[For AI Beginners] No GPU Required! Comparing Free 2D-to-3D Conversion AIs! Hunyuan3D | 2D to 3D Model Generation AI | Free AI | Meshy AI | Tripo AI

In this article, I compared AIs that can convert 2D images into 3D models for you.

I compared a total of three types: an open-source AI model that runs in a local environment and two services that can be used online.

• Hunyuan3D 2.1 (Local/Open Source)

• Meshy AI (Online)

• Tripo AI (Online)

I used the same 2D image for all of them to compare what kind of 3D models each would generate.

Testing "Hunyuan3D 2.1" in a local environment

First, I tried "Hunyuan3D 2.1", an open-source AI released by Tencent. *This requires a PC with a GPU

Because my PC has a limitation of 8GB VRAM
, I was unable to run the ComfyUI version.

So this time, I used the WebUI version, which is relatively easy to set up.

It was a portable version, so I thought it would be easy to install, but C++ compilation was required to enable texture generation.

However, an error occurred during that process, and it took quite a while to investigate the cause and resolve it.

In the end, it worked successfully, and I was able to confirm that it could generate 3D models from 2D images.

However, in my environment

• the generation time was quite long

• the model quality is not very high at the moment

was my impression.

Of course, there is a possibility that it will improve as the model evolves in the future.
Since it is a local environment, the advantage is that you can use it without worrying about fees.

Updated 2026/7/12: Converted to a colored clay model and executed

I asked ChatGPT to take the input 2D image and
make it a colored clay model, smooth surface, no base, front-facing only
and ran it again. It feels significantly improved compared to last time.

Comparing online services 'Meshy AI' and 'Tripo AI' *No GPU required!

Next, I compared

• Meshy AI

• Tripo AI

these two.

Both arebasically paid services but becausefree credits are granted every month you can try them for free.

Points to note about the free plan

I found out after actually using them that both services allow you to usethe latest version of the AI model.

However, there are restrictions on the free plan, andI could not download the 3D models generated with the latest version.

Therefore, this time, I did the following:

• Latest version: Compared using the preview displayed on the screen

• Previous generation model: Compared by downloading the GLB file

We are verifying this using the following two methods.

Trying out Tripo AI

First is Tripo AI.

The latest Tripo V3.1 versiongenerated a very high-quality 3D model.
(55 credits including texture)

However, since it could not be downloaded on the free plan, we only checked the preview on the screen.

Therefore, we also generated it using the previous generation Tripo V2.5 legacy version, downloaded it in GLB format, and checked it in a browser-based free 3D viewer.
(40 credits including texture)

Trying out Meshy AI

Next is Meshy AI.

The latest Messy-6 versionallows you to generate one model at a time.
(20 credits) *Texture requires an additional 10 credits.

On the other hand, the previous generation model generates four types of 3D models (draft versions) at once. (10 credits)

First, four types of meshes are displayed, and after selecting the one you like and generating the texture, it becomes a finished 3D model.
*Model generation 10 credits + texture generation 10 credits = 20 credits

We also downloaded this in GLB format and checked it in a browser-based free 3D viewer.

Results of the actual comparison

First, regarding the latest versions, since they could not be downloaded on the free plan, my impressions are based on comparing the previews on screen.

As far as I could compare in the previews, Tripo AI felt superior in expressing textures between the latest versions.

On the other hand, when comparing the previous generation models that can be downloaded on the free plan, the impression was different. Personally, I felt that Meshy AI had higher overall quality.

Also, Meshy AI generates four types of draft models at once, so having many options is a plus. Furthermore, since texture generation is separate from model generation, you can generate textures after checking the quality of the model. As a result, I felt it was a benefit that you don't have to waste credits on texture generation for models you aren't satisfied with. Personally,

if you are using the free plan, I recommend Meshy-5 (the previous version).

July 12, 2026 Update:
If you turn the input 2D image into a "colored clay model" using ChatGPT before converting it to 3D, the open-source AI "Hunyuan3D 2.1" also produces quite good quality. "Colored clay model"

When using a "colored clay model", surprisingly, I feel that "Hunyuan3D 2.1" was the best.

This is what the generated 3D model (GLB format) looks like when viewed in a free 3D viewer

Summary

The three services I tried this time each had their own characteristics.

Hunyuan3D 2.1, which can be used completely for free locally is attractive, but at this point, considering the effort to set it up and the generation quality, I get the impression that it is a bit of a high hurdle for beginners.

On the other hand, Meshy AI and Tripo AI can be easily used just in a browser and were able to generate high-quality 3D models in a short time.

Although there are restrictions on downloading the latest versions on the free plan, you can create sufficiently practical 3D models even with the previous generation models.

If you are interested in converting 2D images to 3D, why not compare the features of each and choose the service that best suits your needs?

Let's animate your 3D modeled character in a game