# ReefScan vs Carlson Scan3D

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.

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.

## The numbers

| Metric | ReefScan | Carlson Scan3D |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/reefscan/id6444350547/reviews)** | [4.8 (9 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/carlson-scan3d/id6462191530/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 1 | **9** |
| Positive reviews | — | 100.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 23 months | **Every 9 days** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 14 MB | 94 MB |
| Requires iOS | 14.0 | 14.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [CraniaLab, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1495242488) | [Carlson Software, Inc](https://appshunter.io/developer/1652080985) |

## What reviewers say

### ReefScan

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/reefscan/id6444350547)

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.

**Highlights:** 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

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Carlson Scan3D

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/carlson-scan3d/id6462191530)

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:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Annual Subscription | $999.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is ReefScan free?

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

### Is Carlson Scan3D free?

Carlson Scan3D is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, ReefScan or Carlson Scan3D?

ReefScan is rated higher. ReefScan averages 5.0 out of 5 from 1 ratings, while Carlson Scan3D averages 4.8 from 9 ratings.

### Do ReefScan or Carlson Scan3D have ads?

Neither ReefScan nor Carlson Scan3D shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, ReefScan or Carlson Scan3D?

ReefScan ships an update every 23 months, and Carlson Scan3D every 9 days. Most recently, ReefScan was updated on June 1, 2026 and Carlson Scan3D on August 14, 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.*