Software · head to head
Microsoft HoloLens 2 vs Apple Vision Pro
Microsoft HoloLens 2
Software
Enterprise mixed reality for the modern workplace
- From
- $3500/one-time
- Rated
- -
Apple Vision Pro
Software
Revolutionary spatial computing device
- From
- $3499/one-time
- Rated
- -
The short version
- Each has a real cost: 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; Apple Vision Pro vision correction requires a valid prescription and not all prescriptions are supported
- They diverge on capability: Microsoft HoloLens 2 covers Spatial mapping, Apple Vision Pro covers Spatial computing.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which Microsoft HoloLens 2 and Apple Vision Pro actually diverge.
| Attribute | Microsoft HoloLens 2 | Apple Vision Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $3500/one-time | $3499/one-time |
| Pricing model | Unknown | one-time |
| Platforms | Standalone AR Headset | Visionos, Ar, Vr |
| Founded | 2015 | 2023 |
Identical on both: free tier (No), 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 Microsoft HoloLens 2
- Spatial mapping
- Holographic display
- Azure
- Dynamics 365
- Microsoft Teams
- Mixed-reality support
- Windows support
- Enterprise support
Only in Apple Vision Pro
- Spatial computing
- Micro-OLED displays
- visionOS apps
- Mac integration
- Apple ecosystem
- Visionos support
- Ar support
- Vr support
Both cover
- Hand tracking
- Eye tracking
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
Microsoft HoloLens 2
- VR Gaming
- AR Marketing
- Virtual Training
- 3D Visualization
- Immersive Experiences
Apple Vision Pro
- 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.
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
Apple Vision Pro
- Vision correction requires a valid prescription and not all prescriptions are supported
- Live Captions are not available in all languages, countries, or regions
Pricing, plan by plan
Microsoft HoloLens 2
$3500/one-timeNo published plan breakdown. See the Microsoft HoloLens 2 review.
Apple Vision Pro
$3499/one-time- Vision Pro$3499/one-time
- Spatial computing
- Eye & hand tracking
- visionOS
Which should you pick?
Choose Microsoft HoloLens 2 if
- You need spatial mapping.
- You work on Standalone AR Headset.
- You also want holographic display.
Choose Apple Vision Pro if
- You need spatial computing.
- You work on Visionos, Ar, Vr.
- You also want micro-oled displays.
Questions people ask
- Is Microsoft HoloLens 2 or Apple Vision Pro better?
- Neither clearly leads. Microsoft HoloLens 2 starts at $3500/one-time and Apple Vision Pro at $3499/one-time, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, Microsoft HoloLens 2 or Apple Vision Pro?
- Microsoft HoloLens 2 starts at $3500/one-time and Apple Vision Pro at $3499/one-time.
- Does Microsoft HoloLens 2 or Apple Vision Pro run on more platforms?
- Microsoft HoloLens 2 runs on Standalone AR Headset. Apple Vision Pro runs on Visionos, Ar, Vr.
- What is Microsoft HoloLens 2 best used for?
- Microsoft HoloLens 2 is most often used for vr gaming, ar marketing, virtual training, 3d visualization.
- What can Microsoft HoloLens 2 do that Apple Vision Pro cannot?
- Microsoft HoloLens 2 covers Spatial mapping, Holographic display, Azure, Dynamics 365. Apple Vision Pro covers Spatial computing, Micro-OLED displays, visionOS apps, Mac integration. Both handle Hand tracking, Eye tracking.
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.
Source