Software · head to head
D5 Render vs Microsoft HoloLens 2
Microsoft HoloLens 2
Software
Enterprise mixed reality for the modern workplace
- From
- $3500/one-time
- Rated
- -
The short version
- Only D5 Render has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
- Each has a real cost: D5 Render windows-only application with no macOS support; 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: D5 Render covers Real-time ray tracing, Microsoft HoloLens 2 covers Spatial mapping.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which D5 Render and Microsoft HoloLens 2 actually diverge.
| Attribute | D5 Render | Microsoft HoloLens 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | Free | $3500/one-time |
| Free tier | Yes | No |
| Platforms | Windows | Standalone AR Headset |
| Founded | 2019 | 2015 |
Identical on both: pricing model (Unknown), 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 D5 Render
- Real-time ray tracing
- GI
- Asset library
- Video export
- LiveSync
- Geo-location
- SketchUp
- Revit
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.
D5 Render
- Architectural visualizationnot Microsoft HoloLens 2
- Interior rendersnot Microsoft HoloLens 2
Microsoft HoloLens 2
- VR Gamingnot D5 Render
- AR Marketingnot D5 Render
- Virtual Trainingnot D5 Render
- 3D Visualizationnot D5 Render
- Immersive Experiencesnot D5 Render
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
D5 Render
- Windows-only application with no macOS support
- Requires dedicated NVIDIA GPU, limiting hardware compatibility
- Community edition restricted to non-commercial use only
- Teams plan at USD 75/seat/month becomes expensive for larger organizations
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
D5 Render
Free- CommunityFree
- Full rendering engine with real-time ray tracing
- Unlimited projects
- High-resolution image and panorama output
- Pro$38/month
- 16K stills and panoramas
- 4K video
- Frame sequence rendering
- Teams$75/month
- All Pro features
- Multi-seat licensing
- Team collaboration
Microsoft HoloLens 2
$3500/one-timeNo published plan breakdown. See the Microsoft HoloLens 2 review.
Which should you pick?
Choose D5 Render if
- You need real-time ray tracing.
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on Windows.
- You also want gi.
Choose Microsoft HoloLens 2 if
- You need spatial mapping.
- You work on Standalone AR Headset.
- You also want hand tracking.
Questions people ask
- Is D5 Render or Microsoft HoloLens 2 better?
- Neither clearly leads. D5 Render 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, D5 Render or Microsoft HoloLens 2?
- D5 Render has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for D5 Render and $3500/one-time for Microsoft HoloLens 2.
- Does D5 Render or Microsoft HoloLens 2 run on more platforms?
- D5 Render runs on Windows. Microsoft HoloLens 2 runs on Standalone AR Headset.
- Can I use D5 Render for free?
- Yes. D5 Render has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Microsoft HoloLens 2 starts at $3500/one-time.
- What is D5 Render best used for?
- D5 Render is most often used for architectural visualization, interior renders. Of those, architectural visualization and interior renders are not what Microsoft HoloLens 2 is typically brought in for.
- What can D5 Render do that Microsoft HoloLens 2 cannot?
- D5 Render covers Real-time ray tracing, GI, Asset library, Video export. Microsoft HoloLens 2 covers Spatial mapping, Hand tracking, Eye tracking, Holographic display. Both handle Windows support.
Answered from the vendors’ own pages
D5 Render: What is the pricing for D5 Render Pro?
D5 Render Pro costs USD 38/month or USD 360/year. Annual billing saves 20-21% compared to monthly payments.
SourceMicrosoft 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.
SourceD5 Render: Is there a free version of D5 Render?
Yes. D5 Render Community edition is free for non-commercial use. It includes the full rendering engine with real-time ray tracing, unlimited projects, and approximately 2,000 library models and materials.
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.
SourceD5 Render: Does D5 Render work on macOS?
No. D5 Render is a Windows-only application that requires a dedicated NVIDIA GPU. There is no Mac version available.
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.
SourceD5 Render: What are the output resolution capabilities in Pro?
D5 Render Pro supports 16K stills and panoramas, 4K video, frame sequence rendering, and VR output with full Showreel capabilities.
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.
SourceRelated pages
More on Microsoft HoloLens 2
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