TELLO vs KIRI Engine
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
TELLO
This app makes flying a drone incredibly easy and fun. It offers intuitive controls for beginners, allowing you to launch, perform aerial stunts, and capture videos with simple gestures. Enjoy a first-person view with VR compatibility and precise control options.
- Intuitive UI for easy start
- Throw & Go launch
- 8D Flips for aerial stunts
- Bounce Mode for automatic flight
- EZ Shots for short video recording
- Electronic Image Stabilization
- VR Headset Compatibility
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Feel the Fun! We set out to build the most fun drone ever, and we came up with Tello. Get yourself a Tello to find out just how awesome flying can be! -Tello App Getting started is extra easy with the Tello app’s friendly UI. - Throw & Go Start flying by simply tossing Tello into the air. - 8D Flips Slide on screen to perform cool aerial stunts. -Bounce Mode Tello flies up and down from your hand automatically. -EZ Shots Record coordinated short videos with Circle, 360, and Up & Away. -Electronic Image Stabilization Capture consistently clear images. -VR Headset Compatibility Fly with a breathtaking first-person view. -720p HD Transmission -Bluetooth Controller Compatibility Precise control for unforgettable experiences.
KIRI Engine
Easily create high-quality 3D models from photos or videos directly on your phone. Offers advanced scanning technologies for detailed results, with editing and export options for various platforms. Ideal for artists, designers, and 3D printing enthusiasts.
- Photogrammetry 3D scanning
- Neural Surface Reconstruction (NSR)
- 3D Gaussian Splatting
- Auto Object Masking
- Augmented Reality preview
- Multiple export formats (OBJ, STL, GLTF)
- AI PBR Material Generation (Pro)
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3D scanning has never been simpler with KIRI Engine: create high-quality 3D models on your phone within minutes. Dive into 3D scanning and modeling tailored for artists, designers, engineers, and 3D printing enthusiasts. Unleash the Power of 3D Scanning: • Photogrammetry: 3D scan with Photo Scan to transform your photos into high-quality 3D models. • NSR (Neural Surface Reconstruction): 3D Scan featureless/shiny objects with a video processed by Neural Radiance Fields (NeRF) integrated Featureless Object Scan. • 3D Gaussian Splatting: Obtain full 3D visualizations with a video, scan and capture all elements in your scene, including reflections. Create Your Own 3D Model through a Delightful Experience: • Capturing: Snapping photos replaces your 3D modeling process, obtain a detailed 3D mesh in just minutes from scanning to generating. • Functional Free Version: Dive into the world of photogrammetry without paying a cent for subscriptions, a LiDAR sensor, or an expensive 3D Scanner. Upload unlimited 3D scans and export at least 3 times per week. Edit, Refine, and Personalize Your Creations: • Edit: Refine 3D models with editing tools; adjust your files in Photo Scan, Featureless Object Scan, and 3D gaussian splats. • Precision: Choose specific photos for processing to ensure detailed, high-quality 3D models. • Cleanup: Auto Object Masking for noise-free, clean models during capture by eliminating background elements. This feature also allows the object to be moved during the capture. • Preview: Employ the 3D viewer and augmented reality panels to directly visualize and adjust your completed 3D model. Share, Export, and Make Use of Your 3D Models: • For Free: free registration and unlimited scanning, with at least 3 exports weekly. • Share: On various platforms such as Sketchfab, Thingiverse, GeoScan, and more. • Formats: Export in OBJ, STL, FBX, GLTF, GLB, USDZ, PLY, XYZ, compatible with Blender 3D, Unreal Engine, Autodesk Maya, etc. • Wide usage: For game development, VFX, VR/AR 3D content creation, 3D printing, 3D visualization, and many more. • Precision Without LiDAR: KIRI’s advanced algorithms provide scanning quality that is on par with LiDAR sensors. KIRI Engine Pro – For Those Who Demand More: • Upload: Pro users can leverage camera rolls, ensuring a flexible 3D scanning experience. • Quad-Mesh Retopology: Refine scanned 3D models with automatic quad-mesh adjustment. • AI PBR Material Generation: Attain lifelike textures with AI-generated PBR materials. • Advanced Camera System: Perfect each shot with fine-tuned camera settings for impeccable 3D scans. • Featureless Object Scan: Utilizes Neural Surface Reconstruction (NSR) for scanning shiny/reflective surfaces, a first in practical 3D scanning with KIRI Engine. • 3D Gaussian Splatting: Experience the future of 3D scanning and capture accurate 3D scenes with a short video; edit using tools like sphere/plane cutters and brushes. Export in native format or OBJ. • WEB Version Access: KIRI Engine WEB offers professional-grade model creation from DSLR photo sets or drone scans, enhancing accuracy in mappings and drone-based 3D surveys. Engage with Our Caring Community: Join our Discord community for sharing, feature voting, giveaways, and engaging with fellow enthusiasts. Dive into 3D Scanning with KIRI Engine Today! Download the KIRI Engine 3D Scanner app and embark on your 3D scanning journey with your device. Available in these languages: English: KIRI Engine: 3D Scanner App Chinese (中文): 3D 扫描仪App Japanese (日本語): 3Dスキャナーアプリ French (Français): Application Scanner 3D Russian (Русский): Приложение 3D-сканера Privacy Policy: https://www.kiriengine.app/privacy-policy Terms Of Service: https://www.kiriengine.app/user-agreement
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is rating: KIRI Engine at 4.4 against TELLO's 3.3. KIRI Engine also leads on review sentiment (63% vs 31%) and update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 2 months). TELLO's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 17) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 15.0). On price, ratings volume, ads and device support there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Both are free to download. KIRI Engine sells 17 in-app purchases, starting at $6.99 per month. TELLO asks for nothing beyond the download.
KIRI Engine holds the better App Store score, 4.4 against 3.3. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 795 and 1.2K respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 31% of TELLO's written reviews are positive against 63% of KIRI Engine's.
TELLO ships an update every 2 months, KIRI Engine every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 22, 2026 and September 24, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | TELLO | KIRI Engine |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 3.3 (795 ratings) | 4.4 (1.2K ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 31.2% of reviews | 62.6% of reviews — better |
| Number of ratings | 795 | 1.2K — better |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | Every 2 weeks — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No — better | Yes |
| Monetization | Free — better | Free with in-app purchases |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 13.0 — better | 15.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 43 MB | 136 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Shenzhen RYZE Tech Co., Ltd. | KIRI Innovation (Hongkong) Limited |
Customer experience
TELLO
KIRI Engine
Bugs and requests
TELLO
Reported bugs
4 issues- App crashes when trying to view photos/videos
- Connectivity issues, drone disconnects mid-flight
- App not compatible with latest iOS versions
- Firmware update issues
Requested features
4 requests- Return to home function
- Percentage battery indicator
- Customizable controls
- Panorama mode
KIRI Engine
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
In-app purchases
TELLO
No in-app purchases
KIRI Engine
- KIRI Pro Monthly Renewal Anniv$6.991 Month
- KIRI Pro Monthly Renewal$9.991 Month
- KIRI Pro Monthly Renewal$14.991 Month
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- KIRI Pro Monthly Renewal$17.991 Month
- KIRI Pro Annual Renewal Sale23$29.991 Year
- KIRI Pro Yearly Renewal Sale25$35.991 Year
- KIRI Pro Yearly Renewal Sale24$35.991 Year
- KIRI Pro Yearly Renewal Newbie$35.991 Year
- KIRI Pro Yearly Renewal Return$47.991 Year
- KIRI Pro Yearly Renewal Newbie$47.991 Year
- KIRI Pro Annual Renewal$49.991 Year
- KIRI Pro Annual Renewal$59.991 Year
- KIRI Pro Yearly Renewal$59.991 Year
- KIRI Pro Yearly Renewal$79.991 Year
- KIRI Engine - Single Purchase$0.99
- KIRI Engine - Single Purchase$1.99
- KIRI Engine - Single Purchase$2.99
Questions
Is TELLO free?
Is KIRI Engine free?
Which has better reviews, TELLO or KIRI Engine?
Do TELLO or KIRI Engine have ads?
Which is updated more often, TELLO or KIRI Engine?
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