From enhancing our shopping experiences to revolutionizing workforce training, AR technology is rapidly changing the way we interact with the world around us. However, as with any innovative technology, one question often comes to mind – how much does augmented reality cost?
Let’s explore the factors that affect the price and give you a better understanding of what goes into determining its cost.
Table of Contents
Five Key Factors Affecting the Augmented Reality Cost
- Complexity of the Project
- Hardware Choice
- Software Development Approach
- Content Requirements
- Maintenance and Updates
The augmented reality price can go up and down depending on a number of factors, including:
Complexity of the Project
The cost can vary greatly depending on the technical intricacy and sophistication involved in developing and deploying an AR solution. AR projects that are more complex require advanced:
- Hardware
- Software
- Specialized skills
Moreover, the complexity and the cost largely depend on the type of augmented reality technology used. For instance:
- Marker-based AR is a cost-efficient option as it uses markers like QR codes to trigger digital content
- Markerless AR tends to be more expensive due to the computer vision algorithms it relies on to detect objects in the real world
Hardware Choice
There are tons of devices that deliver the AR experience, such as:
- Smartphones
- Tablets
- AR headsets
- Smart glasses
- Wearable technology - sensors
Taking the quality and capabilities of the software of your choosing into consideration, the overall augmented reality price can vary greatly. This shouldn’t come as a surprise — simple research will show you that high-end headsets like Microsoft HoloLens or Magic Leap One are much more expensive than a smartphone equipped with AR technology.
Let’s not forget about compatibility with existing hardware. Upgrading or replacing hardware components to support AR can drive the price up. Make sure to carefully evaluate whether the existing devices are capable of running AR applications efficiently and whether it’s within your budget to upgrade them.
Software Development Approach
When developing AR, you can use:
Type of Software | Pros | Cons |
Open-source |
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Proprietary software |
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In recent years, more and more businesses have chosen to outsource AR development operations as it allows them to tap into a larger talent pool while being a more cost-efficient option compared to hiring and/or training in-house AR developers.
Content Requirements
AR content is the entirety of digital assets and data used to create the augmented experience for users. Here are some content components that go into creating immersive AR realities that ultimately affect the price:
- Highly realistic 3D models and animations
- Interactive elements such as touch interactions, gesture recognition, object tracking
- User customization
- Volume of 3D models
- Ongoing updates and iterations
- Asset diversity
If you’re aiming for detailed AR content, you should expect a higher price. Producing such content is a labor-intensive process that requires skilled professionals and advanced tools.
Maintenance and Updates
AR technology is taking the world by storm, however, it is still in its early stages. That said, it is constantly evolving and regular updates are vital to ensure smooth functioning. These updates require resources such as time, manpower, and technical expertise.
Moreover, any issues or bugs reported by users or QA testers need to be promptly addressed to avoid disruptions in operations. This results in continuous development costs over time.
Estimated Augmented Reality Price
There are different examples of augmented reality applications, each at a different price. Generally speaking, at this time, developing a basic AR application can cost anything between $5,000 to $10,000. However, for more complex and feature-rich projects, the price can quickly escalate, reaching upwards of $250,000 or more.
As mentioned earlier, outsourcing AR operations is becoming increasingly popular due to the cost-saving opportunity. Before you decide to bring third-party experts on board, you should know that not every AR developer charges the same — the rates mostly depend on their location. For instance:
Region | Hourly Rate |
India | $10 - $120 |
Central Europe | $22 - $160 |
UK | $35 - $170 |
South America | $45 - $150 |
Australia | $55 - $150 |
North America | $60 - $275 |
How Much Does Augmented Reality Cost: Key Takeaways
The price of AR development varies greatly, influenced by a number of factors, such as:
- Project complexity
- Hardware choices
- Software development approaches
- Content requirements
- Ongoing maintenance
While the price might seem steep, you should consider the potential long-term benefits and return on investment that this technology can bring to your business. Even if you’re a small organization with limited resources, you can outsource AR operations and cut back not only on labor costs but also on hiring and training fees.
How Much Does Augmented Reality Cost: FAQs
1. Which is cheaper, AR or VR?
According to research, AR is cheaper than VR since VR requires more expensive hardware and software components.
2. Is augmented reality worth it?
If used right, AR can boost customer engagement, increase brand awareness, help you gain a competitive advantage, and support you in achieving long-term success, making it worth the investment.
3. Can you build an AR cheaper than buying one?
Many businesses agree that building an AR solution in-house - or even better, by partnering with an AR development firm - can be cheaper than buying high-end AR hardware, especially for customized applications.
