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AltspaceVR vs Microsoft HoloLens 2

A

AltspaceVR

Software

Social VR platform for events and meetups

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 AltspaceVR has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • 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; 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: AltspaceVR covers Event hosting, Microsoft HoloLens 2 covers Spatial mapping.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which AltspaceVR and Microsoft HoloLens 2 actually diverge.

Attributes where AltspaceVR and Microsoft HoloLens 2 differ
AttributeAltspaceVRMicrosoft HoloLens 2
Starting priceFree$3500/one-time
Pricing modelfreeUnknown
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsVr, Pc, QuestStandalone AR Headset
Founded19752015

Identical on both: 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
  • Vr support

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.

AltspaceVR

  • 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.

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

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

AltspaceVR

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Event hosting
    • World creation
    • Social features

Microsoft HoloLens 2

$3500/one-time

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

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.
AltspaceVR 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 AltspaceVR or Microsoft HoloLens 2 better?
Neither clearly leads. AltspaceVR 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, AltspaceVR or Microsoft HoloLens 2?
AltspaceVR has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for AltspaceVR and $3500/one-time for Microsoft HoloLens 2.
Does AltspaceVR or Microsoft HoloLens 2 run on more platforms?
AltspaceVR runs on Vr, Pc, Quest. Microsoft HoloLens 2 runs on Standalone AR Headset.
Can I use AltspaceVR for free?
Yes. AltspaceVR has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Microsoft HoloLens 2 starts at $3500/one-time.
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 Microsoft HoloLens 2 cannot?
AltspaceVR covers Event hosting, World building, Avatar system, Spatial audio. Microsoft HoloLens 2 covers Spatial mapping, Hand tracking, Eye tracking, Holographic display.

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.

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
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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