# PIX4Dcatch vs RTAB

PIX4Dcatch and RTAB both sit at 4.7 stars, but that hides the real split: 100% of RTAB's written reviews are positive against 33% of PIX4Dcatch's. RTAB also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 1) and iOS requirement (15.6 vs 18.0). PIX4Dcatch's advantage is update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 5 months) and ratings volume (267 vs 41). On price, rating, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. PIX4Dcatch sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $159.00 per month. RTAB asks for nothing beyond the download.

RTAB holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: PIX4Dcatch has 267 ratings behind it against 41, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 33% of PIX4Dcatch's written reviews are positive against 100% of RTAB's.

PIX4Dcatch ships an update every 2 weeks, RTAB every 5 months. Both last shipped on October 27, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | PIX4Dcatch | RTAB |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.7 (267 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pix4dcatch-3d-scanner/id1511483044/reviews) | **[4.8 (41 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/rtab-map-3d-lidar-scanner/id1564774365/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **267** | 41 |
| Positive reviews | 32.5% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 weeks** | Every 5 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 239 MB | 20 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.0 | **15.6** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Pix4D](https://appshunter.io/developer/952725638) | [Mathieu Labbe](https://appshunter.io/developer/1564774367) |

## 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


### RTAB

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/rtab-map-3d-lidar-scanner/id1564774365)

This utility app enables real-time 3D scanning and mapping of environments using LiDAR or RGB-D sensors. It features online loop closure detection and map optimization for immediate feedback, with export options for various 3D formats.

**Highlights:** Online 3D scanning and mapping, Loop closure detection and map correction, Save maps in DB format, Export in PLY, LAS, or OBJ, Multi-session mapping, AR/VR visualization mode

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is PIX4Dcatch free?

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

### Is RTAB free?

RTAB is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

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

RTAB is rated higher. PIX4Dcatch averages 4.7 out of 5 from 267 ratings, while RTAB averages 4.8 from 41 ratings.

### Do PIX4Dcatch or RTAB have ads?

Neither PIX4Dcatch nor RTAB shows ads.

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

PIX4Dcatch ships an update every 2 weeks, and RTAB every 5 months. Most recently, PIX4Dcatch was updated on October 27, 2026 and RTAB on October 27, 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.*