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Microsoft HoloLens 2 vs ZBrush

Microsoft HoloLens 2 logo

Microsoft HoloLens 2

Software

Enterprise mixed reality for the modern workplace

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

ZBrush

Software

Industry standard for digital sculpting

From
On request
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; ZBrush subscription model required; no perpetual licence option available
  • They diverge on capability: Microsoft HoloLens 2 covers Spatial mapping, ZBrush covers Digital sculpting.

Where they differ

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

Attributes where Microsoft HoloLens 2 and ZBrush differ
AttributeMicrosoft HoloLens 2ZBrush
Starting price$3500/one-timeOn request
Pricing modelUnknownsubscription
PlatformsStandalone AR HeadsetWindows, macOS, iPadOS
Founded20151986

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 ZBrush

  • Digital sculpting
  • Dynamesh
  • ZRemesher
  • PolyPaint
  • Live Boolean
  • Sculptris Pro
  • UV Master
  • High polygon handling

Both cover

  • Windows support

What people use each for

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

Microsoft HoloLens 2

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

ZBrush

  • Digital character and creature sculptingnot Microsoft HoloLens 2
  • High-polygon organic form designnot Microsoft HoloLens 2
  • Texture painting and PolyPaint worknot Microsoft HoloLens 2
  • Game asset creation and 3D modellingnot 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

ZBrush

  • Subscription model required; no perpetual licence option available
  • iPad version requires separate subscription to ZBrush for iPad

Pricing, plan by plan

Microsoft HoloLens 2

$3500/one-time

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

ZBrush

On request

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

Choose ZBrush if

  • You need digital sculpting.
  • You work on Windows, macOS, iPadOS.
  • You also want dynamesh.
ZBrush review

Questions people ask

Is Microsoft HoloLens 2 or ZBrush better?
Neither clearly leads. Microsoft HoloLens 2 starts at $3500/one-time and ZBrush at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Microsoft HoloLens 2 or ZBrush?
Microsoft HoloLens 2 starts at $3500/one-time and ZBrush at On request.
Does Microsoft HoloLens 2 or ZBrush run on more platforms?
Microsoft HoloLens 2 runs on Standalone AR Headset. ZBrush runs on Windows, macOS, iPadOS.
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 ZBrush is typically brought in for.
What can Microsoft HoloLens 2 do that ZBrush cannot?
Microsoft HoloLens 2 covers Spatial mapping, Hand tracking, Eye tracking, Holographic display. ZBrush covers Digital sculpting, Dynamesh, ZRemesher, PolyPaint. Both handle Windows support.

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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