unbeatable $3.99 per month.
In contrast, Polycam’s pricing is much higher, with a monthly subscription of $24.99 and an annual plan costing $149.99—over three times the cost of KIRI Engine’s special yearly offer.
But affordability isn’t the only advantage. KIRI Engine's advanced 3DGS scanning technology produces higher-quality 3D visualizations, giving users a powerful yet cost-effective alternative to Polycam. KIRI Engine's unique advantage comes from the dedictaed 3DGS optimizations, as they allow for High-Fidelity renders and the proprietary 3DGS-to-Mesh technique, offering users state-of-the-art technology and accessibility. The combination of unbeatable pricing and cutting-edge features makes KIRI Engine the best choice for 3D scanning enthusiasts and professionals alike.
High Fidelity 3D Gaussian Splatting Showcases
Start scanning in 3D for FREE today! Download KIRI Engine now and turn anything into a high-quality 3D model—right from your phone!
