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AR/VR & Metaverse · head to head

Microsoft HoloLens 2 vs VRChat

Microsoft HoloLens 2 logo

Microsoft HoloLens 2

AR/VR & Metaverse

Enterprise mixed reality for the modern workplace

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

VRChat

AR/VR & Metaverse

Social VR platform with user-created worlds

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only VRChat 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; VRChat vRChat Plus subscriptions are sold only through Steam and the Meta Quest Store, and the FAQ states neither platform permits refunds after purchase: "VRChat does not offer refunds for subscriptions after they are purchased."
  • They diverge on capability: Microsoft HoloLens 2 covers Spatial mapping, VRChat covers User-created worlds.

Where they differ

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

Attributes where Microsoft HoloLens 2 and VRChat differ
AttributeMicrosoft HoloLens 2VRChat
Starting price$3500/one-timeFree
Pricing modelUnknownfreemium
Free tierNoYes
PlatformsStandalone AR HeadsetVr, Pc, Quest
Founded20152014

Identical on both: user rating (Not yet rated), category (AR/VR & Metaverse).

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 VRChat

  • User-created worlds
  • Custom avatars
  • Social features
  • Cross-platform
  • Unity SDK
  • Blender
  • Avatar systems
  • Vr support

What people use each for

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

Microsoft HoloLens 2

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

VRChat

  • Social VR world building and avatar based hangouts, with VRChat Plus as an optional $9.99 per month or $99.99 per year subscription for enhanced featuresnot 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

VRChat

  • VRChat Plus subscriptions are sold only through Steam and the Meta Quest Store, and the FAQ states neither platform permits refunds after purchase: "VRChat does not offer refunds for subscriptions after they are purchased."

Pricing, plan by plan

Microsoft HoloLens 2

$3500/one-time

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

VRChat

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Full access
    • Avatar uploads
    • World creation

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 VRChat if

  • You need user-created worlds.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Vr, Pc, Quest.
  • You also want custom avatars.
VRChat review

Questions people ask

Is Microsoft HoloLens 2 or VRChat better?
Neither clearly leads. Microsoft HoloLens 2 starts at $3500/one-time and VRChat at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Microsoft HoloLens 2 or VRChat?
VRChat has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at $3500/one-time for Microsoft HoloLens 2 and Free for VRChat.
Does Microsoft HoloLens 2 or VRChat run on more platforms?
Microsoft HoloLens 2 runs on Standalone AR Headset. VRChat runs on Vr, Pc, Quest.
Can I use VRChat for free?
Yes. VRChat 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 VRChat is typically brought in for.
What can Microsoft HoloLens 2 do that VRChat cannot?
Microsoft HoloLens 2 covers Spatial mapping, Hand tracking, Eye tracking, Holographic display. VRChat covers User-created worlds, Custom avatars, Social features, Cross-platform.

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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Related pages

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