Software · head to head
Microsoft HoloLens 2 vs Snapchat AR
Microsoft HoloLens 2
Software
Enterprise mixed reality for the modern workplace
- From
- $3500/one-time
- Rated
- -
The short version
- Only Snapchat AR 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; Snapchat AR limited to Snapchat and Spectacles ecosystem without Camera Kit
- They diverge on capability: Microsoft HoloLens 2 covers Spatial mapping, Snapchat AR covers Face tracking.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which Microsoft HoloLens 2 and Snapchat AR actually diverge.
| Attribute | Microsoft HoloLens 2 | Snapchat AR |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $3500/one-time | Free |
| Pricing model | Unknown | freemium |
| Free tier | No | Yes |
| Platforms | Standalone AR Headset | Web, iOS, Android, Spectacles |
| Founded | 2015 | 2011 |
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
- Eye tracking
- Holographic display
- Azure
- Dynamics 365
- Microsoft Teams
- Mixed-reality support
- Windows support
Only in Snapchat AR
- Face tracking
- World tracking
- Body tracking
- Lens Studio
- AR Commerce
- Snap Camera
- Ar support
- Ios support
Both cover
- Hand tracking
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
Snapchat AR
- 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
Snapchat AR
- Limited to Snapchat and Spectacles ecosystem without Camera Kit
- Requires JavaScript or TypeScript knowledge for advanced effects
- Monetization requires meeting minimum performance thresholds
- Face tracking effects work best with optimal lighting
Pricing, plan by plan
Microsoft HoloLens 2
$3500/one-timeNo published plan breakdown. See the Microsoft HoloLens 2 review.
Snapchat AR
Free- FreeFree
- AR filters
- Face lenses
- World lenses
Which should you pick?
Choose Microsoft HoloLens 2 if
- You need spatial mapping.
- You work on Standalone AR Headset.
- You also want eye tracking.
Choose Snapchat AR if
- You need face tracking.
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on Web, iOS, Android, Spectacles.
- You also want world tracking.
Questions people ask
- Is Microsoft HoloLens 2 or Snapchat AR better?
- Neither clearly leads. Microsoft HoloLens 2 starts at $3500/one-time and Snapchat AR at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, Microsoft HoloLens 2 or Snapchat AR?
- Snapchat AR has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at $3500/one-time for Microsoft HoloLens 2 and Free for Snapchat AR.
- Does Microsoft HoloLens 2 or Snapchat AR run on more platforms?
- Microsoft HoloLens 2 runs on Standalone AR Headset. Snapchat AR runs on Web, iOS, Android, Spectacles.
- Can I use Snapchat AR for free?
- Yes. Snapchat AR 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 Snapchat AR cannot?
- Microsoft HoloLens 2 covers Spatial mapping, Eye tracking, Holographic display, Azure. Snapchat AR covers Face tracking, World tracking, Body tracking, Lens Studio. Both handle Hand tracking.
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.
SourceSnapchat AR: Is Lens Studio free?
Yes. Lens Studio is Snap AR's free AR development platform for creating augmented reality experiences for Snapchat, Spectacles, and web applications through Camera Kit.
SourceMicrosoft 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.
SourceSnapchat AR: Can I monetize AR experiences created with Lens Studio?
Yes. Creators can participate in the Lens Creator Rewards Program to earn payouts based on lens performance. Lens+ provides additional monetization options for premium lenses.
SourceMicrosoft 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.
SourceSnapchat AR: What features does Lens Studio include?
Lens Studio includes AR development tools, face tracking effects, generative AI for creating assets and ML models, 3D body morphing, and integrations with Snapchat, Spectacles, and mobile/web through Camera Kit.
SourceMicrosoft 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.
SourceRelated pages
More on Microsoft HoloLens 2
More on Snapchat AR
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