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AR VR · head to head

ShapesXR vs Virtual Desktop

ShapesXR logo

ShapesXR

AR VR

Collaborative XR prototyping platform

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Virtual Desktop logo

Virtual Desktop

AR VR

Stream your PC to VR wirelessly

From
$19.99/one-time
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only ShapesXR has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: ShapesXR the free Starter plan allows only 1 editable Space, 10 Frames per Space and 1 Viewpoint; Virtual Desktop requires 5 GHz Wi-Fi connection for optimal performance
  • They diverge on capability: ShapesXR covers XR prototyping, Virtual Desktop covers Wireless PC VR.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which ShapesXR and Virtual Desktop actually diverge.

Attributes where ShapesXR and Virtual Desktop differ
AttributeShapesXRVirtual Desktop
Starting priceFree$19.99/one-time
Pricing modelfreemiumone-time
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsVr, Ar, Quest, WebMeta Quest, Pico, HTC Vive, Valve Index, Windows Mixed Reality, Samsung Galaxy XR
Founded20192016

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

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 ShapesXR

  • XR prototyping
  • Real-time collaboration
  • Interactions
  • Asset library
  • Figma
  • Sketch
  • Adobe XD
  • Ar support

Only in Virtual Desktop

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

Both cover

  • Vr support
  • Quest support

What people use each for

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

ShapesXR

  • Designing and prototyping spatial and XR interfaces in a headsetnot Virtual Desktop
  • Reviewing 3D product designs in context with a distributed teamnot Virtual Desktop
  • Bringing Figma designs into VR for spatial layoutnot Virtual Desktop

Virtual Desktop

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

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

ShapesXR

  • The free Starter plan allows only 1 editable Space, 10 Frames per Space and 1 Viewpoint
  • The free Starter plan caps imports at 20MB and the canvas at 100 square metres
  • The Figma plugin, playable Figma prototypes and 200MB imports require a paid plan
  • Roles, permissions, presentation tools and a shared team asset library require the Business plan
  • Single sign on, multi-factor authentication and premium support are Enterprise only
  • No prices are published for the Professional, Business or Enterprise plans; each is Get a quote
  • The Business trial is 14 days

Virtual Desktop

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

Pricing, plan by plan

ShapesXR

Free
  • FreeFree
    • 3 projects
    • Collaboration
    • Basic export

Virtual Desktop

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

Which should you pick?

Choose ShapesXR if

  • You need xr prototyping.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Vr, Ar, Quest, Web.
  • You also want real-time collaboration.
ShapesXR 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 ShapesXR or Virtual Desktop better?
Neither clearly leads. ShapesXR starts at Free 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, ShapesXR or Virtual Desktop?
ShapesXR has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for ShapesXR and $19.99/one-time for Virtual Desktop.
Does ShapesXR or Virtual Desktop run on more platforms?
ShapesXR runs on Vr, Ar, Quest, Web. Virtual Desktop runs on Meta Quest, Pico, HTC Vive, Valve Index, Windows Mixed Reality, Samsung Galaxy XR.
Can I use ShapesXR for free?
Yes. ShapesXR has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Virtual Desktop starts at $19.99/one-time.
What is ShapesXR best used for?
ShapesXR is most often used for designing and prototyping spatial and xr interfaces in a headset, reviewing 3d product designs in context with a distributed team, bringing figma designs into vr for spatial layout. Of those, designing and prototyping spatial and xr interfaces in a headset and reviewing 3d product designs in context with a distributed team are not what Virtual Desktop is typically brought in for.
What can ShapesXR do that Virtual Desktop cannot?
ShapesXR covers XR prototyping, Real-time collaboration, Interactions, Asset library. Virtual Desktop covers Wireless PC VR, Desktop streaming, Virtual environments, Low latency. Both handle Vr support, Quest support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

ShapesXR: How much does ShapesXR cost?

ShapesXR offers a free Starter tier and paid Professional, Business, and Enterprise tiers. Specific pricing for paid tiers is not published and requires requesting a quote from ShapesXR's sales team.

Source
Virtual Desktop: Where can I purchase Virtual Desktop?

Virtual Desktop is available through multiple platform-specific stores including Steam, Meta Quest Store, and other app store platforms.

Source
ShapesXR: What is included in ShapesXR's free Starter plan?

The free Starter tier includes 1 editable space, 10 frames per space, 20 MB imports, and access to all creation tools. This allows discovery of ShapesXR's core capabilities at no cost.

Source
Virtual Desktop: What headsets are supported by Virtual Desktop?

Virtual Desktop supports multiple VR headsets with detailed system requirements listed on the website.

Source
ShapesXR: Is there a free trial for ShapesXR's paid plans?

Yes, Business plan includes a 14-day free trial with no credit card required, allowing evaluation of team collaboration and permissions features before purchasing.

Source
Virtual Desktop: Is customer support available?

Yes, Virtual Desktop includes a comprehensive FAQ and troubleshooting section on their website to help users resolve issues.

Source
ShapesXR: What are the differences between ShapesXR's paid tiers?

Professional offers unlimited creation with higher import limits (50 MB). Business adds unlimited spaces/frames (200 MB imports) with team collaboration. Enterprise includes all Business features plus SSO, MFA, advanced security, premium support, and a dedicated consultant.

Source
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