ZapWorks presents itself as a practical choice for non-coders seeking seamless WebAR experiences, with its intuitive, drag & drop functionality. On the other hand, 8th Wall, acquired by Niantic, champions advanced WebAR development, requiring mastery of JavaScript, WebGL, and HTML5 for fully immersive and interactive experiences.
Key Differences Between ZapWorks and 8th Wall
- ZapWorks offers no-code, low-code and custom code options for creating AR experiences, while 8th Wall requires understanding of web technologies such as JavaScript, WebGL, HTML5.
- 8th Wall is known for its SLAM system and hand tracking features, whereas ZapWorks is praised for efficient object tracking and 3D mesh for realistic animations.
- 8th Wall’s platforms are accessed by over 5 billion smartphones whereas ZapWorks is a globally used tool but lacks specific user figures.
- ZapWorks provides various pricing options for personal, business, and educational use while 8th Wall has a higher commercial license cost.
| Comparison | ZapWorks | 8th Wall |
|---|---|---|
| Ecosystem | AR creative suite including designer, studio, AR SDKs. | AR platform with a focus on making AR accessible via a computer vision tech stack. |
| User Base | Designers, developers, marketers. | Developers, marketers, large-scale brands. |
| Experience Creation | WebAR experiences with no-code, low-code, custom code options. | Interactive web-based augmented reality (WebAR) experiences across all platforms. |
| Tools | Zapworks Designer and Studio for AR content creation. | AR Engine and Cloud Editor for development to distribution and discovery of WebAR content. |
| Tracking Types | World, image, and face tracking for various AR applications. | 6-DoF Tracking, Lighting and Surface Estimation, Image Target Tracking, Lightship VPS, Face Effects. |
| Special Features | Enterprise-scale deployment options and specialist AR training. | SLAM system for accurate and precise WebAR experiences and AR Code for AR QR Codes. |
| Usage | Prototyping, innovation, marketing, education. | Commercial experiences for brands, retail, gaming, education. |
| Pricing | Variations for personal, business, education use, app embedding. | Higher cost exceeding 2000 USD/month for a commercial license. |
| Criticism | Limited creative freedom, restrictions on industry-standard formats, limited features, difficult usage. | Requires understanding of web technologies like JavaScript, WebGL, and HTML5 for AR experience creation. |
| Integration | Compatible with ARKit and ARCore, allows importing 3D models from Sketchfab. | Compatible with ARKit and ARCore, Apple Vision Pro Headset through AR Code technology. |
What Is ZapWorks and Who’s It For?
ZapWorks is a powerful AR platform known for its creative suite that includes no-code, high-performance tools such as their Designer and Studio. It is an ecosystem that aids designers, developers, and marketers in creating WebAR experiences through AR SDKs. By giving access to world, image, and face tracking types, ZapWorks allows for the realization of extensive AR applications – from product visualizations to facial animation and more. This platform is specifically designed for tech-savvy individuals seeking to prototype products, boost innovation, and make strides in sales & marketing efforts.
Pros of ZapWorks
- Pioneering AR ecosystem for creative, marketing, and development purposes
- No-code, low-code, and custom code options allowing ease of creation
- Multiple tracking types: world, image, and face
- Cloud-based AR creation with ZapWorks Studio
- Extensive use in education enhances classroom learning & training programs
Cons of ZapWorks
- User experience is not always optimal according to critics
- Perceived limited creative freedom or industry standard format restrictions
- Limited features in world and cylindrical tracking for WebAR
- Usage may prove to be difficult for beginners
What Is 8th Wall and Who’s It For?
8th Wall, birthed in Palo Alto, California, is the award-winning AR developer platform from Niantic Inc. Dedicated to making augmented reality accessible to every individual, its services have commanded over 2000 commercial experiences for leading brands across various sectors since its inception. Developers stand to gain immensely from its AR Engine and Cloud Editor, enabling WebAR and WebVR development with precision and ease.
Pros of 8th Wall
- Pioneering AR platform with interactive WebAR capabilities
- WebAR and cloud-based editor for easy development and distribution
- Empowers developers with tools like 6-DoF Tracking, Lighting and Surface Estimation, Image Target Tracking
- Expansion of “Human AR” capabilities enables developers to augment human appearances
- SLAM engine enables accurate WebAR experiences integration with viewers’ surroundings
Cons of 8th Wall
- Fundamental understanding of web technologies like JavaScript, WebGL, HTML5 required
- Commercial license cost may exceed 2000 USD per month
- Relies solely on WebAR technology, compatibility limitations for other platforms
ZapWorks vs 8th Wall: Pricing
While specific pricing details for both ZapWorks and 8th Wall are not outlined, they are noted to differentiate greatly in affordability, with ZapWorks offering varied pricing and 8th Wall exceeding a cost of 2000 USD per month for a commercial license.
ZapWorks
ZapWorks offers different pricing models for personal, business, and educational use as well as for app embedding, however, exact costings are not provided. Additionally, while it’s a globally utilised tool for creating interactive AR content, there is critical feedback on its limitations in creative freedom and industry standard formats.
8th Wall
8th Wall’s commercial license is listed as surpassing 2000 USD per month, marking it as a significant investment. Despite its higher cost, it offers extensive features and tools for the development, distribution, and discovery of WebAR content. However, it’s important to note that considerable understanding of web technologies is required to leverage its full potential.
Deciding the Front Runner: ZapWorks vs 8th Wall
Having considered the technological prowess of ZapWorks and 8th Wall, we culminate the confrontation with a decisive verdict tailored to distinct user groups.
WebAR Newbies
If you’re venturing into a new terrain several other have traversed and navigated, go with the ZapWorks. It holds your hands with its no-code and low-code options. With ZapWorks Designer, your creative trip doesn’t require straining your brain with tricky codes. Its drag & drop feature simplifies the WebAR development process.
AR Creators Targeting World & Face Tracking
For content creators aiming to spring surprises with impactful product visualisations through World Tracking or ambitious AR developers targeting robust Face Tracking solutions for web, ZapWorks emerges as the best fit. Its flexibility empowers multiple faces tracking and 3D mesh for embellishing facial animations. The result? Realistic and feature-rich AR experiences.
Educators & Trainers
If you wear the cap of an educator or a trainer, wanting to explore WebAR for enhancing classroom learning & training programs, your torchbearer will be ZapWorks. The ease of use combined with its AR customization capabilities can substantially stimulate your teaching endeavors.
Devoted WebAR Developers
Are you more committed to AR development and dare to dive into a more technical arena? In that case, 8th Wall, with its range of in-depth developer-focused tools and features like 6-DoF Tracking, Lighting and Surface Estimation, and Image Target Tracking, would be your go-to choice. However, prepare yourself to tussle with JavaScript, WebGL, HTML5.
Retailers Seeking Hand Tracking Solutions
If you’re a retailer rooting for Augmented Reality, then 8th Wall will be your champion. Its WebAR hand tracking solutions let you offer virtual trials of your products, boosting your business prospects.
Summing up, your AR journey’s blueprint should guide your choice between ZapWorks and 8th Wall. Pursue ZapWorks if you prioritize ease and seek a robust face-tracking solution. If you’re an established developer desiring advanced tools or a retailer seeking hand tracking solutions, bank on 8th Wall.
