Matterport vs. Zillow

With more buyers shopping for homes online than ever before, 3D tours have become a must-have in real estate marketing. They let potential buyers explore a property from the comfort of their couch—almost as if they’re walking through in person. But not all 3D tours are created equal. Today, we’re breaking down the two most popular options: Matterport and Zillow 3D Tours.

The Basics

Matterport

• Known for high-quality visuals and smooth, immersive experiences.

• Captures a detailed digital “dollhouse” of the property.

• Often considered the “gold standard” for virtual tours.

Zillow 3D Tours

• Integrated into the Zillow platform, so your listings show up with a 3D tour directly on one of the largest real estate websites.

• Generally faster to capture and more budget-friendly.

• Less detailed than Matterport, but still user-friendly for quick online tours.

Time & Effort: How Long Does It Take?

Matterport

• More thorough scanning means you’ll need 3–4 times as many individual scans compared to other platforms.

• The shoot can take significantly longer, especially for larger homes.

• Post-processing can also be a bit more time-intensive. 

Zillow

• Generally fewer scanning points, so you can get in and out more quickly.

• Faster turnaround means less disruption for homeowners and quicker listing updates.

Bottom Line: If time is of the essence, Zillow might fit better. If you want premium detail and don’t mind a lengthier scan, Matterport is worth the extra effort.

Quality & Features

Matterport

• Delivers incredibly high-quality 3D scans, with detailed walkthroughs that give buyers a near “in-person” feel.

• Offers a “dollhouse” view, floor plan view, and other interactive tools that can increase buyer engagement.

• High resolution and professional polish that can make luxury listings stand out.

Zillow

• Adequate visual quality, but not as advanced as Matterport’s immersive models.

• 3D tours are straightforward and easy for buyers to click through.

• Integrates seamlessly with Zillow listings, giving you immediate online visibility.

Bottom Line: For a high-end property where visual detail matters, Matterport shines. Zillow 3D Tours are a great way to quickly add an extra layer of interactivity to your listing without going all-in on advanced 3D tech.

Cost Considerations

• Matterport:

  • We typically charge an additional $100 because of the extra time and expertise involved.

  • Best for listings that need a wow factor—think luxury or unique homes where you want to showcase every nook and cranny.

• Zillow:

  • Generally a lower-cost option (or sometimes included in a standard real estate photography package, depending on your photographer).

  • Ideal if you want a basic yet effective 3D experience without the higher price tag.

Bottom Line: Choose Matterport if you’re willing to invest in top-notch quality and a truly immersive experience. Opt for Zillow if you’re seeking a budget-friendly, faster 3D solution that still offers an online walkthrough.

Which One Should You Choose?

Go Matterport if...

• You have a high-end or uniquely designed property that demands a premium presentation.

• You want to wow potential buyers with detailed, interactive 3D features.

• You can spare the extra time for scanning and don’t mind the additional fee.

Go Zillow 3D if...

• Speed, simplicity, and cost-effectiveness are your top priorities.

• Your listing isn’t as large or doesn’t require extreme detail.

• You value Zillow’s built-in exposure for quick leads and online visibility.

Final Thoughts

3D tours are a powerful way to let buyers explore a property on their own terms—whether they’re across town or across the country. Matterport delivers a premium, highly detailed experience, but comes with a higher cost and time commitment. Zillow is a faster, more budget-friendly choice, perfect if you want a straightforward 3D tour integrated with one of the biggest real estate platforms around.

Ready to add a 3D tour to your next listing? If you’re located in New Jersey and need a real estate photographer for all your media needs—video, photography, drone, virtual staging, virtual twilights, virtual tours, and floor plans—look no further than Pick Three Photography. You can reach out to us by calling (848) 444-1366 or emailing eli@pickthreephotography.com with any questions or to book an appointment. 

We’ll help you pick the right option for your property—and make sure your listing stands out in today’s competitive market!