Comparison

BIMx (legacy) vs Arkio

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

Head to head
About

BIMx (legacy)

This is a retired version of a mobile viewer app designed for accessing Archicad models. It is optimized for older iOS devices and will not receive future updates. A newer, next-generation version is available separately.

Highlights
  • View Archicad models
  • Optimized for older iOS devices
  • Legacy version
  • Mobile model access
Read full description

BIMx (legacy) IS A VIEWER APP — DOWNLOAD ONLY IF YOU WANT TO VIEW ARCHICAD MODELS ON YOUR MOBILE DEVICE(S) This is the legacy version of BIMx which is optimized to run on earlier iOS devices. It will not updated in the future and will be phased out over time. The next generation BIMx application (https: //apps.apple.com/us/app/bimx/id452706864) is now available for free as a separate download from the App Store and includes new capabilities and technology, plus all of the most popular features of the retired app. Contact bimx@graphisoft.com for assistance and further information.

About

Arkio

Collaborate on architectural and design projects in immersive 3D environments. Import large models, present ideas, and gather feedback with tools for markup, voice notes, and AI rendering. Offers VR and multi-device support for seamless teamwork.

Highlights
  • Import large 3D AEC models
  • Collaborative VR and MR experiences
  • AI rendering and presentation tools
  • Voice and text issue capture
  • Built-in modeling and ideation tools
  • Layer management and sun studies
Features
Read full description

Design better buildings, together. With Arkio, you can ideate, review and present your work in a powerful collaborative design environment, saving time and money. The new Arkio 2.0 elevates design collaboration to a new level with built-in AI rendering, layers, voice transcription, issue export, and more. Immerse yourself in Arkio using VR or work on your PC, Mac, tablet or phone. Import large 3D models, including Revit, Rhino, SketchUp, Archicad and Navisworks projects to experience them at 1:1 scale, fully immersed, or in Mixed Reality. Mark up, comment and try new design ideas with ease. With Arkio, you can make good designs great! - Load large 3D models from your favorite AEC tools - Present your designs and guide up to 24 users around your scene - Generate beautiful renders with the Arkio AI camera that can be converted into collaborative frames - Capture notes and issues using text or voice and share them with others via Arkio Cloud - Load your models in Augmented Reality to collaborate with users in VR and other devices - Ideate together using Arkio’s built-in modeling tools and shapes, and export your work back to your favorite AEC design tool - Toggle layers, add sections, do sun studies, add maps and 3D buildings and more! Visit the Arkio website to learn more about Arkio. Some features require a paid plan. Start for free, then upgrade to Plus, Pro or Enterprise to experience the full power of Arkio. Terms of use: https://www.arkio.is/terms/ Privacy policy: https://www.arkio.is/privacy/

Screenshots

BIMx (legacy)4 screens
Arkio4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: BIMx (legacy) at 3.9 against Arkio's 3.1. BIMx (legacy) also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 5) and iOS requirement (11.0 vs 15.0). On price, review sentiment, ratings volume and update cadence 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. Arkio sells 5 in-app purchases, starting at $19.99 per month. BIMx (legacy) asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

BIMx (legacy) holds the better App Store score, 3.9 against 3.1. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 18 and 7 respectively. Written reviews complicate that: 74% of BIMx (legacy)'s written reviews are positive against 80% of Arkio's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

BIMx (legacy) ships an update monthly, Arkio every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 21, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
BIMx (legacy) versus Arkio: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterBIMx (legacy)Arkio
PriceFreeFree
Rating3.9 (18 ratings) — better3.1 (7 ratings)
Positive reviews74.4% of reviews80.0% of reviews — better
Number of ratings18 — better7
Update frequencyMonthlyEvery 3 weeks — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree — betterFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac — better
Requires iOS11.0 — better15.0
Further details — not scored
Size100 MB335 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperGraphisoft SEArkio

Customer experience

BIMx (legacy)

All ratings19 ratings
Positive68.4%
Neutral10.5%
Negative21.1%
Written reviews43 reviews
Positive74.4%
Neutral7.0%
Negative18.6%

Arkio

All ratings7 ratings
Positive57.1%
Neutral0.0%
Negative42.9%
Written reviews5 reviews
Positive80.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative20.0%

In-app purchases

None

BIMx (legacy)

No in-app purchases

5 purchases

Arkio

Subscriptions4
  • Arkio Plus Montly$19.991 Month
  • Arkio Pro Subscription$44.991 Month
  • Arkio Plus 3 Months$44.993 Months
Show 1 more
  • Arkio Plus Yearly$119.991 Year
One-time1
  • Arkio Plus Asset Pack$9.99

Questions

Is BIMx (legacy) free?
BIMx (legacy) is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Arkio free?
Arkio is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, BIMx (legacy) or Arkio?
BIMx (legacy) is rated higher. BIMx (legacy) averages 3.9 out of 5 from 18 ratings, while Arkio averages 3.1 from 7 ratings.
Do BIMx (legacy) or Arkio have ads?
Neither BIMx (legacy) nor Arkio shows ads.
Which is updated more often, BIMx (legacy) or Arkio?
BIMx (legacy) ships an update monthly, and Arkio every 3 weeks. Most recently, BIMx (legacy) was updated on October 21, 2026 and Arkio on October 24, 2026.

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