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Microsoft HoloLens 2 vs SteamVR

Microsoft HoloLens 2 logo

Microsoft HoloLens 2

Software

Enterprise mixed reality for the modern workplace

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

SteamVR

Software

Ultimate VR platform for PC gaming and experiences

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only SteamVR 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; SteamVR platform performance does not scale well on non-Valve Index headsets
  • They diverge on capability: Microsoft HoloLens 2 covers Spatial mapping, SteamVR covers Room-scale tracking.

Where they differ

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

Attributes where Microsoft HoloLens 2 and SteamVR differ
AttributeMicrosoft HoloLens 2SteamVR
Starting price$3500/one-timeFree
Free tierNoYes
PlatformsStandalone AR HeadsetWindows PC, Valve Index, HTC Vive, Windows Mixed Reality
Founded20151996

Identical on both: pricing model (Unknown), 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 SteamVR

  • Room-scale tracking
  • Lighthouse tracking
  • Multi-headset support
  • VR compositor
  • Steam Store
  • OpenXR
  • Valve Index
  • Vr support

Both cover

  • Windows 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

SteamVR

  • 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

SteamVR

  • Platform performance does not scale well on non-Valve Index headsets
  • Automatic benchmark sets visual clarity limits that cannot be manually adjusted
  • Capricious software prone to tracking hiccups and overlay issues
  • Requires connected router and network access for multiplayer functionality

Pricing, plan by plan

Microsoft HoloLens 2

$3500/one-time

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

SteamVR

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the SteamVR review.

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 SteamVR if

  • You need room-scale tracking.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Windows PC, Valve Index, HTC Vive, Windows Mixed Reality.
  • You also want lighthouse tracking.
SteamVR review

Questions people ask

Is Microsoft HoloLens 2 or SteamVR better?
Neither clearly leads. Microsoft HoloLens 2 starts at $3500/one-time and SteamVR at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Microsoft HoloLens 2 or SteamVR?
SteamVR has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at $3500/one-time for Microsoft HoloLens 2 and Free for SteamVR.
Does Microsoft HoloLens 2 or SteamVR run on more platforms?
Microsoft HoloLens 2 runs on Standalone AR Headset. SteamVR runs on Windows PC, Valve Index, HTC Vive, Windows Mixed Reality.
Can I use SteamVR for free?
Yes. SteamVR 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 SteamVR cannot?
Microsoft HoloLens 2 covers Spatial mapping, Hand tracking, Eye tracking, Holographic display. SteamVR covers Room-scale tracking, Lighthouse tracking, Multi-headset support, VR compositor. 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
SteamVR: Is SteamVR free?

Yes, SteamVR is free to download and use. You only need the Steam desktop application installed to access it.

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
SteamVR: What headsets work with SteamVR?

SteamVR supports Valve Index, HTC Vive, Oculus Rift, Windows Mixed Reality headsets, and other compatible devices.

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
SteamVR: Can I play SteamVR games on Meta Quest?

Yes, Meta Quest 2, 3, and Pro can wirelessly stream SteamVR games using Steam Link, which requires a 5GHz WiFi network and minimum RTX2070 GPU on your PC.

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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