🛠️ Software Comparison
The most important tools for photogrammetry and Gaussian Splatting
Photogrammetry Software
| Software | Price | OS | Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Meshroom | Free | Win, Linux | Open source, node-based, good quality | NVIDIA GPUs only, slower |
| RealityScan 2.1 (formerly RealityCapture) |
free* | Windows | Fast, precise, industry standard. *Free for hobbyists/studios under $1M revenue (Epic Games) | Windows only |
| Metashape | €179+ | All | Cross-platform, solid all-rounder | Not as fast as RC |
| COLMAP | Free | All | Research standard, very precise | No GUI (CLI), complex |
| Polycam | Subscription | iOS, Android | Mobile, LiDAR support, easy | Mobile only, subscription model |
Gaussian Splatting Software
| Software | Price | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nerfstudio | Free | Framework | All-in-one: training, viewer, export. Python-based. |
| 3DGS (Original) | Free | Training | The original implementation. The benchmark for quality. |
| Luma AI | Freemium | Cloud | Upload a video → done. Very easy. |
| Polycam | Subscription | Mobile | 3DGS right on your phone. iOS/Android. |
| Supersplat | Free | Viewer/Editor | Web-based viewer. Edit and export splats. |
| Postshot (Jawset) | free | Windows | GUI for 3DGS & NeRF, trains locally with live preview. Easier than the CLI. |
| Scaniverse | Free | Mobile | Niantic app, trains 3DGS on-device (iOS/Android). The best free way to start, exports as SPZ. |
Blender Add-ons
- Instant Meshes Remesh: retopology for photogrammetry meshes
- Gaussian Splatting Add-on: import/edit splats in Blender
- UV Packmaster: efficient UV layouts for textures