AR/VR & Metaverse · head to head
Microsoft HoloLens 2 vs Magic Leap 2
Microsoft HoloLens 2
AR/VR & Metaverse
Enterprise mixed reality for the modern workplace
- From
- $3500/one-time
- Rated
- -
Magic Leap 2
AR/VR & Metaverse
Enterprise AR headset for transformative experiences
- From
- $3299/unit
- 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; Magic Leap 2 3.5-hour battery life limits all-day usage in professional environments without battery swaps or tethered power
- They diverge on capability: Microsoft HoloLens 2 covers Spatial mapping, Magic Leap 2 covers 70-degree FOV.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which Microsoft HoloLens 2 and Magic Leap 2 actually diverge.
| Attribute | Microsoft HoloLens 2 | Magic Leap 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $3500/one-time | $3299/unit |
| Platforms | Standalone AR Headset | LuminOS, Web |
| Founded | 2015 | 2010 |
Identical on both: pricing model (Unknown), free tier (No), user rating (Not yet rated), category (AR/VR & Metaverse).
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
- Hand tracking
- Holographic display
- Azure
- Dynamics 365
- Microsoft Teams
- Mixed-reality support
- Windows support
Only in Magic Leap 2
- 70-degree FOV
- Dynamic dimming
- Segmented dimming
- Enterprise SDKs
- Cloud services
- Custom apps
- Ar support
Both cover
- Eye tracking
- Enterprise support
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
Magic Leap 2
- 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
Magic Leap 2
- 3.5-hour battery life limits all-day usage in professional environments without battery swaps or tethered power
- 70x55 degree field of view is narrower than competitors like Meta Quest (100+ degrees), creating tunnel vision effect
- Limited app ecosystem compared to Windows Holographic alternatives like HoloLens 2
- Waveguide display is transparent by design, unsuitable for fully immersive content experiences
Pricing, plan by plan
Microsoft HoloLens 2
$3500/one-timeNo published plan breakdown. See the Microsoft HoloLens 2 review.
Magic Leap 2
$3299/unitNo published plan breakdown. See the Magic Leap 2 review.
Which should you pick?
Choose Microsoft HoloLens 2 if
- You need spatial mapping.
- You work on Standalone AR Headset.
- You also want hand tracking.
Choose Magic Leap 2 if
- You need 70-degree fov.
- You work on LuminOS, Web.
- You also want dynamic dimming.
Questions people ask
- Is Microsoft HoloLens 2 or Magic Leap 2 better?
- Neither clearly leads. Microsoft HoloLens 2 starts at $3500/one-time and Magic Leap 2 at $3299/unit, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, Microsoft HoloLens 2 or Magic Leap 2?
- Microsoft HoloLens 2 starts at $3500/one-time and Magic Leap 2 at $3299/unit.
- Does Microsoft HoloLens 2 or Magic Leap 2 run on more platforms?
- Microsoft HoloLens 2 runs on Standalone AR Headset. Magic Leap 2 runs on LuminOS, Web.
- 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 Magic Leap 2 cannot?
- Microsoft HoloLens 2 covers Spatial mapping, Hand tracking, Holographic display, Azure. Magic Leap 2 covers 70-degree FOV, Dynamic dimming, Segmented dimming, Enterprise SDKs. Both handle Eye tracking, Enterprise 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.
SourceMagic Leap 2: What is the resolution of Magic Leap 2?
Magic Leap 2 features 1440 x 1760 pixels per eye resolution with approximately 70x55 degree field of view.
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.
SourceMagic Leap 2: How long is the battery life on Magic Leap 2?
Magic Leap 2 offers up to 3.5 hours of continuous battery life on a single charge, limiting full-shift deployments without battery swapping.
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.
SourceMagic Leap 2: What is the price of Magic Leap 2?
Magic Leap 2 costs approximately $3,299, positioning it as an enterprise-focused solution with no consumer market path.
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.
SourceMagic Leap 2: What operating system does Magic Leap 2 run?
Magic Leap 2 runs LuminOS, an Android-based operating system that integrates with standard enterprise management tools.
SourceMagic Leap 2: What is the weight and form factor of Magic Leap 2?
Magic Leap 2 headset weighs 248 grams and uses a split-system architecture with a tethered compute pack, creating cable management considerations.
Source