11 Worthy AltspaceVR Alternatives in 2024

VRChat
ChilloutVR
Metaverse
Neos
Microsoft Mesh
Mesh
Rec Room
Second Life
Roblox
Meta
Facebook Metaverse

AltspaceVR is a social virtual reality platform launched in 2015 and acquired by Microsoft in 2017. It offers free virtual spaces for VR experiences, with no VR headset requirement initially, attracting users for events like comedy shows and workshops. Following the Microsoft Mesh integration in Spring 2021, users could host avatars in their holograms or physical space’s digital twin. Closure was announced in March 2023 due to funding issues.

For those exploring options beyond AltspaceVR, alternatives include VRChat, ChilloutVR, Neos, Microsoft Mesh, Mesh, Rec Room, Second Life, Roblox, Meta, Facebook Metaverse, and Metaverse.

VRChat

Powered by the Unity engine, VRChat offers a robust and customizable AR/VR experience. Developed by Graham Gaylor and Jesse Joudrey, it debuted in 2014 and supports a variety of devices, from VR headsets like Oculus and HTC Vive to Android and touchscreen devices, and even conventional mouse, keyboard, and gamepad setups.

VRChat Top Features

User-created 3D avatars and worlds with large scope of customization
Features such as lip sync, eye tracking, blinking, head and hand motion mimicry
VRChat Plus premium membership for additional features
Unique multi-user social platform, hosting classes, dance events, and live music
Introduced Udon – a visual programming language in 2020

Feature	Description
Trust Level System	Classifies users into trust levels for safety, ensuring a secure virtual environment
Anti-Cheat System	Incorporated the EAC anti-cheat system in July 2022, enhancing game integrity
Community Engagement	Features communities manifested in weekly newspapers, talk shows, and podcasts

VRChat Downsides

Controversially allowed minor access to adult-themed content
Encountered review bombing following anti-cheat system announcement

VRChat Pricing

While VRChat is free to use, it also offers a premium membership service – VRChat Plus, introduced in November 2020 for enhanced features.

VRChat Use Cases

Use case 1: Social Engagements

With its strong emphasis on sociability, VRChat provides a fresh take on virtual engagement similar to platforms like Second Life and Habbo Hotel.

Use case 2: Immersive Gaming

For gamers, VRChat offers an immersive experience with user-created worlds and avatars, enhanced by continuous feature updates.

Use case 3: Content Creation

Content creators on platforms like YouTube and Twitch can tap into VRChat’s popularity and user engagement to enhance their streaming content.

ChilloutVR

Dive into the vast expanse of the metaverse with ChilloutVR, an engaging social sandbox game accessible through both VR and Desktop. This community-engaged environment excels in fostering the invaluable element of interactivity and optimal flexibility.

ChilloutVR Top Features

User-Centricity: Design and create your own avatars as you traverse this digital realm, connect with friends or strangers, and enjoy the spectrum of publically accessible worlds.
Innovation: The adoption of in-game modularity, which permits the creation of interactive objects and complete game modes.
Community Engagement: Full-fledged social features including the ability to add friends, form parties, manage member activities and recurrent instances in group system, and a variety of events to participate.
Powerful Tools: Ranging from Unity Editor for content creation to features such as Melon Assistant, the PC mod installer boosting game enhancement.

Product Update Regularity	Vigorous updates and improvements, propelled by user feedback and dedicated towards an ever-evolving user experience.
Community Guidelines	Firm stance against hate speech, impersonation, harassment, and modification of game code ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all users.
Participation Validity	Users should be 13 years of age or older, in compliance with the official Terms of Service, Privacy policy and other community guidelines.

ChilloutVR Downsides

Slightly steep learning curve due to its complex modularity mechanism and script creation through Unity Editor.
More rigid moderation decision, any banned user is allowed to appeal, but must respect the final moderation decision.

ChilloutVR Pricing

As a committed advocate for an inclusive metaverse, ChilloutVR is a free VR Application available to all aspiring virtual explorers.

ChilloutVR Use Cases

Use case 1: Socially Engaged Gamers

Use case 2: Content Creators

With the Unity Editor and the compelling mod support tool – Melon Loader, ChilloutVR offers a virtually limitless sandbox for game developers, mod creators, and aspiring designers to express their creativity.

Use case 3: VR Enthusiasts

In the relentless pursuit of true immersion? ChilloutVR’s daily evolving list of publically accessible worlds and detailed avatar customization make it a dream come true for VR enthusiasts.

Metaverse

The role of Metaverse in the realm of VR creation tools can be traced back to the retro sci-fi concept of an immersive 3D internet. Yes, you heard it right! The Metaverse received a substantial buzz following Facebook’s rebranding to Meta, but the concept is as old as your grandpa’s alleged UFO sightings. And believe me, it’s just as intriguing.

Metaverse Top Features

Immersive 3D internet: Providing not just a website, but a universe. So, be prepared for a cybernetic hold.
AR and VR Experiences: Dip your feet into the realistic world without actually being present. Yes, even in your PJs!
Use of Blockchain and NFTs: Talk about combining commerce, interoperability, and futuristic digital assets in one place.
Expansive 3D worlds: Say goodbye to boring two dimensions and hello to new dimensions from industries to individual consumers.

Metaverse Features	Benefits
AR and VR experiences	Opens up new possibilities for digital interaction and communication.
Use of Blockchain and NFTs	Introduces innovative ways to trade and monetize virtual commodities.
Expansive 3D worlds	Creates targeted and tailored experiences for various consumer needs.

Metaverse Limitations

Technology Requirements: With great virtual reality comes great tech requirements. Not everyone may have the required gear to step into the Metaverse.
Security Concerns: As much as we love the idea of a digital world, vulnerabilities could be exploited. Hackers might not be green, but in Metaverse, they could be invisible!

Metaverse Use Cases

Use Case 1

Metaverse can offer a whole new depth to gaming experiences. Imagine a game not limited to a screen, but an entire world that you can explore with VR goggles. Dungeons and Dragons on a new level!

Use Case 2

Leveraging Blockchain and NFTs, Metaverse can open up a new way of commerce, allowing for the trade of digital assets, and promoting a fluid economy. Say goodbye to credit cards, and hello to crypto wallets!

Use Case 3

For industries, the expansive 3D worlds of Metaverse could mean custom environments for simulation, testing, and product showcasing. Think Iron Man planning his next move in his high-tech 3D lab!

Neos

Born from the technological wisdom of Solirax, a VR specialist company, NeosVR is an astonishing microcosm of virtual reality innovation. This immersive reality universe, released in 2018, was nurtured by creativity and logic, operating via the magic of a custom-built FrooxEngine and the famed Unity platform.

Neos Top Features

An impressive novel scripting engine, amalgamating the logic of a game engine with asset synchronization and asynchronous task/asset processing
Empowered by a unique cryptocurrency system derived from the Ethereum blockchain
Avatars that offer full body tracking, interactability, and notable software eye presence
Robust content creation tools available directly in-game, delivering creative control
A marketplace for the trade of virtual items and services, birthing economic activity within the VR realm

Feature	Description
Headless Client and Command Line Arguments Available	Provides efficient control operations
Support for a Variety of VR Devices	Ensures inclusivity of different hardware brands
Editable In-Game	Allows for modification and tweaking on the go

Neos Limitations

Development is still ongoing; hence some features may not be fully refined
Community and team expansion can pose formidable challenges
Underutilized marketing strategy compared to blockchain ‘metaverse’ projects
Not originally a crypto project – might lack native influence in blockchain sphere

Neos Pricing

Though free for individual users, Neos offers both monthly and perpetual commercial licenses, providing a scalable model for differing consumer needs.

Neos Use Cases

Use case 1: Creators

From the inspired sculptures of digital artists to the algorithmic abstractions of coders, NeosVR provides a fertile ground for diverse creators. Its expansive toolkit, combined with maximum flexibility, empowers artisans to birth virtual worlds and vivacious avatars.

Use case 2: Educators

With NeosVR, educators can craft immersive learning spaces that transport learners to new realms of knowledge. Whether recreating historical epochs or simulating scientific phenomena, the virtual classroom becomes a thrilling haven of exploration.

Use case 3: Entrepreneurs

Finally, entrepreneurs can leverage the blockchain-backed economy within Neos. The potent blend of a marketplace for virtual goods and an in-game cryptocurrency system makes the platform a fertile ground for innovative business approaches.

Microsoft Mesh

Immerse into the revolutionary realm of distributed workforce connectivity with Microsoft Mesh. Microsoft Mesh leverages holographic technology and cloud computing to bring a three-dimensional experience to your fingertips.

Microsoft Mesh Top 5 Features

Holoportation: Achieve photorealistic 3D representation of users through advanced AI capabilities.
Immersive Presence: Transform 2D meetings into immersive 3D spaces, enhancing focus and reducing distractions.
Multiuser Sync: Developers can tailor creative multiuser mixed reality experiences using Microsoft Mesh SDK.
Integration Features: Mesh integrates with Microsoft Teams for future mixed reality meetings. Further, Mesh is set to have functionalities like Unreal, Babylon, React Native.
Collaboration Capabilities: Promote collaboration and interaction across geographies using real-time 3D holograms.

Attribute	Description
Immersion	Engage more meaningfully with unique spatial interaction, co-presence, and deeply immersive experiences.
AI Capability	Leverages AI for enhanced session management and spatial rendering with Microsoft Mesh, Azure Active Directory, and Microsoft Accounts.
Device Compatibility	Use Mesh on a wide array of devices, from HoloLens 2, VR headsets to PCs.

Microsoft Mesh Limitations

Requires high-speed internet and modern hardware for optimal performance.
The full range of Mesh’s holographic features may not be fully utilized on all supported devices.
Requires software development knowledge for customizing immersive spaces for specific business needs.

Microsoft Mesh Use Cases

Use case 1: Remote Team Collaboration

Microsoft Mesh empowers remote teams by improving connectivity. It fosters relationship building in shared spaces, addressing the prime concern of 43% of leaders according to Microsoft’s Work Trend Index report.

Use Case 2: Virtual Events

Organize virtual meetings and events that create authentic human connections. Leverage Mesh for attendance at performances and concerts remotely, through a project called Hanai World.

Use Case 3: Mixed Reality Gaming

Leverage Mesh for shared mixed-reality sessions in collaboration with Niantic, the developers of Pokémon Go, taking gaming experiences to an all-new level.

Mesh

An immersive mixed-reality platform, Microsoft Mesh, underpins augmented, virtual, and mixed reality experiences. Its ability to enable geographically dispersed teams to participate in interactive, shared holographic sessions sets it apart.

Mesh Top Features

Built on Azure, utilizes Azure’s security, privacy, computational power, and AI services.
Enables users to project photorealistic selves or use avatars within shared VR environments.
Provides opportunities for interactive meetings, virtual design sessions, and social meetups.
The platform can host 3D models; users can meet and interact within virtual spaces.
Accessible to developers for the creation of AR, VR, and MR applications.

Unique Feature	Benefit
Integration with Microsoft Teams and Dynamics 365	Turns Teams meetings into realistic, immersive experiences
Device Support	Accessible from a range of devices including HoloLens 2, VR headsets, smartphones, tablets, and PCs
Future Holoportation Feature	Facilitates attendance at concerts, performances, or celebrations virtually from any location

Mesh Limitations

Currently, HoloLens 2 provides the most comprehensive Mesh experience, though wider device support is planned.
Some future features, including photorealistic user representation and enhanced interactivity, are still in development.

Mesh Use Cases

Use case 1: Collaborative Meetings

Mesh excels in facilitating collaborative meetings, allowing geographically distributed teams to participate in the same virtual space.

Use case 2: Design Collaboration

Designers and engineers can employ Mesh to work on 3D blueprints and other projects remotely, enhancing effectiveness.

Use case 3: Social Connection

Mesh offers a social connection advantage, as users can project their lifelike selves or utilize avatars for social meetups.

Rec Room

Developed by Rec Room Inc., Rec Room provides a diverse platform for users to engage in independent or multiplayer gaming experiences. Built upon the Unity engine, it’s playable via an array of platforms.

Top Features of Rec Room

Integrated game creation system: Empowers users to generate personalized game content.
VR and Full 3D motion: Optional VR playability for a more immersive experience.
Maker Pen and Circuits: Creative tools for crafting rooms and coding within the software.
Rec Room Originals: A collection of assorted game types for diverse engagement.
Rec Room Plus: A premium service offering additional benefits such as revenue from user-generated content.
rec.net: In-house social media for community interaction and content sharing.

High Customization Variety	Game Controller Support
Avatars can be highly individualized.	Compatible with multiple game controllers for flexibility in gameplay.
VR Sickness Prevention	“Walking” Mode
Teleportation capability to mitigate VR-associated discomfort.	Allows continuous movement for increased realism.

Limitations of Rec Room

Issues with trolling, bullying, and harassment within the community.
Reported instances of exposure to explicit material, raising concerns over content safety.
Moderation system has drawn complaints for failing to effectively address said issues.

Rec Room Pricing

While Rec Room can be downloaded for free, it offers a monthly subscription service, Rec Room Plus, enabling users to monetize their content.

Rec Room Use Cases

Non-Commercial Users

Rec Room’s user-generated content platform inspires creativity, allowing personal or shared spaces to be created. Its wide array of multiplayer games keeps entertainment fresh.

Content Creators

The integrated creation system, combined with the potential for revenue from the Rec Room Plus subscription, makes it a powerful tool for content developers.

Commercial Gamers

Advanced gamers may appreciate the depth and variety of games, particularly those in VR, while the ‘Maker Pen’ offers extended gameplay possibilities.

Second Life

Conceived by Linden Lab CEO Philip Rosedale, Second Life is a trailblazing virtual reality platform, initially slated as LindenWorld. Over the years, this immersive environment has evolved from a primitive-objects avatar game-focus to a broadly oriented 3D virtual world.

Second Life Top Features

Users cancreate, buy, and sell goods and services, fostering a full-scale economy with Linden dollars as the currency.
Experience personalization through functional cookies brings enhanced functionality.
Identity verification for trust-building among users
Active interaction invites positive behavior, facilitated by consequence-affluent avatars.

Unique Features	Potential Advantages
User-Generated Content	Promotes creativity and originality
Shared Real-time Experience	Fosters community building and social interaction
Presence of High Profile Companies	Opportunities for virtual interaction with established brands

Second Life Limitations

Cryptocurrency is currently not aids for metaverse transactions, limiting payment options.
Lacks targeted advertising model making it less suitable for businesses interested in direct marketing.

Second Life Pricing

The platform operates on a freemium model, with base access being free and optional premium features available for a fee.

Second Life Use Cases

Use Case: Social Interaction

Second Life’s real-time shared experiences make it an excellent platform for social interaction, connecting users worldwide.

Use Case: Business Marketing

With a virtual presence of companies like Gucci, Ferrari, Second Life provides a unique marketing platform for businesses.

Use Case: Education and Research

Its user-generated content initiative provides an open platform for academics for research and knowledge-sharing projects.

Roblox

A burst of imaginative creativity flourishing since 2006, Roblox is a colossal online platform for both game creation and gameplay. Founded by David Baszucki & Erik Cassel, it’s a universe filled with unique virtual worlds generated by its massive user base.

Roblox Top Features

Roblox Studio: A proprietary engine that enables users to create diverse online games.
Scripting: Offers scripting in Lua derivative, Luau for intricate gameplay design.
Vast Content Library: Hosts over 50 million user-generated games, fostering diversity and novelty.
Collaborative Development: Facilitates shared environments for creating games, cultivating a strong sense of community and collective creativity.
Social Features: Allows interactions through friend addition and chat functionality, turning the world of games into social gatherings.
Safety Measures: Emphasizes player safety, with algorithms preventing sensitive data leakage and inappropriate content.
Financial Opportunity: Projected to payout over $100M in 2019, arena for users to explore entrepreneurial avenues.

External Software Compatibility	Social Media Presence
Employs seamless integration with Blender for modelling and animating, providing users a variety of design tools.	Maintains a robust presence on social media, especially in YouTube tutorial communities for user assistance.
Supports game development for a multitude of platforms including Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Xbox One, Meta Quest 2, Meta Quest Pro, PlayStation 4.	Acquires users predominantly through organic means, specifically friend referrals and YouTube influence.

Roblox Downsides

Content Misuse: Has been under scrutiny for instances of adult content and misuse by adult players.
Moderation issues and allegations of child-exploitative practices have prompted criticism.
Microtransactions can affect user experiences and lead to inconsistent gameplay.

Roblox Pricing

Roblox utilizes an in-app purchase system using virtual currency, dubbed as Robux. The core platform is accessible for free, but specific games or enhancements entail Robux expenditure.

Roblox Use Cases

For the Aspiring Game Developer

Roblox provides an exquisite playground and toolset for individuals interested in exploring game development. Its extensive teaching resources, intuitive design environment, and collaborative community perfectly cater to budding developers.

For Small Businesses and Freelancers

Businesses seeking virtual expansion find Roblox’s platform an engaging medium to reach a vast userbase. Freelancers can leverage Roblox’s rewarding platform to monetise their creations.

For Social Gamers

Those craving a social gaming experience are in for a treat. Roblox’s chat functionality, friend addition feature, and diverse universe of games deliver a unique blend of gameplay and social interaction.

Features	Impact
Ray-Ban Stories	Offers a blend of technology and fashion with smart glasses.
Instagram	Redefines social networking with visual emphasis.
Workplace	Boosts productivity and collaboration in professional environments.

Facebook Metaverse

Enter the expansive virtual domain of Facebook Metaverse, a revolutionary VR space designed for seamless social interaction. Developed under Meta, the Metaverse is set to define the future of social connection, transforming the online experience into an immersive world.

Facebook Metaverse Top Features

Horizon Worlds: An expansive social universe teeming with over 10,000 virtual worlds and experiences.
Horizon Workrooms: A virtual space that simulates real-life workspaces, offering robust collaboration tools.
Horizon Venues: A digital rendition of event spaces, designed to host virtual concerts and sports.

Future Metaverse Applications	Metaverse Access Options
Virtual shopping	VR headsets
Immersive e-learning experiences	AR gear
Cross-platform integration with Roblox, Minecraft, Fortnite	Mobile apps and gaming consoles

Facebook Metaverse Limitations

Significant privacy concerns due to data handling practices.
Inability to effectively tackle the perpetuation of online harm.
Potential clash between open internet ideology and Facebook’s business model.

Facebook Metaverse Pricing

Meta CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, plans to invest approximately $10B in the development of the Metaverse, with the vision of onboarding one billion users by 2031. Specific pricing details are yet to be announced at this time.

Facebook Metaverse Use Cases

Use case 1 – Social Networking Experience

The metaverse, with its expansive, immersive worlds, robust in-world assets, and social spaces, provides a revolutionary platform for social networking. Users will be able to engage and interact in ways unparalleled by traditional social media applications.

Use case 2 – Collaborative Workspaces

Horizon Workrooms in Facebook Metaverse revolutionizes remote work by providing a VR powered workspace. Teams can collaborate, share ideas, and work together in a simulated in-person environment, bridging the gap between remote employees.

Use case 3 – Virtual Events and Concerts

Horizon Venues offer a platform for hosting virtual events and concerts, thus enabling users to attend shows and events from the comfort of their homes. It presents a more immersive and engaging alternative to traditional live streaming platforms.

Grant Sullivan

Content writer @ Aircada and self proclaimed board game strategist by day, AI developer by night.