Creality's Pika is a pocket-sized 3D scanner that weighs 260g, runs on swappable batteries and can scan cordlessly with a recent iPhone or Android phone. Tom's Hardware calls it a truly portable scanner with excellent software, and at a $699 list price it is one of the more affordable ways for hobbyists and 3D printing fans to get into scanning.
Key specs
| Spec | Creality Pika |
|---|---|
| List price | $699 |
| Weight | 260g with batteries |
| Accuracy | Up to 0.03mm (single frame) |
| Blue laser mode | 7 lines, 0.05 to 2mm resolution, 160 to 400mm working distance |
| NIR structured light | 0.1mm resolution, 140 to 1,000mm working distance |
| Scan speed | Up to 90fps |
| Connectivity | Wired USB or Wi-Fi |
| Export formats | OBJ, STL, PLY |
Portability and power
The Pika runs on two rechargeable AA-size batteries (a spare set is included) that charge in the scanner or over USB-C, and it has a 3-inch touchscreen on the back. In the box you also get a tripod, a glass calibration board, a manual turntable, marker blocks and marker dots. Tom's Hardware notes the batteries have exposed terminals, so keep them away from loose metal objects.
Scanning modes and accuracy
Blue laser mode is the one to use for small, detailed or tricky objects; Tom's Hardware found it handled small, shiny and even black items well. NIR structured light mode works without marker dots, which is convenient for larger objects, but tracking can be challenging. Like most scanners in this class, the Pika struggles with hair in every mode.
Software and device requirements
Creality Scan runs on Windows, Mac, Android and iPhone, and much of the processing happens on the connected device. For cordless phone scanning you need iOS 15 or later with at least an A15 chip and 6GB of RAM (A17 and 8GB recommended), or Android 10 or later with at least a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 and 8GB of RAM. On a computer, Creality lists Windows 10 or 11 with an Nvidia GPU with 8GB of VRAM and 16GB of RAM, or macOS 14 or later on an M2 or newer Mac with 16GB of RAM. Wireless scanning is slower, and older or low-end devices can struggle.
Pros and cons
- ✓Affordable for its capabilities
- ✓Small, light and cordless
- ✓Marker-free NIR mode
- ✓Handles small, shiny and black objects well
- ✓Improved calibration routine
- ·NIR tracking can be tricky
- ·Hair is hard to scan in any mode
- ·Wireless scanning is slower and needs a powerful device
- ·Included turntable has some play in the bearing
- ·Battery terminals are exposed
Should you buy the Creality Pika?
Buy it if you want a portable, affordable scanner for 3D printing projects and you own a recent flagship phone or a capable computer. If you need higher precision or a fully untethered professional workflow, Creality's more expensive Sermoon S1 ($2,069) and Sermoon P1 ($3,299) use the same software but cost several times more. If you are building a 3D printing desk setup, our best home office upgrades for 2026 may help.
How much does the Creality Pika cost?
The Creality Pika has a list price of $699. Tom's Hardware found it for $629.10 at Amazon at the time of its review.
Can the Creality Pika scan with a phone?
Yes. It works cordlessly with an iPhone (A15 chip or newer, iOS 15+) or a high-end Android phone (Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 or newer, Android 10+) using the Creality Scan app.
How accurate is the Creality Pika?
Creality rates single-frame accuracy at up to 0.03mm, with blue laser resolution from 0.05mm.
