Software · head to head
Arnold vs Microsoft HoloLens 2
Microsoft HoloLens 2
Software
Enterprise mixed reality for the modern workplace
- From
- $3500/one-time
- Rated
- -
The short version
- Each has a real cost: Arnold the Internet Archive's capture of Autodesk's Arnold overview page on 30 December 2022 stated a subscription can be installed on up to 3 computers or devices, though only the named user may run it on one machine at a time, and includes access to the 3 previous major versions.; 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: Arnold covers Ray tracing, Microsoft HoloLens 2 covers Spatial mapping.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which Arnold and Microsoft HoloLens 2 actually diverge.
| Attribute | Arnold | Microsoft HoloLens 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $29/month | $3500/one-time |
| Pricing model | subscription | Unknown |
| Platforms | Windows, MacOS, Linux | Standalone AR Headset |
| Founded | 1998 | 2015 |
Identical on both: free tier (No), 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 Arnold
- Ray tracing
- GPU rendering
- Production shading
- OSL
- Denoising
- Maya
- 3ds Max
- Cinema 4D
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.
Arnold
- Film productionnot Microsoft HoloLens 2
- Animationnot Microsoft HoloLens 2
- VFXnot Microsoft HoloLens 2
Microsoft HoloLens 2
- VR Gamingnot Arnold
- AR Marketingnot Arnold
- Virtual Trainingnot Arnold
- 3D Visualizationnot Arnold
- Immersive Experiencesnot Arnold
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
Arnold
- The Internet Archive's capture of Autodesk's Arnold overview page on 30 December 2022 stated a subscription can be installed on up to 3 computers or devices, though only the named user may run it on one machine at a time, and includes access to the 3 previous major versions.
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
Arnold
$29/month- Arnold$360/month
- Standalone renderer
Microsoft HoloLens 2
$3500/one-timeNo published plan breakdown. See the Microsoft HoloLens 2 review.
Which should you pick?
Choose Arnold if
- You need ray tracing.
- You work on Windows, MacOS, Linux.
- You also want gpu rendering.
Choose Microsoft HoloLens 2 if
- You need spatial mapping.
- You work on Standalone AR Headset.
- You also want hand tracking.
Questions people ask
- Is Arnold or Microsoft HoloLens 2 better?
- Neither clearly leads. Arnold starts at $29/month 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, Arnold or Microsoft HoloLens 2?
- Arnold starts at $29/month and Microsoft HoloLens 2 at $3500/one-time.
- Does Arnold or Microsoft HoloLens 2 run on more platforms?
- Arnold runs on Windows, MacOS, Linux. Microsoft HoloLens 2 runs on Standalone AR Headset.
- What is Arnold best used for?
- Arnold is most often used for film production, animation, vfx. Of those, film production and animation are not what Microsoft HoloLens 2 is typically brought in for.
- What can Arnold do that Microsoft HoloLens 2 cannot?
- Arnold covers Ray tracing, GPU rendering, Production shading, OSL. 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.
SourceMicrosoft 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.
SourceMicrosoft 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.
SourceMicrosoft 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.
SourceRelated pages
More on Microsoft HoloLens 2
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- Microsoft HoloLens 2 vs A-Frame
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- Microsoft HoloLens 2 vs Spark AR Studio
- Microsoft HoloLens 2 vs TikTok Effect House
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