Software · head to head
AltspaceVR vs Snapchat AR
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; Snapchat AR limited to Snapchat and Spectacles ecosystem without Camera Kit
- They diverge on capability: AltspaceVR covers Event hosting, Snapchat AR covers Face tracking.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which AltspaceVR and Snapchat AR actually diverge.
| Attribute | AltspaceVR | Snapchat AR |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | free | freemium |
| Platforms | Vr, Pc, Quest | Web, iOS, Android, Spectacles |
| Founded | 1975 | 2011 |
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
- Vr support
Only in Snapchat AR
- Face tracking
- World tracking
- Body tracking
- Hand tracking
- Lens Studio
- AR Commerce
- Snap Camera
- Ar 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
Snapchat AR
- 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
Snapchat AR
- Limited to Snapchat and Spectacles ecosystem without Camera Kit
- Requires JavaScript or TypeScript knowledge for advanced effects
- Monetization requires meeting minimum performance thresholds
- Face tracking effects work best with optimal lighting
Pricing, plan by plan
AltspaceVR
Free- FreeFree
- Event hosting
- World creation
- Social features
Snapchat AR
Free- FreeFree
- AR filters
- Face lenses
- World lenses
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 Snapchat AR if
- You need face tracking.
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on Web, iOS, Android, Spectacles.
- You also want world tracking.
Questions people ask
- Is AltspaceVR or Snapchat AR better?
- Neither clearly leads. AltspaceVR starts at Free and Snapchat AR at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, AltspaceVR or Snapchat AR?
- AltspaceVR starts at Free and Snapchat AR at Free.
- Does AltspaceVR or Snapchat AR run on more platforms?
- AltspaceVR runs on Vr, Pc, Quest. Snapchat AR runs on Web, iOS, Android, Spectacles.
- 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 Snapchat AR cannot?
- AltspaceVR covers Event hosting, World building, Avatar system, Spatial audio. Snapchat AR covers Face tracking, World tracking, Body tracking, Hand tracking.
Answered from the vendors’ own pages
Snapchat AR: Is Lens Studio free?
Yes. Lens Studio is Snap AR's free AR development platform for creating augmented reality experiences for Snapchat, Spectacles, and web applications through Camera Kit.
SourceSnapchat AR: Can I monetize AR experiences created with Lens Studio?
Yes. Creators can participate in the Lens Creator Rewards Program to earn payouts based on lens performance. Lens+ provides additional monetization options for premium lenses.
SourceSnapchat AR: What features does Lens Studio include?
Lens Studio includes AR development tools, face tracking effects, generative AI for creating assets and ML models, 3D body morphing, and integrations with Snapchat, Spectacles, and mobile/web through Camera Kit.
Source