HoloLens Alternatives: What’s Next for Industrial Mixed Reality Users?

As Microsoft announced the end of support for HoloLens, many mixed reality users are left wondering about their next steps and what other alternatives there are on the VR/AR market.

Image of a man in VR/AR glasses to show what it would look like for someone to wear HoloLens or alternatives.

Microsoft launched HoloLens, a mixed reality headset, in 2016. Since then, HoloLens has been a powerful tool used across many industries, including education, technology, manufacturing, and even healthcare. HoloLens 2, which was released in 2019, has achieved significant milestones across industries. It allowed users to visualise designs, virtually train and collaborate remotely with holographic representations and natural interactions. Thanks to this technology, the way remote work is conducted changed and improved. HoloLens 2 really set a new standard for mixed reality.

However it seems the end of the HoloLens era is near as Microsoft announced that they will end the production for their iconic HoloLens 2. Microsoft has committed to providing software updates, including security patches, until December 31, 2027 but many businesses and developers are already looking to explore new alternatives. For those who have relied on HoloLens technology, the most important question now is: What comes next?

There are a couple of interesting HoloLens alternatives

Magic Leap 2

Magic Leap 2 is an augmented reality (AR) headset that was released in 2022. It was designed to mix digital content with the real world and it was aimed towards businesses, professionals and enterprises. Its features make it a great tool for multiple industries such as healthcare or manufacturing. It includes key aspects such as:

  • A Larger Field of View offering a more immersive experience
  • Controller and Hand Tracking which provide precise input and allow for natural interactions
  • Advanced Optics that offer sharper visuals with better colour fidelity which makes virtual content appear more realistic

Magic Leap 2 and HoloLens 2 are both mixed reality headsets, but they target slightly different audiences and excel in different areas. Magic Leap 2 has a slightly larger field of view than HoloLens 2, making virtual objects appear more immersive and visible in the real world.

When it comes to industries that require high precision and visual quality, Magic Leap 2 is the better option between the two. Particularly due to its dynamic dimming and wider field of view. On the other hand, HoloLens 2 excels in natural interactions, software ecosystem, and versatility. That makes it a better tool for collaboration and broad enterprise applications and a great HoloLens alternative.

Meta Quest 3

The Meta Quest 3 is a mixed reality headset developed by Reality Labs, a division of Meta Platforms. This device is ideal for professionals looking for a versatile headset that supports both AR and VR experiences. Key features include:

  • High-resolution displays for clear visuals.
  • Comfortable design for extended use.
  • Support for collaborative workspaces through Meta’s ecosystem.

When compared to the HoloLens 2, the Meta Quest 3 caters to a different market. It is more consumer focused with an emphasis on gaming and entertainment for an affordable price. 

HoloLens, on the other hand, is an enterprise headset designed for professional use. It offers the advanced spatial mapping that it is so well known for but it lacks the entertainment and VR focus of the Quest 3. So while Quest 3 prioritises everyday users, HoloLens 2 delivers more on precision for specialised applications.

Digilens Argo

DigiLens ARGO is an augmented reality (AR) headset designed for enterprises and industrial applications. Its design and easy operation make it an excellent choice for fieldwork and manufacturing. Some key features include:

  • High transparency lenses for unobstructed views of the real world.
  • Voice Recognition: Multiple microphones for clear audio input, even in noisy environments.
  • DigiOS Operating System: A custom operating system based on the Android Open Source Project for spatial computing.

Compared to the HoloLens as an alternative, both of these headsets are suitable for enterprises and industrial fields but they do have key differences. The ARGO is especially superior for outdoor visibility and challenging environments because of its advanced crystal waveguide technology and durable design. However, through its more ergonomic design and hand tracking technology, HoloLens 2 puts emphasis on comfort and usability. 

Both headsets are powered by high performance hardware but ARGO is run on  DigiOS while HoloLens is reliant on Microsoft’s ecosystem and integration with Azure services. ARGO is also seen as more customisable and versatile while HoloLens 2 provides a more refined experience.

Vuzix M4000

Vuzix M4000 is a pair of augmented reality (AR) smart glasses developed for enterprise use. It combines advanced optics with powerful processing ability and an ergonomic design for comfort. Its key features include: 

  • See-Through Waveguide Optics includes a 28-degree field of view with a bright 5000-nit display, ideal for indoor and outdoor use
  • Powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon XR1 which allows for enhanced processing capabilities tailored for AR applications
  • 12.8-Megapixel Camera great for high-resolution stills and 4K video recording at 30fps with autofocus and optical image stabilisation

Both Vuzix M4000 and HoloLens 2 are created for enterprise use but their features make them suitable for different areas. The Vuzix M4000 emphasises portability and rugged design with see-through waveguide optics and it is ideal for field use. The HoloLens 2 however, offers a more immersive experience with a larger field of view, advanced hand tracking and it is better suited for complex AR workflows.

While the HoloLens 2 focuses on spatial computing power, the Vuzix M4000 prioritises versatility and practical deployment in demanding environments.

What Does The Future Hold For Mixed Reality?

The discontinuation of HoloLens marks the end of an era, but it also signifies a new chapter in mixed reality innovation. By exploring the HoloLens alternatives above, businesses and developers can stay ahead of the curve and continue to harness the novel power of mixed reality technology. Here at Recreate, we can help you discover the perfect solution or alternative tailored entirely to your needs and project goals. 

Image of a woman in VR/AR headset to show what it would look like for someone to wear HoloLens or alternatives.

Looking for more budget-friendly alternatives for HoloLens 2? Click here to explore some more affordable choices that can provide a similar experience