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Virtual Desktop vs AltspaceVR

Virtual Desktop logo

Virtual Desktop

Software

Stream your PC to VR wirelessly

From
$19.99/one-time
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
A

AltspaceVR

Software

Social VR platform for events and meetups

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only AltspaceVR has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: Virtual Desktop requires 5 GHz Wi-Fi connection for optimal performance; AltspaceVR shut down permanently on 10 March 2023. Microsoft closed it to concentrate on Microsoft Mesh, and altvr.com now redirects to microsoft.com
  • They diverge on capability: Virtual Desktop covers Wireless PC VR, AltspaceVR covers Event hosting.

Where they differ

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

Attributes where Virtual Desktop and AltspaceVR differ
AttributeVirtual DesktopAltspaceVR
Starting price$19.99/one-timeFree
Pricing modelone-timefree
Free tierNoYes
PlatformsMeta Quest, Pico, HTC Vive, Valve Index, Windows Mixed Reality, Samsung Galaxy XRVr, Pc, Quest
Founded20161975

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 Virtual Desktop

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

Only in AltspaceVR

  • Event hosting
  • World building
  • Avatar system
  • Spatial audio
  • Microsoft accounts
  • Streaming
  • Custom content

Both cover

  • Vr support
  • Quest support
  • Pc support

What people use each for

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

Virtual Desktop

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

AltspaceVR

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

Where each one falls short

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

Virtual Desktop

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

AltspaceVR

  • Shut down permanently on 10 March 2023. Microsoft closed it to concentrate on Microsoft Mesh, and altvr.com now redirects to microsoft.com
  • Microsoft acquired it in 2017 and the closure came alongside wider cuts, so there is no path back
  • Mesh is aimed at business use rather than the consumer social VR AltspaceVR offered

Pricing, plan by plan

Virtual Desktop

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

AltspaceVR

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Event hosting
    • World creation
    • Social features

Which should you pick?

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

Choose AltspaceVR if

  • You need event hosting.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Vr, Pc, Quest.
  • You also want world building.
AltspaceVR review

Questions people ask

Is Virtual Desktop or AltspaceVR better?
Neither clearly leads. Virtual Desktop starts at $19.99/one-time and AltspaceVR at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Virtual Desktop or AltspaceVR?
AltspaceVR has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at $19.99/one-time for Virtual Desktop and Free for AltspaceVR.
Does Virtual Desktop or AltspaceVR run on more platforms?
Virtual Desktop runs on Meta Quest, Pico, HTC Vive, Valve Index, Windows Mixed Reality, Samsung Galaxy XR. AltspaceVR runs on Vr, Pc, Quest.
Can I use AltspaceVR for free?
Yes. AltspaceVR has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Virtual Desktop starts at $19.99/one-time.
What is Virtual Desktop best used for?
Virtual Desktop is most often used for streaming pc desktop to vr headsets, playing games in virtual cinema environment, watching movies on giant virtual screens, browsing web content in vr. Of those, streaming pc desktop to vr headsets and playing games in virtual cinema environment are not what AltspaceVR is typically brought in for.
What can Virtual Desktop do that AltspaceVR cannot?
Virtual Desktop covers Wireless PC VR, Desktop streaming, Virtual environments, Low latency. AltspaceVR covers Event hosting, World building, Avatar system, Spatial audio. Both handle Vr support, Quest support, Pc support.
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