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Microsoft HoloLens 2 vs Rec Room

Microsoft HoloLens 2 logo

Microsoft HoloLens 2

Software

Enterprise mixed reality for the modern workplace

From
$3500/one-time
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Rec Room logo

Rec Room

Software

Free-to-play social VR gaming platform

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only Rec Room 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; Rec Room the vendor states Rec Room is free and cross-plays across phones and VR headsets, with no pricing tiers shown for any premium features
  • They diverge on capability: Microsoft HoloLens 2 covers Spatial mapping, Rec Room covers Maker Pen tools.

Where they differ

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

Attributes where Microsoft HoloLens 2 and Rec Room differ
AttributeMicrosoft HoloLens 2Rec Room
Starting price$3500/one-timeFree
Pricing modelUnknownfreemium
Free tierNoYes
PlatformsStandalone AR HeadsetVr, Pc, Mobile, Console
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
  • Microsoft Teams
  • Mixed-reality support

Only in Rec Room

  • Maker Pen tools
  • Multiplayer games
  • Avatar customization
  • Room creation
  • Cross-platform play
  • In-game economy
  • Events
  • Vr 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

Rec Room

  • 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

Rec Room

  • The vendor states Rec Room is free and cross-plays across phones and VR headsets, with no pricing tiers shown for any premium features

Pricing, plan by plan

Microsoft HoloLens 2

$3500/one-time

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

Rec Room

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Full game access
    • Room creation
    • Cross-platform

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 Rec Room if

  • You need maker pen tools.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Vr, Pc, Mobile, Console.
  • You also want multiplayer games.
Rec Room review

Questions people ask

Is Microsoft HoloLens 2 or Rec Room better?
Neither clearly leads. Microsoft HoloLens 2 starts at $3500/one-time and Rec Room at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Microsoft HoloLens 2 or Rec Room?
Rec Room has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at $3500/one-time for Microsoft HoloLens 2 and Free for Rec Room.
Does Microsoft HoloLens 2 or Rec Room run on more platforms?
Microsoft HoloLens 2 runs on Standalone AR Headset. Rec Room runs on Vr, Pc, Mobile, Console.
Can I use Rec Room for free?
Yes. Rec Room 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.
What can Microsoft HoloLens 2 do that Rec Room cannot?
Microsoft HoloLens 2 covers Spatial mapping, Hand tracking, Eye tracking, Holographic display. Rec Room covers Maker Pen tools, Multiplayer games, Avatar customization, Room creation.

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
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Related pages

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