Side by side

COLMAP vs OpenMVG

Both stand on ai 3d scanning software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.

COLMAP

Free plan LinuxMacWeb+1

COLMAP offers a free route from image collections to sparse and dense 3D outputs, with GUI, CLI, Python, and C++ options. Users should account for the project's research-software caveat and the unsigned Windows binaries.

Visit COLMAP

OpenMVG

Free plan Open source AndroidAPIiPhone+4

Choose OpenMVG if you want free, open-source software with API access, point cloud export, and ground control point support. Look elsewhere if you need a deployment type beyond desktop or require features beyond those listed.

Visit OpenMVG

The facts

	COLMAP	OpenMVG
Free plan	Yes	Yes
Open source	Not published	Yes
Runs on	Linux, Mac, Web, Windows	Android, API, iPhone, Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Windows
Lowest paid plan	Free or on request	Free or on request
Plans published	1	1
Maker	Not published	Not published
Website	colmap.github.io	github.com
On ai 3d scanning software	#3 of 24	#1 of 24

COLMAP: what it does well

Supports ordered and unordered image collections.
Offers both graphical and command-line interfaces.
Produces sparse and dense reconstructions.
Provides Python bindings and a reusable C++ library.
Includes a pre-built CUDA-enabled Docker image.

What to know first

ALIKED and LoMa require ONNX support at build time.
Windows binaries are not officially signed.
The project notes occasional ungraceful exits when constraints are unmet.
Third-party dependencies have separate licenses.

OpenMVG: what it does well

Free and open source.
Available for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android.
Provides API access.
Exports point clouds.
Supports ground control points.

What to know first

Deployment is listed as desktop.
The listed capabilities are limited to API access, point cloud export, and ground control points.

Alternatives to COLMAP Alternatives to OpenMVG The whole list