Comparison

Scaniverse vs ThingLink AR Viewer

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

Head to head
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

About

ThingLink AR Viewer

Features
Read full description

ThingLink offers the easiest and fastest way to create interactive learning experiences in 2D, VR and AR. This can be viewed with the new ThingLink AR Viewer App. Now, a smartphone or tablet can be a portal to a vibrant world brimming with multimedia information, offering interactive experiences like never before. Transform Your Environment Using advanced AR technology, ThingLink allows you to create immersive hotspots on any object or image. Add multimedia tags to paintings, statues, buildings, business operations or even work place objects, unlocking layers of information and insights in an instant. View with the ThingLink AR Viewer App and discover the extraordinary in the ordinary. Impactful Training with Mixed Reality Change the way your learners engage with your training with ThingLink through the ThingLink AR Viewer App. From educational institutions to corporate training, the app provides an opportunity for experiential learning. Make complex topics, physical processes or even machinery easier to understand and more engaging through interactive, hands-on experiences. Increase Accessibility Accessible content is paramount. ThingLink is designed to break down barriers and open up new opportunities for exploration for everyone. We've built an app that's not just easy to use but also makes learning fun and inclusive. No matter your age or tech skill level, you can dive right into this augmented world with the ThingLink Viewer App. Efficiency & Effectiveness ThingLink is designed to help you to be as efficient and effective as possible. No more dealing with cluttered information signs or panels on each object. With the ThingLink AR Viewer App your viewers simply point their device at the image, tap on the hotspot, and access information seamlessly. A whole catalog of objects or artifacts can be accessed with one short code. Retain the original aesthetic integrity of your location, no need for ‘out of context’ information panels disrupting the experience. Drive Engagement Engagement is the key to a memorable experience,ThingLink and the ThingLink AR Viewer App excels in this area. By adding interactivity to images, you're not just looking at artifacts - you're truly experiencing them. Dive deep into historical contexts, gain artistic insights, or even share personal stories attached to objects - the possibilities are endless. FEATURES In ThingLink create and Share Hotspots: Create hotspots on any object or image, enriching them with multimedia tags. Share these with friends, family, or the world. View with the ThingLink AR Viewer App. Augmented Learning: Unleash the full potential of learning by bringing AR into classrooms or your daily learning routines. Enhance knowledge absorption and retention in a fun, interactive way. Easy Navigation: Our intuitive interface ensures that everyone can use the app with ease. No technical know-how is required. Safe and Secure: Your privacy matters to us. The ThingLink AR App is designed with robust security measures to ensure your content is protected. Embrace the future with ThingLink and the ThingLink AR Viewer App - where reality meets imagination. Download it today and begin your journey in augmented reality.

Screenshots

Scaniverse4 screens
ThingLink AR Viewer4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: Scaniverse at every 3 weeks against ThingLink AR Viewer's every 2 months. On price, ads, in-app purchases 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Scaniverse ships an update every 3 weeks, ThingLink AR Viewer every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on September 26, 2026 and September 19, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard1 real difference · 9 level
Scaniverse versus ThingLink AR Viewer: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterScaniverseThingLink AR Viewer
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.8 (12K ratings) — better—
Positive reviews82.6% of reviews—
Number of ratings12K — better—
Update frequencyEvery 3 weeks — betterEvery 2 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFree—
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS16.615.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size233 MB5 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperNiantic Spatial, Inc.Thinglink

Bugs and requests

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

ThingLink AR Viewer

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

None

Scaniverse

No in-app purchases

None

ThingLink AR Viewer

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Scaniverse free?
Scaniverse is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is ThingLink AR Viewer free?
ThingLink AR Viewer is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Scaniverse or ThingLink AR Viewer have ads?
Neither Scaniverse nor ThingLink AR Viewer shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Scaniverse or ThingLink AR Viewer?
Scaniverse ships an update every 3 weeks, and ThingLink AR Viewer every 2 months. Most recently, Scaniverse was updated on September 26, 2026 and ThingLink AR Viewer on September 19, 2026.

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