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Microsoft HoloLens 2 vs Mixamo

Microsoft HoloLens 2 logo

Microsoft HoloLens 2

Software

Enterprise mixed reality for the modern workplace

From
$3500/one-time
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Mixamo logo

Mixamo

Software

Free 3D character animation and rigging

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only Mixamo has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • 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; Mixamo only supports bipedal humanoid characters, excluding animals, creatures, and non-standard character types
  • They diverge on capability: Microsoft HoloLens 2 covers Spatial mapping, Mixamo covers Auto-rigging.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Microsoft HoloLens 2 and Mixamo actually diverge.

Attributes where Microsoft HoloLens 2 and Mixamo differ
AttributeMicrosoft HoloLens 2Mixamo
Starting price$3500/one-timeFree
Pricing modelUnknownfree
Free tierNoYes
PlatformsStandalone AR HeadsetWeb
Founded20151982

Identical on both: 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
  • Hand tracking
  • Eye tracking
  • Holographic display
  • Azure
  • Dynamics 365
  • Microsoft Teams
  • Mixed-reality support

Only in Mixamo

  • Auto-rigging
  • Animation library
  • Motion capture data
  • FBX export
  • Character customization
  • Animation blending
  • Retargeting
  • Web-based

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Microsoft HoloLens 2

  • VR Gamingnot Mixamo
  • AR Marketingnot Mixamo
  • Virtual Trainingnot Mixamo
  • 3D Visualizationnot Mixamo
  • Immersive Experiencesnot Mixamo

Mixamo

  • Character animationnot Microsoft HoloLens 2
  • Rapid prototypingnot Microsoft HoloLens 2
  • Game developmentnot Microsoft HoloLens 2
  • Film productionnot Microsoft HoloLens 2

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

Mixamo

  • Only supports bipedal humanoid characters, excluding animals, creatures, and non-standard character types
  • Auto-rigger requires T-pose or A-pose input, limiting flexibility in character modeling
  • Only last used character is stored; no cloud storage for multiple character projects
  • Not available for Enterprise and Federated Adobe IDs or users from China

Pricing, plan by plan

Microsoft HoloLens 2

$3500/one-time

No published plan breakdown. See the Microsoft HoloLens 2 review.

Mixamo

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Unlimited characters
    • Unlimited animations
    • Auto-rigging

Which should you pick?

Choose Microsoft HoloLens 2 if

  • You need spatial mapping.
  • You work on Standalone AR Headset.
  • You also want hand tracking.
Microsoft HoloLens 2 review

Choose Mixamo if

  • You need auto-rigging.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You also want animation library.
Mixamo review

Questions people ask

Is Microsoft HoloLens 2 or Mixamo better?
Neither clearly leads. Microsoft HoloLens 2 starts at $3500/one-time and Mixamo at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Microsoft HoloLens 2 or Mixamo?
Mixamo has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at $3500/one-time for Microsoft HoloLens 2 and Free for Mixamo.
Does Microsoft HoloLens 2 or Mixamo run on more platforms?
Microsoft HoloLens 2 runs on Standalone AR Headset. Mixamo runs on Web.
Can I use Mixamo for free?
Yes. Mixamo has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Microsoft HoloLens 2 starts at $3500/one-time.
What is Microsoft HoloLens 2 best used for?
Microsoft HoloLens 2 is most often used for vr gaming, ar marketing, virtual training, 3d visualization. Of those, vr gaming and ar marketing are not what Mixamo is typically brought in for.
What can Microsoft HoloLens 2 do that Mixamo cannot?
Microsoft HoloLens 2 covers Spatial mapping, Hand tracking, Eye tracking, Holographic display. Mixamo covers Auto-rigging, Animation library, Motion capture data, FBX export.

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.

Source
Mixamo: Is Mixamo free to use?

Yes. Mixamo is completely free for anyone with an Adobe ID. The auto-rigger, animation libraries, and all core features are free. Animations and characters can be used royalty-free for personal, commercial, and non-profit projects without requiring a Creative Cloud subscription.

Source
Microsoft 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.

Source
Mixamo: What character types does Mixamo support?

Mixamo's auto-rigger and animation libraries are for bipedal humanoids only. The auto-rigger requires characters in roughly T-pose or A-pose stance with clear head, body, arms, and legs. Animals, quadrupeds, creatures, multi-leg characters, and characters with oversized wings or tails are not supported.

Source
Microsoft 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.

Source
Mixamo: Can I export animations for use in game engines?

Yes. Mixamo exports animations in FBX and DAE formats compatible with Unreal Engine, Unity, and other major game engines. For web games, you can convert FBX exports to GLB format using Blender or other tools.

Source
Microsoft 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
Mixamo: Do I need to install software to use Mixamo?

No. Mixamo operates entirely in a web browser, eliminating the need for software installation or compatibility checks. Users access the service directly through their web browser with just an Adobe ID.

Source
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