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AR VR · head to head

AltspaceVR vs WebXR Device API

AltspaceVR logo

AltspaceVR

AR VR

Social VR platform for events and meetups

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
WebXR Device API logo

WebXR Device API

AR VR

W3C standard for VR and AR on the web

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

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; WebXR Device API safari on iOS does not support WebXR natively, limiting reach for iPhone and iPad users
  • They diverge on capability: AltspaceVR covers Event hosting, WebXR Device API covers VR sessions.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which AltspaceVR and WebXR Device API actually diverge.

Attributes where AltspaceVR and WebXR Device API differ
AttributeAltspaceVRWebXR Device API
PlatformsVr, Pc, QuestWeb, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Samsung Internet
Founded19751994

Identical on both: starting price (Free), pricing model (free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated), category (AR VR).

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
  • Pc support

Only in WebXR Device API

  • VR sessions
  • AR sessions
  • Input handling
  • Reference spaces
  • Chrome
  • Firefox
  • Edge
  • Quest Browser

Both cover

  • Vr 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

WebXR Device API

  • 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

WebXR Device API

  • Safari on iOS does not support WebXR natively, limiting reach for iPhone and iPad users
  • Requires compatible VR/AR hardware which limits adoption to users with VR headsets or AR-capable mobile devices
  • Browser support still emerging with some features being experimental or not widely implemented across all browsers

Pricing, plan by plan

AltspaceVR

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

WebXR Device API

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Open standard
    • Browser support
    • Specification

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 WebXR Device API if

  • You need vr sessions.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Samsung Internet.
  • You also want ar sessions.
WebXR Device API review

Questions people ask

Is AltspaceVR or WebXR Device API better?
Neither clearly leads. AltspaceVR starts at Free and WebXR Device API at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, AltspaceVR or WebXR Device API?
AltspaceVR starts at Free and WebXR Device API at Free.
Does AltspaceVR or WebXR Device API run on more platforms?
AltspaceVR runs on Vr, Pc, Quest. WebXR Device API runs on Web, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Samsung Internet.
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 WebXR Device API cannot?
AltspaceVR covers Event hosting, World building, Avatar system, Spatial audio. WebXR Device API covers VR sessions, AR sessions, Input handling, Reference spaces. Both handle Vr support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

WebXR Device API: What is WebXR Device API?

WebXR Device API is a W3C web standard that enables developers to build immersive virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality experiences directly within web browsers without requiring native app installation.

Source
WebXR Device API: Which browsers support WebXR?

WebXR is supported in Chrome (desktop and mobile), Microsoft Edge (desktop), Firefox (desktop and mobile), and Safari on mobile. Safari on iOS does not implement WebXR natively but third-party apps like 8th Wall provide workarounds.

Source
WebXR Device API: Is WebXR hardware-dependent?

Yes, WebXR requires compatible VR/AR hardware such as Meta Quest headsets, HTC Vive, Microsoft HoloLens, or mobile AR-capable devices, but the same code can run on different hardware through the unified API.

Source
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