Software · head to head
AltspaceVR vs Bigscreen
The short version
- They diverge on capability: AltspaceVR covers Event hosting, Bigscreen covers Virtual theaters.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which AltspaceVR and Bigscreen actually diverge.
| Attribute | AltspaceVR | Bigscreen |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | free | freemium |
| Platforms | Vr, Pc, Quest | Vr, Pc, Quest, Psvr |
| Founded | 1975 | 2014 |
Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), 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 AltspaceVR
- Event hosting
- World building
- Avatar system
- Spatial audio
- Microsoft accounts
- Streaming
- Custom content
Only in Bigscreen
- Virtual theaters
- Social viewing
- Desktop streaming
- 3D movies
- Pluto TV
- Paramount+
- Desktop apps
- Psvr support
Both cover
- Vr support
- Pc support
- Quest support
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
AltspaceVR
- VR Gaming
- AR Marketing
- Virtual Training
- 3D Visualization
- Immersive Experiences
Bigscreen
- 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.
AltspaceVR
- Shut down permanently on 10 March 2023. Microsoft closed it to concentrate on Microsoft Mesh, and altvr.com now redirects to microsoft.com
- Microsoft acquired it in 2017 and the closure came alongside wider cuts, so there is no path back
- Mesh is aimed at business use rather than the consumer social VR AltspaceVR offered
Bigscreen
Nothing recorded yet. See the Bigscreen review.
Pricing, plan by plan
AltspaceVR
Free- FreeFree
- Event hosting
- World creation
- Social features
Bigscreen
Free- FreeFree
- Social viewing
- Private rooms
- Desktop streaming
Which should you pick?
Choose AltspaceVR if
- You need event hosting.
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on Vr, Pc, Quest.
- You also want world building.
Choose Bigscreen if
- You need virtual theaters.
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on Vr, Pc, Quest, Psvr.
- You also want social viewing.
Questions people ask
- Is AltspaceVR or Bigscreen better?
- Neither clearly leads. AltspaceVR starts at Free and Bigscreen at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, AltspaceVR or Bigscreen?
- AltspaceVR starts at Free and Bigscreen at Free.
- Does AltspaceVR or Bigscreen run on more platforms?
- AltspaceVR runs on Vr, Pc, Quest. Bigscreen runs on Vr, Pc, Quest, Psvr.
- Can I use AltspaceVR for free?
- Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
- What is AltspaceVR best used for?
- AltspaceVR is most often used for vr gaming, ar marketing, virtual training, 3d visualization.
- What can AltspaceVR do that Bigscreen cannot?
- AltspaceVR covers Event hosting, World building, Avatar system, Spatial audio. Bigscreen covers Virtual theaters, Social viewing, Desktop streaming, 3D movies. Both handle Vr support, Pc support, Quest support.