Halo AR vs Merge EDU

Halo AR is a mobile augmented-reality creation and sharing app that works without desktop software or coding. Using a phone or tablet, creators can build experiences in its AI-powered studio and distribute them through QR codes or deep links. Viewers can use phones, tablets, or mixed-reality headsets including Apple Vision Pro, Meta Quest, and Microsoft HoloLens. The app overlays photos, YouTube videos, or 3D models on photographed flat objects. Educational projects can add video, audio, 3D models, voice explanations, and animations to posters, textbooks, worksheets, and flashcards. Museums can create digital exhibits, self-guided tours, interactive artwork, expanded collections, and historic-site visualizations. Catalogues, prints, and souvenirs can link to supplementary educational experiences. Halo AR says experiences work without Wi-Fi. It supports iOS and Android; Android setup requires a camera-equipped phone or tablet with ARCore. Plans include BASIC at free billed annually, PRO at $99 a year billed annually, and ENTERPRISE with no listed price. The company also offers custom collaboration, Discord, and live-chat support.

Merge EDU is an immersive learning platform for K–12 classrooms, bringing together science simulations and digital teaching aids. Merge Explorer has more than 100 simulations across biology, physics, chemistry, and astronomy; the maker says these align with core science standards. Object Viewer lets students inspect and import 3D models in AR, then create and share collections. HoloGlobe displays NASA and NOAA satellite data, including rainfall, cloud cover, temperatures, wildfires, and snowfall. The Merge Cube can enhance AR, though most features do not require it. Merge EDU is listed for Android, iOS, web, and Windows; product pages also list iOS, Chromebook, and Windows downloads. The maker says play is stored locally and personally identifiable information from child users is not collected during app use. Pricing includes free Classroom and School plans, Individual at $17/mo billed yearly, and Teacher at $28/mo billed yearly. A 14-day trial is available. Support differs by plan, and custom pricing is offered for districts and other special requirements.