Software · head to head
Microsoft HoloLens 2 vs Meta Quest
Microsoft HoloLens 2
Software
Enterprise mixed reality for the modern workplace
- From
- $3500/one-time
- Rated
- -
Meta Quest
Software
All-in-one VR headset platform for immersive experiences
- From
- $299/one-time
- Rated
- -
The short version
- They diverge on capability: Microsoft HoloLens 2 covers Spatial mapping, Meta Quest covers 6DoF tracking.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which Microsoft HoloLens 2 and Meta Quest actually diverge.
| Attribute | Microsoft HoloLens 2 | Meta Quest |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $3500/one-time | $299/one-time |
| Pricing model | Unknown | one-time |
| Platforms | Standalone AR Headset | Vr, Mixed-reality |
| Founded | 2015 | 2012 |
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
- Eye tracking
- Holographic display
- Azure
- Dynamics 365
- Microsoft Teams
- Windows support
- Enterprise support
Only in Meta Quest
- 6DoF tracking
- Mixed reality passthrough
- Standalone VR
- Meta Horizon
- SteamVR Link
- Air Link
- Vr support
Both cover
- Hand tracking
- Mixed-reality 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
Meta Quest
- 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
Meta Quest
Nothing recorded yet. See the Meta Quest review.
Pricing, plan by plan
Microsoft HoloLens 2
$3500/one-timeNo published plan breakdown. See the Microsoft HoloLens 2 review.
Meta Quest
$299/one-time- Quest 3$499/one-time
- Mixed reality passthrough
- Hand tracking
- App store access
Which should you pick?
Choose Microsoft HoloLens 2 if
- You need spatial mapping.
- You work on Standalone AR Headset.
- You also want eye tracking.
Choose Meta Quest if
- You need 6dof tracking.
- You work on Vr, Mixed-reality.
- You also want mixed reality passthrough.
Questions people ask
- Is Microsoft HoloLens 2 or Meta Quest better?
- Neither clearly leads. Microsoft HoloLens 2 starts at $3500/one-time and Meta Quest at $299/one-time, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, Microsoft HoloLens 2 or Meta Quest?
- Microsoft HoloLens 2 starts at $3500/one-time and Meta Quest at $299/one-time.
- Does Microsoft HoloLens 2 or Meta Quest run on more platforms?
- Microsoft HoloLens 2 runs on Standalone AR Headset. Meta Quest runs on Vr, Mixed-reality.
- 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 Meta Quest cannot?
- Microsoft HoloLens 2 covers Spatial mapping, Eye tracking, Holographic display, Azure. Meta Quest covers 6DoF tracking, Mixed reality passthrough, Standalone VR, Meta Horizon. Both handle Hand tracking, Mixed-reality 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.
Source