Software · head to head
AltspaceVR vs VRChat
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; VRChat vRChat Plus subscriptions are sold only through Steam and the Meta Quest Store, and the FAQ states neither platform permits refunds after purchase: "VRChat does not offer refunds for subscriptions after they are purchased."
- They diverge on capability: AltspaceVR covers Event hosting, VRChat covers User-created worlds.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which AltspaceVR and VRChat actually diverge.
| Attribute | AltspaceVR | VRChat |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | free | freemium |
| Founded | 1975 | 2014 |
Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), platforms (Vr, Pc, Quest), 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 VRChat
- User-created worlds
- Custom avatars
- Social features
- Cross-platform
- Unity SDK
- Blender
- Avatar systems
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 Gamingnot VRChat
- AR Marketingnot VRChat
- Virtual Trainingnot VRChat
- 3D Visualizationnot VRChat
- Immersive Experiencesnot VRChat
VRChat
- Social VR world building and avatar based hangouts, with VRChat Plus as an optional $9.99 per month or $99.99 per year subscription for enhanced featuresnot 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
VRChat
- VRChat Plus subscriptions are sold only through Steam and the Meta Quest Store, and the FAQ states neither platform permits refunds after purchase: "VRChat does not offer refunds for subscriptions after they are purchased."
Pricing, plan by plan
AltspaceVR
Free- FreeFree
- Event hosting
- World creation
- Social features
VRChat
Free- FreeFree
- Full access
- Avatar uploads
- World 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 world building.
Choose VRChat if
- You need user-created worlds.
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on Vr, Pc, Quest.
- You also want custom avatars.
Questions people ask
- Is AltspaceVR or VRChat better?
- Neither clearly leads. AltspaceVR starts at Free and VRChat at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, AltspaceVR or VRChat?
- AltspaceVR starts at Free and VRChat at Free.
- Does AltspaceVR or VRChat run on more platforms?
- Both run on Vr, Pc, Quest, so platform support will not decide this one for you.
- 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 VRChat is typically brought in for.
- What can AltspaceVR do that VRChat cannot?
- AltspaceVR covers Event hosting, World building, Avatar system, Spatial audio. VRChat covers User-created worlds, Custom avatars, Social features, Cross-platform. Both handle Vr support, Pc support, Quest support.