Overte vs Tangle

Overte is open-source software for creating, hosting, and exploring virtual worlds through VR or desktop experiences. Users can meet in worlds and attend or host live VR events; world creation and editing can be collaborative. VR support includes body tracking, and a single world can scale to up to 500 users. JavaScript scripting can add games, interactables, interface elements, and custom applications. Users can import 3D objects, and the software includes spatial audio and physics powered by the Bullet engine. Overte is free under the Apache 2.0 license, with Linux and Windows releases, source code, and Docker images listed for download. It can be self-hosted, including on a home server; the project says there is no central authority and no account is required. Overte e.V., a non-profit association registered in Germany, is behind the project, though membership is not required to use or develop the software. Community discussion is available on Matrix and Discord, with the Matrix Space bridged to Discord. Documentation covers security for Interface and servers, including crash reporting and asset security.

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.