Game Development · head to head
Godot Engine vs Microsoft HoloLens 2
Godot Engine
Game Development
Free and open-source 2D and 3D game engine
- From
- Free
- Rated
- -
Microsoft HoloLens 2
AR/VR & Metaverse
Enterprise mixed reality for the modern workplace
- From
- $3500/one-time
- Rated
- -
The short version
- Only Godot Engine has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
- Each has a real cost: Godot Engine no royalties or licensing fees, but requires self-hosting and maintenance of the engine builds; 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: Godot Engine covers Scene system, Microsoft HoloLens 2 covers Spatial mapping.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which Godot Engine and Microsoft HoloLens 2 actually diverge.
| Attribute | Godot Engine | Microsoft HoloLens 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | Free | $3500/one-time |
| Pricing model | open-source | Unknown |
| Free tier | Yes | No |
| Platforms | Linux, macOS, Windows, Android, iOS, Web, Consoles | Standalone AR Headset |
| Category | Game Development | AR/VR & Metaverse |
| Founded | 2007 | 2015 |
Identical on both: user rating (Not yet rated).
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 Godot Engine
- Scene system
- GDScript language
- Visual shader editor
- 2D and 3D rendering
- Physics engine
- Built-in animation tools
- Debugging tools
- Asset library
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.
Godot Engine
- 2D game developmentnot Microsoft HoloLens 2
- 3D game developmentnot Microsoft HoloLens 2
- Cross-platform game deploymentnot Microsoft HoloLens 2
- VFX and simulation projectsnot Microsoft HoloLens 2
Microsoft HoloLens 2
- VR Gamingnot Godot Engine
- AR Marketingnot Godot Engine
- Virtual Trainingnot Godot Engine
- 3D Visualizationnot Godot Engine
- Immersive Experiencesnot Godot Engine
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
Godot Engine
- No royalties or licensing fees, but requires self-hosting and maintenance of the engine builds
- Console export support exists but requires additional SDK setup and licensing with each console manufacturer separately
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
Godot Engine
FreeNo published plan breakdown. See the Godot Engine review.
Microsoft HoloLens 2
$3500/one-timeNo published plan breakdown. See the Microsoft HoloLens 2 review.
Which should you pick?
Choose Godot Engine if
- You need scene system.
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on Linux, macOS, Windows, Android, iOS, Web, Consoles.
- You also want gdscript language.
Choose Microsoft HoloLens 2 if
- You need spatial mapping.
- You work on Standalone AR Headset.
- You also want hand tracking.
Questions people ask
- Is Godot Engine or Microsoft HoloLens 2 better?
- Neither clearly leads. Godot Engine 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, Godot Engine or Microsoft HoloLens 2?
- Godot Engine has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for Godot Engine and $3500/one-time for Microsoft HoloLens 2.
- Does Godot Engine or Microsoft HoloLens 2 run on more platforms?
- Godot Engine runs on Linux, macOS, Windows, Android, iOS, Web, Consoles. Microsoft HoloLens 2 runs on Standalone AR Headset.
- Can I use Godot Engine for free?
- Yes. Godot Engine has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Microsoft HoloLens 2 starts at $3500/one-time.
- What is Godot Engine best used for?
- Godot Engine is most often used for 2d game development, 3d game development, cross-platform game deployment, vfx and simulation projects. Of those, 2d game development and 3d game development are not what Microsoft HoloLens 2 is typically brought in for.
- What can Godot Engine do that Microsoft HoloLens 2 cannot?
- Godot Engine covers Scene system, GDScript language, Visual shader editor, 2D and 3D rendering. 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.
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.
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 Godot Engine
More on Microsoft HoloLens 2
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