Best 3D Scanners in 2025: Top Picks for Professionals and Hobbyists
                     Best 3D Scanners in 2025: Top Picks for Professionals and 
Hobbyists
As technology continues to evolve, 3D scanners have become 
essential tools across industries—from engineering and design to 
healthcare, education, and gaming. Whether you're reverse-
engineering parts, creating digital twins, or enhancing your 3D 
printing workflow, choosing the best 3D scanner is crucial for 
accuracy, efficiency, and usability.
In this article, we will explore the best 3D scanners in 2025, 
covering a range of budgets and use cases. We’ll also help you 
understand key features, top brands, and buying tips to make an 
informed decision.
🔍 What Is a 3D Scanner?
A 3D scanner is a device that analyzes a real-world object or 
environment to collect data on its shape and appearance. The 
collected data is then used to construct digital 3D models. These 
models can be used for reverse engineering, 3D printing, virtual 
reality, gaming, animation, and more.
🔍 Top 10 Best 3D Scanners in 2025
1. Artec Leo – Best Overall Professional 3D Scanner
Price: $$$$
Technology: Structured Light
Accuracy: Up to 0.1 mm
Scanning Speed: 3 million points/sec
Best For: Industrial design, forensics, medical, and art 
preservation
Why It’s the Best: The Artec Leo is a wireless 3D scanner with a 
built-in screen and onboard processing. It’s perfect for 
professionals who need high-speed scanning without tethering to 
a PC.
Pros:
 Real-time feedback
 High accuracy
 Portable and wireless
Cons:
 Expensive
 Requires a learning curve
2. Shining 3D EinScan H2 – Best Hybrid 3D Scanner
Price: $$$
Technology: Hybrid (LED + Infrared)
Accuracy: Up to 0.05 mm
Best For: Face scanning, medical, cultural heritage
The EinScan H2 uses infrared and structured light, making it ideal
for color texture capturing and scanning humans. Its hybrid 
capability ensures flexibility and reliability.
Pros:
 Great color capture
 Smooth face and body scans
 Plug-and-play
Cons:
 Not ideal for tiny objects
3. Revopoint POP 3 – Best Budget 3D Scanner
Price: $500–$700
Technology: Infrared
Accuracy: Up to 0.05 mm
Best For: Beginners, hobbyists, small parts
The POP 3 is one of the best 3D scanners under $1,000. It’s 
portable, USB-powered, and compatible with Windows, macOS, 
and mobile platforms.
Pros:
 Affordable
 High-resolution for the price
 Works on battery or USB
Cons:
 Struggles with reflective surfaces
 Needs good lighting
4. Creality CR-Scan Ferret – Best for Beginners
Price: $300–$500
Technology: Structured Light
Accuracy: 0.1 mm
Best For: Entry-level scanning
This affordable 3D scanner from Creality is simple and effective 
for those just getting into 3D scanning for 3D printing or personal
projects.
Pros:
 Low cost
 Simple operation
 Mobile scanning
Cons:
 Lower scan detail
 Limited software features
5. Artec Eva – Best for Fast Professional Scanning
Price: $$$$
Technology: Structured Light
Accuracy: Up to 0.1 mm
Best For: Rapid prototyping, industrial applications
The Artec Eva is a staple in many industries. Known for its speed 
and versatility, it works great with medium to large objects.
Pros:
 Fast data capture
 No targets or calibration required
 Lightweight
Cons:
 Not ideal for very small objects
 High price
6. Matter and Form V2 – Best Desktop 3D Scanner
Price: $$
Technology: Laser triangulation
Accuracy: 0.1 mm
Best For: Desktop use, education, and design
If you’re looking for a compact, plug-and-play 3D scanner, the 
Matter and Form V2 offers reliability and accuracy in a stylish 
foldable design.
Pros:
 Sleek, compact
 Good value
 Easy to use
Cons:
 Limited scan volume
 Slower than handheld models
7. Scan Dimension SOL PRO – Best for Small Object Precision
Price: $$
Technology: Structured Light
Accuracy: 0.05 mm
Best For: Jewelry, small mechanical parts
Ideal for ultra-precise scans, the SOL PRO offers industrial-level 
accuracy in a desktop setup. It’s excellent for reverse engineering
and precision modeling.
Pros:
 High precision
 Dual-axis rotation
 Excellent texture capture
Cons:
 Limited object size
 Software needs improvement
8. Polyga Compact S1 – Best for Industrial Metrology
Price: $$$$
Technology: Structured Light
Accuracy: Up to 0.035 mm
Best For: Metrology, inspection, QA
Used in industrial applications, Polyga scanners deliver top-tier 
scanning performance for professionals who need high-accuracy 
3D scanning.
Pros:
 Incredible precision
 Professional-grade output
 Durable build
Cons:
 Very expensive
 Complex setup
9. Peel 3D Peel 3.CAD – Best for Reverse Engineering
Price: $$$
Technology: Structured Light
Accuracy: 0.1 mm
Best For: Engineering, mechanical design
Built for engineers, Peel 3.CAD includes mesh editing and CAD 
tools. It bridges the gap between scanning and CAD modeling 
seamlessly.
Pros:
 Integrated CAD tools
 Intuitive software
 Great accuracy
Cons:
 Requires powerful PC
 Steep learning curve
10. Phiz 3D Scanner – Best Smartphone-Compatible Scanner
Price: $$
Technology: Photogrammetry
Accuracy: 0.2 mm
Best For: DIYers, students, creators
The Phiz 3D scanner converts your smartphone into a capable 
scanning device. It’s portable, cost-effective, and perfect for 
hobbyists.
Pros:
 Uses your phone
 Portable and affordable
 Ideal for simple projects
Cons:
 Lower detail
 Limited professional application
🔍 Key Features to Look for in the Best 3D Scanners
When choosing the best 3D scanner, consider the following 
factors:
🔍 Accuracy
High-precision scanners (0.01–0.1 mm) are essential for 
professional work such as metrology and engineering.
🔍 Resolution
The resolution affects how detailed your 3D scan will be. The finer
the resolution, the more precise the mesh.
🔍 Scanning Volume
Make sure the scanner can capture the size of your intended 
objects—from tiny gears to full human bodies.
🔍 Speed
Faster scanners are crucial for industrial environments where 
time efficiency matters.
🔍 Portability
For fieldwork or on-site applications, wireless and handheld 3D 
scanners offer flexibility.
🔍 Software Compatibility
Great hardware needs equally good software. Look for easy-to-
use, feature-rich software that supports mesh editing and file 
export formats like STL, OBJ, or PLY.
🔍 Applications of 3D Scanners
 Reverse Engineering: Recreate broken or legacy parts.
 Quality Control: Inspect manufactured parts for tolerance.
 3D Printing: Convert real objects into printable models.
 Healthcare: Orthotics, prosthetics, dental impressions.
 Education: STEM training and digital modeling.
 Gaming & Animation: Create 3D characters and assets.
  Best 3D Scanner Brands to Trust in 2025
1. Artec 3D – High-end scanners with pro features
2. Shining 3D – Reliable, mid-range options for professionals
3. Revopoint – Best value for money
4. Creality – Budget-friendly and beginner focused
5. Peel 3D – Great for engineers and reverse engineering
6. Matter and Form – Compact and educational models
7. Polyga – Precision scanners for industrial use
🔍 Final Thoughts: Which Is the Best 3D Scanner for You?
The best 3D scanners depends on your budget, application, and 
desired accuracy. For professionals who demand top 
performance, the Artec Leo or Polyga Compact S1 are excellent 
choices. Beginners may find the Creality CR-Scan Ferret or 
Revopoint POP 3 more accessible and affordable.
Regardless of your choice, today’s 3D scanning technology offers 
remarkable precision and ease of use—making it a smart 
investment for professionals, hobbyists, educators, and makers 
alike.
🔍 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is the best 3D scanner for 3D printing?
Revopoint POP 3 and Shining 3D EinScan H2 are great for creating
printable 3D models.
Q2: Can 3D scanners scan living humans?
Yes, scanners like the EinScan H2 or Artec Eva are safe and 
effective for scanning humans, including faces and full bodies.
Q3: Are cheap 3D scanners worth it?
Yes, budget models like the Creality CR-Scan Ferret offer decent 
quality for beginners and DIY users.
Q4: What file formats do 3D scanners export?
Most scanners export in STL, OBJ, or PLY formats, which are 
compatible with 3D printers and CAD software.