Matterport vs Zillow Virtual Tours: What’s the Difference and Why It Matters

Virtual tours have become a standard tool in real estate marketing but not all virtual tours are created equal. Two of the most commonly used platforms are Matterport and Zillow 3D Home. While they serve a similar purpose, the technology, use cases, and business philosophies behind them are very different.

Understanding these differences helps agents, sellers, and buyers choose the right tool and avoid confusion when deciding how to market a property.

What Is a Matterport Virtual Tour?

Matterport is a 3D capture platform that creates a fully navigable, three-dimensional digital model of a space. These tours are often referred to as “true 3D tours.”

Key Features of Matterport

• Full 3D spatial model (“dollhouse” view)

• Accurate depth and measurements

• Smooth, immersive navigation

• Floor plan generation

• VR compatibility

• Embeddable on websites and MLS (where allowed)

What Is a Zillow Virtual Tour?

Zillow 3D Home tours are designed specifically for Zillow’s platform. They allow users to capture a guided walkthrough experience using a compatible camera or mobile device.

Key Features of Zillow Virtual Tours

• Simple walkthrough navigation

• Designed for Zillow listings

• Limited interactivity compared to Matterport

• Cannot be hosted independently outside Zillow’s ecosystem

Matterport vs Zillow: Core Differences

1. Ownership & Control

• Matterport tours can be used across multiple platforms, websites, and marketing channels.

• Zillow virtual tours primarily live on Zillow and are intended to support Zillow’s ecosystem.

  
  

2. Experience & Interactivity

• Matterport offers a fully immersive 3D experience with spatial awareness.

• Zillow tours provide a simpler, linear walkthrough.

  
  

3. Long-Term Value

• Matterport assets can be reused for years across marketing, documentation, and planning.

• Zillow tours are typically short-term listing tools.

  
  

4. Accuracy

• Matterport provides true-to-scale measurements and spatial data.

• Zillow tours focus more on visual reference than precision.

  
  

The Disagreement Between Matterport and Zillow

The tension between these two platforms stems from control, data ownership, and ecosystem strategy.

Zillow’s approach prioritizes keeping users and content inside its platform. This means:

• Limited ability to reuse Zillow tours elsewhere

• Less flexibility for agents and media creators

• Strong platform dependency

  
  

Matterport, on the other hand, positions itself as a content ownership platform, allowing creators and clients to control where and how their tours are used.

This philosophical difference has led to ongoing industry debate about:

• Who owns real estate media

• How listing content should be distributed

• Whether platforms or professionals should control marketing assets

  
  

However, choosing a virtual tour platform isn’t just a technical decision — it’s a marketing strategy decision.

The Role of a Professional Media Production Company

A professional real estate media company understands:

• Choose the right virtual tour for each listing

• Ensure tours are captured correctly and professionally

• Integrate virtual tours with photos, video, and floor plans

• Use media intentionally and not just because it’s available

  
  

The goal isn’t to pick sides: it’s to use the right tool for the right outcome.

Matterport and Zillow virtual tours serve different purposes, and the disagreement between the companies highlights a larger conversation about media ownership, control, and long-term value in real estate marketing.

In the Gig Harbor and South Sound real estate market, understanding these differences empowers agents and sellers to make smarter decisions. When used strategically, virtual tours are more than a feature — they’re a competitive advantage.

Ready to book a Matterport or Zillow Virtual Tour? Reach out today!