# ReefScan vs Photon Connect

The clearest difference is update cadence: Photon Connect at every 4 weeks against ReefScan's every 23 months. Photon Connect also leads on iOS requirement (12.0 vs 14.0). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

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

ReefScan ships an update every 23 months, Photon Connect every 4 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 3, 2026 and October 7, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | ReefScan | Photon Connect |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/reefscan/id6444350547/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **1** | — |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 23 months | **Every 4 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free | — |
| Size | 14 MB | 50 MB |
| Requires iOS | 14.0 | **12.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [CraniaLab, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1495242488) | [Chengdu E-Linter Information Technology Co., Ltd.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1149235329) |

## 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


### Photon Connect

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/photon-connect/id6479696461)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is ReefScan free?

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

### Is Photon Connect free?

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

### Do ReefScan or Photon Connect have ads?

Neither ReefScan nor Photon Connect shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, ReefScan or Photon Connect?

ReefScan ships an update every 23 months, and Photon Connect every 4 weeks. Most recently, ReefScan was updated on October 3, 2026 and Photon Connect on October 7, 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.*