3D Scan Pro vs STL Buddy Fast 3D Scanner App
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
3D Scan Pro
Transform everyday objects into detailed 3D models using your iPhone's LiDAR scanner. Preserve cherished items digitally, share them with others, or view them in augmented reality. Export your creations in various formats for 3D printing or other uses.
- Create 3D models with LiDAR
- Digital preservation of objects
- Augmented reality viewing
- Multiple export formats (USDZ, STL, OBJ, etc.)
- Offline processing
- User-friendly interface
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This app requires an iPhone with LiDAR sensors (iPhone 12 Pro or a newer Pro model). A captivating 3D scanner app to convert everyday items into actual 3D models. Preserve digital copies of your cherished objects, capturing their details in high-fidelity for future generations. Share 3D scans with family and friends, or relive captured objects in augmented reality to explore them from every angle again. Export 3D models in various file formats (like USDZ, STL, OBJ, PLY, ABC) to use them outside of the app, such as for 3D printing, or convert your 3D scan into a video. 3D Scan Pro leverages advanced LiDAR-powered photogrammetry technology, putting the power to transform real-world objects into precise 3D models right at your fingertips. Delight in the adventure of transporting your physical surroundings into the digital sphere. Features • Digital Preservation: Effortlessly capture cherished objects as 3D models. • Cutting-edge computer vision algorithms to create lifelike 3D models. • User-Friendly: Skip the master’s degree in 3D photogrammetry and start scanning with ease. • Privacy by Design: Everything is computed on-device. It’s magic. • Relive 3D-captured memories in augmented reality. • Sharing: Easily share your captured objects, so your friends and family can explore your models in 3D or AR. • No Internet Required: Operate entirely offline, with no need for an internet connection to scan, process, or store your models. • Accuracy: Advanced LiDAR-powered photogrammetry enable high definition scans for superior results. • Export 3D models as Videos, Image Sequences, USDZ, STL, OBJ, PLY, or ABC files. Privacy • The 3D scanner feature requires camera permissions to function, as it captures multiple images to compute and generate a 3D model. • Everything is performed on-device. All of your images and 3D models remain offline, on your iOS device, where they belong. Limitations • Some objects are challenging to scan. Avoid objects that are reflective, transparent, or contain very thin structures. ⁂ Support If you need help or want to make a feature suggestion, I’d love hearing from you → martin@appahead.studio Feedback If you like 3D Scan Pro, please take a moment to rate it on the App Store. It’s a great way to support solo developers like yours truly. About App ahead GmbH is a German software studio operated by a single individual, Martin Lexow (that’s me!). My company was originally founded in 2015 under the name IXEAU in Berlin. Today, I’m based in the historic old town of Aachen, Germany. Terms of Use: https://appahead.studio/terms Privacy Policy: https://appahead.studio/privacy
STL Buddy Fast 3D Scanner App
Transform real-world objects into 3D printable models or digital assets using your device's camera or uploaded images. Generate STL files instantly for 3D printing, AR/VR, and design projects. Offers essential tools for cleanup and repair.
- 3D object scanning with guided capture
- AI reconstruction from images
- Instant STL export for 3D printing
- 3D model editing and cleanup
- Multiple export formats (STL, OBJ, GLB, FBX)
- On-device and cloud-assisted processing
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STL Buddy – Free 3D Scanner App & Instant STL Generator Turn anything around you into a 3D‑printable model in minutes. STL Buddy is a free 3D scanner app that lets you scan real‑world objects or upload photos/images and convert them into 3D STL files ready for 3D printing, games, AR/VR, and design. –––––––––––––––– WHAT STL BUDDY DOES –––––––––––––––– • Scan in 3D Use your iPhone or iPad camera to capture objects from multiple angles. Follow the on‑screen guide to walk around your object, just like in apps such as Qlone, Niantic Scaniverse, MagiScan, Abound, and Pixel 3D. • Image / Photo to 3D Upload a single image or a set of photos and let STL Buddy reconstruct a detailed 3D model using AI – perfect for quick concepts, product previews, and reference models. • Instant STL for 3D Printing Export STL in one tap, ready for Cura, PrusaSlicer, Bambu Studio, Lychee, Simplify3D, and more. The pipeline focuses on watertight, print‑ready meshes. • Modern “Metascan” & Gaussian‑Inspired Tech STL Buddy uses a modern reconstruction pipeline inspired by metascan‑style multi‑view capture and gaussian‑like techniques to better preserve detail, shape, and lighting. Capture fidelity comparable to 3D scanner apps like Niantic Scaniverse, MagiScan, Abound, Qlone, and Pixel 3D, but tuned for STL output. –––––––––––––––– CORE FEATURES –––––––––––––––– • 3D Object Scanning Guided capture from all angles Works with just your camera – no extra hardware On‑device and cloud‑assisted processing • AI 3D Reconstruction From images, screenshots, or photo sets Automatically builds a mesh with texture Great for fast asset creation and prototyping • 3D Editing & Cleanup Crop and trim unwanted geometry Smooth or sharpen details Auto hole‑filling and mesh repair Set real‑world scale for accurate prints Re‑orient models to sit flat on the print bed • Export Formats STL (3D printing focus) OBJ, GLB/GLTF, FBX Compatible with Blender, Maya, 3ds Max, Cinema 4D, Unity, Unreal, Fusion 360 (via mesh), and more –––––––––––––––– FREE VERSION –––––––––––––––– STL Buddy is a free 3D scanner app that includes: • Free scans each day • Free STL exports for core projects • Standard‑resolution models • Essential cleanup and repair tools No complicated setup. Open the app, scan or upload, and export your STL. –––––––––––––––– STL BUDDY PRO –––––––––––––––– Upgrade to STL Buddy Pro for power users and professionals: • Unlimited scans and exports • Higher‑resolution models with more detail • Faster, priority processing • Advanced tools for decimation, hollowing, precise scaling, and enhanced repair • Batch import from your gallery, drone, or DSLR photo sets Ideal for: • Makers and 3D printing shops • Product designers and e‑commerce • 3D artists, game devs, AR/VR creators • Educators and STEM programs –––––––––––––––– BUILT FOR 3D PRINTING & BEYOND –––––––––––––––– Use STL Buddy to: • Scan minis, props, parts, and collectibles • Capture real products for online 3D/AR display • Create game and XR assets from real objects • Teach 3D scanning and digital fabrication Tried Qlone, Niantic Scaniverse, MagiScan, Abound, or Pixel 3D? STL Buddy is the focused STL and 3D printing companion you’ve been missing. Scan it. Convert it. Print it. Download STL Buddy now – your free 3D scanner app for instant, print‑ready STL files. Privacy Policy - https://sites.google.com/aaya.ai/stlbuddy-privacy Terms and Conditions - https://sites.google.com/aaya.ai/stlbuddy-terms
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is rating: STL Buddy Fast 3D Scanner App at 4.7 against 3D Scan Pro's 4.0. STL Buddy Fast 3D Scanner App also leads on ratings volume (53 vs 7) and device support (3 vs 1). 3D Scan Pro's advantage is update cadence (every 5 days vs every 3 weeks). On price, review sentiment, ads and in-app purchases 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. 3D Scan Pro sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month and STL Buddy Fast 3D Scanner App sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.
STL Buddy Fast 3D Scanner App holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: STL Buddy Fast 3D Scanner App has 53 ratings behind it against 7, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 48% of 3D Scan Pro's written reviews are positive against 50% of STL Buddy Fast 3D Scanner App's.
3D Scan Pro ships an update every 5 days, STL Buddy Fast 3D Scanner App every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on November 3, 2026 and November 5, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | 3D Scan Pro | STL Buddy Fast 3D Scanner App |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.0 (7 ratings) | 4.7 (53 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 48.3% of reviews | 50.0% of reviews — better |
| Number of ratings | 7 | 53 — better |
| Update frequency | Every 5 days — better | Every 3 weeks |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Monetization | Freemium | Freemium |
| Devices | iPhone | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better |
| Requires iOS | 17.6 | 15.1 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 118 MB | 50 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | App ahead GmbH | Generation Aaya LLC |
Customer experience
3D Scan Pro
STL Buddy Fast 3D Scanner App
In-app purchases
3D Scan Pro
- Monthly Subscription$3.991 Month
- Yearly Subscription$9.991 Year
STL Buddy Fast 3D Scanner App
- Premium Weekly$3.997 Days
- Premium Annual$29.991 Year
Questions
Is 3D Scan Pro free?
Is STL Buddy Fast 3D Scanner App free?
Which has better reviews, 3D Scan Pro or STL Buddy Fast 3D Scanner App?
Do 3D Scan Pro or STL Buddy Fast 3D Scanner App have ads?
Which is updated more often, 3D Scan Pro or STL Buddy Fast 3D Scanner App?
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