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AR/VR & Metaverse · head to head

Microsoft HoloLens 2 vs Siemens NX

Microsoft HoloLens 2 logo

Microsoft HoloLens 2

AR/VR & Metaverse

Enterprise mixed reality for the modern workplace

From
$3500/one-time
Rated
-
S

Siemens NX

3D & CAD

Integrated product design and manufacturing

From
$29/month
Rated
-

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; Siemens NX siemens NX offers only a 30-day free trial with no published subscription or perpetual license price; buyers must go through a sales process to get pricing, per the vendor's own product page.
  • They diverge on capability: Microsoft HoloLens 2 covers Spatial mapping, Siemens NX covers Advanced CAD.

Where they differ

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

Attributes where Microsoft HoloLens 2 and Siemens NX differ
AttributeMicrosoft HoloLens 2Siemens NX
Starting price$3500/one-time$29/month
Pricing modelUnknownsubscription
PlatformsStandalone AR HeadsetWindows, Linux
CategoryAR/VR & Metaverse3D & CAD
Founded20151963

Identical on both: free tier (No), user rating (Not yet rated).

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 Siemens NX

  • Advanced CAD
  • CAM programming
  • CAE simulation
  • Additive manufacturing
  • Sheet metal
  • Mold design
  • Industrial machinery
  • Teamcenter PLM

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 Siemens NX
  • AR Marketingnot Siemens NX
  • Virtual Trainingnot Siemens NX
  • 3D Visualizationnot Siemens NX
  • Immersive Experiencesnot Siemens NX

Siemens NX

  • Enterprise product designnot Microsoft HoloLens 2
  • Manufacturingnot Microsoft HoloLens 2
  • Simulationnot 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

Siemens NX

  • Siemens NX offers only a 30-day free trial with no published subscription or perpetual license price; buyers must go through a sales process to get pricing, per the vendor's own product page.

Pricing, plan by plan

Microsoft HoloLens 2

$3500/one-time

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

Siemens NX

$29/month
  • NX Design$4500/month
    • CAD design
    • Core modeling
  • NX CAM$5500/month
    • Manufacturing programming
  • NX Complete$8500/month
    • Full suite
    • CAD/CAM/CAE

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 Siemens NX if

  • You need advanced cad.
  • You work on Windows, Linux.
  • You also want cam programming.

Questions people ask

Is Microsoft HoloLens 2 or Siemens NX better?
Neither clearly leads. Microsoft HoloLens 2 starts at $3500/one-time and Siemens NX at $29/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Microsoft HoloLens 2 or Siemens NX?
Microsoft HoloLens 2 starts at $3500/one-time and Siemens NX at $29/month.
Does Microsoft HoloLens 2 or Siemens NX run on more platforms?
Microsoft HoloLens 2 runs on Standalone AR Headset. Siemens NX runs on Windows, Linux.
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 Siemens NX is typically brought in for.
What can Microsoft HoloLens 2 do that Siemens NX cannot?
Microsoft HoloLens 2 covers Spatial mapping, Hand tracking, Eye tracking, Holographic display. Siemens NX covers Advanced CAD, CAM programming, CAE simulation, Additive manufacturing. 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
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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