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Comparison of AR development tools

AR development tools


Introduction

Augmented reality (AR) has become a key technology in various sectors in recent years - from entertainment to education and industry. However, before an AR project can be successfully implemented, the focus is on choosing the right development tool. The choice is vast and ranges from entry-level solutions to highly specialized frameworks. In this article, we compare the most common AR development tools and highlight their strengths, weaknesses and areas of application.


Basics

App-based vs. web-based frameworks

Before discussing the advantages and disadvantages of individual AR development tools, it is important to be aware of a fundamental difference: there are frameworks such as ARKit and ARCorewhich can only be used for the development of apps. These are firmly bound to the respective platform and require the creation of native applications. In contrast, there are web AR frameworks that work directly in the browser. These do not require any additional app installation and therefore significantly lower the entry barriers for users. This difference is essential in order to classify the various tools correctly. In addition, some older frameworks such as Vuforia are now less relevant. Vuforia was the standard choice for AR applications on tablets and smartphones for a long time before ARKit and ARCore came onto the market. Many of Vuforia's formerly exclusive features have now been taken over by these modern frameworks, making Vuforia largely redundant today.


Unity with AR Foundation

Brief description: Unity is one of the most popular game engines, and with AR Foundation it offers a framework for developing AR applications for Android, iOS and AR glasses.
  • Advantages:
    • Cross-platform: One codebase for multiple platforms.
    • Integration with ARKit (iOS) and ARCore (Android).
    • Expandable with numerous plugins.
  • Disadvantages:
    • Complex training for beginners.
    • Dependence on native frameworks such as ARKit and ARCore.
Conclusion: Ideal for projects that are to be developed across platforms and require a high degree of flexibility.


Unreal Engine with AR tools

Brief description: The AR framework in Unreal is comparable to Unity's AR Foundation. Both frameworks offer a cross-platform solution to develop AR content that runs on both iOS and Android devices. Both integrate the native AR SDKs of the platforms (ARKit and ARCore) and offer tools for the development of AR applications. The biggest difference lies in the engine itself: Unreal Engine and Unity each have different workflows and strengths, which often makes the choice dependent on the developer's individual requirements and preferences.
  • Advantages:
    • Exceptional graphic quality.
    • Blueprints system allows visual programming.
    • Strong community and support.
  • Disadvantages:
    • No own AR frameworks - dependence on ARKit and ARCore.
    • Higher hardware requirements.
    • Less optimized for mobile AR platforms.
Conclusion: Particularly suitable for projects with a focus on high-quality visualizations, e.g. in architecture and design, provided ARKit or ARCore are supported. There is a more detailed comparison between Unity and Unreal here



WebAR with tools like 8thWall

Brief description: WebAR enables AR experiences directly in the browser without having to download an app. However, in most cases, the implementation of WebAR requires paid frameworks such as 8thWall, Blippar or Niantic. These frameworks offer the necessary tools to provide WebAR in high quality. Alternative approaches: For Apple devices, there is the Direct View standard, which allows USDZ files to be displayed directly in AR. Android devices offer similar options, e.g. with GLTF viewer-based implementations. However, these native solutions are limited in their range of functions.
  • Advantages:
    • Low entry barrier for users.
    • Platform-independent (only one browser required).
    • Rapid prototyping.
  • Disadvantages:
    • Dependence on paid frameworks.
    • Limited graphics and tracking capabilities compared to native apps.
    • Dependent on browser functions and internet connection.
Conclusion: Perfect for marketing campaigns or applications with a large target group and low technical requirements, provided the corresponding frameworks are used.


Microsoft MRTK (Mixed Reality Toolkit)

Brief description: The MRTK is a framework for the development of applications for Microsoft's mixed reality platforms such as HoloLens. Current status: The MRTK is no longer being developed further, as the HoloLens is also no longer being actively developed. It is therefore a discontinued model. Many functions of the MRTK have now been integrated into Meta's Mixed Reality Toolkit.
  • Advantages:
    • Specially optimized for HoloLens.
    • Open Source.
    • Extensive libraries for interactions.
  • Disadvantages:
    • No longer current.
    • Restricted to Microsoft platforms.
    • Higher entry hurdle for non-developers.
Conclusion: Due to the discontinuation of further development, MRTK is only of limited relevance. However, those who maintain existing HoloLens applications can benefit from the existing functions. For new projects, we recommend looking at alternatives such as the Mixed Reality Toolkit from Meta.


Lens Studio and Spark AR

Brief description: These tools specialize in the creation of AR content for social media platforms such as Snapchat (Lens Studio) and Instagram/Facebook (Spark AR). Special feature: Spark AR, which was developed by Meta, is no longer being actively developed. In addition, content created with Spark AR is no longer supported on Instagram and Facebook.
  • Advantages:
    • Simple operation and intuitive interface.
    • Direct publication on the respective platforms.
    • Ideal for interactive filters and effects.
  • Disadvantages:
    • Limited possibilities for complex applications.
    • Platform-bound.
Conclusion: Excellent for marketing campaigns and creative content for social media.

Conclusion

Choosing the right AR development tool depends on several factors: the target platform, the technical requirements, the budget and the target group. While Unity and Unreal Engine offer a wide range of possibilities, specialized tools such as Vuforia or 8thWall are better suited for specific applications. It is worth analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of each tool in detail before starting a project. If you are looking for support with the development of your augmented reality projects, the experts at Design4real with their extensive knowledge and experience. Whether you need a customized AR solution or support with existing projects, we can help you turn your vision into reality.  

Comparison of AR development tools - your most frequently asked questions at a glance

App-based platforms such as ARKit and ARCore require native apps for iOS or Android. WebAR, on the other hand, runs directly in the browser - without installing an app - and therefore lowers the barrier to entry.
Advantages: Cross-platform development (Android, iOS, AR glasses), large selection of plugins. Disadvantages: relatively high complexity for beginners, dependence on native SDKs.
Unreal offers excellent graphics quality and visual blueprints for AR development, but is technically more demanding and less mobile cache-optimized than Unity.
WebAR does not require any app downloads, can be used on any device and is ideal for marketing campaigns. Disadvantages: often chargeable, lower graphics and tracking quality compared to native apps.
The Mixed Reality Toolkit (MRTK) was once an important basis for HoloLens applications, but is hardly developed any further today and is primarily historically relevant.
Lens Studio (Snapchat) enables simple AR experiences without programming knowledge and is specially designed for Snapchat. Spark AR (Instagram/Facebook) has been discontinued and is no longer being actively developed, so Lens Studio is currently the more sensible option.
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Comparison of AR development tools - your most frequently asked questions at a glance