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Software · head to head

Microsoft HoloLens 2 vs Plasticity

Microsoft HoloLens 2 logo

Microsoft HoloLens 2

Software

Enterprise mixed reality for the modern workplace

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

Plasticity

Software

CAD for artists

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

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; Plasticity limited plugin ecosystem compared to Rhino; fewer third-party extensions available
  • They diverge on capability: Microsoft HoloLens 2 covers Spatial mapping, Plasticity covers Smooth surface modeling.

Where they differ

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

Attributes where Microsoft HoloLens 2 and Plasticity differ
AttributeMicrosoft HoloLens 2Plasticity
Starting price$3500/one-timeOn request
PlatformsStandalone AR HeadsetWindows, macOS, Linux, Ubuntu
Founded20152023

Identical on both: pricing model (Unknown), 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
  • Hand tracking
  • Eye tracking
  • Holographic display
  • Azure
  • Dynamics 365
  • Microsoft Teams
  • Mixed-reality support

Only in Plasticity

  • Smooth surface modeling
  • Fillet operations
  • Boolean operations
  • Mesh export
  • Fast workflow
  • Artist-friendly
  • Blender
  • Game engines

Both cover

  • Windows support

What people use each for

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

Microsoft HoloLens 2

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

Plasticity

  • Concept designnot Microsoft HoloLens 2
  • Hard surface modelingnot 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

Plasticity

  • Limited plugin ecosystem compared to Rhino; fewer third-party extensions available
  • Young product with shorter track record; fewer industry case studies and community resources
  • No parametric history tree; may require different workflow for some users accustomed to feature-based modeling
  • Premium pricing for Indie users despite being positioned as affordable alternative

Pricing, plan by plan

Microsoft HoloLens 2

$3500/one-time

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

Plasticity

On request
  • Indie$149/one-time

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 Plasticity if

  • You need smooth surface modeling.
  • You work on Windows, macOS, Linux, Ubuntu.
  • You also want fillet operations.
Plasticity review

Questions people ask

Is Microsoft HoloLens 2 or Plasticity better?
Neither clearly leads. Microsoft HoloLens 2 starts at $3500/one-time and Plasticity at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Microsoft HoloLens 2 or Plasticity?
Microsoft HoloLens 2 starts at $3500/one-time and Plasticity at On request.
Does Microsoft HoloLens 2 or Plasticity run on more platforms?
Microsoft HoloLens 2 runs on Standalone AR Headset. Plasticity runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, Ubuntu.
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 Plasticity is typically brought in for.
What can Microsoft HoloLens 2 do that Plasticity cannot?
Microsoft HoloLens 2 covers Spatial mapping, Hand tracking, Eye tracking, Holographic display. Plasticity covers Smooth surface modeling, Fillet operations, Boolean operations, Mesh export. Both handle Windows 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.

Source
Plasticity: What is Plasticity designed for?

Plasticity is a NURBS-based 3D modeler designed for concept and product design, prioritizing an artist-friendly workflow over parametric history-based modeling.

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
Plasticity: What platforms does Plasticity support?

Plasticity runs on Windows, macOS (Intel and M-Series), Linux, and Ubuntu using Parasolid's geometric modeling kernel.

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
Plasticity: What is the pricing model for Plasticity?

Plasticity is a one-time purchase: Indie tier costs $149 and Studio tier is available at a higher price point. A 30-day free trial is available.

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
Plasticity: Does Plasticity integrate with Blender?

Yes. Plasticity includes a Blender Bridge add-on that enables live-linking between Plasticity and Blender, allowing you to preview Plasticity models inside Blender with proper materials and lighting.

Source
Plasticity: What key features distinguish Plasticity from other CAD tools?

Plasticity features streamlined UI with context-sensitive widgets, chordal fillets, key bindings familiar to Blender users, radial menus, Dimension and Measure commands for absolute constraints, and handles complex Boolean operations on dense geometry.

Source
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