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Microsoft HoloLens 2 vs Spatial

Microsoft HoloLens 2 logo

Microsoft HoloLens 2

Software

Enterprise mixed reality for the modern workplace

From
$3500/one-time
Rated
-
Spatial logo

Spatial

Software

3D spaces for collaboration and commerce

From
Free
Rated
-

The short version

  • Only Spatial 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; Spatial pricing page shows no plan tiers or figures; the only actions offered are Try for Free and Contact Sales, gating price behind a sales conversation
  • They diverge on capability: Microsoft HoloLens 2 covers Spatial mapping, Spatial covers 3D space creation.

Where they differ

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

Attributes where Microsoft HoloLens 2 and Spatial differ
AttributeMicrosoft HoloLens 2Spatial
Starting price$3500/one-timeFree
Pricing modelUnknownfreemium
Free tierNoYes
PlatformsStandalone AR HeadsetWeb, Mobile, Vr
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 Spatial

  • 3D space creation
  • NFT display
  • Events
  • Commerce
  • Web3 wallets
  • NFT marketplaces
  • Streaming
  • Web support

What people use each for

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

Microsoft HoloLens 2

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

Spatial

  • Teams wanting virtual/AR meeting spaces who are prepared to contact sales for pricingnot 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

Spatial

  • Pricing page shows no plan tiers or figures; the only actions offered are Try for Free and Contact Sales, gating price behind a sales conversation

Pricing, plan by plan

Microsoft HoloLens 2

$3500/one-time

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

Spatial

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Space creation
    • NFT galleries
    • Social features

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 Spatial if

  • You need 3d space creation.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Mobile, Vr.
  • You also want nft display.

Questions people ask

Is Microsoft HoloLens 2 or Spatial better?
Neither clearly leads. Microsoft HoloLens 2 starts at $3500/one-time and Spatial at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Microsoft HoloLens 2 or Spatial?
Spatial has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at $3500/one-time for Microsoft HoloLens 2 and Free for Spatial.
Does Microsoft HoloLens 2 or Spatial run on more platforms?
Microsoft HoloLens 2 runs on Standalone AR Headset. Spatial runs on Web, Mobile, Vr.
Can I use Spatial for free?
Yes. Spatial 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 Spatial is typically brought in for.
What can Microsoft HoloLens 2 do that Spatial cannot?
Microsoft HoloLens 2 covers Spatial mapping, Hand tracking, Eye tracking, Holographic display. Spatial covers 3D space creation, NFT display, Events, Commerce.

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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