# PIX4Dcatch vs EM3D

The clearest difference is rating: PIX4Dcatch at 4.7 against EM3D's 3.2. EM3D's advantage is review sentiment (45% vs 33%) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 18.0). On price, ratings volume, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. PIX4Dcatch sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $159.00 per month and EM3D sells 8 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

PIX4Dcatch holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 3.2. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 267 and 101 respectively. Written reviews complicate that: 33% of PIX4Dcatch's written reviews are positive against 45% of EM3D's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

PIX4Dcatch ships an update every 2 weeks, EM3D weekly. The most recent releases landed on October 29, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | PIX4Dcatch | EM3D |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (267 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pix4dcatch-3d-scanner/id1511483044/reviews)** | [3.2 (101 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/em3d-ethan-makes-3d-scanner/id1546149822/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **267** | 101 |
| Positive reviews | 32.5% of reviews | **45.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 weeks | **Weekly** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 239 MB | 52 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.0 | **13.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Pix4D](https://appshunter.io/developer/952725638) | [Brawny Lads](https://appshunter.io/developer/622937459) |

## What reviewers say

### PIX4Dcatch

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pix4dcatch-3d-scanner/id1511483044)

Transform your mobile device into a powerful 3D scanner. Capture images and LiDAR data to create accurate 3D models for professional use. Visualize, measure, and share your creations in AR.

**Highlights:** 3D model creation from images and LiDAR, RTK device compatibility for centimeter accuracy, Live feedback during capture, Augmented reality (AR) model visualization, Cloud processing and desktop export options, Measurement and geolocation capabilities

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| PIX4Dcatch Professional | $159.00 | per month |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Great idea for photogrammetry
- 🚀 Works well for professional use
- 👍 Consistently gets survey grade results
- 👍 Useful as an additional survey tool
- 👍 Amazing, game changer

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 Very expensive subscription
- 💰 High monthly subscription cost
- 💰 Way too expensive for small objects
- 💰 Unclear cost structure
- 💰 Credits add up unexpectedly

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes or shows SDK error with Emlid RX
- Upload doesn't work for Dropbox or OneDrive
- Mesh doesn't display like past versions
- Cannot build an accurate model
- App locks out

**Requested features**

- Make it possible to work with any GNSS through NMEA Protocol
- Export GCP's in GPS coordinates as well
- Add instructions or tips
- Allow export to local device instead of cloud
- Allow export of images to PC for free


### EM3D

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/em3d-ethan-makes-3d-scanner/id1546149822)

Create 3D scans of objects, people, and pets using your device's front-facing 3D camera. Share your creations on social media, export them for 3D printing, or capture memories in a new dimension.

**Highlights:** 3D scan objects with front-facing camera, Create 360° or custom selfie videos, Scan kids and pets, Full color 3D scan export, 3D printing service integration, Mirror Saver feature for easier scanning

**Features:** Family Sharing, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (8)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Share Videos | $1.99 | one-time |
| Export PLY | $6.99 | one-time |
| Export OBJ | $6.99 | one-time |
| Export STL | $6.99 | one-time |
| Export Point Cloud | $6.99 | one-time |
| Export Scene | $6.99 | one-time |
| Unlock All Features | $19.99 | one-time |
| Lifetime Bundle | $49.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is PIX4Dcatch free?

PIX4Dcatch is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is EM3D free?

EM3D is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, PIX4Dcatch or EM3D?

PIX4Dcatch is rated higher. PIX4Dcatch averages 4.7 out of 5 from 267 ratings, while EM3D averages 3.2 from 101 ratings.

### Do PIX4Dcatch or EM3D have ads?

Neither PIX4Dcatch nor EM3D shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, PIX4Dcatch or EM3D?

PIX4Dcatch ships an update every 2 weeks, and EM3D weekly. Most recently, PIX4Dcatch was updated on October 29, 2026 and EM3D on October 24, 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.*