Software · head to head
DaVinci Resolve vs Microsoft HoloLens 2
DaVinci Resolve
Software
Professional video editing, color correction, visual effects and audio post production
- From
- Free
- Rated
- -
Microsoft HoloLens 2
Software
Enterprise mixed reality for the modern workplace
- From
- $3500/one-time
- Rated
- -
The short version
- Only DaVinci Resolve has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
- Each has a real cost: DaVinci Resolve free version limits noise reduction to CPU-only processing, significantly slower than Studio's GPU acceleration; 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: DaVinci Resolve covers Multi-user collaboration, Microsoft HoloLens 2 covers Spatial mapping.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which DaVinci Resolve and Microsoft HoloLens 2 actually diverge.
| Attribute | DaVinci Resolve | Microsoft HoloLens 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | Free | $3500/one-time |
| Free tier | Yes | No |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux | Standalone AR Headset |
| Founded | 2008 | 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 DaVinci Resolve
- Multi-user collaboration
- 8K editing
- Color correction
- Visual effects
- Motion graphics
- Audio post production
- Fairlight audio
- Fusion VFX
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.
DaVinci Resolve
- Professional video editingnot Microsoft HoloLens 2
- Color gradingnot Microsoft HoloLens 2
- Visual effectsnot Microsoft HoloLens 2
- Audio post productionnot Microsoft HoloLens 2
- Film productionnot Microsoft HoloLens 2
Microsoft HoloLens 2
- VR Gamingnot DaVinci Resolve
- AR Marketingnot DaVinci Resolve
- Virtual Trainingnot DaVinci Resolve
- 3D Visualizationnot DaVinci Resolve
- Immersive Experiencesnot DaVinci Resolve
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
DaVinci Resolve
- Free version limits noise reduction to CPU-only processing, significantly slower than Studio's GPU acceleration
- Free version caps export resolution at 4K without 8K support
- No multi-GPU support in free version, limiting rendering speed on powerful workstations
- AI tools and features like Super Scale AI only available in $295 Studio version
- Users report random issues requiring restart suggesting architectural stability concerns
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
DaVinci Resolve
Free- FreeFree
- Professional editing tools
- Color correction
- Visual effects
- Studio$295/one-time
- All free features
- AI tools and Super Scale AI
- 8K editing support
Microsoft HoloLens 2
$3500/one-timeNo published plan breakdown. See the Microsoft HoloLens 2 review.
Which should you pick?
Choose DaVinci Resolve if
- You need multi-user collaboration.
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on Windows, macOS, Linux.
- You also want 8k editing.
Choose Microsoft HoloLens 2 if
- You need spatial mapping.
- You work on Standalone AR Headset.
- You also want hand tracking.
Questions people ask
- Is DaVinci Resolve or Microsoft HoloLens 2 better?
- Neither clearly leads. DaVinci Resolve 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, DaVinci Resolve or Microsoft HoloLens 2?
- DaVinci Resolve has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for DaVinci Resolve and $3500/one-time for Microsoft HoloLens 2.
- Does DaVinci Resolve or Microsoft HoloLens 2 run on more platforms?
- DaVinci Resolve runs on Windows, macOS, Linux. Microsoft HoloLens 2 runs on Standalone AR Headset.
- Can I use DaVinci Resolve for free?
- Yes. DaVinci Resolve has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Microsoft HoloLens 2 starts at $3500/one-time.
- What is DaVinci Resolve best used for?
- DaVinci Resolve is most often used for professional video editing, color grading, visual effects, audio post production. Of those, professional video editing and color grading are not what Microsoft HoloLens 2 is typically brought in for.
- What can DaVinci Resolve do that Microsoft HoloLens 2 cannot?
- DaVinci Resolve covers Multi-user collaboration, 8K editing, Color correction, Visual effects. Microsoft HoloLens 2 covers Spatial mapping, Hand tracking, Eye tracking, Holographic display. Both handle Windows support.
Answered from the vendors’ own pages
DaVinci Resolve: What is the pricing for DaVinci Resolve?
DaVinci Resolve has a completely free version with professional editing tools and no watermark. DaVinci Resolve Studio adds AI-powered features, 8K support, and multi-user collaboration as a one-time $295 purchase.
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.
SourceDaVinci Resolve: What features are only in DaVinci Resolve Studio?
Studio version adds AI tools like Super Scale AI, noise reduction with GPU acceleration, 8K editing support, HDR color grading, multi-user collaboration, and advanced codec support.
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.
SourceDaVinci Resolve: What are the hardware requirements for DaVinci Resolve?
For optimal performance with modern RAW footage, an NVMe SSD is required for cache and scratch files. Multi-GPU configurations benefit only specific effects workloads, while most users achieve better performance with a single high-VRAM GPU.
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 DaVinci Resolve
More on Microsoft HoloLens 2
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