AR VR · head to head
Microsoft HoloLens 2 vs Spatial

Microsoft HoloLens 2
AR VR
Enterprise mixed reality for the modern workplace
- From
- $3500/one-time
- Rated
- -
The short version
- Only Spatial 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; Spatial no pricing published; customers must contact sales
- They diverge on capability: Microsoft HoloLens 2 covers Spatial mapping, Spatial covers 3D space creation.
- Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which Microsoft HoloLens 2 and Spatial actually diverge.
| Attribute | Microsoft HoloLens 2 | Spatial |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $3500/one-time | Free |
| Pricing model | Unknown | freemium |
| Free tier | No | Yes |
| Platforms | Standalone AR Headset | Web, Mobile, Vr |
| Founded | 2015 | 2016 |
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 Microsoft HoloLens 2
- Spatial mapping
- Hand tracking
- Eye tracking
- Holographic display
- Azure
- Dynamics 365
- Microsoft Teams
- Mixed-reality support
Only in Spatial
- 3D space creation
- NFT display
- Events
- Commerce
- Web3 wallets
- NFT marketplaces
- Streaming
- Web support
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
Microsoft HoloLens 2
- VR Gamingnot Spatial
- AR Marketingnot Spatial
- Virtual Trainingnot Spatial
- 3D Visualizationnot Spatial
- Immersive Experiencesnot Spatial
Spatial
- Corporate training and educationnot 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
Spatial
- No pricing published; customers must contact sales
Pricing, plan by plan
Microsoft HoloLens 2
$3500/one-timeNo published plan breakdown. See the Microsoft HoloLens 2 review.
Spatial
Free- FreeFree
- Space creation
- NFT galleries
- Social features
Which should you pick?
Choose Microsoft HoloLens 2 if
- You need spatial mapping.
- You work on Standalone AR Headset.
- You also want hand tracking.
Choose Spatial if
- You need 3d space creation.
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on Web, Mobile, Vr.
- You also want nft display.
Questions people ask
- Is Microsoft HoloLens 2 or Spatial better?
- Neither clearly leads. Microsoft HoloLens 2 starts at $3500/one-time and Spatial at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, Microsoft HoloLens 2 or Spatial?
- Spatial has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at $3500/one-time for Microsoft HoloLens 2 and Free for Spatial.
- Does Microsoft HoloLens 2 or Spatial run on more platforms?
- Microsoft HoloLens 2 runs on Standalone AR Headset. Spatial runs on Web, Mobile, Vr.
- Can I use Spatial for free?
- Yes. Spatial 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 Spatial is typically brought in for.
- What can Microsoft HoloLens 2 do that Spatial cannot?
- Microsoft HoloLens 2 covers Spatial mapping, Hand tracking, Eye tracking, Holographic display. Spatial covers 3D space creation, NFT display, Events, Commerce.
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.
SourceSpatial: How much does Spatial cost?
Spatial does not publish specific pricing on their website. The site directs customers to contact the sales team or request a demo to discuss pricing and custom solutions.
SourceMicrosoft 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.
SourceSpatial: Can I try Spatial for free?
Spatial offers a Try for Free button on their pricing page, though the trial length is not specified. Contact sales for details on trial access.
SourceMicrosoft 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.
SourceMicrosoft 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.
SourceRelated pages
More on Microsoft HoloLens 2
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- Spatial vs Magic Leap 2
- Spatial vs Apple Vision Pro
- Spatial vs Meta Quest
- Spatial vs HTC Vive
- Spatial vs Vuforia
- Spatial vs ARCore
- Spatial vs Unity AR Foundation
- Spatial vs Virbela
- Spatial vs Wikitude
- Spatial vs Engage VR
- Spatial vs Varjo
- Spatial vs TikTok Effect House
- Spatial vs Gravity Sketch
- Spatial vs ARKit
- Spatial vs Spark AR Studio
- Spatial vs Instagram AR Effects
- Spatial vs Frame VR
- Spatial vs Glue
- Spatial vs Mozilla Hubs
- Spatial vs AltspaceVR
- Spatial vs MeetinVR
- Spatial vs ShapesXR
- Spatial vs Snapchat AR
- Spatial vs SteamVR
- Spatial vs The Wild
- Spatial vs Tilt Brush

