Apple has finally entered the AR market with its Vision Pro, a spatial computer that lets you interact with virtual objects and environments in the real world. The device, which was announced at WWDC 2023. But it also comes with a hefty price tag of $3,499, making it one of the most expensive consumer gadgets ever. 😱
But, How does it stack up against its competitor, the Microsoft HoloLens 2, which also costs the same $3,500 and offers a mixed reality experience? The HoloLens 2, which was launched in 2019, is a product of Microsoft’s years of experience in the AR field.
Both devices promise to deliver amazing visuals, audio, and interaction with spatial computing.
But how do these two devices actually compare with each other? Which one offers better value and performance? In this blog post, we will look at some of the key features and differences between Apple Vision Pro and HoloLens 2, and help you decide which one is better.
Before we move into their comparison. Here’s what the experts👨🎓 and reviewers say about these devices who have tried or used the devices:
- “Apple Vision Pro is Apple’s long-awaited and very impressive AR headset — but who is it for?” – Crackberry
- “HoloLens 2 is a technical marvel that’s also very practical” – The Verge
- “Apple Vision Pro raises the bar (and price) of AR headsets” – Digital Trends
- “HoloLens 2 is one of the most comfortable mixed reality devices available” – TechRadar
Before we dive into the details, let’s have some fun and make some jokes 🤣 and memes 😉about the devices:
- Apple Vision Pro: The only device that lets you see eye-to-eye with Siri.😁
- HoloLens 2: The only device that makes you look like a cyborg from the future.😀
- Apple Vision Pro: The device that costs more than a MacBook Pro.😉
- HoloLens 2: The device that weighs more than a brick.🤣
The main purpose and goal of this blog post is to compare and contrast the two devices and help you decide which one is right for you.
Contents
Vision Pro Vs HoloLens 2: Design and Comfort
When you compare the Apple Vision Pro and the HoloLens 2, one of the first things that stands out is their design and how they look. Both devices share a similar structure, consisting of a headset that goes over your eyes and a band that wraps around your head. But they do have some noticeable differences in terms of style and appearance.
The Apple Vision Pro has a sleek and futuristic design that catches the eye. It has a black exterior that becomes partially transparent when someone is nearby. This feature, called EyeSight, is pretty cool because it lets others see your eyes through the device. It’s meant to make the headset feel more human and less alienating. Plus, it’s handy for letting people know when you’re taking a photo or video with the device.
The HoloLens 2, on the other hand, has a more bulky and industrial look, with a visor that covers your eyes and forehead, and a band that wraps around your head. The device also has cameras and sensors on the front and sides, giving it a more robotic appearance.
To help you visualize the differences between these devices, here are the images:
- Apple Vision Pro
- HoloLens 2
Both devices are designed to be comfortable and adjustable for different head sizes and shapes. The Apple Vision Pro weighs about 453 grams, while the HoloLens 2 weighs about 566 grams. The weight difference may not seem significant, but it can affect the user’s comfort and fatigue over long periods of use.
The design and comfort of both devices are important factors for the user experience and satisfaction, but they have some advantages and disadvantages over each other. The Apple Vision Pro offers a sleeker and more futuristic design, which can appeal to users who value style and aesthetics. While the HoloLens 2 offers a more bulky and industrial look, which can appeal to users who value durability and functionality.
Related: Best Apple Vision Pro Alternatives in 2023: VR and MR Headsets That Won’t Break Your Budget 💰
Vision Pro Vs HoloLens 2: Display and Audio
Both devices use a combination of AR and VR technologies to create immersive and realistic visuals. The Apple Vision Pro has a resolution of 3800 x 3000 pixels per eye, while the HoloLens 2 has a resolution of 1440 x 936 pixels per eye. The Apple Vision Pro also has a wider expected field of view (FOV) of 110-120 degrees, compared to the HoloLens 2’s FOV of 52 degrees. This means that the Apple Vision Pro can display more content and objects in your peripheral vision, while the HoloLens 2 may require you to move your head more to see everything.
Both devices also have high-quality audio systems that create spatial sound effects. The Apple Vision Pro has 2 speakers that surround your ears, also the HoloLens 2 has two speakers that sit above your ears.
The display and audio of both devices are impressive and innovative, but they have some advantages and disadvantages over each other. The Apple Vision Pro offers a higher resolution and wider FOV display, which can enhance visual realism and immersion. on the other hand, the HoloLens 2 offers a lower resolution and narrower FOV display, which can limit visual realism and immersion. So in terms of Display Apple Vision Pro clearly outshines the Microsoft Hololens 2.
Related: Apple Vision Pro Vs Magic Leap 2
Vision Pro Vs HoloLens 2: Interaction and Control
One of the most important aspects of any AR device is how you can interact with the digital content and control the device itself. Both devices use hand-tracking technology that allows you to manipulate virtual objects with your gestures without any controller. You can also use voice commands to launch apps, adjust settings, or perform actions.
Also, the Apple Vision Pro has an additional feature that sets it apart from the HoloLens 2: eye-tracking. This feature lets you control the icons on the virtual desktop with your gaze, making it easier and faster to access apps and functions. You can also use eye contact to communicate with other users or avatars in social or collaborative apps.
In conclusion, the Apple Vision Pro offers a more intuitive and natural way of interacting with and controlling the device with eye-tracking technology, which can enhance the user’s efficiency and engagement. While the HoloLens 2 offers a more conventional and familiar way of interacting with and controlling the device with hand-tracking technology, which can suit the user’s habits and preferences. Overall, Apple Vision Pro Interaction and Control is better than Microsoft Hololens 2
Vision Pro Vs HoloLens 2: Battery Life
One of the challenges of any AR device is to provide enough power for its high-performance display, audio, and interaction systems. Both the Apple Vision Pro and the HoloLens 2 have external battery packs that connect to the headsets via USB-C cables. But, they have different capacities and durations.
The Apple Vision Pro has a 4780 mAh battery pack that supports up to two hours of use on a full charge. The battery pack also has a wireless charging feature that allows you to charge it with any Qi-compatible charger. You can also use the device while it is plugged into a power source, extending its use to all day.
The HoloLens 2 has a 5,000 mAh battery pack that supports up to three hours of use on a full charge. The battery pack does not have a wireless charging feature, so you need to plug it in with a USB-C cable to charge it. You can also use the device while it is plugged into a power source, extending its use to all day.
The Apple Vision Pro offers a lower duration and wireless charging feature, which can provide more convenience and flexibility for users. While the HoloLens 2 offers a longer duration and lower consumption feature, which can provide more endurance and reliability for users. So, Microsoft Hololens two battery life is slightly better than Apple Vision Pro.
Vision Pro Vs HoloLens 2: Price and Availability
Another important factor to consider when choosing between the Apple Vision Pro and the HoloLens 2 is their price and availability. Both devices are priced at $3,499, which is quite expensive for most consumers. However, they also include some benefits and services that may justify their high cost.
The availability of the devices is also different. The Apple Vision Pro will be available in early 2024 in select countries and regions. The device will launch first in the US, Canada, UK, Australia, Japan, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, China, India, Brazil, Mexico, and South Korea. The device will then roll out to other countries and regions throughout the year.
On the other hand, The HoloLens 2 is available now in select countries. The device is currently available in the US, Canada, UK, Australia, Japan, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, China, India, Brazil, Mexico, South Korea, Singapore, Switzerland, Ireland, etc.
Conclusion: Vision Pro Vs HoloLens 2
We have compared and contrasted the Apple Vision Pro and the HoloLens 2 in terms of their design and comfort, display and audio, interaction and control, apps and content, and price and availability. Both devices are amazing and powerful AR headsets that can offer incredible experiences and possibilities for the future of computing and entertainment.
However, they also have some strengths and weaknesses over each other, depending on your personal preferences, needs, and budget. Here is a summary of the main points and findings of this blog post, highlighting the pros and cons of each device:
| Feature | Apple Vision Pro | HoloLens 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Design and Comfort | Sleek and futuristic design; light and comfortable; EyeSight feature | Bulky and industrial look; heavy and cumbersome; robotic appearance |
| Display and Audio | Higher resolution and wider FOV display; more immersive and realistic visuals; eight speakers; more directional and immersive sound effects | Lower resolution and narrower FOV display; less immersive and realistic visuals; two speakers; less directional and immersive sound effects |
| Interaction and Control | Hand-tracking and eye-tracking technology; more intuitive and natural interaction and control; eye contact feature | Hand-tracking technology only; more conventional and familiar interaction and control |
| Apps and Content | iOS 17 platform; compatible with any iOS app; AirPlay feature | Windows Mixed Reality platform; compatible with any Windows app; Miracast feature |
| Price and Availability | $3,499; available in early 2024 in select countries and regions | $3,499; available now in select countries |
| Battery Life | Up to two hours of use on a full charge with a wireless charging feature | Up to three hours of use on a full charge without a wireless charging feature |
| Processor Performance | Dual-chip design with M2 processor and R1 chip for high graphics and sensor processing | Single-chip design with Snapdragon 850 processor for decent graphics and spatial audio processing |
Based on these points, here is my recommendation for you:
- If you value style, aesthetics, comfort, visual realism, immersion, efficiency, engagement, innovation, and exclusivity, then you should choose the Apple Vision Pro. It is a device that will wow you with its sleek design, high-quality display, amazing audio, intuitive interaction, eye contact feature, iOS compatibility, and AirPlay feature. However, you will have to wait for its release date in 2024.
- If you value durability, and most important availability then you should choose the HoloLens 2. It is a device that will impress you with its sturdy design, decent display, good audio, conventional interaction, Windows compatibility, and Miracast feature. But, you will also have to compromise on some aspects such as weight, comfort, visual realism, immersion, sound effects, or lag and glitches.
- But, if you can wait till 2024 for the launch of Apple Vision Pro. Then Apple Vision Pro could be the best choice for you.
The final take is that with expected features and specifications Apple Vision Pro is a better VR Headset than Microsft Hololens 2.
Which one is your own personal favorite, let me know in the comments.
Also Read: Best SmartWatches Under $100 in 2023
We hope this blog post has helped you make an informed decision on which AR headset to buy. We would love to hear your feedback in terms of comments, questions, or suggestions. Please feel free to share your thoughts below.
Hey there! I’m Kuldeep Kumar, and tech is my jam. From the mind-blowing world of AI to the thrilling battlegrounds of cybersecurity, I love exploring every corner of this amazing world. Gadgets? I geek out over them. Hidden software tricks? Bring ’em on! I explain it all in clear, bite-sized chunks, laced with a touch of humor to keep things sparky. So, join me on this tech adventure, and let’s demystify the wonders of technology, one blog post at a time.