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AR/VR & Metaverse · head to head

Babylon.js vs Microsoft HoloLens 2

Babylon.js logo

Babylon.js

AR/VR & Metaverse

Powerful 3D engine for the web with WebXR

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Microsoft HoloLens 2 logo

Microsoft HoloLens 2

AR/VR & Metaverse

Enterprise mixed reality for the modern workplace

From
$3500/one-time
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only Babylon.js has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: Babylon.js javaScript-only framework; requires developer expertise to implement and maintain; 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: Babylon.js covers WebGL/WebGPU rendering, Microsoft HoloLens 2 covers Spatial mapping.

Where they differ

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

Attributes where Babylon.js and Microsoft HoloLens 2 differ
AttributeBabylon.jsMicrosoft HoloLens 2
Starting priceFree$3500/one-time
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsWeb, Native (via Babylon Native Runtime), React NativeStandalone AR Headset
Founded19752015

Identical on both: pricing model (Unknown), user rating (Not yet rated), category (AR/VR & Metaverse).

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 Babylon.js

  • WebGL/WebGPU rendering
  • Physics engines
  • GUI system
  • Node material editor
  • WebXR
  • glTF
  • Havok physics
  • Webgl support

Only in Microsoft HoloLens 2

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

Both cover

  • Azure

What people use each for

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

Babylon.js

  • Web 3D rendering engine for games, e-commerce product configuration, and interactive experiencesnot Microsoft HoloLens 2
  • Cross-platform 3D development with native runtime and React Native supportnot Microsoft HoloLens 2

Microsoft HoloLens 2

  • VR Gamingnot Babylon.js
  • AR Marketingnot Babylon.js
  • Virtual Trainingnot Babylon.js
  • 3D Visualizationnot Babylon.js
  • Immersive Experiencesnot Babylon.js

Where each one falls short

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

Babylon.js

  • JavaScript-only framework; requires developer expertise to implement and maintain

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

Babylon.js

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the Babylon.js review.

Microsoft HoloLens 2

$3500/one-time

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

Which should you pick?

Choose Babylon.js if

  • You need webgl/webgpu rendering.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Native (via Babylon Native Runtime), React Native.
  • You also want physics engines.
Babylon.js 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 Babylon.js or Microsoft HoloLens 2 better?
Neither clearly leads. Babylon.js 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, Babylon.js or Microsoft HoloLens 2?
Babylon.js has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for Babylon.js and $3500/one-time for Microsoft HoloLens 2.
Does Babylon.js or Microsoft HoloLens 2 run on more platforms?
Babylon.js runs on Web, Native (via Babylon Native Runtime), React Native. Microsoft HoloLens 2 runs on Standalone AR Headset.
Can I use Babylon.js for free?
Yes. Babylon.js has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Microsoft HoloLens 2 starts at $3500/one-time.
What is Babylon.js best used for?
Babylon.js is most often used for web 3d rendering engine for games, e-commerce product configuration, and interactive experiences, cross-platform 3d development with native runtime and react native support. Of those, web 3d rendering engine for games, e-commerce product configuration, and interactive experiences and cross-platform 3d development with native runtime and react native support are not what Microsoft HoloLens 2 is typically brought in for.
What can Babylon.js do that Microsoft HoloLens 2 cannot?
Babylon.js covers WebGL/WebGPU rendering, Physics engines, GUI system, Node material editor. Microsoft HoloLens 2 covers Spatial mapping, Hand tracking, Eye tracking, Holographic display. Both handle Azure.

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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