Comparison

ScanAce vs Carlson Scan3D

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

Head to head
About

ScanAce

Features
Read full description

ScanAce is a professional 3D scanning app for surveyors, construction and utility workers, archeologists, architects, and GIS professionals. It turns your smartphone or tablet into a handheld imaging laser scanner and allows you to precisely capture the reality around you and generate accurate 3D models for planning, documentation or digital twins.  All processing is done on your device, no other services or cloud connections are needed. It is using Augmented Reality and SLAM positioning technology on your iPhone or iPad. You can connect your RTK GNSS to achieve a precise georeference. Features: - 3D scanning - Standard mode: 350.000 points/second - Extreme high mode: 1.000.000 points/second - 3D-model viewer - Geo-reference your scan and share with the GeoAce app - Export the RGB point cloud in E57, LAS, LAZ formats - Export textured 3D-model to OBJ, USDZ formats The Free version includes all the above features, except the geo-referencing function and scanning is limited to one recording of maximum 20 s  every 15 min. All new users can evaluate the Professional subscription (no limitations) 7 days for free. For further information: •ScanAce Privacy Policy: https://its-geo.eu/Privacy.html • ScanAce Terms and Conditions: https://its-geo.eu/terms-of-service.html

About

Carlson Scan3D

Transform your iPhone or iPad into a powerful 3D laser scanner with LiDAR. This app processes data locally for enhanced accuracy and security, ideal for professionals in various industries needing precise 3D capture.

Highlights
  • High-powered 3D scanning tool
  • Precise color 3D point clouds
  • Local data optimization
  • Enhanced accuracy and security
  • Supports LiDAR-equipped iOS devices
Features
Read full description

Unlock the future of 3D laser scanning with Carlson Scan3D iOS! Break new ground by transforming your iPhone or iPad into a high-powered 3D scanning tool, when equipped with LiDAR technology. Our app, tailored for professionals, delivers extensive and precise color 3D point clouds using compatible iOS devices. Say goodbye to cloud processing – Carlson Scan3D performs all data optimization locally, ensuring both accuracy and security right on your device. Whether you're in land development, civil, construction, architecture, law enforcement or any industry needing top-notch 3D capture solutions, Carlson Scan3D iOS empowers you to elevate your workflow and deliver remarkable results. Take the first step today and experience the future of 3D scanning when you download and install Carlson Scan3D iOS. Terms of Service: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

ScanAce4 screens
Carlson Scan3D4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: Carlson Scan3D at every 9 days against ScanAce's every 4 months. Carlson Scan3D also leads on iOS requirement (14.0 vs 16.6). 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. ScanAce sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $49.99 per month and Carlson Scan3D sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $999.99 per year. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

ScanAce ships an update every 4 months, Carlson Scan3D every 9 days. The most recent releases landed on September 8, 2026 and August 14, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
ScanAce versus Carlson Scan3D: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterScanAceCarlson Scan3D
PriceFreeFree
Rating—4.8 (9 ratings) — better
Positive reviews—100.0% of reviews
Number of ratings—9 — better
Update frequencyEvery 4 monthsEvery 9 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
Monetization—Free with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS16.614.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size106 MB94 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperITS Geo Solutions GmbHCarlson Software, Inc

In-app purchases

2 purchases

ScanAce

Subscriptions2
  • Professional - Monthly$49.991 Month
  • Professional - Annual$399.991 Year
1 purchases

Carlson Scan3D

Subscriptions1
  • Annual Subscription$999.991 Year

Questions

Is ScanAce free?
ScanAce is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Carlson Scan3D free?
Carlson Scan3D is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do ScanAce or Carlson Scan3D have ads?
Neither ScanAce nor Carlson Scan3D shows ads.
Which is updated more often, ScanAce or Carlson Scan3D?
ScanAce ships an update every 4 months, and Carlson Scan3D every 9 days. Most recently, ScanAce was updated on September 8, 2026 and Carlson Scan3D on August 14, 2026.

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