ReefScan vs Carlson Scan3D
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
ReefScan
Capture underwater images and depth data to create 3D models with a companion desktop application. This tool is fast, accurate, and versatile, working both above and below water.
- Underwater image and depth map collection
- 3D model creation with MacOS companion app
- Fast and accurate scanning
- Above-water scanning capability
- Compatibility with other photogrammetry apps
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ReefScan for iOS collects images and depth map data for underwater features such as reefs, coral, and wrecks. This data can then be used with the MacOS companion app ReefBuild to create a 3-D model. Very fast and accurate scanning. Also works above water and can be used with other photogrammetry applications besides ReefBuild.
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.
- High-powered 3D scanning tool
- Precise color 3D point clouds
- Local data optimization
- Enhanced accuracy and security
- Supports LiDAR-equipped iOS devices
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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
Verdict
The clearest difference is in-app purchases: ReefScan at none against Carlson Scan3D's 1. ReefScan also leads on rating (5.0 vs 4.8). Carlson Scan3D's advantage is update cadence (every 9 days vs every 23 months) and ratings volume (9 vs 1). On price, ads, 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
Both are free to download. Carlson Scan3D sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $999.99 per year. ReefScan asks for nothing beyond the download.
ReefScan holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.8. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Carlson Scan3D has 9 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.
ReefScan ships an update every 23 months, Carlson Scan3D every 9 days. The most recent releases landed on June 1, 2026 and August 14, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | ReefScan | Carlson Scan3D |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 5.0 (1 ratings) — better | 4.8 (9 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | — | 100.0% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 1 | 9 — better |
| Update frequency | Every 23 months | Every 9 days — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No — better | Yes |
| Monetization | Free — better | Free with in-app purchases |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better |
| Requires iOS | 14.0 | 14.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 14 MB | 94 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | CraniaLab, LLC | Carlson Software, Inc |
Customer experience
ReefScan
Carlson Scan3D
In-app purchases
ReefScan
No in-app purchases
Carlson Scan3D
- Annual Subscription$999.991 Year
