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FrançaisHandheld 3D scanners 2024: top 5 selection (under $30K) and buying guide
What is the best handheld 3D scanner on the market?
There are hundreds of 3D scanners available on the market, from desktop 3D scanners to advanced 3D metrology systems. However, handheld 3D scanners have been gaining a lot of popularity over the past few years.
There are several key tendencies that may be behind this segment’s growth. Over the years, we’ve noticed that handheld 3D scanners and their software (which is often the most complex part of the process) are becoming much easier to use, with smoother workflows and improved design and ergonomics. New entrants – mostly from Asia– have driven prices down to overcome some of the market’s entry barriers, all while providing quality hardware and performance.
More generally speaking, handheld 3D scanners offer various benefits over other types of 3D scanners:
- Ability to access hard-to-reach places
- Relative ease of use
- Portability
Their versatility makes them suitable for a wide range of industries, including automobile, aerospace, engineering, and design, and some can even be used for 3D body scanning.
From affordable handheld 3D scanners to advanced, industrial-grade portable 3D scanners, the market caters to almost every need. Our goal is to showcase the best handheld 3D scanners currently available for professionals for under $30,000.
This buyer’s guide is based on a combination of our own experience, in-house 3D scanner reviews, and feedback from our partners.
Note: Not sure if handheld 3D scanning is the right fit for your use case? Take a step back and learn about other types of 3D capture solutions (metrology-grade solutions, jewelry 3D scanners, dental …) in our all-round 3D scanner buyer’s guide.
Our handheld 3D scanner selection this year (under $30K)
The table below recaps our selection of some of the best handheld 3D scanning options. The goal is to provide a quick, visual overview of the market; there are of course numerous other factors to take into account (certifications, software, customer service, …) to get the full picture for each solution and eventually make the right choice.
| Brand | Product | Accuracy | Country | Price
Approximate starting prices based on supplier-provided information and public data. Prices may vary by region, over time and do not include additional products or services (taxes, shipping, accessories, training, installation, …).
| |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Creaform
Product data validated by the manufacturer.
| HandySCAN 3D BLACK | 0.035 mm | Canada | upon request | Quote |
| SCANTECH (HANGZHOU)
Product data validated by the manufacturer.
| SIMSCAN-E | 0.02 mm | China | upon request | Quote |
| SCANTECH (HANGZHOU)
Product data validated by the manufacturer.
| KSCAN-Magic | 0.02 mm | China | upon request | Quote |
| Shining 3D
Product data validated by the manufacturer.
| FreeScan Combo+ | 0.02 mm | China | upon request | Quote |
| Shining 3D
Product data validated by the manufacturer.
| EinScan Libre | 0.04 mm | China | upon request | Quote |
*Accuracy: Results measured in ideal conditions. Note that 3D scanner OEMs do not always follow the same protocols to measure their products’ accuracy.
** Max. resolution: Refers to point-to-point distance. Learn more about 3D scanning resolution and accuracy here.
The products in the table are ranked by price (low to high).
| Brand | Product | Technology | Accuracy | Max resolution | Os compatibility | Wireless | Weight | Country | Price
Approximate starting prices based on supplier-provided information and public data. Prices may vary by region, over time and do not include additional products or services (taxes, shipping, accessories, training, installation, …).
| |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Creaform
Product data validated by the manufacturer.
| HandySCAN 3D BLACK | Laser triangulation | 0.035 mm | 0.1 mm | – | 0.94 kg | Canada | upon request | Get a quote | |
| SCANTECH (HANGZHOU)
Product data validated by the manufacturer.
| SIMSCAN-E | Laser triangulation | 0.02 mm | 0.02 mm | – | 0.6 kg | China | upon request | Get a quote | |
| SCANTECH (HANGZHOU)
Product data validated by the manufacturer.
| KSCAN-Magic | Laser triangulation | 0.02 mm | 0.01 mm | – | – | China | upon request | Get a quote | |
| Shining 3D
Product data validated by the manufacturer.
| FreeScan Combo+ | Hybrid | 0.02 mm | 0.05 mm | Microsoft Windows | 0.62 kg | China | upon request | Get a quote | |
| Shining 3D
Product data validated by the manufacturer.
| EinScan Libre | Laser triangulation | 0.04 mm | 0.05 mm | Microsoft Windows | 1.8 kg | China | upon request | Get a quote |
Overview of the best handheld 3D scanners under $30,000
In this section, we give some more context and information about each 3D scanner from our selection.
| Country | China |
| Technology | Laser triangulation |
| OS Compatibility | – |
| Max resolution | 0.02 mm |
| Volumetric accuracy | – |
| Weight | 0.6 kg |
| Price | upon request |
The SIMSCAN-E is an intelligent, wireless, and palm-sized 3D scanner that combines a lightweight design with exceptional performance. Featuring advanced edge computing and wireless data transfer, it sets a new standard for flexible, wireless and free 3D scanning.
With robust algorithm and high-definition industrial cameras, SIMSCAN-E can capture 3D data with remarkable precision and efficiency, measuring up to 6.3 million points /s. It boasts three scanning modes, ultra-fast, hyperfine, and deep hole. This versatility allows it to handle a wide range of tasks effortlessly, from scanning in tight spaces to measuring complex structures.
| Country | China |
| Technology | Laser triangulation |
| Max resolution | 0.01 mm |
| Volumetric accuracy | 0.02 mm + 0.015 mm/m |
| Weight | – |
| Price | upon request |
KSCAN-Magic is lightweight and portable and can conduct 3D measurements anywhere and anytime regardless of vibrations, temperature, and humidity. Moreover, KSCAN-Magic is capable of 3D scanning various surfaces to capture precise 3D data, and it performs well even in 3D scanning reflective and black surfaces.
The KSCAN handheld 3D scanner boasts an exceptional scanning accuracy of up to 0.020 mm. When coupled with the MSCAN-L15 photogrammetry system, it excels even further by achieving a volumetric accuracy of 0.015 mm + 0.012 mm/m. This technology is pivotal in driving ultra-high precision Non-destructive Testing (NDT) catering to a diverse range of industries.
| Country | China |
| Technology | Hybrid |
| Max resolution | 0.05 mm |
| Volumetric accuracy | 0.02 mm + 0.033 mm/m |
| Weight | 0.62 kg |
| Price | upon request |
Scanners from the powerful FreeScan Combo Series pack dual light sources in an ultra-compact shell, measuring just 193 x 63 x 53mm.
They’re equipped with both blue laser and infrared VCSEL technology and weigh in at only 620g.
This lightweight, handheld 3D scanner offers four modes: multiple-line scanning, single-line scanning, fine scanning, and infrared scanning.
Its multiple-line mode projects up to 50 laser lines (FreeScan Combo + version) and scan at speeds of up to 3,600,000 points/sec.
The FreeScan Combo Series’ efficiency, combined with its hybrid technology, wide FOV, and material adaptability, make it highly versatile.
From inspection, reverse engineering, and product design to additive manufacturing and other demanding applications, the FreeScan Combo and Combo + can easily handle a wide range of use cases.
| Country | China |
| Technology | Laser triangulation |
| Max resolution | 0.05 mm |
| Volumetric accuracy | 0.04 mm + 0.06 mm/m |
| Weight | 1.8 kg |
| Price | upon request |
Experience the perfect blend of freedom and accuracy with the EinScan Libre. This advanced wireless scanner delivers an impressive volumetric accuracy of up to 0.04 + 0.06 mm/m, ensuring that every detail is captured with pinpoint precision. Whether working on intricate designs or complex projects, the EinScan Libre provides the reliability and accuracy you need, all in a truly wireless device.
Equipped with both laser and infrared light, the device adapts to a wide range of materials and excels at capturing detailed textures. Its Laser HD mode supports texture alignment during scanning, improving accuracy on complex surfaces. The EinScan Libre is the first standalone 3D scanner on the market to support texture alignment.
| Country | Canada |
| Technology | Laser triangulation |
| Max resolution | 0.1 mm |
| Volumetric accuracy | 0.035 mm + 0.02 mm/m |
| Weight | 0.94 kg |
| Price | upon request |
The HandySCAN 3D BLACK is an handheld 3D scanner produced by Creaform, a manufacturer based in Canada.
The HandySCAN 3D BLACK Creaform uses the laser triangulation technology.
Portable 3D scanner buying guide
Before choosing a portable 3D scanner, it’s important to take certain elements into account.
Purpose: What do you need your 3D scanner for?
Today’s handheld 3D scanners are very versatile and can be used for multiple use cases in various industries. Nevertheless, there are a few questions you can ask yourself to help make the right choice.
- How big or small are the parts you’re going to scan? This will determine your field of view. Some 3D scanners have multiple modes or fields of view to handle small, medium, and large parts, while some are specially designed for small pieces.
- Are you already familiar with 3D scanning? If you’re new to 3D scanning, you may want to look out for streamlined workflows. Some brands have several product generations of experience and provide more intuitive software.
- Do you need to acquire colors? Many recent handheld 3D scanners boast texture/color capture, but this feature isn’t standard. It is quite rare on 3D scanners that focus on metrology applications, as having color maps could be superfluous when you just want to inspect a part’s shape.
- Will you be 3D scanning every day? Perhaps you’d prefer a 3D scanner that’s easy and quick to set up and put away.
3D scanning can serve an amazing amount of purposes– determine yours before you choose a handheld 3D scanner.
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Handheld 3D scanner specifications
Accuracy
A 3D scanner’s accuracy is its ability to obtain exact measurements. In certain industries, like quality inspection, high accuracy is of utmost importance. Entry-level handheld 3D scanners generally boast accuracies around 200 microns, while more premium products can go down to 20 microns.
Resolution
Just like with photos or screens, the level of resolution will count more or less depending on the amount of detail you need. In 3D scanning, resolution is generally measured in point-to-point distance.
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3D scanner accuracy and resolution: The basics
Speed
The speed factor is especially important when 3D scanning large objects and landscapes (where SLAM/iMMS scanners shine), or for 3D body scanning.
Large objects take a while to scan, and some 3D scanners require you to stand still for a few seconds before moving on to the next perspective. Keep in mind that you’ll be “pointing and shooting” with your handheld 3D scanner in your hand; the longer you carry it, the heavier it feels.
Nonetheless, some 3D scanners like the Go!SCAN SPARK or the EinScan HX allow you to easily pause and resume from anywhere thanks to efficient automatic scan alignment.
Budget
Last but not least, and as is the case for so many other products, budget is definitely something to take into account. There are cheap handheld 3D scanner options for under $1,000 if you’re willing to sacrifice accuracy and performance (see our “Affordable 3D scanner” selection here).
Industrial 3D scanners are the most expensive, with advanced 3D scanning technologies and prices around $100K. Unless you need a 3D scanner for 24/7 automated quality inspection or other very specific use cases, an entry or mid-level 3D scanner will suit you.
FAQ
Mid-range handheld 3D scanners tend to cost between $10,000 and $30,000. There are affordable handheld 3D scanner options under $1,000, and high-end, metrology-grade handheld scanners priced at over $50,000.
High-end handheld 3D scanners can reach an accuracy up to 0.020mm. Entry-level, affordable scanners offer a scan accuracy of around 0.10mm.
