Side by side

Google Earth VR vs Marzipano

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

Google Earth VR

Free plan Windows

Choose Google Earth VR if you have a compatible VR headset and want to explore places at an immersive scale, with guided destinations available. Look elsewhere if you need an experience that does not require a headset or Windows PC.

Visit Google Earth VR

Marzipano

Free plan AndroidAPIiPhone+2

Marzipano offers a free path from panorama files to a customizable web viewer, with browser processing and flexible deployment. Users need to provide supported image formats and arrange hosting for exported tours.

Visit Marzipano

The facts

	Google Earth VR	Marzipano
Free plan	Yes	Yes
Open source	Not published	Not published
Runs on	Windows	Android, API, iPhone, Self-hosted, Web
Lowest paid plan	Free or on request	Free or on request
Plans published	1	1
Maker	Not published	Not published
Website	earth.google.com	marzipano.net
On 3d virtual tour software	#11 of 31	#7 of 31

Google Earth VR: what it does well

Explore cities, landmarks, and natural wonders in virtual reality.
Fly above cities, stand on high peaks, or travel into space.
Includes cinematic tours and selected destinations.
Single-player experience supports tracked controllers.
Free plan costs nothing.

What to know first

Requires a VR headset.
Requires Windows and supported SteamVR or Oculus PC hardware.
Minimum PC requirements include 8 GB RAM and a GTX 970 or equivalent.

Marzipano: what it does well

Processes panorama files in the browser.
Accepts JPEG and TIFF panoramas.
Exported tours work with any web hosting platform.
JavaScript API and editable web files.
Free tool with no account required.

What to know first

Equirectangular images must use a 2:1 aspect ratio.
Tour hosting is not included.
The tool accepts only JPEG or TIFF panoramas.

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