After testing and reviewing various 3D scanners over the years, we are compiling a detailed guide on the best budget 3D scanners available on the market. The rise in new, affordable 3D scanning solutions is exciting news for enthusiasts and professionals alike. Let’s take a look at what’s on the market, highlighting budget-friendly products, and discussing some innovative and desirable features in this field. As usual, we will keep adding more such devices for comparison and feature the newest solutions, aiming to meet the needs of both hobbyists and professionals in this area.
This Guide Covers
- Advancement of 3D Scanning Technology
- What to Consider When Buying a Handheld 3D Scanner?
- The Best Budget 3D Scanners
- Revopoint Mini, Inspire, POP3 and Range
- 3DMakerPro Lynx
- Creality CR-Scan Ferret Pro
- Revopoint MIRACO NEW
- Innovations and Other Features
- Conclusion
Advancement of 3D Scanning Technology
3D scanning has changed a lot since it started in the 1960s. Early scanners were big, expensive, and mainly for industry and science. Now, they’re smaller, cheaper, and more people can use them. Early scanners required physical contact, but today’s advanced versions use lasers and lights to scan objects without touching them. This progress has made 3D scanning useful in many areas like making things, healthcare, movies, and saving historical items.
What to Consider When Buying a Handheld 3D Scanner?
There aren’t many companies that make affordable handheld 3D scanners, but those that do try to offer different types for different needs. These scanners are made with certain tasks in mind, so whether you’re doing this for custom projects, for teaching, or for work, you should be able to find a scanner that suits what you need to do. Here is what to consider when buying a handheld 3D scanner?
– Scanning Range and Object Volume. Different scanners are optimized for different sizes, from small components to larger objects. For small items, there are scanners that work with a turntable from Amazon to spin the item around and scan it from every side, giving a detailed capture. Then, there are scanners made for big things, full-size human bodies, furniture, or even cars, which can scan large areas accurately.
– Material and Color Capabilities. Most budget scanners may struggle with shiny, transparent, or dark surfaces. There can be a learning curve and extra accessories like scanning spray from Amazon may be required to assist with some of the scanning jobs.
– Accuracy and Resolution. Determine the level of detail and precision you need for your projects. Higher accuracy and resolution are crucial for professional-grade applications.
– Skills and Software. Besides mastering the skill of capturing the object to receive the best result, there may be additional tools required to prepare (edit, clean) the object for 3D printing, for example.
The Best Budget 3D Scanners
In due time, we will keep updating this list by adding new products that we have tested or spotted at trade shows.
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Revopoint POP3
Price: $659 – $699
Product links:
The latest addition to the POP family of 3D scanners, the Revopoint POP 3 offers full-color texture scanning with a 0.05mm single-frame precision and a minimum scan volume of 20 x 20 x 20 mm. The POP 3 can capture between 12-18 frames per second and is compatible with the free Revo Scan 5 software, which is capable of post-processing point cloud data and creating 3D print-ready models.
©3DWithUs – Photo and Scan: Andrew Sink
The POP 3 is ideal for 3D printing hobbyists and users interested in creating 3D models for 3D printing, where color is a nice-to-have but not the primary factor in selecting a scanner. Creating 3D models is a straight-forward process thanks to the simplified user interface of Revo Scan 5, and it’s easy to get started with 3D scanning shortly after unboxing the scanner and getting it set up. Unfortunately, the color texture created by the POP 3 lacks detail and makes it difficult for me to recommend this scanner to anyone interested in capturing and recreating vibrant colors or detailed textures. The touch-sensitive controls on the rear of the scanner make it easy to use, and it’s clear that this scanner will be a good fit for users who are new to 3D scanning.
Read more:
Revopoint POP3 Review by Andrew Sink.
Revopoint Mini 2
Price: $821-$912
Revopoint Mini Review by Andrew Sink.
Revopoint Inspire
Price: $435.00 – $458.00
Revopoint Inspire Review by Andrew Sink.
Revopoint Range
Price: $699-$879
Product links:
The Revopoint Range is a lightweight, easy-to-use 3D scanner that is designed to quickly scan large objects and capture full-color textures. The most recent Kickstarter success from Revopoint, the Range raised over $2.6 million and is now commercially available and can be purchased directly from the Revopoint site. The Range has a capture speed of between 12 – 18 FPS, and can be used to capture the geometry of large objects and stitch together the points into a 3D mesh model using the Revo Scan 5 software.
©3DWithUs – Photo: Andrew Sink
Screenshot: Revo Scan 5
Using the Range in mobile mode makes capturing scans of people easy, and it’s easy to imagine creative entrepreneurs like wedding party photographers offering 3D scans of people as an on-demand service. The Revo Scan 5 software is capable of fast and accurate mesh processing, and the additional tools like hole filling, floating point isolation, and mesh simplification make it powerful enough to be the only app a user would need to generate a 3D model with the scanner.
Read more:
Revopoint Range Review by Andrew Sink.
3DMakerPro Lynx
Price: $459-649
Product links:
Introducing the 3DMakerPro Lynx, a 3D scanner designed to precisely capture larger items. This cutting-edge technology tool underscores 3DMakerPro’s commitment to providing affordable solutions for both beginners and non-professionals keen to venture into the world of 3D scanning without stretching their budget.
©3DWithUs – Photo: Will Zoobkoff
The 3DMakerPro Lynx is a cost-effective and convenient 3D scanner designed for casual users and enthusiasts. Priced at $450, it boasts impressive features and is an excellent choice for those venturing into 3D scanning on a budget. Due to its simplicity and affordability, it’s a superb option for individuals eager to learn more about 3D scanning.
Read more:
3DMakerPro Lynx Review by Will Zoobkoff.
Creality CR-Scan Ferret Pro
Price: $418-449
Product links:
Amazon
AliExpress
Official Website
Creality, a well-known brand in 3D printing, a few years ago, launched the Lizard and Ferret series 3D scanners. The Creality CR-Scan Ferret Pro is the newest 3D scanner from the Ferret series. It now supports Mac, iOS, as well as Windows and Android. The CR-Scan Lizard, the oldest model, is still sold as a luxury bundle as it includes a turntable and color kit accessories. Find more scanners on their official website.
©3DWithUs – Photo and Print: Richard Hirst
In terms of affordability, I was pleasantly surprised by the price range of the Creality Ferret Pro. It offers excellent value for the quality it delivers. Investing in this product ensures that you obtain a reliable and accurate 3D scanning solution without breaking the bank. In conclusion, my experience with the Creality Ferret Pro has been positive, and it was fun to use and learn what a 3D scanner can do.
Read more:
Creality CR-Scan Ferret Pro Review by Richard Hirst.
Revopoint MIRACO
Price: $1,300 – $1,919
Product links:
With a base price of $1,299 and $1,599 for the MIRACO Pro, the MIRACO is not an inexpensive 3D scanner in the prosumer 3D printer space. With an appearance and feature set more closely resembling professional 3D scanners that sell for more than $10,000, the Revopoint MIRACO is clearly designed for prosumers and technical experts looking for a portable 3D scanner.
©3DWithUs – Photo and Scan: Andrew Sink
The Revopoint MIRACO offers a polished user experience, and I was impressed with not only the results of the scanner but also at the ease-of-use when editing scans on the integrated touchscreen. After using the mobile version of the Revo Scan app with the Revopoint Range, I was left wanting a scanner that could be used in the field without an additional device for feedback, a handheld grip, a USB battery, and a pair of cables connecting everything. The MIRACO provides exactly this and offers both Near Mode and Far Mode scanning in addition to color textures. During testing, the MIRACO was capable of capturing everything from small models all the way up to furniture and many objects in between.
Read more:
Revopoint MIRACO 3D Scanner Review by Andrew Sink.
Innovations and Other Features
All-in-One Solution
Revopoint has effectively created an all-in-one solution with the MIRACO, which will likely be a popular selection among consumers looking for a turnkey portable scanner that doesn’t require additional hardware or software to operate. Less expensive scanners like the Revopoint POP 3 or Revopoint Mini are still a popular choice but require a computer or phone to operate and may be less intuitive.
©3DWithUs – Photo: Andrew Sink
Where to Find The Latest 3D Scanning Technology
To get an in-depth view of the latest in 3D scanning technology, attending events such as Formnext, TCT 3Sixty, or similar trade shows featuring on 3D printing is highly recommended. These events showcase the newest products and breakthroughs in the 3D scanning sector, covering both consumer and industrial markets.
Full-body scanning at Revopoint booth; State-of-the-art measuring and scanning device TrackScan by T3DMC; Crime scene setup by Central Scanning
Photos: Max Funkner
One of the key benefits of attending trade shows is the chance to see products in action, especially with commonplace live demos of tech like 3D printing and scanning. For instance, while the Revopoint booth might showcase full-body scans, the 3DMakerPro booth offers face scans, allowing you to see the results immediately. These demonstrations provide an intriguing look into the capabilities of the scanning technology.
Conclusion
Just like in the world of 3D printing, there’s a surge in new product launches in 3D scanning, with the great news being that these products are increasingly available to consumers. As the DIY market expands, these sophisticated tools get better every year. To keep pace with this progress, we’ll regularly update this guide to feature the latest products we’ve tested or seen at trade shows. Our goal is to stay on top of the latest trends in laser cutting and engraving, catering to the needs of both hobbyists and professionals in this dynamic field.
2 thoughts on “Best Budget 3D Scanners 2024”
A good overview and well-made!
You may consider introducing the Revopoint Mini2, when showing the two others from the brand. As a user of it, I would recommend buying it.
At least the scanner is only the “half horse” Important is also the software of the manufacturer, especially the possibilities of post-processing and editing the scan.
Thank you. Andrew Sink has previously reviewed the Revopoint Mini. We are pleased to know that an updated version is now available. We will add the links to the Revopoint Mini 2 as well.