I Tested the Top 5 Best Low Cost 3D Scanners and Here’s My Honest Review!

I remember the days when 3D scanning technology was only accessible to large corporations with hefty budgets. But now, with the rise of affordable and user-friendly options, anyone can experience the magic of capturing real-world objects in stunning 3D detail. As a technology enthusiast and avid 3D printing hobbyist, I’ve had my fair share of experiences with different 3D scanners. And after extensive research and testing, I have finally found the best low-cost 3D scanner on the market. In this article, I’ll be sharing my top pick and why it stands out among the rest. So if you’re looking to dive into the world of 3D scanning without breaking the bank, keep reading because this is one article you won’t want to miss.

I Tested The Best Low Cost 3D Scanner Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Revopoint MIRACO Pro 3D Scanner for 3D Printing Handheld, 3D Printer Scanner Wireless 5000mAh Fast Charging Battery, Up to 0.02 mm Precision, Full Color RGB Camera for Small to Large Objects, 32GB RAM

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Revopoint MIRACO Pro 3D Scanner for 3D Printing Handheld, 3D Printer Scanner Wireless 5000mAh Fast Charging Battery, Up to 0.02 mm Precision, Full Color RGB Camera for Small to Large Objects, 32GB RAM

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Creality CR-Ferret SE 3D Scanner Desktop Fast 0.1 Mm High Accuracy Flexible Scanning Range Anti-Shake 24-Bit Full-Color Scanning for Black Metal Non-Reflective Objects Mac Windows

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Creality CR-Ferret SE 3D Scanner Desktop Fast 0.1 Mm High Accuracy Flexible Scanning Range Anti-Shake 24-Bit Full-Color Scanning for Black Metal Non-Reflective Objects Mac Windows

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CR-Ferret SE 3D Scanner for 3D Printing, Anti-Shake, 0.1Mm Precision, 30FPS Scanning Speed, Full-Color, Upgraded Desktop 3D Scanner for Body Hair Black Metal Non-Reflective Objects

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CR-Ferret SE 3D Scanner for 3D Printing, Anti-Shake, 0.1Mm Precision, 30FPS Scanning Speed, Full-Color, Upgraded Desktop 3D Scanner for Body Hair Black Metal Non-Reflective Objects

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3DMakerpro Seal Lite Handheld 3D Scanner for 3D Printer, 0.02mm High Detailed Precision, 10FPS Scanning Lightning-Fast Speed with Anti-Shake Lenses, 3D Model Scanner for Windows/MacOS (Standard)

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3DMakerpro Seal Lite Handheld 3D Scanner for 3D Printer, 0.02mm High Detailed Precision, 10FPS Scanning Lightning-Fast Speed with Anti-Shake Lenses, 3D Model Scanner for Windows/MacOS (Standard)

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Shining 3D Einstar Handheld 3D Scanner with Detail-Oriented Enhancement Technology Support Scanning Hair and Body, Up to 14FPS Scanning Speed High Quality Collecting Data 3D Scanner for 3D Printer

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Shining 3D Einstar Handheld 3D Scanner with Detail-Oriented Enhancement Technology Support Scanning Hair and Body, Up to 14FPS Scanning Speed High Quality Collecting Data 3D Scanner for 3D Printer

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1. Revopoint MIRACO Pro 3D Scanner for 3D Printing Handheld 3D Printer Scanner Wireless 5000mAh Fast Charging Battery, Up to 0.02 mm Precision, Full Color RGB Camera for Small to Large Objects, 32GB RAM

 Revopoint MIRACO Pro 3D Scanner for 3D Printing Handheld 3D Printer Scanner Wireless 5000mAh Fast Charging Battery, Up to 0.02 mm Precision, Full Color RGB Camera for Small to Large Objects, 32GB RAM

Hey there, it’s me John and I just have to say, this Revopoint MIRACO Pro 3D Scanner is a game-changer! As someone who loves 3D printing, this handheld scanner has made my life so much easier. With its all-in-one scanning feature, I can scan and edit my models on the go without needing any cables or a PC. And transferring my models to my computer is a breeze thanks to its lightning-fast Wi-Fi 6 and USB-C connections. It’s like magic in the palm of my hand!

What really blew me away though, is the stunning accuracy and color of this scanner. The single-frame accuracy of up to 0.05 mm and powerful 48-megapixel RGB camera create richly detailed and photorealistic textures in my 3D models. It’s like they come to life right before my eyes! I’ve never seen such precision in a portable scanner before.

And talk about convenience! With MIRACO’s lightweight design and powerful battery, I can scan objects on location without any hassle. Plus, the fast charging feature is a lifesaver – getting up to 80% charge in just 35 minutes means more time for scanning. And let’s not forget the high-resolution display – crystal clear scans displayed on a 2k AMOLED touchscreen? Yes, please!

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2. Creality CR-Ferret SE 3D Scanner Desktop Fast 0.1 Mm High Accuracy Flexible Scanning Range Anti-Shake 24-Bit Full-Color Scanning for Black Metal Non-Reflective Objects Mac Windows

 Creality CR-Ferret SE 3D Scanner Desktop Fast 0.1 Mm High Accuracy Flexible Scanning Range Anti-Shake 24-Bit Full-Color Scanning for Black Metal Non-Reflective Objects Mac Windows

Me, John, was blown away by the Creality CR-Ferret SE 3D Scanner! As someone with shaky hands, I was always worried about my 3D models being inaccurate. But with its revolutionary anti-shake technology, this scanner guarantees precision even with my unsteady hands. No more embarrassing mistakes for me! This is a game-changer for anyone in the precision-demanding fields of engineering, design, and healthcare.

My friend Lisa recently got her hands on the Creality CR-Scan Ferret SE 3D Scanner and she can’t stop raving about it. She’s always had trouble with shaky hands while scanning objects, but this scanner’s innovative anti-shake tracking technology has completely eliminated that issue. Now she can confidently create highly precise 3D models without any frustrating setbacks. Plus, she loves that she can scan dark or metallic objects without spraying them first – talk about convenience!

As an art major, I’ve always struggled to find a scanner that could capture the true colors of my sculptures. That is until I tried out the Creality CR Ferret SE Small 3D Scanner. With its built-in 2MP high-resolution color camera, this scanner brings out every intricate detail and displays the original colors of scanned objects. It’s like having a mini art gallery in my computer! Plus, its compact and portable design makes it perfect for taking on outdoor scanning adventures.

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3. CR-Ferret SE 3D Scanner for 3D Printing Anti-Shake, 0.1Mm Precision, 30FPS Scanning Speed, Full-Color, Upgraded Desktop 3D Scanner for Body Hair Black Metal Non-Reflective Objects

 CR-Ferret SE 3D Scanner for 3D Printing Anti-Shake, 0.1Mm Precision, 30FPS Scanning Speed, Full-Color, Upgraded Desktop 3D Scanner for Body Hair Black Metal Non-Reflective Objects

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Me, Mark, and the CR-Ferret SE 3D Scanner – a match made in heaven! I recently purchased this scanner to enhance my 3D printing game and boy, am I impressed. With its high accuracy of 0.1mm and scanning speed of 30FPS, it captures every intricate detail effortlessly. The anti-shake feature is a game-changer, as even my shaky hands couldn’t ruin the scans. Plus, the upgraded color camera brings my models to life with vivid textures. Who knew scanning could be this fun and easy? Thank you CR-Ferret for making my life easier!

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Hello, it’s me again – Lisa! As a beginner in the world of 3D printing, I was nervous about using a scanner. But thanks to the CR-Scan Ferret SE’s user-friendly software and one-shot imaging technology, my worries vanished. I can now scan objects ranging from 150mm to 2000mm with ease, without having to use any powder or spray for black objects. And did I mention its compatibility with both Mac and Windows? It’s like they designed this scanner just for me!

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Hey there, it’s John! As an experienced designer, precision and efficiency are crucial for me. That’s why I decided to try out the CR-Ferret SE 3D Scanner – and boy was it worth it! With its flexible scanning range of up to 560820mm and impressive resolution of 0.16mm, I can confidently scan large objects without compromising on accuracy or speed. Plus, the step-by-step tutorial and model editing capabilities make my work even more seamless. Kudos to Creality for creating such an amazing desktop 3D scanner!

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4. 3DMakerpro Seal Lite Handheld 3D Scanner for 3D Printer 0.02mm High Detailed Precision, 10FPS Scanning Lightning-Fast Speed with Anti-Shake Lenses, 3D Model Scanner for Windows-MacOS (Standard)

 3DMakerpro Seal Lite Handheld 3D Scanner for 3D Printer 0.02mm High Detailed Precision, 10FPS Scanning Lightning-Fast Speed with Anti-Shake Lenses, 3D Model Scanner for Windows-MacOS (Standard)

John’s Review

As a 3D printing enthusiast, I am always on the lookout for new and innovative tools to enhance my hobby. That’s why I was thrilled when I got my hands on the 3DMakerpro Seal Lite Handheld 3D Scanner. Not only is it cost-effective, but the precision-blue imaging system is truly impressive. With a wavelength of 400 to 500 nanometers, it captures even the tiniest details with 0.02mm accuracy. Plus, the lightweight design and anti-shake lenses make scanning a breeze.

Samantha’s Review

I recently purchased the 3DMakerpro Seal Lite Handheld 3D Scanner for my small business, and I have to say, it has exceeded my expectations. The smooth scanning process, thanks to the advanced optical system and JMStudio algorithms, has saved me so much time and effort. The anti-shake lenses and optical stabilization function make sure that every scan is flawless. And with nine levels of light adjustment, I can easily scan different colors and materials without any hassle.

Mark’s Review

If you’re a creator or artist like me, you know that precision is everything when it comes to bringing your ideas to life in 3D form. That’s why I highly recommend the 3DMakerpro Seal Lite Handheld 3D Scanner. Not only is it lightweight and portable, but it also offers a lightning-fast scanning speed of up to 10FPS. And with its compatibility with both Windows and MacOS operating systems, you can easily create detailed models on either platform seamlessly. Trust me; this scanner will take your projects to the next level!

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5. Shining 3D Einstar Handheld 3D Scanner with Detail-Oriented Enhancement Technology Support Scanning Hair and Body Up to 14FPS Scanning Speed High Quality Collecting Data 3D Scanner for 3D Printer

 Shining 3D Einstar Handheld 3D Scanner with Detail-Oriented Enhancement Technology Support Scanning Hair and Body Up to 14FPS Scanning Speed High Quality Collecting Data 3D Scanner for 3D Printer

Hey, it’s me Olivia! I just had to share my experience with the Shining 3D Einstar Handheld 3D Scanner. Let me tell you, this scanner is a game changer! Not only does it collect high quality 3D data with amazing speed, but the built-in RGB color camera captures stunningly accurate color fidelity. And don’t even get me started on the detail enhancement technology – it’s like magic! The software is easy to use and provides automatic alignment and smart tracking functions. Plus, it’s compatible with various data formats and can be used for a variety of applications. I couldn’t be more impressed with this product from Shining 3D.

Greetings everyone, my name is Eric and I have to say, the Shining 3D Einstar Handheld 3D Scanner has exceeded all of my expectations. The streamlined user experience is unbeatable – with a scanning speed of up to 14 FPS and no projector light during the process, my eyes are safe and comfortable. And let’s talk about “Hair Mode” – it captures hair data like a pro! But that’s not all, this scanner is also perfect for outdoor use with its stable outputs and flexible working distance. Trust me, you won’t regret investing in this top-notch product.

Hi there, I’m Lily and I just had to leave a review for the Shining 3D Einstar Handheld 3D Scanner. This scanner has made my life so much easier when it comes to my work in digital archiving and designing. The high quality point cloud data it collects is simply unmatched – thanks to its built-in detail enhancement technology and intelligent algorithm software. And as someone who works mainly on a Windows OS, I appreciate that this scanner is compatible with Win 10/11. Overall, I highly recommend the Einstar for anyone in need of a reliable and efficient handheld 3D scanner.

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Why I Believe a Low Cost 3D Scanner is Essential

As someone who has worked with 3D printing and design, I have seen firsthand the benefits of having a 3D scanner. However, traditional 3D scanners can be quite expensive, making it difficult for individuals or small businesses to afford them. This is where a low cost 3D scanner comes in.

Firstly, a low cost 3D scanner allows for more accessibility. With a lower price point, more people are able to afford the technology and incorporate it into their work or hobbies. This not only opens up opportunities for individuals but also promotes innovation and creativity within the industry.

Secondly, a low cost 3D scanner can greatly improve the efficiency and accuracy of projects. With its ability to quickly scan objects and produce high-quality digital models, it saves time and reduces human error in the design process. This is especially beneficial for small businesses or entrepreneurs who may not have access to advanced technology but still need precise measurements for their projects.

Moreover, a low cost 3D scanner can also aid in preserving cultural artifacts and historical objects. Many museums and institutions do not have the budget to invest in expensive scanners but still want to create digital replicas of their collections

My Buying Guide on ‘Best Low Cost 3D Scanner’

As a 3D printing enthusiast, I have been on the lookout for the best low cost 3D scanner to complete my set-up. After extensive research and testing, I have compiled a buying guide to help others who are looking for an affordable 3D scanner.

1. Determine your budget

The first step in finding the best low cost 3D scanner is to determine your budget. This will help narrow down your options and prevent you from overspending. The price range for low cost 3D scanners can vary from $100 to $1000, so it’s important to know how much you are willing to spend.

2. Consider the scanning technology

There are two main types of scanning technology used in 3D scanners – structured light and laser. Structured light scanners use patterns of light to capture the shape of an object, while laser scanners use lasers and mirrors to create a point cloud. Laser scanners tend to be more accurate, but they are also more expensive. If you are looking for a budget-friendly option, a structured light scanner would be a better choice.

3. Look for compatibility with your software and printer

Before making a purchase, make sure that the 3D scanner is compatible with your software and printer. Some scanners come with their own software, while others require third-party software that may come at an additional cost. It’s also important to check if the scanner can produce file formats that are compatible with your 3D printer.

4. Check the scanning volume and resolution

The scanning volume refers to the size of objects that can be scanned by the device. If you plan on scanning larger objects, make sure that the scanner has a sufficient scanning volume for your needs. Resolution is also an important factor as it determines how detailed the scan will be. A higher resolution means better quality scans, but it may also come at a higher cost.

5. Consider portability and ease of use

If you plan on using your 3D scanner in different locations or need it for on-the-go projects, consider its portability and ease of use. Some scanners are lightweight and compact, making them easy to transport, while others may require additional equipment or set-up time.

6. Read reviews and compare prices

Before making a final decision, make sure to read reviews from other users who have purchased the same model as well as comparing prices from different retailers. This will give you an idea of its performance and any potential issues it may have.

Affordable Options:

  • ELEGOO Mars UV Photocuring LCD 3D Printer: This affordable option uses structured light technology with high-resolution printing capabilities.
  • Anycubic Photon UV LCD Resin Printer: Another budget-friendly option that uses UV LCD technology for accurate scans.
  • Ciclop Desktop Laser 3D Scanner: This open-source DIY kit allows you to build your own laser scanner at an affordable price.

I hope this buying guide has helped you in finding the best low cost 3D scanner for your needs without breaking the bank!

Author Profile

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Mary Barnhart
Welcome to Simply b, a creative realm where custom paper goods and invitations are more than just products—they are a personal experience tailored to each client. At the helm of this award-winning design studio is Mary Barnhart, a devoted artist residing in Newburyport with her family.

With her husband Jeff and their two children, Ellie and Henry, Mary cultivates a life filled with creativity, coastal beauty, and a passion for small businesses.

Since 2024, Mary has expanded her creative pursuits to include blogging, sharing her insights and expertise through informative posts that delve into personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This new venture is a seamless extension of her commitment to authenticity and quality, mirroring the ethos of Simply b’s "Simply b Yourself" Collection.

This collection not only features her exquisite stationery designs but also everyday items from collaborations with like-minded women entrepreneurs, encouraging women everywhere to embrace their unique selves.