RealityScan

RealityScan turns photographs and laser scans into detailed 3D models, with a mobile capture app and desktop photogrammetry software. It suits students, eligible small businesses, and production teams that need a complete modeling pipeline; its strongest distinction is that the same product spans field capture and high-fidelity desktop processing.

Overview

RealityScan combines photorealistic object and scene representation with tools for cleanup, optimization, image layers, scalable worldbuilding, and workflow automation. Its desktop pipeline also produces precise point clouds at any scale, making it more than a mobile scanning utility. The trade-off is a desktop setup tied to Epic: installation requires both the Epic Games Launcher and an Epic Games account.

Key features

Capture and processing

RealityScan Mobile provides real-time point-cloud feedback, automatic capture, augmented-reality scaling, camera controls, and masking. Those tools make it useful for collecting and checking capture data in the field, while the desktop application handles the broader photogrammetry workflow. Mobile scans can be uploaded to Sketchfab or exported directly to a device for use in other 3D software.

Production and outputs

Image layers, cleanup, optimization, and automation support work beyond a single object scan, including larger worldbuilding workflows. RealityScan also supports orthophoto, point-cloud, and GIS data exports, as well as ground control points. That range is relevant to users who need spatial outputs alongside visual models.

Pricing

The free plan costs nothing and includes all features, learning materials, and community forums. It is available to individuals and small businesses with less than $1 million USD in revenue over the past 12 months, educational institutions, and students. This is a broad feature set, but the revenue threshold means larger businesses need a paid seat.

A RealityScan seat costs $1,250 per seat per year, billed annually. It is for individuals and businesses over $1 million USD in gross annual revenue and includes all features, learning materials, community forums, and updates for one year. The license is per seat, so teams should account for each user who needs access. A 30-day trial is offered for seats. RealityScan Mobile is free on iOS and Android.

Sample datasets are restricted to non-commercial use under the EULA, and Epic’s Privacy Policy also governs use of the software. These terms matter for teams evaluating sample material or reviewing software privacy conditions.

Platforms

RealityScan is available on Android, iOS, Linux, and Windows, with desktop deployment. The desktop download supports Windows 8, 8.1, 10, and 11 64-bit, Windows Server 2008 or later, Ubuntu 24.04, and Fedora 39. The Epic Games Launcher and an Epic Games account are required for desktop installation, an extra dependency to consider in managed environments.

Who it's for

RealityScan is a strong fit for students, educational institutions, and smaller businesses seeking a full-featured photogrammetry pipeline without a software charge, provided they meet the free-plan eligibility rules. Larger businesses can use the same feature set through paid seats, but the annual per-seat price makes it a more deliberate choice for teams. Users who only need a lightweight mobile scanner may not need the desktop workflow or its installation requirements.

Pros and cons

• Pros: All features are included on the free plan for eligible users, rather than reserved for paid tiers.
• Pros: Mobile capture tools connect to a desktop pipeline and support several downstream spatial exports, including point clouds and GIS data.
• Pros: Tutorials, guides, documentation, sample datasets, and community forums support learning and workflow development.
• Cons: Businesses above the $1 million USD revenue threshold need paid seats at $1,250 per seat per year.
• Cons: Desktop installation depends on Epic Games Launcher and an Epic Games account, which may not suit users seeking a standalone installer.
• Cons: Sample datasets cannot be used commercially, limiting their role in commercial evaluation or production.

Alternatives

COLMAP is a free alternative for users who want photogrammetry across Linux, macOS, web, or Windows without RealityScan’s stated revenue-based eligibility for free use.

WebODM is worth considering for users who prefer software that runs locally and offline; its free installation option is a contrast to RealityScan’s Epic Launcher requirement.

KIRI Engine suits users looking for a mobile and web-based option with a free tier supporting up to 150 photos per scan, a 2 GB scan limit, unlimited scans, and free exports.

Polycam is another mobile-oriented option for Android and iOS users; its free plan has limited space, object and AI captures, with GLTF exports and public link sharing.

Qlone may suit users focused on object scanning on iOS or macOS, though premium export, animated AR view, and 4K scanning require an upgrade.

3DF Zephyr is an alternative for Windows users who want a perpetual free personal-use license, accepting a 50-photo or video-frame limit, single GPU, and limited exports and editing.

Krynth is a web option for occasional scans: its free tier allows one Quartz scan per month, with watermarked output, 14-day hosting, and no commercial rights.

Nerfstudio is another free option.

For more choices, browse AI 3D Scanning Software, Photogrammetry Software, and 3D Scanning Software.

Verdict

Choose RealityScan if you qualify for its free plan or need a full desktop photogrammetry pipeline linked to mobile capture and spatial exports. Its broad toolset and free access for eligible users are compelling; look elsewhere if your business exceeds the revenue threshold and the $1,250 annual seat cost or Epic-based desktop installation is a poor fit.