Hubs vs Tangle

Hubs is a browser-based virtual collaboration platform for creating shared 3D spaces that people can join by URL. Rooms support spatialized audio and text chat, as well as sharing images, videos, 3D models, and other media. The platform can host conferences, classes, art showcases, or remote social gatherings. Spoke, a browser-based scene editor, lets users build Hubs environments from 3D models, images, videos, and other assets; its media discovery includes a Sketchfab integration. Hubs is open source and customizable, and its Community Edition can be self-hosted. Administrators can configure an instance, import assets, manage users, and moderate contributed content. An account is not required to use Hubs, although some features require sign-in. It works with VR headsets and can also be explored in 2D on computers, tablets, and mobile devices. Community Edition is free software, but hosting, domain, and email services may have separate costs. The documentation warns that a significant portion is outdated and that Hubs by Mozilla and Hubs Cloud are obsolete.

Tangle is a virtual communications space for remote teams, centered on a 2D canvas. Teams can create rooms for meetings, planning, socializing, and other activities, with doors set open or closed. Spatial audio lets members adjust nearby conversation volume and choose how much team chatter to hear. Customizable animated avatars let people appear with cameras off; the FAQ lists more than 500 customization options. Members can collaborate with real-time stickies and link previews, including links to Figma and Google Docs, and use reactions such as raised hands and hearts or effects including confetti and an air horn. The free plan costs nothing and allows up to 50 team members per server and 25 per room, with unlimited rooms and images. It includes screen sharing, on-camera video, customizable avatars, and customer support. Tangle is available for macOS and Windows and says it is available worldwide, while in-app text is currently only in English. The company says network connections are encrypted end to end and audio and video streams use 256-bit AES encryption. Pro trials are offered, but no trial duration or paid Pro price is specified.