# 3D Model Viewer vs STL Simple Viewer

3D Model Viewer and STL Simple Viewer both sit at 4.2 stars, but that hides the real split: 59% of 3D Model Viewer's written reviews are positive against 17% of STL Simple Viewer's. 3D Model Viewer also leads on update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 20 months) and iOS requirement (15.6 vs 17.0). On price, rating, ratings volume and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. 3D Model Viewer sells 5 one-off in-app purchases and STL Simple Viewer sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.2 for 3D Model Viewer against 4.3 for STL Simple Viewer. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 328 and 866 respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 59% of 3D Model Viewer's written reviews are positive against 17% of STL Simple Viewer's.

3D Model Viewer ships an update every 3 weeks, STL Simple Viewer every 20 months. The most recent releases landed on September 21, 2026 and September 23, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | 3D Model Viewer | STL Simple Viewer |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.2 (328 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/3d-model-viewer-ar-view/id1105242878/reviews) | **[4.3 (866 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/stl-simple-viewer/id1493598400/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 328 | **866** |
| Positive reviews | **59.2% of reviews** | 17.2% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 weeks** | Every 20 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 28 MB | 19 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.6** | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | +4 |
| Developer | [健 钟](https://appshunter.io/developer/1051588602) | [Victor Bovio](https://appshunter.io/developer/327627515) |

## What reviewers say

### 3D Model Viewer

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/3d-model-viewer-ar-view/id1105242878)

View and interact with various 3D model formats in both AR and 3D modes. This intuitive tool supports local and cloud documents, custom backgrounds, and shadow casting. Easily import models via multiple methods and share your creations.

**Highlights:** AR and 3D viewing modes, Supports numerous 3D file formats, Local and cloud document integration, Customizable backgrounds and shadows, Model information display (size, volume, etc.), Multiple import and sharing options

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (5)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Remove Ads | $1.99 | one-time |
| Model & Screenshot Output | $1.99 | one-time |
| Background from Album | $1.99 | one-time |
| Large File Model | $1.99 | one-time |
| All Features | $5.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Great for viewing 3D models
- 🚀 Fast model loading
- 🔒 Supports many file formats

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent crashes and errors
- 💸 Intrusive ads and paywalls
- 🤯 Difficult to use interface
- 🚫 Cannot open large files without paying

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes when trying to delete models
- Cannot open .3mf and .glb files
- Texture and shading issues with some models

**Requested features**

- Add support for more 3D file formats
- Improve model rendering quality
- Implement better file management options
- Provide more customization and control over model view


### STL Simple Viewer

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/stl-simple-viewer/id1493598400)

Easily view and interact with 3D STL CAD models. Supports various file types and offers advanced rendering options for detailed analysis. Get model information and explore interiors with clipping planes.

**Highlights:** View ASCII and Binary STL files, Load STL from ZIP, Rotate, pan, and zoom, Orthogonal and Perspective modes, Model info (triangle count, bounding box), Rendering options (faces, edges, transparency), Clipping plane for interiors

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pro version (1 week plan) | $0.99 | per 7 days |
| Pro version (1 month plan) | $1.99 | per month |
| Remove Ads | $2.99 | one-time |
| Export to OBJ, DAE, DXF, PLY | $3.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Simple and intuitive viewer
- 👍 Useful viewing options
- 💡 Supports multiple file formats

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent crashes
- 🔋 High battery consumption
- 🚨 Excessive and intrusive ads
- 🔍 Limited functionality for larger files

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes when opening larger STL files
- Inability to open some file formats
- Ads continue to appear even after paying for ad removal

**Requested features**

- Add ability to save color/lighting settings
- Improve stability and reduce crashes
- Provide an ad-free paid version


## Frequently asked questions

### Is 3D Model Viewer free?

3D Model Viewer is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is STL Simple Viewer free?

STL Simple Viewer is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, 3D Model Viewer or STL Simple Viewer?

STL Simple Viewer is rated higher. 3D Model Viewer averages 4.2 out of 5 from 328 ratings, while STL Simple Viewer averages 4.3 from 866 ratings.

### Do 3D Model Viewer or STL Simple Viewer have ads?

Both 3D Model Viewer and STL Simple Viewer show ads.

### Which is updated more often, 3D Model Viewer or STL Simple Viewer?

3D Model Viewer ships an update every 3 weeks, and STL Simple Viewer every 20 months. Most recently, 3D Model Viewer was updated on September 21, 2026 and STL Simple Viewer on September 23, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*