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Microsoft HoloLens 2 vs Virtual Desktop

Microsoft HoloLens 2 logo

Microsoft HoloLens 2

Software

Enterprise mixed reality for the modern workplace

From
$3500/one-time
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Virtual Desktop logo

Virtual Desktop

Software

Stream your PC to VR wirelessly

From
$19.99/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; Virtual Desktop requires 5 GHz Wi-Fi connection for optimal performance
  • They diverge on capability: Microsoft HoloLens 2 covers Spatial mapping, Virtual Desktop covers Wireless PC VR.

Where they differ

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

Attributes where Microsoft HoloLens 2 and Virtual Desktop differ
AttributeMicrosoft HoloLens 2Virtual Desktop
Starting price$3500/one-time$19.99/one-time
Pricing modelUnknownone-time
PlatformsStandalone AR HeadsetMeta Quest, Pico, HTC Vive, Valve Index, Windows Mixed Reality, Samsung Galaxy XR
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
  • Hand tracking
  • Eye tracking
  • Holographic display
  • Azure
  • Dynamics 365
  • Microsoft Teams
  • Mixed-reality support

Only in Virtual Desktop

  • Wireless PC VR
  • Desktop streaming
  • Virtual environments
  • Low latency
  • SteamVR
  • Oculus PC
  • Windows desktop
  • Vr support

What people use each for

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

Microsoft HoloLens 2

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

Virtual Desktop

  • Streaming PC desktop to VR headsetsnot Microsoft HoloLens 2
  • Playing games in virtual cinema environmentnot Microsoft HoloLens 2
  • Watching movies on giant virtual screensnot Microsoft HoloLens 2
  • Browsing web content in VRnot 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

Virtual Desktop

  • Requires 5 GHz Wi-Fi connection for optimal performance
  • VR-ready GPU needed for high-quality game streaming

Pricing, plan by plan

Microsoft HoloLens 2

$3500/one-time

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

Virtual Desktop

$19.99/one-time
  • Virtual Desktop$19.99/one-time
    • PC streaming
    • VR gaming
    • Virtual screens

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 Virtual Desktop if

  • You need wireless pc vr.
  • You work on Meta Quest, Pico, HTC Vive, Valve Index, Windows Mixed Reality, Samsung Galaxy XR.
  • You also want desktop streaming.
Virtual Desktop review

Questions people ask

Is Microsoft HoloLens 2 or Virtual Desktop better?
Neither clearly leads. Microsoft HoloLens 2 starts at $3500/one-time and Virtual Desktop at $19.99/one-time, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Microsoft HoloLens 2 or Virtual Desktop?
Microsoft HoloLens 2 starts at $3500/one-time and Virtual Desktop at $19.99/one-time.
Does Microsoft HoloLens 2 or Virtual Desktop run on more platforms?
Microsoft HoloLens 2 runs on Standalone AR Headset. Virtual Desktop runs on Meta Quest, Pico, HTC Vive, Valve Index, Windows Mixed Reality, Samsung Galaxy XR.
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 Virtual Desktop is typically brought in for.
What can Microsoft HoloLens 2 do that Virtual Desktop cannot?
Microsoft HoloLens 2 covers Spatial mapping, Hand tracking, Eye tracking, Holographic display. Virtual Desktop covers Wireless PC VR, Desktop streaming, Virtual environments, Low latency.

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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