Matterport alternatives that don’t require expensive 360 cameras

Cloudpano
August 9, 2025
5 min read
Share this post

Matterport Alternatives That Don’t Require Expensive 360 Cameras 🎥💡

When people think of creating immersive 3D virtual tours, Matterport is usually the first name that comes to mind. While Matterport is a powerful platform, there’s one big drawback: 📉 the cost of entry — not just the subscription fee, but the price of the specialized 360° camera you’ll need to get started.

The good news? You don’t have to invest in costly hardware to create professional-grade virtual tours. Today, we’re exploring the best Matterport alternatives that allow you to create stunning virtual tours using just your existing camera, smartphone, or affordable gear — and why CloudPano tops the list. 🚀

Why Skip the Expensive 360° Cameras? 💰

For many real estate photographers, property managers, and marketers, the barrier to entry with Matterport isn’t just the subscription — it’s that you must use compatible 360° cameras, which often cost $400–$3,000+. That’s before you’ve even booked your first client.

By choosing a platform that works with the equipment you already own, you can:

  • Save thousands on startup costs
  • ✅ Get started immediately without waiting for hardware shipping
  • ✅ Keep your workflow flexible (use DSLR, phone, drone, or 360 cam)
  • ✅ Offer competitive pricing to clients because your overhead is lower

If you’re looking for options that check these boxes, let’s dig into some Matterport alternatives that put you in control.

1. CloudPano – The Best All-Around Alternative 🌟

When it comes to Matterport alternatives, CloudPano stands out for one reason: you don’t need expensive gear to get started.

You can upload panoramic images from:

  • 📱 Your smartphone (using panorama mode)
  • 📷 Any DSLR or mirrorless camera
  • 🚁 Drone shots
  • 🎥 Affordable 360° cameras (optional)

Key advantages of CloudPano over Matterport:

  • No locked-in hardware – Use any panoramic image source
  • Lower monthly costs – Plans start affordably, and white-label options are available
  • Google Street View publishing – Take your tours public on Google Maps
  • Brand control – Customize your viewer, logo, and even host on your own domain

💡 Related reading: Best Matterport Alternative for Crisp, High-Resolution Virtual Tours

2. Kuula – Simple and Affordable 🌍

Kuula offers a browser-based virtual tour platform that works with standard panoramic images. It’s beginner-friendly and doesn’t require proprietary hardware.

Pros:

  • Affordable plans
  • Quick drag-and-drop interface
  • Hotspot linking and simple navigation

Cons:

  • Less robust feature set for large-scale business use
  • No native Google Street View publishing

If you need something for quick personal projects, Kuula is a solid choice — but if you’re running a professional business, you may find it limited compared to CloudPano.

3. EyeSpy360 – Remote Capture Options 📡

EyeSpy360 is another cloud-based platform that works with standard 360° images. A standout feature is their remote capture service — they can guide a property owner through taking the shots themselves.

Pros:

  • Remote capture service for distant properties
  • 3D dollhouse and floorplan features
  • No locked-in camera requirement

Cons:

  • Processing times for remote capture
  • White-labeling at higher price points only

4. Zillow 3D Home – Free but Limited 🏠

If you only care about real estate listings in the U.S., Zillow 3D Home is a free app-based tool that lets you shoot panoramas with your phone or supported cameras.

Pros:

  • 100% free
  • Integrated directly into Zillow listings
  • Works with Ricoh Theta and Insta360 cameras

Cons:

  • Limited to Zillow ecosystem
  • Fewer customization options
  • Not a true white-label solution

Why CloudPano Is the Best Choice for Businesses 📈

While there are several Matterport alternatives, CloudPano offers the best combination of flexibility, affordability, and scalability for professional use:

  • Use Any Camera – No forced hardware purchases
  • Lower Costs – Keep more profit per tour
  • Business Tools Built-In – Lead capture, live video chat, and analytics
  • Scalable for Teams – Perfect for real estate photographers, marketers, and agencies

💡 Related reading:

How to Get Started Without Expensive 360° Cameras 📷➡️🌐

  1. Choose a flexible platform like CloudPano
  2. Capture panoramic images using your phone, DSLR, or drone
  3. Upload and customize your tour — add branding, hotspots, and navigation
  4. Share or embed your tour on websites, social media, or Google Street View

This workflow not only eliminates the need for costly hardware but also allows you to start selling tours immediately.

Final Thoughts 💭

If you’ve been holding back from creating 360° virtual tours because of the price tag on Matterport cameras, now you know — you have options. Platforms like CloudPano give you the freedom to use your existing equipment while delivering the same immersive experience your clients expect.

Don’t let expensive gear be the reason you miss out on this fast-growing market. Start with the tools you have, and upgrade later if you choose. The important thing is to start now.

🚀 Ready to Try the Best Matterport Alternative?

Here’s how to get started today:

  • 🌐 Launch Your First Virtual Tour on CloudPano – Fast, easy, and hardware-free
  • 📈 Grow Your Real Estate or Photography Business – Keep more profits
  • 🎯 Use Any Camera You Own – Phone, DSLR, drone, or 360 cam
  • 🏆 Stand Out From Competitors – Offer high-quality tours without high costs

🔗 Useful Resources:

Share this post
Cloudpano

Choose The Right 360° Camera

Insta360 ONE RS 1-Inch 360 Edition

  • Compact, ready to go anywhere

  • Interchangeable lens that’s upgradeable

  • Dual 1-inch sensors for improved clarity and low light performance

  • Dynamic range and 6K 360° capture

  • 360° photo resolution at 21MP

Learn More

Insta360 X4

  • 8K 360° video recording for ultra-detailed visuals.

  • 4K single-lens mode for traditional wide-angle shots.

  • Invisible selfie stick effect for drone-like perspectives.

  • 2.5-inch touchscreen with Gorilla Glass protection.

  • Waterproof up to 33ft for underwater shooting.

Learn More

Ricoh Theta Z1

  • 360° photo resolution in 23MP

  • Slim design at 24 mm thick

  • Built-in image stabilization for smooth video capture.

  • Internal 19GB storage for photo and video storage.

  • Wireless connectivity for remote control and sharing.

Learn More

Ricoh Theta X

  • 60MP 360° still images for high-resolution photography.

  • 5.7K 360° video recording at 30fps.

  • 2.25-inch touchscreen for intuitive control.

  • USB Type-C port for fast charging and data transfer.

  • MicroSD card slot for expandable storage.

Learn More
Property Marketing
Allows potential buyers to explore properties in detail from anywhere, enhancing the real estate marketing process.
Automotive Spins
Create an interactive virtual showroom and engage affluent digital buyers with live 360º video calls, all through the CloudPano mobile app for a complete automotive sales solution.
Interactive Floor Plans
Create 2D and 3D floor plans with measurements in 4 minutes or less, all from your phone. Download the Floor Plan Scanner app and get your first scan free.

360 Virtual Tours With CloudPano.com. Get Started Today.

Try it free. No credit card required. Instant set-up.

Try it free
Latest posts

See our other posts

Interviews, tips, guides, industry best practices, and news.

Best Kuula Alternative with Seamless Floor Plan Integration

Discover the best Kuula alternative for seamless floor plan integration in your virtual tours. This guide compares leading platforms, outlines the benefits of floor plans in property marketing, and explains why CloudPano is the ultimate choice for real estate professionals who want branded, interactive tours with built-in floor plan navigation, Google Street View publishing, and live walkthrough capabilities.
Read post

Kuula Alternatives for Creating Stunning Interactive Property Virtual Tours

Discover the best Kuula alternatives for creating stunning, interactive property virtual tours that boost engagement and sales. Compare top platforms, explore their pros and cons, and learn why CloudPano is the ultimate choice for real estate professionals seeking full branding control, Google Street View publishing, live video walkthroughs, and flexible camera options.
Read post

Top Kuula Alternatives to Elevate Your Real Estate Virtual Tours

Discover the top Kuula alternatives to take your real estate virtual tours to the next level. Compare leading platforms, explore their pros and cons, and learn why CloudPano is the best choice for professionals who want complete branding control, Google Street View publishing, live video walkthroughs, and flexible camera options — all while scaling their business.
Read post