Comparison

Heges 3D Scanner vs Scaniverse

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Heges 3D Scanner

Capture 3D models of objects and environments using your device's advanced camera sensors. Export scans in various formats for further use in 3D modeling or augmented reality. Offers different scanning modes and precision settings for optimal results.

Highlights
  • 3D scanning with FaceID/LiDAR
  • Export to STL, OBJ, PLY, USDZ, GLB
  • Share via Wi-Fi server
  • Augmented Reality viewing
  • Night vision scanning mode
  • Adjustable scanning precision
Read full description

Create 3D scans using the 3D camera (FaceID or LiDAR) of your iPhone 18, 17, 16, 15, 14, 13, 12, 11, XS, XR, X (and all their Pro/Max/Plus/Air variants) or iPad Pro! Export scans into STL, PLY, OBJ, USDZ, GLB (glTF), share them and more. On older devices, you can use the ordinary camera mode or the Screen Sharing feature. This app is *PAID* up-front. Why is it free-to-download? To protect people with unsupported devices from buying it (more details at the end). Heges is divided into two modes: = 3D Scanner (**PAID**, requires one-time In-App Purchase) ============================ - Available only for iPhones and iPad Pros with the selfie FaceID (TrueDepth) camera and/or LiDAR sensor as an In-App Purchase (Why? Read more at the bottom.) - Create 3D models by scanning everyday objects using the selfie TrueDepth camera (FaceID) and/or the rear LiDAR sensor - After scanning, export the models into PLY, OBJ, USDZ (all with colors), STL, GLB (both without colors) file formats - Share exported models e.g. via built-in Wi-Fi server or view them in the iOS Files app - Use the physical volume buttons to toggle scanning session - Double-tap anywhere in the live camera view to Share Screen with another iPhone/iPad, so that you can better see what you're scanning - View the models in AR - You can scan in pitch-dark environment and use Heges as a night vision camera! - Choose from the available scanning precisions — the higher the precision, the shorter the scanner range - To get the most accurate scans, you must use the selfie FaceID camera with 0.5MM Precision settings; do not use LiDAR if you need accurate scans - The selfie FaceID camera is much more accurate than LiDAR (approx. one order of magnitude), the models in the promo videos were scanned using the selfie FaceID camera of iPhone X - Use the selfie FaceID camera for scanning fine details (up to 2 millimeters accuracy with FaceID and 0.5MM Precision settings) - Use LiDAR for scanning large areas (e.g. houses, hallways, rooms, etc.), LiDAR is NOT suitable for scanning small objects with detail — use the selfie FaceID camera for this purpose - Objects in scanner range are highlighted in the live view - Switch to the passive Night Vision where there're no explicit restrictions on the scanner range Instructions for the 3D scanner: - Move slowly when scanning - Make sure that most of the captured scene is within the scanner range - Please read the FAQ at https://hege.sh/faq The scanner isn't perfect and can fail when moving too fast or scanning a challenging environment (e.g. glass surfaces cannot be captured due to the nature of the TrueDepth sensor). A NOTE FOR iPHONE 13 (and newer) users: Beginning with the iPhone 13 lineup, Apple introduced a new TrueDepth (FaceID) camera design, which produces (slightly) lower-accuracy results compared to older devices. To get best scan accuracy, consider using any iPhone 12 or older with FaceID. = Color camera mode ============================ - Available for all devices - Manual camera focus - Sharing photos via built-in Wi-Fi server = Why don't you make the app paid on the App Store? Why the annoying In-App Purchase? ============================ It's for protecting people with unsupported devices. (I wish I could make it paid directly on the App Store.) Heges needs the 3D-sensing selfie FaceID camera to capture 3D scans. But not all iPhones/iPads have the FaceID camera, so the app needs to check if your device has FaceID before it allows you to buy the app. The App Store does not allow developers to check if your iPhone/iPad has FaceID, so the only way to check is if you download and open the app. Once you open Heges on your device, it will check if your device is compatible and if isn't, then you will not be able to buy it. If you have any questions just drop me an email at support@hege.sh and I'll be happy to help you :)!

About

Scaniverse

Capture your surroundings in high-quality 3D using your phone. Process scans directly on your device for privacy and speed. Share your creations globally on a map or export them for further use in 3D software.

Highlights
  • On-device 3D Gaussian splatting
  • Fast and unlimited scanning
  • High-fidelity detail capture
  • Privacy-focused processing
  • Global sharing map
  • Multiple export formats (OBJ, FBX, GLB, USDZ, LAS, PLY, SPZ)
  • Explore 3D scans worldwide
Read full description

3D mapping, reconstruction, and visual positioning from Niantic Spatial Scaniverse captures, reconstructs, and localizes physical environments — on your phone, and now in the cloud. It’s a foundation for AR, robotics, spatial computing, construction planning, and other apps and workflows that require high-fidelity 3D digital twins. Capture: Point your phone at any space and turn it into 3D data. - Scan spaces indoors and out, from a single room to a warehouse - Works with your mobile device’s cameras and sensors - Combine scans from multiple users and devices into one unified site project Reconstruct: Process scans into detailed, responsive 3D images. - State-of-the-art cloud processing turns your scans into immersive Gaussian splats for planning and simulations - Precise meshes for robotics simulation and collision geometry - Export in SPZ, PLY, GLB and FBX Localize: Test Niantic VPS 2.0 in app, deploy with NSDK. - Better than GPS everywhere, precise where you've mapped. - Works indoors, in urban canyons, and GPS-denied environments - Integrate via NSDK 4.0 for Unity, Swift, and Kotlin Accounts: Free tier for personal scanning and testing, with limited cloud processing and multi-user collaboration. Paid plans unlock more processing, bigger teams, 360° camera scans, and enterprise support. Still the world's best free 3D scanner: The classic Scaniverse experience you know is still here — unlimited on-device Gaussian splat capture and processing, several export formats including SPZ, and the shared global map. Nothing's changed. Scaniverse is built on the legacy of 25 years of geospatial innovation, including Google Earth and Google Maps. It’s the gateway to Niantic Spatial’s Large Geospatial Model, which builds on the same mission of making the world navigable and understandable, this time through a spatial AI for machines. Learn more: scaniverse.com Terms of use: scaniverse.com/terms Privacy policy: https://www.nianticspatial.com/privacy-consumer and scaniverse.com/privacy

Screenshots

Heges 3D Scanner4 screens
Scaniverse4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: Scaniverse at 4.8 against Heges 3D Scanner's 2.8. Scaniverse also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 1) and review sentiment (83% vs 48%). On price, ads, device support and iOS requirement 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Heges 3D Scanner sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Scaniverse asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Scaniverse holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 2.8. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Scaniverse has 12K ratings behind it against 307, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 48% of Heges 3D Scanner's written reviews are positive against 83% of Scaniverse's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Heges 3D Scanner ships an update every 3 months, Scaniverse every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on November 2, 2026 and November 10, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard6 real differences · 4 level
Heges 3D Scanner versus Scaniverse: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterHeges 3D ScannerScaniverse
PriceFreeFree
Rating2.8 (307 ratings)4.8 (12K ratings) — better
Positive reviews48.1% of reviews82.5% of reviews — better
Number of ratings30712K — better
Update frequencyEvery 3 monthsEvery 3 weeks — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationPaidFree — better
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS15.0 — better16.6
Further details — not scored
Size17 MB227 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperMarek SimonikNiantic Spatial, Inc.

Customer experience

Heges 3D Scanner

All ratings302 ratings
Positive43.0%
Neutral5.3%
Negative51.7%
Written reviews389 reviews
Positive48.1%
Neutral7.2%
Negative44.7%

Scaniverse

All ratings11,824 ratings
Positive95.1%
Neutral2.4%
Negative2.4%
Written reviews744 reviews
Positive82.5%
Neutral4.8%
Negative12.6%

User reviews

Heges 3D Scanner

From 307 App Store ratings

What we love

  • 🚀 Excellent 3D scanning quality
  • 💡 Innovative use of TrueDepth camera
  • 👍 Detailed and accurate scans
  • 🚀 Fast scanning and export process
  • 💡 Useful screen sharing feature

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Tracking issues and scan failures
  • 👎 Requires in-app purchase to unlock full functionality
  • 🔒 No trial or free version to test
  • 👎 Awkward scanning experience due to front-facing camera
  • 🐛 Occasional crashes and stability issues

Scaniverse

From 12K App Store ratings

What we love

  • 🚀 Fast and easy to use
  • 👍 Intuitive interface
  • 🔓 No ads or subscriptions
  • 💡 Innovative scanning technology
  • 🤖 Impressive AI-powered features

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Occasional processing errors
  • 🔍 Limited detail on small objects
  • 🗄️ No backup/cloud sync for scans
  • 🔀 Mesh quality can be inconsistent

Bugs and requests

Heges 3D Scanner

Reported bugs

3 issues
  • Crashes on launch after purchasing 3D scan mode
  • Scans getting distorted or lost during the process
  • Inability to preview larger scans within the app

Requested features

5 requests
  • Support for rear camera scanning
  • Ability to stitch multiple scans together
  • Export options beyond STL (e.g. OBJ, FBX)
  • Post-processing tools for cleaning up scans
  • Improved tracking and stability

Scaniverse

Reported bugs

2 issues
  • Compatibility issues with newer devices
  • Crashes or freezes during scanning

Requested features

4 requests
  • Add measuring tools
  • Improve texture mapping
  • Enable desktop/web app support
  • Provide more editing/post-processing tools

In-app purchases

1 purchases

Heges 3D Scanner

One-time1
  • 3D Scanner$7.99
None

Scaniverse

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Heges 3D Scanner free?
Heges 3D Scanner is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Scaniverse free?
Scaniverse is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Heges 3D Scanner or Scaniverse?
Scaniverse is rated higher. Heges 3D Scanner averages 2.8 out of 5 from 307 ratings, while Scaniverse averages 4.8 from 12K ratings.
Do Heges 3D Scanner or Scaniverse have ads?
Neither Heges 3D Scanner nor Scaniverse shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Heges 3D Scanner or Scaniverse?
Heges 3D Scanner ships an update every 3 months, and Scaniverse every 3 weeks. Most recently, Heges 3D Scanner was updated on November 2, 2026 and Scaniverse on November 10, 2026.

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