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AR/VR & Metaverse · head to head

Microsoft HoloLens 2 vs Tandem

Microsoft HoloLens 2 logo

Microsoft HoloLens 2

AR/VR & Metaverse

Enterprise mixed reality for the modern workplace

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

Tandem

Remote Work

Virtual office for remote and hybrid teams

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only Tandem 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; Tandem limited offline functionality - requires internet connectivity for core features
  • They diverge on capability: Microsoft HoloLens 2 covers Spatial mapping, Tandem covers Team presence.

Where they differ

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

Attributes where Microsoft HoloLens 2 and Tandem differ
AttributeMicrosoft HoloLens 2Tandem
Starting price$3500/one-timeFree
Free tierNoYes
PlatformsStandalone AR HeadsetWeb, macOS, Windows
CategoryAR/VR & MetaverseRemote Work
Founded20152019

Identical on both: pricing model (Unknown), 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 Tandem

  • Team presence
  • One-click calls
  • Screen sharing
  • Virtual rooms
  • Status indicators
  • Slack
  • Google Calendar
  • Notion

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 Tandem
  • AR Marketingnot Tandem
  • Virtual Trainingnot Tandem
  • 3D Visualizationnot Tandem
  • Immersive Experiencesnot Tandem

Tandem

  • Remote worknot Microsoft HoloLens 2
  • Team collaborationnot Microsoft HoloLens 2
  • Quick huddlesnot Microsoft HoloLens 2
  • Pair programmingnot 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

Tandem

  • Limited offline functionality - requires internet connectivity for core features
  • Dashboard user experience needs improvement for better feature utilization
  • Market adoption challenge - most remote workers value autonomy over spontaneous collaboration
  • Feature complexity is high relative to actual usage frequency
  • Reduced feature development velocity after company restructuring

Pricing, plan by plan

Microsoft HoloLens 2

$3500/one-time

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

Tandem

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the Tandem 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 Tandem if

  • You need team presence.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, macOS, Windows.
  • You also want one-click calls.
Tandem review

Questions people ask

Is Microsoft HoloLens 2 or Tandem better?
Neither clearly leads. Microsoft HoloLens 2 starts at $3500/one-time and Tandem at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Microsoft HoloLens 2 or Tandem?
Tandem has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at $3500/one-time for Microsoft HoloLens 2 and Free for Tandem.
Does Microsoft HoloLens 2 or Tandem run on more platforms?
Microsoft HoloLens 2 runs on Standalone AR Headset. Tandem runs on Web, macOS, Windows.
Can I use Tandem for free?
Yes. Tandem 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 Tandem is typically brought in for.
What can Microsoft HoloLens 2 do that Tandem cannot?
Microsoft HoloLens 2 covers Spatial mapping, Hand tracking, Eye tracking, Holographic display. Tandem covers Team presence, One-click calls, Screen sharing, Virtual rooms. 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
Tandem: Does Tandem have a free tier?

Yes. Tandem offers a free plan supporting up to 4 team members with access to video calls, screen sharing, and messaging features.

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
Tandem: What integrations does Tandem support?

Tandem integrates with Slack, Notion, GitHub, Trello, and over 40 other apps, displaying which applications team members are currently using.

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
Tandem: How many users can I add to each plan?

Tandem's free plan supports up to 4 members, Small Teams up to 10, Medium Teams up to 50, and Large Teams supports unlimited members.

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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