Software · head to head
3D-Coat vs Microsoft HoloLens 2
Microsoft HoloLens 2
Software
Enterprise mixed reality for the modern workplace
- From
- $3500/one-time
- Rated
- -
The short version
- Each has a real cost: 3D-Coat split into separate products, so 3DCoatTextura covers texturing only and the full sculpting toolset needs the complete 3DCoat licence; Microsoft HoloLens 2 narrow field of view of 52 degrees limits visibility of holograms and causes parts of 3D objects to disappear when viewing up close
- They diverge on capability: 3D-Coat covers Voxel sculpting, Microsoft HoloLens 2 covers Spatial mapping.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which 3D-Coat and Microsoft HoloLens 2 actually diverge.
| Attribute | 3D-Coat | Microsoft HoloLens 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $29/month | $3500/one-time |
| Pricing model | one-time | Unknown |
| Platforms | Windows, MacOS, Linux | Standalone AR Headset |
| Founded | 2007 | 2015 |
Identical on both: free tier (No), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).
What each one covers
Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.
Only in 3D-Coat
- Voxel sculpting
- Surface sculpting
- Retopology
- UV mapping
- Texture painting
- PBR materials
- Smart materials
- Baking
Only in Microsoft HoloLens 2
- Spatial mapping
- Hand tracking
- Eye tracking
- Holographic display
- Azure
- Dynamics 365
- Microsoft Teams
- Mixed-reality support
Both cover
- Windows support
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
3D-Coat
- Voxel sculpting from a digital clay blocknot Microsoft HoloLens 2
- Retopology of high-density sculpts into production meshesnot Microsoft HoloLens 2
- UV mapping and PBR texturingnot Microsoft HoloLens 2
- Preparing print-ready models for 3D printingnot Microsoft HoloLens 2
- Node-based material authoring on the GPUnot Microsoft HoloLens 2
Microsoft HoloLens 2
- VR Gamingnot 3D-Coat
- AR Marketingnot 3D-Coat
- Virtual Trainingnot 3D-Coat
- 3D Visualizationnot 3D-Coat
- Immersive Experiencesnot 3D-Coat
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
3D-Coat
- Split into separate products, so 3DCoatTextura covers texturing only and the full sculpting toolset needs the complete 3DCoat licence
- Pricing is not published on the product pages
- Licences are sold node-locked or floating, so moving a seat between machines depends on which was bought
Microsoft HoloLens 2
- Narrow field of view of 52 degrees limits visibility of holograms and causes parts of 3D objects to disappear when viewing up close
- Heavy weight makes extended wearing uncomfortable and impractical for sessions longer than a few hours
- Short battery life of 2.5 to 5.5 hours limits extended deployments without charging
- Display is sensitive to bright light and sunlight, with rainbow color artifacts and poor outdoor readability
- High price of $3,500 limits accessibility to enterprises with substantial budgets
Pricing, plan by plan
3D-Coat
$29/month- Amateur$99/month
- Non-commercial use
- Professional$379/month
- Full commercial license
- Floating$568/month
- Network licensing
Microsoft HoloLens 2
$3500/one-timeNo published plan breakdown. See the Microsoft HoloLens 2 review.
Which should you pick?
Choose 3D-Coat if
- You need voxel sculpting.
- You work on Windows, MacOS, Linux.
- You also want surface sculpting.
Choose Microsoft HoloLens 2 if
- You need spatial mapping.
- You work on Standalone AR Headset.
- You also want hand tracking.
Questions people ask
- Is 3D-Coat or Microsoft HoloLens 2 better?
- Neither clearly leads. 3D-Coat starts at $29/month and Microsoft HoloLens 2 at $3500/one-time, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, 3D-Coat or Microsoft HoloLens 2?
- 3D-Coat starts at $29/month and Microsoft HoloLens 2 at $3500/one-time.
- Does 3D-Coat or Microsoft HoloLens 2 run on more platforms?
- 3D-Coat runs on Windows, MacOS, Linux. Microsoft HoloLens 2 runs on Standalone AR Headset.
- What is 3D-Coat best used for?
- 3D-Coat is most often used for voxel sculpting from a digital clay block, retopology of high-density sculpts into production meshes, uv mapping and pbr texturing, preparing print-ready models for 3d printing. Of those, voxel sculpting from a digital clay block and retopology of high-density sculpts into production meshes are not what Microsoft HoloLens 2 is typically brought in for.
- What can 3D-Coat do that Microsoft HoloLens 2 cannot?
- 3D-Coat covers Voxel sculpting, Surface sculpting, Retopology, UV mapping. Microsoft HoloLens 2 covers Spatial mapping, Hand tracking, Eye tracking, Holographic display. Both handle Windows support.
Answered from the vendors’ own pages
Microsoft HoloLens 2: How long is the battery life of HoloLens 2?
HoloLens 2 battery life is 2.5 to 5.5 hours of active use depending on workload intensity and brightness settings.
SourceMicrosoft HoloLens 2: What is the field of view for HoloLens 2?
HoloLens 2 has a 52-degree field of view (43 degrees horizontal and 29 degrees vertical), which is considered narrow and limits the visible hologram area when viewing objects up close.
SourceMicrosoft HoloLens 2: Can HoloLens 2 be worn over glasses?
Yes, HoloLens 2 can be worn directly over glasses with an ergonomic design that allows the visor to flip up, though comfort depends on the glasses' size and weight.
SourceMicrosoft HoloLens 2: What is the price of HoloLens 2?
The HoloLens 2 costs $3,500 USD with enterprise rental options at $125 per month and developer rental at $99 per month.
SourceRelated pages
More on Microsoft HoloLens 2
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