Top 4 Affordable 3D Tour & Matterport Alternatives That Agents Use for Virtual Showings on a Budget

When it comes to selling or renting properties in today’s digital age, virtual tours are no longer a luxury—they’re an essential marketing tool. Agents and property managers are finding that potential buyers and tenants expect to explore listings from the comfort of their own homes. While platforms like Matterport are industry leaders in the 3D virtual tour space, not everyone has the budget for their services. Fortunately, several affordable alternatives offer quality, ease of use, and powerful features without breaking the bank.

TLDR:

If you’re a real estate agent searching for cost-effective alternatives to Matterport, you’re in luck. Solutions like CloudPano, Kuula, EyeSpy360, and Lapentor offer excellent features at more accessible price points. These platforms provide 3D tours, customization options, and easy integrations—perfect for virtual showings on a budget. Read on to explore how each one stacks up in terms of features, pricing, and usability.

1. CloudPano – Affordable, Versatile, and Agent-Friendly

CloudPano has gained a strong following among real estate professionals seeking a robust 360° virtual tour platform without a massive price tag. Known for its user-friendly interface and impressive customization features, CloudPano helps real estate agents create immersive visual experiences that feel high-end—even on a budget.

• Price: One-time payment of $10 per tour, or a $33/month Pro Plan for unlimited tours
• Key Features: 360° spin navigation, lead capture forms, customizable branding, and MLS-compliant links
• Equipment Needed: A 360° camera or even just your smartphone with a panoramic lens attachment

Another standout feature is the ability to embed the virtual tour on your personal website or any property listing platform. CloudPano also supports live video chat within the tour, enabling agents to walk clients through properties in real-time—a great way to mimic in-person showings when that’s not possible.

2. Kuula – Sleek Visuals and Easy Integration

Kuula is a favorite for agents who prioritize aesthetics. The platform produces some of the cleanest and most polished 3D virtual tours available, often rivaling the look of more expensive competitors. What sets Kuula apart is its seamless embedding options and advanced post-processing tools for editing images directly within the platform.

• Price: Free basic plan; Pro plan starts at $16/month with full branding and customization
• Key Features: High-resolution image support, VR mode, tour links, hotspots for navigation between rooms
• Ease of Use: Drag-and-drop tour builder with intuitive image mapping

Kuula integrates easily with social media platforms, websites, and even email campaigns. Given its lightweight interface, Kuula is an ideal option for agents looking to create quick yet professional visual content, especially on a lean marketing budget.

3. EyeSpy360 – Interactive Tours with Live Video Chat Capabilities

EyeSpy360 takes virtual showings to the next level by offering interactive tours with built-in video chat and user navigation controls. Imagine being able to guide your clients through a property while they’re comfortably sitting at home!

• Price: Starts at $13.99/month for basic features; custom pricing available for bulk usage
• Key Features: EyeSpyLIVE™ guided tours, 3D model creation, floor plan generation, personal branding
• No Advanced Gear Needed: Works with regular panoramic images or 360° cameras

EyeSpy360’s strongest selling point is the EyeSpyLIVE tour functionality, which allows live guided virtual tours. This makes it perfect for real estate agents who want to retain a personal connection with clients even during remote showings. The platform is also GDPR compliant and works across multiple continents, making it ideal for attracting international buyers.

4. Lapentor – Drag-and-Drop Simplicity with a Free Starter Plan

If you’re looking for an intuitive platform that lets you hit the ground running with minimal learning curve, Lapentor is your go-to. Built on simplicity and visual appeal, Lapentor offers real estate agents the flexibility to create interactive virtual tours using a straightforward drag-and-drop interface.

• Price: Free version available; Pro plans start at $15/month
• Key Features: Unlimited hotspots, custom floorplans, background music integration, VR support
• User Experience: Beautiful UI with multiple pre-designed templates

Lapentor shines in how it personalizes the user viewing experience with background music and customizable navigation elements. It’s an outstanding choice for agents who want engaging, interactive elements but aren’t ready to commit to a pricier platform. Plus, Lapentor supports cloud hosting, so you don’t have to worry about self-hosting your tours.

How Do These Alternatives Compare to Matterport?

While these tools may not match Matterport’s sophisticated 3D depth mapping and high-end camera integration, they do provide excellent value for money and are far more accessible for agents working with tighter budgets.

Tips for Getting the Most Out of Virtual Tour Tools

Choosing the right platform is only half the battle—how you use it can make or break the virtual showing experience. Here are a few expert suggestions for making the most of your 3D tour tool:

• Invest in a Good 360° Camera: Higher image quality means better viewer engagement.
• Highlight Key Features: Use hotspots to focus attention on features like fireplaces, open kitchens, or skylights.
• Use Natural Light: Schedule photography when the property has abundant daylight to make rooms look more spacious and welcoming.
• Add Branding: Insert your logo, contact info, and even a greeting video to make tours more personal.

Conclusion

Creating engaging, professional-grade virtual tours doesn’t have to dig deep into your marketing budget. Platforms like CloudPano, Kuula, EyeSpy360, and Lapentor allow real estate agents to present properties in their best light while remaining affordable and user-friendly. Whether you’re just testing the waters or replacing a more expensive service, there’s never been a better time to embrace virtual showings that wow your clients.

So if you’re ready to upgrade your listing presentations, consider trying out one or more of these technologies today. Each offers a free or low-cost plan, so you can explore your options risk-free and discover what works best for your market and workflow.