Software · head to head
Microsoft HoloLens 2 vs Unreal Engine VR
Microsoft HoloLens 2
Software
Enterprise mixed reality for the modern workplace
- From
- $3500/one-time
- Rated
- -
Unreal Engine VR
Software
AAA-quality VR development with Unreal Engine
- From
- Free
- Rated
- -
The short version
- Only Unreal Engine VR 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; Unreal Engine VR steep system requirements with demanding GPU and CPU for rendering high-quality VR experiences
- They diverge on capability: Microsoft HoloLens 2 covers Spatial mapping, Unreal Engine VR covers Photorealistic rendering.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which Microsoft HoloLens 2 and Unreal Engine VR actually diverge.
| Attribute | Microsoft HoloLens 2 | Unreal Engine VR |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $3500/one-time | Free |
| Free tier | No | Yes |
| Platforms | Standalone AR Headset | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Founded | 2015 | 1995 |
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 Unreal Engine VR
- Photorealistic rendering
- Physics simulation
- Blueprint scripting
- Motion controllers
- SteamVR
- Oculus
- OpenXR
- PSVR
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
Unreal Engine VR
- 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
Unreal Engine VR
- Steep system requirements with demanding GPU and CPU for rendering high-quality VR experiences
- Only free with 5% royalty after $1 million in revenue, which may impact indie developers at scale
Pricing, plan by plan
Microsoft HoloLens 2
$3500/one-timeNo published plan breakdown. See the Microsoft HoloLens 2 review.
Unreal Engine VR
FreeNo published plan breakdown. See the Unreal Engine VR 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.
Choose Unreal Engine VR if
- You need photorealistic rendering.
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on Windows, macOS, Linux.
- You also want physics simulation.
Questions people ask
- Is Microsoft HoloLens 2 or Unreal Engine VR better?
- Neither clearly leads. Microsoft HoloLens 2 starts at $3500/one-time and Unreal Engine VR at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, Microsoft HoloLens 2 or Unreal Engine VR?
- Unreal Engine VR has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at $3500/one-time for Microsoft HoloLens 2 and Free for Unreal Engine VR.
- Does Microsoft HoloLens 2 or Unreal Engine VR run on more platforms?
- Microsoft HoloLens 2 runs on Standalone AR Headset. Unreal Engine VR runs on Windows, macOS, Linux.
- Can I use Unreal Engine VR for free?
- Yes. Unreal Engine VR 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 Unreal Engine VR cannot?
- Microsoft HoloLens 2 covers Spatial mapping, Hand tracking, Eye tracking, Holographic display. Unreal Engine VR covers Photorealistic rendering, Physics simulation, Blueprint scripting, Motion controllers.
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.
SourceUnreal Engine VR: Does Unreal Engine support VR and AR development?
Yes. Unreal Engine provides the highest-quality solution for creating augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and mixed reality (MR) experiences, supporting development for VR, AR, gaming consoles, PCs, and mobile devices.
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.
SourceUnreal Engine VR: Is Unreal Engine 5 free to use?
Unreal Engine 5 is free for most uses with no upfront cost. If a project earns over $1 million, a 5% royalty applies to future sales.
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.
SourceUnreal Engine VR: What platforms does Unreal Engine support for VR development?
Unreal Engine supports macOS and Linux development with some limitations, though Windows 10 (64-bit) is the primary development platform. It supports VR development targeting various VR headsets.
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 Unreal Engine VR
Keep looking
Other head to heads
- Microsoft HoloLens 2 vs ARCore
- Microsoft HoloLens 2 vs ARKit
- Microsoft HoloLens 2 vs Meta Quest
- Microsoft HoloLens 2 vs Apple Vision Pro
- Microsoft HoloLens 2 vs Unity AR Foundation
- Microsoft HoloLens 2 vs HTC Vive
- Microsoft HoloLens 2 vs 8th Wall
- Microsoft HoloLens 2 vs Lens Studio
- Microsoft HoloLens 2 vs Vuforia
- Microsoft HoloLens 2 vs A-Frame
- Microsoft HoloLens 2 vs Babylon.js
- Microsoft HoloLens 2 vs Niantic Lightship
- Microsoft HoloLens 2 vs PlayStation VR2
- Microsoft HoloLens 2 vs Spark AR Studio
- Microsoft HoloLens 2 vs TikTok Effect House
- Microsoft HoloLens 2 vs Gravity Sketch
- Microsoft HoloLens 2 vs Instagram AR Effects
- Microsoft HoloLens 2 vs Magic Leap 2
- Unreal Engine VR vs ARCore
- Unreal Engine VR vs ARKit
- Unreal Engine VR vs Meta Quest
- Unreal Engine VR vs Apple Vision Pro
- Unreal Engine VR vs Unity AR Foundation
- Unreal Engine VR vs HTC Vive
- Unreal Engine VR vs 8th Wall
- Unreal Engine VR vs Lens Studio
- Unreal Engine VR vs Vuforia
- Unreal Engine VR vs A-Frame
- Unreal Engine VR vs Babylon.js
- Unreal Engine VR vs Niantic Lightship
- Unreal Engine VR vs PlayStation VR2
- Unreal Engine VR vs Spark AR Studio
- Unreal Engine VR vs TikTok Effect House
- Unreal Engine VR vs Gravity Sketch
- Unreal Engine VR vs Instagram AR Effects
- Unreal Engine VR vs Magic Leap 2