Software · head to head
VRChat vs AltspaceVR
The short version
- Each has a real cost: VRChat vRChat Plus subscriptions are sold only through Steam and the Meta Quest Store, and the FAQ states neither platform permits refunds after purchase: "VRChat does not offer refunds for subscriptions after they are purchased."; 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: VRChat covers User-created worlds, AltspaceVR covers Event hosting.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which VRChat and AltspaceVR actually diverge.
| Attribute | VRChat | AltspaceVR |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | freemium | free |
| Founded | 2014 | 1975 |
Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), platforms (Vr, Pc, Quest), 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 VRChat
- User-created worlds
- Custom avatars
- Social features
- Cross-platform
- Unity SDK
- Blender
- Avatar systems
Only in AltspaceVR
- Event hosting
- World building
- Avatar system
- Spatial audio
- Microsoft accounts
- Streaming
- Custom content
Both cover
- Vr support
- Pc support
- Quest support
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
VRChat
- Social VR world building and avatar based hangouts, with VRChat Plus as an optional $9.99 per month or $99.99 per year subscription for enhanced featuresnot AltspaceVR
AltspaceVR
- VR Gamingnot VRChat
- AR Marketingnot VRChat
- Virtual Trainingnot VRChat
- 3D Visualizationnot VRChat
- Immersive Experiencesnot VRChat
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
VRChat
- VRChat Plus subscriptions are sold only through Steam and the Meta Quest Store, and the FAQ states neither platform permits refunds after purchase: "VRChat does not offer refunds for subscriptions after they are purchased."
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
VRChat
Free- FreeFree
- Full access
- Avatar uploads
- World creation
AltspaceVR
Free- FreeFree
- Event hosting
- World creation
- Social features
Which should you pick?
Choose VRChat if
- You need user-created worlds.
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on Vr, Pc, Quest.
- You also want custom avatars.
Choose AltspaceVR if
- You need event hosting.
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on Vr, Pc, Quest.
- You also want world building.
Questions people ask
- Is VRChat or AltspaceVR better?
- Neither clearly leads. VRChat starts at Free and AltspaceVR at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, VRChat or AltspaceVR?
- VRChat starts at Free and AltspaceVR at Free.
- Does VRChat or AltspaceVR run on more platforms?
- Both run on Vr, Pc, Quest, so platform support will not decide this one for you.
- Can I use VRChat for free?
- Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
- What is VRChat best used for?
- VRChat is most often used for social vr world building and avatar based hangouts, with vrchat plus as an optional $9.99 per month or $99.99 per year subscription for enhanced features. Of those, social vr world building and avatar based hangouts, with vrchat plus as an optional $9.99 per month or $99.99 per year subscription for enhanced features is not what AltspaceVR is typically brought in for.
- What can VRChat do that AltspaceVR cannot?
- VRChat covers User-created worlds, Custom avatars, Social features, Cross-platform. AltspaceVR covers Event hosting, World building, Avatar system, Spatial audio. Both handle Vr support, Pc support, Quest support.