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Armory3D vs Microsoft HoloLens 2

Armory3D logo

Armory3D

Software

Open-source 3D game engine integrated with Blender

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 Armory3D has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: Armory3D compiled binaries are sold to fund the project while the source code itself is free to build from scratch; 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: Armory3D covers Blender integration, Microsoft HoloLens 2 covers Spatial mapping.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Armory3D and Microsoft HoloLens 2 actually diverge.

Attributes where Armory3D and Microsoft HoloLens 2 differ
AttributeArmory3DMicrosoft HoloLens 2
Starting priceFree$3500/one-time
Pricing modelfreeUnknown
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsWindows, Macos, Linux, Html5, AndroidStandalone AR Headset
Founded20162015

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 Armory3D

  • Blender integration
  • 3D graphics rendering
  • Physics engine (Bullet)
  • Audio system
  • Haxe scripting
  • Particle effects
  • Skeletal animation
  • Material system

Only in Microsoft HoloLens 2

  • Spatial mapping
  • Hand tracking
  • Eye tracking
  • Holographic display
  • Azure
  • Dynamics 365
  • Microsoft Teams
  • Mixed-reality support

Both cover

  • Windows support

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Armory3D

  • 3D game developmentnot Microsoft HoloLens 2
  • Blender-based gamesnot Microsoft HoloLens 2
  • Web gamesnot Microsoft HoloLens 2

Microsoft HoloLens 2

  • VR Gamingnot Armory3D
  • AR Marketingnot Armory3D
  • Virtual Trainingnot Armory3D
  • 3D Visualizationnot Armory3D
  • Immersive Experiencesnot Armory3D

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Armory3D

  • Compiled binaries are sold to fund the project while the source code itself is free to build from scratch

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

Armory3D

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Full engine
    • Blender integration
    • 3D graphics

Microsoft HoloLens 2

$3500/one-time

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

Which should you pick?

Choose Armory3D if

  • You need blender integration.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Windows, Macos, Linux, Html5, Android.
  • You also want 3d graphics rendering.
Armory3D 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 Armory3D or Microsoft HoloLens 2 better?
Neither clearly leads. Armory3D 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, Armory3D or Microsoft HoloLens 2?
Armory3D has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for Armory3D and $3500/one-time for Microsoft HoloLens 2.
Does Armory3D or Microsoft HoloLens 2 run on more platforms?
Armory3D runs on Windows, Macos, Linux, Html5, Android. Microsoft HoloLens 2 runs on Standalone AR Headset.
Can I use Armory3D for free?
Yes. Armory3D has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Microsoft HoloLens 2 starts at $3500/one-time.
What is Armory3D best used for?
Armory3D is most often used for 3d game development, blender-based games, web games. Of those, 3d game development and blender-based games are not what Microsoft HoloLens 2 is typically brought in for.
What can Armory3D do that Microsoft HoloLens 2 cannot?
Armory3D covers Blender integration, 3D graphics rendering, Physics engine (Bullet), Audio system. Microsoft HoloLens 2 covers Spatial mapping, Hand tracking, Eye tracking, Holographic display. Both handle Windows support.

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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