Heads up: our content may contain affiliate links. If you buy something through one of those links, you won’t pay a penny more, but we’ll get a small commission. Read more here.If you want to create items for 3D printing, you need a 3D model to start with, and there are two ways to achieve this: you can model with CAD, or you can 3D scan an object. Naturally, if you are making models from 3D scans, you will need a 3D scanner. But how do you decide which is the best for your needs? They come in so many different shapes and sizes (and prices). In this article, we will be taking a look at the best 3D scanners for scanning small items.
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A pioneer in 3D scanning technology, RevoPoint has established itself as a trusted name synonymous with innovation, precision, and reliability.
Dual-camera blue structured light scanner designed for accurately scanning small objects with metrology grade precision. Comes with the Revo Scan 5 software for aligning and exporting data into 3D files.
The Dual-camera infrared structured light POP 3 Plus features 20% improved accuracy over the POP 3, with optical zoom and an advanced calibration board, making it ideal for detailed 3D scanning of small to medium sized objects.
Dual-mode scanner combining infrared structured light with 11-line IR laser, bringing metrology-class surface handling to an entry-level price. The laser mode tackles dark and metallic surfaces without spray — a feature usually reserved for much pricier scanners. At 190g with Wi-Fi 6, it’s a versatile everyday tool for makers scanning small to medium objects.
Developers of some of the best-selling consumer-grade 3D scanners on the market. 3DMakerpro makes easy-to-use handheld scanners at an affordable price.
The Seal is a pocket-sized scanner good for scanning objects between 10–300mm. It uses a blue light source, and is capable of capturing geometry data and color textures from the same unit. Scanning and aligning is easy thanks to the JMStudio software.
The Seal Lite has many of the same features as the Seal, but has slightly lower accuracy and resolution. It is still excellent for most small jobs that a maker would use it for, but comes at a reduced price for budget-conscious makers.
The Moose is 3DMakerpro’s flagship medium-format scanner, featuring blue LED structured light and AI-powered visual tracking for smooth, marker-free scanning. With 24-bit full-color capture and a 40% accuracy improvement over its predecessor, it’s ideal for makers who want smart, detailed scans with minimal effort.
The Moose Lite brings the same AI visual tracking and marker-free scanning as the Moose, at a more accessible price point. Using a near-infrared light source with mono texture output, it’s a solid entry-level option for hobbyists and educators who want smart scanning without the premium cost.
Widely known for their popular 3D printers, Creality has been in the 3D scanning game for a couple of years already, and are regularly developing new 3D scanners for the consumer market.
The Ferret SE is a desktop-focused upgrade that punches well above its price. Anti-shake one-shot 3D imaging and the ability to scan dark or metallic objects without spray are normally Pro-tier features — here they come at a budget price. Connects via USB-C to Windows or Mac; no mobile support, but the cleanest plug-and-scan setup in the Creality lineup.
The original CR-Scan Ferret is Creality’s most affordable entry into 3D scanning. At just 105g it’s one of the lightest handheld scanners available, with dual wide-range and high-accuracy modes, full-color capture, and outdoor scanning support. Connects via USB — no wireless, but a solid budget pick for makers getting started with scanning.
The CR-Scan Ferret Pro offers wireless scanning via WiFi 6. It features anti-shake technology for smoother scans, can scan black/metal objects without spray, and captures full-color 3D models. Lightweight and portable with one-click operation.
