Software · head to head
Horizon Worlds vs AltspaceVR
The short version
- Each has a real cost: Horizon Worlds free to download but its full multiplayer VR experience requires Meta Quest headset hardware; the iOS/mobile app is a companion rather than a substitute for the headset; AltspaceVR shut down permanently on 10 March 2023. Microsoft closed it to concentrate on Microsoft Mesh, and altvr.com now redirects to microsoft.com
- They diverge on capability: Horizon Worlds covers Social spaces, AltspaceVR covers Event hosting.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which Horizon Worlds and AltspaceVR actually diverge.
| Attribute | Horizon Worlds | AltspaceVR |
|---|---|---|
| Platforms | Vr, Quest | Vr, Pc, Quest |
| Founded | 2004 | 1975 |
Identical on both: starting price (Free), pricing model (free), free tier (Yes), 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 Horizon Worlds
- Social spaces
- Games
- Events
- Meta accounts
- Quest integration
- Creator tools
Only in AltspaceVR
- Event hosting
- Avatar system
- Spatial audio
- Microsoft accounts
- Streaming
- Custom content
- Pc support
Both cover
- World building
- Vr support
- Quest support
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
Horizon Worlds
- VR Gaming
- AR Marketing
- Virtual Training
- 3D Visualization
- Immersive Experiences
AltspaceVR
- VR Gaming
- AR Marketing
- Virtual Training
- 3D Visualization
- Immersive Experiences
Both are used for vr gaming, ar marketing, virtual training, 3d visualization, immersive experiences, on those jobs the choice comes down to price and fit rather than capability.
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
Horizon Worlds
- Free to download but its full multiplayer VR experience requires Meta Quest headset hardware; the iOS/mobile app is a companion rather than a substitute for the headset
- Mobile app requires iOS 15.1 or later, per the App Store listing
AltspaceVR
- Shut down permanently on 10 March 2023. Microsoft closed it to concentrate on Microsoft Mesh, and altvr.com now redirects to microsoft.com
- Microsoft acquired it in 2017 and the closure came alongside wider cuts, so there is no path back
- Mesh is aimed at business use rather than the consumer social VR AltspaceVR offered
Pricing, plan by plan
Horizon Worlds
Free- FreeFree
- World creation
- Social features
- Events
AltspaceVR
Free- FreeFree
- Event hosting
- World creation
- Social features
Which should you pick?
Choose Horizon Worlds if
- You need social spaces.
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on Vr, Quest.
- You also want games.
Choose AltspaceVR if
- You need event hosting.
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on Vr, Pc, Quest.
- You also want avatar system.
Questions people ask
- Is Horizon Worlds or AltspaceVR better?
- Neither clearly leads. Horizon Worlds starts at Free and AltspaceVR at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, Horizon Worlds or AltspaceVR?
- Horizon Worlds starts at Free and AltspaceVR at Free.
- Does Horizon Worlds or AltspaceVR run on more platforms?
- Horizon Worlds runs on Vr, Quest. AltspaceVR runs on Vr, Pc, Quest.
- Can I use Horizon Worlds for free?
- Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
- What is Horizon Worlds best used for?
- Horizon Worlds is most often used for vr gaming, ar marketing, virtual training, 3d visualization.
- What can Horizon Worlds do that AltspaceVR cannot?
- Horizon Worlds covers Social spaces, Games, Events, Meta accounts. AltspaceVR covers Event hosting, Avatar system, Spatial audio, Microsoft accounts. Both handle World building, Vr support, Quest support.