Softwr

Software · head to head

Microsoft HoloLens 2 vs WebXR Device API

Microsoft HoloLens 2 logo

Microsoft HoloLens 2

Software

Enterprise mixed reality for the modern workplace

From
$3500/one-time
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
WebXR Device API logo

WebXR Device API

Software

W3C standard for VR and AR on the web

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only WebXR Device API 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; WebXR Device API safari on iOS does not support WebXR natively, limiting reach for iPhone and iPad users
  • They diverge on capability: Microsoft HoloLens 2 covers Spatial mapping, WebXR Device API covers VR sessions.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Microsoft HoloLens 2 and WebXR Device API actually diverge.

Attributes where Microsoft HoloLens 2 and WebXR Device API differ
AttributeMicrosoft HoloLens 2WebXR Device API
Starting price$3500/one-timeFree
Pricing modelUnknownfree
Free tierNoYes
PlatformsStandalone AR HeadsetWeb, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Samsung Internet
Founded20151994

Identical on both: 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 WebXR Device API

  • VR sessions
  • AR sessions
  • Input handling
  • Reference spaces
  • Chrome
  • Firefox
  • Edge
  • Quest Browser

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

WebXR Device API

  • 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

WebXR Device API

  • Safari on iOS does not support WebXR natively, limiting reach for iPhone and iPad users
  • Requires compatible VR/AR hardware which limits adoption to users with VR headsets or AR-capable mobile devices
  • Browser support still emerging with some features being experimental or not widely implemented across all browsers

Pricing, plan by plan

Microsoft HoloLens 2

$3500/one-time

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

WebXR Device API

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Open standard
    • Browser support
    • Specification

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 WebXR Device API if

  • You need vr sessions.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Samsung Internet.
  • You also want ar sessions.
WebXR Device API review

Questions people ask

Is Microsoft HoloLens 2 or WebXR Device API better?
Neither clearly leads. Microsoft HoloLens 2 starts at $3500/one-time and WebXR Device API at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Microsoft HoloLens 2 or WebXR Device API?
WebXR Device API has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at $3500/one-time for Microsoft HoloLens 2 and Free for WebXR Device API.
Does Microsoft HoloLens 2 or WebXR Device API run on more platforms?
Microsoft HoloLens 2 runs on Standalone AR Headset. WebXR Device API runs on Web, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Samsung Internet.
Can I use WebXR Device API for free?
Yes. WebXR Device API 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 WebXR Device API cannot?
Microsoft HoloLens 2 covers Spatial mapping, Hand tracking, Eye tracking, Holographic display. WebXR Device API covers VR sessions, AR sessions, Input handling, Reference spaces.

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
WebXR Device API: What is WebXR Device API?

WebXR Device API is a W3C web standard that enables developers to build immersive virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality experiences directly within web browsers without requiring native app installation.

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
WebXR Device API: Which browsers support WebXR?

WebXR is supported in Chrome (desktop and mobile), Microsoft Edge (desktop), Firefox (desktop and mobile), and Safari on mobile. Safari on iOS does not implement WebXR natively but third-party apps like 8th Wall provide workarounds.

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
WebXR Device API: Is WebXR hardware-dependent?

Yes, WebXR requires compatible VR/AR hardware such as Meta Quest headsets, HTC Vive, Microsoft HoloLens, or mobile AR-capable devices, but the same code can run on different hardware through the unified API.

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
ShareXLinkedInRedditWhatsAppEmail

Related pages

More on Microsoft HoloLens 2

More on WebXR Device API

Keep looking

Other head to heads