Polycam vs EXScan S Comparison: Reviews, Features, Pricing & Alternatives in 2026

Detailed side-by-side comparison to help you choose the right solution for your team

Updated May 2026 8 min read

Polycam

0.0 (0 reviews)

Polycam is a powerful 3D scanning application that uses LiDAR and photogrammetry to help you create high-quality 3D models, floor plans, and digital twins using your mobile device or web browser.

Starting at Free
Free Trial 7 days
VS

EXScan S

0.0 (0 reviews)

EXScan S is a dedicated 3D scanning software designed to work with Shining 3D EinScan desktop scanners to capture high-resolution digital models for engineering and design.

Starting at --
Free Trial NO FREE TRIAL

Quick Comparison

Feature Polycam EXScan S
Website poly.cam shining3d.com
Pricing Model Freemium One_time
Starting Price Free Custom Pricing
FREE Trial ✓ 7 days free trial ✘ No free trial
Free Plan ✓ Has free plan ✘ No free plan
Product Demo ✘ No product demo ✓ Request demo here
Deployment saas mobile desktop
Integrations Blender Unity Unreal Engine Rhino SketchUp Autodesk Revit Cinema 4D Roblox SolidEdge Geomagic Essentials Autodesk Fusion 360
Target Users freelancer small-business mid-market small-business mid-market freelancer
Target Industries real-estate construction entertainment education manufacturing engineering
Customer Count 0 0
Founded Year 2020 2004
Headquarters San Francisco, USA Hangzhou, China

Overview

P

Polycam

Polycam is a versatile 3D scanning tool that turns your smartphone or tablet into a professional-grade modeling suite. By using LiDAR and photogrammetry technology, you can capture physical objects and spaces to create accurate 3D reconstructions. Whether you are an architect measuring a room or a game developer sourcing assets, you can generate high-resolution textures and precise geometry in minutes.

You can easily share your captures via web links or export them into over a dozen professional file formats like OBJ, GLTF, and DXF. The platform also features a collaborative social feed where you can explore thousands of free 3D assets created by the community. It simplifies the transition from the physical world to digital environments, making 3D capture accessible to everyone from hobbyists to enterprise teams.

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EXScan S

EXScan S is the essential software companion for your EinScan-S series desktop 3D scanners. It provides you with a streamlined workflow to convert physical objects into high-quality 3D data. You can manage the entire scanning process from initial calibration to mesh generation within a single, intuitive interface. The software handles complex data processing in the background, allowing you to focus on capturing every detail of your object with precision.

You can choose between different scanning modes depending on your project needs, whether you require high-speed capture or maximum detail. The software also includes tools for mesh optimization, hole filling, and smoothing to ensure your models are ready for 3D printing or further CAD development. It is specifically built for designers, engineers, and educators who need reliable digital replicas of small to medium-sized objects.

Overview

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Polycam Features

  • LiDAR Scanning Capture large spaces and entire rooms in real-time with incredible speed using your device's LiDAR sensor.
  • Photo Mode Transform a series of photos into high-quality 3D models with detailed textures using advanced photogrammetry processing.
  • RoomPlan Mapping Generate accurate floor plans and architectural 3D models of interior spaces automatically as you walk through them.
  • Professional Exports Download your models in formats like .obj, .fbx, .stl, and .dae to use in Blender, Revit, or Unity.
  • Web Editing Upload photos from any camera to the web version for cloud processing and manage your library from your desktop.
  • Measurement Tools Take precise linear measurements and calculate area or volume directly within your 3D captures for project planning.
  • AI Texture Generation Enhance your models with AI-driven tools that help you refine surfaces and create realistic materials for your assets.
  • Team Collaboration Share private links with clients or teammates so they can view and interact with your 3D scans in any browser.
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EXScan S Features

  • Automatic Calibration. Follow simple on-screen prompts to calibrate your scanner quickly and ensure you always capture the most accurate data possible.
  • Multiple Scan Modes. Switch between fixed and auto-turntable modes so you can capture objects of varying sizes and complexities with ease.
  • Real-time Visualization. Watch your 3D model form on your screen as you scan, allowing you to identify and fill gaps instantly.
  • Mesh Optimization. Refine your raw data into clean meshes using built-in tools for smoothing, sharpening, and reducing polygon counts.
  • Automatic Alignment. Merge multiple scan angles automatically using geometry or marker points to create a complete 360-degree digital model.
  • Direct Export. Save your finished models in standard formats like STL, OBJ, and PLY for immediate use in 3D printing.

Pricing Comparison

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Polycam Pricing

Free
$0
  • Unlimited LiDAR captures
  • Limited Photo Mode captures
  • Basic sharing links
  • Access to Explore feed
  • Web viewer access
E

EXScan S Pricing

Pros & Cons

M

Polycam

Pros

  • Extremely fast processing times for LiDAR scans
  • Intuitive mobile interface makes scanning very easy
  • High-quality texture resolution for photogrammetry captures
  • Seamless export process to major 3D software
  • Active community provides endless free 3D assets

Cons

  • Requires latest hardware for best LiDAR results
  • Subscription is required for most export formats
  • Large scans can consume significant device storage
A

EXScan S

Pros

  • Intuitive interface makes 3D scanning accessible for beginners
  • Fast processing speeds for generating high-density meshes
  • Seamless integration with EinScan-SE and EinScan-SP hardware
  • Reliable automatic alignment saves significant post-processing time

Cons

  • Hardware requirements for PC graphics cards are quite high
  • Limited advanced editing tools compared to standalone CAD software
  • Software updates can sometimes be slow to download
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