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Microsoft HoloLens 2 vs Varjo

Microsoft HoloLens 2 logo

Microsoft HoloLens 2

Software

Enterprise mixed reality for the modern workplace

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

Varjo

Software

Human-eye resolution VR/XR headsets

From
$2495/one-time
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • 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; Varjo high cost enterprise XR solutions
  • They diverge on capability: Microsoft HoloLens 2 covers Spatial mapping, Varjo covers Human-eye resolution.

Where they differ

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

Attributes where Microsoft HoloLens 2 and Varjo differ
AttributeMicrosoft HoloLens 2Varjo
Starting price$3500/one-time$2495/one-time
Pricing modelUnknownone-time
PlatformsStandalone AR HeadsetXR headsets, Windows
Founded20152016

Identical on both: free tier (No), 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
  • Holographic display
  • Azure
  • Dynamics 365
  • Microsoft Teams
  • Mixed-reality support
  • Windows support
  • Enterprise support

Only in Varjo

  • Human-eye resolution
  • Mixed reality
  • Unity
  • Unreal
  • OpenXR
  • SteamVR
  • Vr support
  • Xr support

Both cover

  • Hand tracking
  • Eye tracking

What people use each for

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

Microsoft HoloLens 2

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

Varjo

  • Military flight simulation and pilot trainingnot Microsoft HoloLens 2
  • Vehicle operation and weapons trainingnot Microsoft HoloLens 2
  • Maritime navigation trainingnot Microsoft HoloLens 2
  • High-fidelity professional VR simulationnot 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

Varjo

  • High cost enterprise XR solutions
  • Specialized for military and simulation training use cases only

Pricing, plan by plan

Microsoft HoloLens 2

$3500/one-time

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

Varjo

$2495/one-time
  • Varjo XR-4$3990/one-time
    • Human-eye resolution
    • Mixed reality
    • Eye tracking

Which should you pick?

Choose Microsoft HoloLens 2 if

  • You need spatial mapping.
  • You work on Standalone AR Headset.
  • You also want holographic display.
Microsoft HoloLens 2 review

Choose Varjo if

  • You need human-eye resolution.
  • You work on XR headsets, Windows.
  • You also want mixed reality.
Varjo review

Questions people ask

Is Microsoft HoloLens 2 or Varjo better?
Neither clearly leads. Microsoft HoloLens 2 starts at $3500/one-time and Varjo at $2495/one-time, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Microsoft HoloLens 2 or Varjo?
Microsoft HoloLens 2 starts at $3500/one-time and Varjo at $2495/one-time.
Does Microsoft HoloLens 2 or Varjo run on more platforms?
Microsoft HoloLens 2 runs on Standalone AR Headset. Varjo runs on XR headsets, Windows.
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 Varjo is typically brought in for.
What can Microsoft HoloLens 2 do that Varjo cannot?
Microsoft HoloLens 2 covers Spatial mapping, Holographic display, Azure, Dynamics 365. Varjo covers Human-eye resolution, Mixed reality, Unity, Unreal. Both handle Hand tracking, Eye 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.

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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