# PIX4Dcatch vs OpenAthena

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: OpenAthena at none against PIX4Dcatch's 1. OpenAthena also leads on iOS requirement (14.0 vs 18.0). PIX4Dcatch's advantage is update cadence (fortnightly vs every 2 months). On price, 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. OpenAthena asks for nothing beyond the download.

PIX4Dcatch ships an update fortnightly, OpenAthena every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on September 24, 2026 and September 20, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | PIX4Dcatch | OpenAthena |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (262 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pix4dcatch-3d-scanner/id1511483044/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **262** | — |
| Positive reviews | 32.5% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Fortnightly** | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Size | 320 MB | 74 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.0 | **14.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Pix4D](https://appshunter.io/developer/952725638) | [Robert Krupczak](https://appshunter.io/developer/1686231817) |

## 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


### OpenAthena

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/openathena/id6448763554)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is PIX4Dcatch free?

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

### Is OpenAthena free?

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

### Do PIX4Dcatch or OpenAthena have ads?

Neither PIX4Dcatch nor OpenAthena shows ads.

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

PIX4Dcatch ships an update fortnightly, and OpenAthena every 2 months. Most recently, PIX4Dcatch was updated on September 24, 2026 and OpenAthena on September 20, 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.*