Softwr

Software · head to head

Microsoft HoloLens 2 vs Otter.ai

Microsoft HoloLens 2 logo

Microsoft HoloLens 2

Software

Enterprise mixed reality for the modern workplace

From
$3500/one-time
Rated
-
Otter.ai logo

Otter.ai

Software

Transcription and meeting notes powered by AI

From
Free
Rated
-

The short version

  • Only Otter.ai 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; Otter.ai two separate limits apply at once, a monthly minute allowance and a per conversation cap, so a long meeting can be cut short with allowance remaining
  • They diverge on capability: Microsoft HoloLens 2 covers Spatial mapping, Otter.ai covers Automatic transcription.

Where they differ

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

Attributes where Microsoft HoloLens 2 and Otter.ai differ
AttributeMicrosoft HoloLens 2Otter.ai
Starting price$3500/one-timeFree
Pricing modelUnknownsubscription
Free tierNoYes
PlatformsStandalone AR HeadsetWeb, Ios, Android, Mac
Founded20152016

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
  • Mixed-reality support
  • Windows support

Only in Otter.ai

  • Automatic transcription
  • Real-time transcription
  • Speaker identification
  • Searchable transcripts
  • Highlights and summaries
  • Sharing
  • Mobile apps
  • Zoom

Both cover

  • Microsoft Teams

What people use each for

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

Microsoft HoloLens 2

  • VR Gamingnot Otter.ai
  • AR Marketingnot Otter.ai
  • Virtual Trainingnot Otter.ai
  • 3D Visualizationnot Otter.ai
  • Immersive Experiencesnot Otter.ai

Otter.ai

  • Transcribing meetings and generating summaries automaticallynot Microsoft HoloLens 2
  • Searching and sharing notes from recorded conversationsnot 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

Otter.ai

  • Two separate limits apply at once, a monthly minute allowance and a per conversation cap, so a long meeting can be cut short with allowance remaining
  • The free plan cuts off at 30 minutes per conversation and 300 minutes a month
  • The Pro plan still caps a single conversation at 90 minutes
  • Even unlimited plans cap a conversation at 4 hours
  • Imported file transcription has its own separate monthly limit, at 6,000 minutes on Business
  • Paying monthly rather than annually roughly doubles the rate, from $8.33 to $16.99 on Pro

Pricing, plan by plan

Microsoft HoloLens 2

$3500/one-time

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

Otter.ai

Free
  • BasicFree
    • 600 minutes transcription
    • 3 searches
    • Basic sharing
  • Pro$10/month
    • 6000 minutes transcription
    • Unlimited searches
    • Team collaboration

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 Otter.ai if

  • You need automatic transcription.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Ios, Android, Mac.
  • You also want real-time transcription.

Questions people ask

Is Microsoft HoloLens 2 or Otter.ai better?
Neither clearly leads. Microsoft HoloLens 2 starts at $3500/one-time and Otter.ai at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Microsoft HoloLens 2 or Otter.ai?
Otter.ai has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at $3500/one-time for Microsoft HoloLens 2 and Free for Otter.ai.
Does Microsoft HoloLens 2 or Otter.ai run on more platforms?
Microsoft HoloLens 2 runs on Standalone AR Headset. Otter.ai runs on Web, Ios, Android, Mac.
Can I use Otter.ai for free?
Yes. Otter.ai 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 Otter.ai is typically brought in for.
What can Microsoft HoloLens 2 do that Otter.ai cannot?
Microsoft HoloLens 2 covers Spatial mapping, Hand tracking, Eye tracking, Holographic display. Otter.ai covers Automatic transcription, Real-time transcription, Speaker identification, Searchable transcripts. Both handle Microsoft Teams.

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
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
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
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

Related pages

Other head to heads