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Twinmotion vs Microsoft HoloLens 2

Twinmotion logo

Twinmotion

Software

Real-time visualization for architecture

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 Twinmotion has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: Twinmotion epic Games' own pricing announcement (unrealengine.com/twinmotion.com) sets an individual Twinmotion seat at $445 per year, and the bundled Unreal Subscription covering Twinmotion, Unreal Engine and RealityCapture together at $1,850 per seat per year, once a company's annual gross revenue exceeds $1,000,000 USD; below that threshold the same software is free, including for commercial use, which makes list price highly dependent on company size rather than usage.; 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: Twinmotion covers Real-time rendering, Microsoft HoloLens 2 covers Spatial mapping.

Where they differ

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

Attributes where Twinmotion and Microsoft HoloLens 2 differ
AttributeTwinmotionMicrosoft HoloLens 2
Starting priceFree$3500/one-time
Pricing modelsubscriptionUnknown
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsWindows, MacOSStandalone AR Headset
Founded19912015

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 Twinmotion

  • Real-time rendering
  • Easy import
  • Vegetation
  • Phasing
  • VR export
  • Video export
  • Direct link to CAD
  • 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.

Twinmotion

  • Architectural visualizationnot Microsoft HoloLens 2
  • Design presentationnot Microsoft HoloLens 2

Microsoft HoloLens 2

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

Where each one falls short

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

Twinmotion

  • Epic Games' own pricing announcement (unrealengine.com/twinmotion.com) sets an individual Twinmotion seat at $445 per year, and the bundled Unreal Subscription covering Twinmotion, Unreal Engine and RealityCapture together at $1,850 per seat per year, once a company's annual gross revenue exceeds $1,000,000 USD; below that threshold the same software is free, including for commercial use, which makes list price highly dependent on company size rather than usage.

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

Twinmotion

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Non-commercial
  • Professional$499/month
    • Commercial use

Microsoft HoloLens 2

$3500/one-time

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

Which should you pick?

Choose Twinmotion if

  • You need real-time rendering.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Windows, MacOS.
  • You also want easy import.
Twinmotion 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 Twinmotion or Microsoft HoloLens 2 better?
Neither clearly leads. Twinmotion 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, Twinmotion or Microsoft HoloLens 2?
Twinmotion has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for Twinmotion and $3500/one-time for Microsoft HoloLens 2.
Does Twinmotion or Microsoft HoloLens 2 run on more platforms?
Twinmotion runs on Windows, MacOS. Microsoft HoloLens 2 runs on Standalone AR Headset.
Can I use Twinmotion for free?
Yes. Twinmotion has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Microsoft HoloLens 2 starts at $3500/one-time.
What is Twinmotion best used for?
Twinmotion is most often used for architectural visualization, design presentation. Of those, architectural visualization and design presentation are not what Microsoft HoloLens 2 is typically brought in for.
What can Twinmotion do that Microsoft HoloLens 2 cannot?
Twinmotion covers Real-time rendering, Easy import, Vegetation, Phasing. 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
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Related pages

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