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8th Wall vs Microsoft HoloLens 2

8

8th Wall

Software

WebAR platform for browser-based AR experiences

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Microsoft HoloLens 2 logo

Microsoft HoloLens 2

Software

Enterprise mixed reality for the modern workplace

From
$3500/one-time
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only 8th Wall has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: 8th Wall platform shutdown as of February 2026, with hosted services ending; 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: 8th Wall covers SLAM tracking, Microsoft HoloLens 2 covers Spatial mapping.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which 8th Wall and Microsoft HoloLens 2 actually diverge.

Attributes where 8th Wall and Microsoft HoloLens 2 differ
Attribute8th WallMicrosoft HoloLens 2
Starting priceFree$3500/one-time
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsWeb (WebXR), Mobile browsers, Open source (local deployment)Standalone AR Headset
Founded20162015

Identical on both: pricing model (Unknown), 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 8th Wall

  • SLAM tracking
  • Image targets
  • Face effects
  • World tracking
  • Three.js
  • A-Frame
  • Babylon.js
  • PlayCanvas

Only in Microsoft HoloLens 2

  • Spatial mapping
  • Hand tracking
  • Eye tracking
  • Holographic display
  • Azure
  • Dynamics 365
  • Microsoft Teams
  • Mixed-reality support

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

8th Wall

  • VR Gaming
  • AR Marketing
  • Virtual Training
  • 3D Visualization
  • Immersive Experiences

Microsoft HoloLens 2

  • VR Gaming
  • AR Marketing
  • Virtual Training
  • 3D Visualization
  • Immersive Experiences

Both are used for vr gaming, ar marketing, virtual training, 3d visualization, immersive experiences, on those jobs the choice comes down to price and fit rather than capability.

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

8th Wall

  • Platform shutdown as of February 2026, with hosted services ending
  • WebAR performance limitations compared to native app AR experiences
  • Requires internet connection for all AR experiences to function
  • Limited browser support; Firefox and Safari do not support WebXR on desktop and mobile

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

8th Wall

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the 8th Wall review.

Microsoft HoloLens 2

$3500/one-time

No published plan breakdown. See the Microsoft HoloLens 2 review.

Which should you pick?

Choose 8th Wall if

  • You need slam tracking.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web (WebXR), Mobile browsers, Open source (local deployment).
  • You also want image targets.
8th Wall review

Choose Microsoft HoloLens 2 if

  • You need spatial mapping.
  • You work on Standalone AR Headset.
  • You also want hand tracking.
Microsoft HoloLens 2 review

Questions people ask

Is 8th Wall or Microsoft HoloLens 2 better?
Neither clearly leads. 8th Wall starts at Free 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, 8th Wall or Microsoft HoloLens 2?
8th Wall has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for 8th Wall and $3500/one-time for Microsoft HoloLens 2.
Does 8th Wall or Microsoft HoloLens 2 run on more platforms?
8th Wall runs on Web (WebXR), Mobile browsers, Open source (local deployment). Microsoft HoloLens 2 runs on Standalone AR Headset.
Can I use 8th Wall for free?
Yes. 8th Wall has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Microsoft HoloLens 2 starts at $3500/one-time.
What is 8th Wall best used for?
8th Wall is most often used for vr gaming, ar marketing, virtual training, 3d visualization.
What can 8th Wall do that Microsoft HoloLens 2 cannot?
8th Wall covers SLAM tracking, Image targets, Face effects, World tracking. Microsoft HoloLens 2 covers Spatial mapping, Hand tracking, Eye tracking, Holographic display.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

8th Wall: What is 8th Wall and how does it work?

8th Wall was a WebAR platform enabling AR experiences in web browsers without native app installation. As of February 2026, it transitioned to open source at 8thwall.org with free MIT-licensed technology.

Source
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.

Source
8th Wall: Is 8th Wall still available?

The paid hosted platform shut down February 28, 2026. The core technology was released as open source at 8thwall.org. Existing published projects remain online until February 28, 2027, when all hosted content will be permanently deleted.

Source
Microsoft 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.

Source
8th Wall: What licensing is available for 8th Wall?

8th Wall is now released under the MIT open source license at no cost for commercial use. Previously, commercial licensing started at $700 per month per project.

Source
Microsoft 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.

Source
Microsoft 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.

Source
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