Softwr

Software · head to head

Defold vs Microsoft HoloLens 2

Defold logo

Defold

Software

The game engine for the creators of King

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 Defold has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: Defold the Defold License requires you to include the Defold license and copyright notice in any work you create with the engine; 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: Defold covers Lua scripting, Microsoft HoloLens 2 covers Spatial mapping.

Where they differ

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

Attributes where Defold and Microsoft HoloLens 2 differ
AttributeDefoldMicrosoft HoloLens 2
Starting priceFree$3500/one-time
Pricing modelfreeUnknown
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsWindows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, WebStandalone AR Headset
Founded20052015

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 Defold

  • Lua scripting
  • Physics engine
  • Sprite system
  • Particle effects
  • Sound management
  • Collection editor
  • Mobile optimization
  • Lightweight

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.

Defold

  • Building 2D games for mobile, desktop, web and console from a single projectnot Microsoft HoloLens 2
  • Shipping small-footprint HTML5 gamesnot Microsoft HoloLens 2
  • Teams wanting a free engine with no revenue share on gamesnot Microsoft HoloLens 2

Microsoft HoloLens 2

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

Where each one falls short

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

Defold

  • The Defold License requires you to include the Defold license and copyright notice in any work you create with the engine
  • The licence forbids commercialising original or modified versions of the Defold editor or engine itself
  • Significant changes made to the Defold source must be documented under the licence terms

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

Defold

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Full editor
    • Lua scripting
    • Physics engine

Microsoft HoloLens 2

$3500/one-time

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

Which should you pick?

Choose Defold if

  • You need lua scripting.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Web.
  • You also want physics engine.
Defold 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 Defold or Microsoft HoloLens 2 better?
Neither clearly leads. Defold 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, Defold or Microsoft HoloLens 2?
Defold has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for Defold and $3500/one-time for Microsoft HoloLens 2.
Does Defold or Microsoft HoloLens 2 run on more platforms?
Defold runs on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Web. Microsoft HoloLens 2 runs on Standalone AR Headset.
Can I use Defold for free?
Yes. Defold has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Microsoft HoloLens 2 starts at $3500/one-time.
What is Defold best used for?
Defold is most often used for building 2d games for mobile, desktop, web and console from a single project, shipping small-footprint html5 games, teams wanting a free engine with no revenue share on games. Of those, building 2d games for mobile, desktop, web and console from a single project and shipping small-footprint html5 games are not what Microsoft HoloLens 2 is typically brought in for.
What can Defold do that Microsoft HoloLens 2 cannot?
Defold covers Lua scripting, Physics engine, Sprite system, Particle effects. 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
ShareXLinkedInRedditWhatsAppEmail

Related pages

More on Defold

More on Microsoft HoloLens 2

Keep looking

Other head to heads