The 7 best 3D body scanners in 2021
What is a 3D body scanner?
3D body scanners are designed to capture your full body in 3D. The result is a 3D model (also called 3D avatar) of your exact body shape with accurate data such as body measurements, posture analysis, textures, …
Originally developed for the fashion industry as fast and accurate 3D measurement solutions, 3D body scanners are now used in various other fields such as healthcare, 3D figurines and 3D photos, fitness, and entertainment.
We’ve selected some of the best body 3D scanners available and listed them here in this guide. The list focuses on 3D scanning systems that are exclusively designed for 3D body scanning (no handheld 3D scanners).
A Texel 3D body scanner being used to attract customers at an event.
Best 3D body scanners 2021: our selection
| 3D body scanner | Main applications | Country | Price* | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Texel Portal MX | Events, Animation, 3D printing | Russia | $26,000 | Buy |
| Texel Portal BX | Events, Animation, 3D printing | Russia | $31,000 | Buy |
| Mantis Vision 3iosk | Virtual reality, Events, Fashion | Israel | $250,000 | Quote |
| botspot botscan NEO | Animation, Virtual reality, Healthcare | Germany | $20,000 | Quote |
| Size Stream SS20 3D Body Scanner | Fashion, Fitness | United States | $15,000 | Quote |
| TG3D Studio Scanatic 360 Body Scanner | Fashion, Virtual fitting | Taiwan | $15,000 | Quote |
| Fit3D Proscanner | Fitness, Healthcare | United States | $10,000 | Quote |
*Price: May vary over time and/or from one country to another (taxes, shipping, etc.).
Overview of the best 3D full body scanners
Texel Portal MX
- Technology: Photogrammetry
- Price: $25,000
It takes the Texel MX 30 seconds to perform a full 3D body scan, and just 60 seconds to create a digital 3D model with automatic rigging. As with the BX version, results can be directly used for 3D printing or 3D animation.
More information: Texel Portal MX
Texel Portal BX
- Technology: Photogrammetry
- Price: $31,000
The BX is able to scan up to 40 people per hour and comes with a registration tablet for users to input their names and email address. 3D avatars are directly sent to their inbox and can be shared via social media.
More information: Texel Portal BX
Mantis Vision 3iosk
- Technology: Photogrammetry
- Price: $250,000
Their body 3D scanning solution, also called 3D capture booth, is able to generate full 3D body scans but also dynamic 3D videos. The 3iosk is based on proprietary technology and VoCams (Volumetric Cameras).
More information: Mantis Vision 3iosk
botspot botscan NEO
- Technology: Photogrammetry
- Price: $20,000
For an easy user experience, the NEO comes with an intuitive mobile app. Its maximum scanning volume capacity is 1000 x 1000 x 2000mm.
More information: botspot botscan NEO
Size Stream SS20 3D Body Scanner
- Technology: Structured light
- Price: $15,000
The Size Stream body scanner can also be used for 3D printing, measurement tracking, size surveys, and healthcare and fitness applications.
More information: Size Stream SS20 3D Body Scanner
TG3D Studio Scanatic 360 Body Scanner
- Technology: Photogrammetry
- Price: $15,000
TG3D develops software and applications that are tailored for the clothing industry.
More information: TG3D Studio Scanatic 360 Body Scanner
Fit3D Proscanner
- Technology: Structured light
- Price: $10,000
This body scanning system is mainly used in gyms, health clubs, and fitness studios. The Fit3D Proscanner is able to accurately 3D scan a person in 40 seconds and to provide a posture analysis as well as a body shape wellness score.
More information: Fit3D Proscanner
3D body scanning applications
3D printed figurines and 3D photo
Also known as 3D selfies or 3D portraits, these miniature figurines of people are typically 3D printed from a 3D body scan. If you want to learn more about this application, you can visit our article dedicated to 3D printed figurines.
Here are a few 3D body scanner options that are designed for 3D figurines:
Fitness and personal health
Fitness body scanners
Body scanners can be used in fitness clubs, gyms, and healthcare facilities. Fitness body scanners allow you to track the evolution of a person’s body through various 3D measurements such as body shape and posture.
Visualizing these evolutions on a 3D avatar is a strong motivational boost which can help increase gym members’ engagement and improve patient recovery processes.
Home body scanners
These 3D body scanners are consumer appliances made to monitor personal health and body shape as well as posture evolution, among other data points. Home body scanners usually have a 360° rotating platform on which the user stands.
These 3D body scanners typically work with a smartphone app acting as a personal trainer, so users can track all their data and reach their fitness goals easily.
Fashion and apparel: made-to-measure clothing
The fashion and apparel industry was among the first to embrace 3D body scanning for several applications:
- Fast and accurate 3D measurements
- Made-to-measure clothing (custom clothing)
- Highly personalized recommendations
- Measurement surveys and anthropometric characterization
- Virtual fitting rooms
Users can obtain their own 3D avatar of themselves on their smartphone and use it to see how clothes fit without having to physically try them on.
This is as useful for luxury, tailored clothing as it is for retail and e-commerce.
Healthcare
Healthcare and medical sectors are filled with opportunities for 3D body scanning. From monitoring body shape and posture during a pregnancy, to making custom 3D printed prosthetics and more, body scanners are increasingly used for use in the medical field.
Body scanning can also be used to accurately monitor skin recovery in the case of burns or to detect skin diseases at an early stage, thanks to specific 3D imaging systems.
How do 3D body scanners work?
During the 3D capture process, the subject can either stand on a rotating turntable facing a fixed 3D body scanner, or stand still while the sensors located all around the body scanning booth capture images from all angles.
Closed 3D body scanning booth (or body scanning cabin)
A body scanning booth is a closed cabin that is rigged with cameras or 3D scanners. These full body 3D scanners look a bit like regular fitting rooms.
Full body scanner with rotating platform or turntable
To use these body scanners, the person stands on a rotating table facing a 3D body scanner, typically a vertical unit. During the scanning process, the turntable rotates 360°, allowing the subject to be captured from all angles. The 3D model is generated once the full rotation is complete.
