I tested the Revopoint INSPIRE 2 with the shiniest object I could find

It's been nearly three years since I reviewed the original Revopoint INSPIRE, awarding it an impressive 4.5 stars. Now its successor has found its way across my desk and, despite looking very similar, boasts a new hybrid scanning system and 11-line infrared lasers. These two improvements alone demonstrate the significant step up that version two is, at least on paper.

The first iteration had no issues finding its way into our best 3D scanners guide as the ideal option for those on a budget. Its successor, though, is well over £100 / $100 more expensive, which means it might struggle to topple the current winner.

The INSPIRE 2's biggest selling point is its ability to capture shiny surfaces without needing scanning spray. For a budget-friendly device, that's quite the ability. To test it out, I decided to create a scan of a super shiny gold-coloured gourd ornament that I have in my kitchen.

The dual-mode 3D scanner is designed for hobbyists and makers who need a versatile all-rounder capable of handling both organic shapes and mechanical parts. It can also be paired with one of the best 3D printers for turning scans into physical objects.

Revopoint INSPIRE 2 review: Key specs

Price

• An affordable portable scanner but with stiff competition

The INSPIRE 2 comes in two editions, Standard and Premium. The former costs £485 / $599, while the latter will set you back £555 / $689. In both editions, the scanner is identical. The difference lies entirely in the accessories included for mobile scanning. Essentially, the Premium Edition is the mobile kit version, designed for users who want to scan on the go using a smartphone rather than being tethered to a PC.

One of the INSPIRE 2's closest competitors is the 3DMakerpro Moose, which offers a slightly higher accuracy (0.03mm vs. the Inspire 2's 0.05 mm). The Moose costs very similarly, which means your decision will probably come down to the underlying scanning technology. The INSPIRE 2 is infrared, which performs better in varied light conditions, while the Moose's blue light capabilities make it superior for finer details.

Unboxing

• Standard and Premium bundles on offer
• A lightweight portable scanner with predominant plastic construction

Revopoint offers two editions. The Standard edition contains a scanner and mini tripod, while the Premium edition adds to those items with a host of additional accessories. These include a mobile kit, mini turntable, highly reflective markers, outdoor filters, and a calibration board. If you plan on scanning small objects and don't own any of these accessories already, then the Premium option is a great bundle to get you up and running quickly.

The scanner is solid enough, considering the price, although the predominant plastic construction means you're going to need to take care not to drop it. When I reviewed the first iteration of the INSPIRE, I said that it would benefit from a flexi case such as the one available with Einstar’s Einscan, and that comment stands once again.

The turntable is small, cheap, and super basic, but if you don't own one, then it'll get the job done. It features a USB cable for easy powering and an adjustable speed feature for making sure you're able to capture enough detail as the object is rotated. My gourd ornament was just about small enough to fit on the turntable, so I utilised that first. I also tested the scan with the gourd stationary to see how the scanner would perform when moving through space.

One of the biggest selling points of the INSPIRE 2 is its portability. At only 13.2 cm wide, the scanner can be easily manoeuvred in tight spaces, and when you're finished with it, it'll fit easily into a rucksack. The 180g weight, roughly the same weight as an iPhone 17, means you won't be struggling with wrist ache.

Performance

• Greater accuracy and precision
• Reasonable capabilities when scanning shiny objects

On paper, the INSPIRE 2 is significantly better than its predecessor. Accuracy has increased from 0.2 mm to 0.05 mm, and precision from 0.1 mm to 0.03 mm. These changes bring it much more in line with the likes of the Creality Otter and 3DMakerPro Moose, although understandably, it falls short of higher-grade and more expensive devices such as the Creality Raptor.

My feature and marker scan tests yielded similar results between versions one and two, with most of this being due to the advertised improved accuracies being relatively small. In reality, most users won't require the level of detail that this type of scanner is capable of, especially given its entry-level and hobbyist target market.

One of the most significant improvements from version 1 to version 2 is its ability to scan shiny objects without needing scanning spray. Given this claim, I thought it best to test it with this notoriously difficult type of object. So, I placed the gourd onto the turntable and applied a number of markers. I then set up the scanner and proceeded with the scan.

My first attempts yielded sub-par results, so I added more markers, which significantly improved things. I also switched from a purely turntable approach to a hybrid turntable and handheld approach. That helped me capture more of the 'crevices' of the object.

All in, the Inspire 2 wasn't in any way 'phased' by the shiny object, but it did require a lot of markers. It required so many that it made me wonder if marker spray would have been easier. I wouldn't want to rely on the INSPIRE 2 if I were scanning shiny objects regularly, but it's nice to know it's an option.

The scanner is effortless to operate, and the Revo Metro software is straightforward and intuitive. The scanner builds on its predecessor in some important ways, but it's definitely an iterative improvement rather than anything revolutionary.

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Who's it for?

• An entry-level scanner for medium-sized objects

Revopoint now has an extensive range of industrial-grade, portable, and standalone 3D scanners. The INSPIRE 2 sits alongside their MINI 2 and POP 3 Plus in their portable scanner lineup and is their most recent release. Designed primarily for scanning medium-sized objects, the INSPIRE 2 is for enthusiasts and beginners who want a small and lightweight solution.

Buy it if...

• You're a hobbyist 3D printing enthusiast
• You need an affordable scanner with a reasonable set of specs
• You're scanning objects in multiple locations and need a portable form factor

Don't buy it if...

• You're an AMD or Mac user – no hardware acceleration support
• You need top-level accuracy; for that, you'll want a blue light scanner
• You're going to be scanning shiny objects day in day out