Software · head to head
AltspaceVR vs Engage VR
The short version
- Each has a real cost: AltspaceVR shut down permanently on 10 March 2023. Microsoft closed it to concentrate on Microsoft Mesh, and altvr.com now redirects to microsoft.com; Engage VR pLUS licences are being discontinued and are no longer available to purchase, with existing customers keeping access only to the end of their current payment term
- They diverge on capability: AltspaceVR covers Event hosting, Engage VR covers Virtual classrooms.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which AltspaceVR and Engage VR actually diverge.
| Attribute | AltspaceVR | Engage VR |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | free | freemium |
| Platforms | Vr, Pc, Quest | Vr, Pc, Mobile, Quest |
| Founded | 1975 | 2015 |
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
- Avatar system
- Spatial audio
- Microsoft accounts
- Streaming
- Custom content
Only in Engage VR
- Virtual classrooms
- Events
- Realistic avatars
- LMS systems
- Video streaming
- Recording
- Mobile support
Both cover
- World building
- Vr support
- Pc support
- Quest support
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
AltspaceVR
- VR Gamingnot Engage VR
- AR Marketingnot Engage VR
- Virtual Trainingnot Engage VR
- 3D Visualizationnot Engage VR
- Immersive Experiencesnot Engage VR
Engage VR
- Virtual classrooms and immersive education deliverynot AltspaceVR
- Corporate training, onboarding and team building in VRnot AltspaceVR
- Hosting remote events and digital twin experiencesnot AltspaceVR
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
Engage VR
- PLUS licences are being discontinued and are no longer available to purchase, with existing customers keeping access only to the end of their current payment term
- The AI Character Builder, Cloud File Manager and Experience Editor require a PRO licence
- PRO private sessions are limited to 70 users with a limit of 3 LITE participants
- No prices are published for PRO or Enterprise; the page routes to Contact Sales
- Enterprise features previously required a minimum number of licences to be purchased to unlock
Pricing, plan by plan
AltspaceVR
Free- FreeFree
- Event hosting
- World creation
- Social features
Engage VR
Free- FreeFree
- Basic access
- Public events
- Avatar creation
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 avatar system.
Choose Engage VR if
- You need virtual classrooms.
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on Vr, Pc, Mobile, Quest.
- You also want events.
Questions people ask
- Is AltspaceVR or Engage VR better?
- Neither clearly leads. AltspaceVR starts at Free and Engage VR at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, AltspaceVR or Engage VR?
- AltspaceVR starts at Free and Engage VR at Free.
- Does AltspaceVR or Engage VR run on more platforms?
- AltspaceVR runs on Vr, Pc, Quest. Engage VR runs on Vr, Pc, Mobile, Quest.
- 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. Of those, vr gaming and ar marketing are not what Engage VR is typically brought in for.
- What can AltspaceVR do that Engage VR cannot?
- AltspaceVR covers Event hosting, Avatar system, Spatial audio, Microsoft accounts. Engage VR covers Virtual classrooms, Events, Realistic avatars, LMS systems. Both handle World building, Vr support, Pc support, Quest support.