Comparison

Recon vs LiDAR View

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

Head to head
About

Recon

Capture accurate 3D data using photogrammetry and your device's lidar sensor. Process data locally for privacy or in the cloud. Includes optional scaling with April Tags and exports in e57 format for further analysis.

Highlights
  • Photogrammetry and lidar fusion
  • Cloud or on-device processing
  • Optional April Tag scaling
  • e57 format export
  • Privacy-focused local processing
Features
Read full description

Recon-3D is a scanning application that fuses photogrammetry and the lidar sensor on the iPhone/iPad Pro. The data can be processed on the cloud or in case of sensitive data, directly on the device only with no data transmitted over the internet. The app provides optional scaling via April Tags which immediately adjusts the scale of the 3D model to match real-world reference measurements. The data can be exported to other programs for inspection, analysis and visualization in e57 format. Privacy Policy: https://www.recon-3d.com/privacypolicy Terms of Use: https://www.recon-3d.com/termsandconditions

About

LiDAR View

Visualize real-time data from your device's LiDAR sensor and camera. Overlay camera feeds with LiDAR depth information to enhance visibility in low light or highlight environmental contours. Supports 3D point cloud viewing and stereo display for immersive experiences.

Highlights
  • Real-time LiDAR and camera feed
  • Overlay camera with LiDAR data
  • Adjustable view range
  • 3D Point Cloud View
  • Stereo viewing with VR headsets
  • Screenshot capture and viewing
  • Flashlight activation
Features
Read full description

LiDAR View provides real-time visualization of both LiDAR depth data and camera imagery. You can choose to display the camera view, the LiDAR view, or a combined view that merges both sources for enhanced environmental awareness and depth perception. * LiDAR modes (Options 3 and 4) are especially effective in low-light or dark environments, helping reveal surrounding structures and spatial depth. The visible range can be adjusted using the slider at the bottom of the screen. * Combined modes (Options 2 and 4) blend camera and LiDAR data to enhance object contours and depth details. * In Combined modes, tap the subview to enlarge it for a more detailed inspection. Tap the enlarged view again to return to the combined layout. * The center-point depth is displayed in real time in centimeters. You can capture screenshots at any time by tapping the camera icon, and browse saved images through the photo icon. The built-in flashlight can be enabled using the torch icon. Swipe left on the number icon to access two additional viewing modes: * 3D Point Cloud View — Freely explore the surrounding environment in an interactive 3D perspective by panning the screen. * Stereo View — Experience immersive real-time stereo visualization using Google Cardboard or a compatible VR headset. If you want to view front depth image through TrueDepth camera and front camera, please check our app "FrontDepth View". If you have any suggestions, feedback, or feature requests, feel free to contact us at hereyouare1981@gmail.com Thank you for using LiDAR View!

Screenshots

Recon4 screens
LiDAR View4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: Recon at 4.8 against LiDAR View's 3.3. Recon also leads on ads (none vs shown) and review sentiment (75% vs 41%). LiDAR View's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 5). On price, update cadence, device support and iOS requirement 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. Recon sells 5 in-app purchases, starting at $99.99 per month. LiDAR View asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Recon holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 3.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Recon has 275 ratings behind it against 18, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 75% of Recon's written reviews are positive against 41% of LiDAR View's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Recon ships an update every 2 months, LiDAR View every 5 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 23, 2026 and October 20, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard6 real differences · 4 level
Recon versus LiDAR View: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterReconLiDAR View
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.8 (275 ratings) — better3.3 (18 ratings)
Positive reviews75.0% of reviews — better41.4% of reviews
Number of ratings275 — better18
Update frequencyEvery 2 monthsEvery 5 weeks — better
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree — better
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS16.115.6 — better
Further details — not scored
Size94 MB4 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperRecon-3D Inc.HAN WEI WANG

Customer experience

Recon

All ratings275 ratings
Positive96.4%
Neutral0.7%
Negative2.9%
Written reviews24 reviews
Positive75.0%
Neutral4.2%
Negative20.8%

LiDAR View

All ratings18 ratings
Positive55.6%
Neutral11.1%
Negative33.3%
Written reviews29 reviews
Positive41.4%
Neutral10.3%
Negative48.3%

Bugs and requests

Recon

Reported bugs

7 issues
  • Program crashes when hitting save
  • App requires update in rural areas without data
  • Camera is laggy and slow to update screen after update
  • Permission problems block app usage
  • App shows 'Oops' screen asking for permission despite all permissions granted
Show 2 more
  • Sign up process is not working
  • Password recovery is not working

Requested features

1 request
  • Tool for measuring in the app

LiDAR View

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

5 purchases

Recon

Subscriptions2
  • Recon3D One Month Subscription$99.991 Month
  • Recon3D 1 Year Subscription$599.991 Year
One-time3
  • 5 Additional Uploads$49.99
  • 10 Additional Uploads$79.99
  • Recon3D 1 Year Subscription$299.99
None

LiDAR View

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Recon free?
Recon is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is LiDAR View free?
LiDAR View is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Recon or LiDAR View?
Recon is rated higher. Recon averages 4.8 out of 5 from 275 ratings, while LiDAR View averages 3.3 from 18 ratings.
Do Recon or LiDAR View have ads?
LiDAR View shows ads; Recon does not.
Which is updated more often, Recon or LiDAR View?
Recon ships an update every 2 months, and LiDAR View every 5 weeks. Most recently, Recon was updated on October 23, 2026 and LiDAR View on October 20, 2026.

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