Hologram comparison
Miirage vs Holoconnects:
Which Hologram Box Is Best?
A detailed comparison of Miirage Miracle and the Holoconnects life-size Holobox across holographic display hardware, AI holograms, live telepresence, touch, weight, IRIS OS, pricing, retail media, advertising and multi-location deployment.
Miirage Miracle and Holoconnects Holobox are close competitors
Unlike comparisons between a Holobox and a hologram fan or light-field monitor, Miirage and Holoconnects operate in a genuinely overlapping category. Both use life-size transparent-display cabinets to present people, products, digital characters, AI agents and live remote speakers without requiring a headset.
The buying decision therefore comes down less to whether the products can create a convincing holographic presence and more to deployment practicality, software architecture, total cost, commercial model and what the display is expected to do when it is not simply playing a hologram.
For hospitality and telehealth, Holoconnects has a strong set of named deployments and a broad current product range. For retail media, OOH, advertising-led networks and lighter multi-location deployment, Miirage has meaningful structural advantages.
Miirage vs Holoconnects Holobox: side-by-side comparison
The two systems overlap heavily in life-size holographic presentation, AI and live communication. The strongest differences appear in physical weight, software model, current product range and commercial deployment strategy.
| Feature | Miirage Miracle | Holoconnects The 86 |
|---|---|---|
| Core format | Life-size transparent-display hologram cabinet | Life-size transparent LCD with custom light box [2] |
| Life-size people | Yes | Yes |
| 4K content | Yes | Yes, including 4K live use cases [2] |
| Touch interaction | Infrared touch | Built-in touch system; Holoconnects also describes 20-point IR multitouch in current sector material [2] |
| AI holograms / AI avatars | Yes | Yes, AI Hologram layer from €2,500 [4] |
| Live remote communication | Yes | Yes, live 4K two-way mode available [5] |
| Approximate unit weight | 150 kg | 250 kg [3] |
| Approximate dimensions | 115 W × 70 D × 217.2 H cm | 140.6 W × 76.3 D × 206 H cm [3] |
| Published hardware price | Current commercial quote | From €25,000 excluding VAT for The 86 [3] |
| Operating platform | Integrated Windows 11 Pro architecture | IRIS OS platform with The IRIS edge appliance available [5] |
| Recurring OS / fleet software | No equivalent mandatory Miirage device OS licence | IRIS OS optional and recommended; €3,500 per box for one year, with lower annual rates for longer terms [3] |
| Optional two-way live software fee | No equivalent proprietary annual live-stream licence required for the display itself | From €1,750 per box/year for a one-year term [3] |
| Remote fleet management | Yes | Yes through IRIS OS [5] |
| Retail / customer service | Yes | Yes |
| Hologram ads | Core commercial focus | Supported use case |
| Retail media networks | Core strategy and partner model | Enterprise retail deployments supported |
| OOH / DOOH partnerships | Core strategy | Advertising supported, but not the primary published operating model |
| Current product-size range | Miracle plus expanding Miirage product roadmap | 22, 43, 75, 86-inch models plus Hologrid [1] |
| 5G connectivity | Integrated 4G/5G capability | Internet/network connectivity; current public 86-inch specification does not state integrated 5G |
Short answer
Holoconnects is a credible direct competitor with a wider current size range, strong hospitality and telehealth references, transparent published pricing and a capable fleet-management platform. Miirage is the stronger fit when the priority is lighter life-size hardware, a more open computing architecture, retail media, OOH advertising and scalable commercial networks without an equivalent recurring proprietary OS licence.
What is Holoconnects?
Holoconnects is a Netherlands-based holographic display company whose flagship product family is the Holobox. Its current range runs from a 22-inch tabletop model through 43-inch and 75-inch formats to the life-size 86-inch Holobox, plus the modular Hologrid wall. [1]
The life-size Holobox uses a transparent LCD with a custom light box to create optical depth. Holoconnects positions the platform across hospitality, telehealth, education, events, retail and advertising, with pre-recorded content, live two-way communication and interactive AI agents. [2]
For searchers using terms such as hologram box, holographic box, holographic monitor or hologram monitor, Holoconnects is one of the better-known vendors in this enclosed-display category.
What is Miirage?
Miirage is a holographic display platform built around advertising, retail media, AI avatar assistants, live communication and interactive customer experiences. The flagship Miirage Miracle is a life-size 4K transparent-display system with infrared touch, integrated Windows 11 Pro computing, camera, microphone, audio, Wi-Fi, Ethernet and 4G/5G connectivity.
Miirage's commercial model is deliberately broader than selling a single hologram machine. The platform is designed to work with retailers, landlords, retail media networks and OOH media owners so the same physical installation can move between advertising, customer service, product education, AI assistance and live communication. [9] [10]
A note on Holoconnects' own Miirage comparison
Holoconnects currently publishes its own page titled “Holobox vs Miirage”. It describes Miirage primarily as a modular entertainment system for stages, brands and live-streamed performers, and contrasts that with the Holobox as a permanent walk-up enterprise product. [1]
That description does not fully reflect the current Miirage Miracle proposition. The current Miracle is a single life-size cabinet, not only a multi-unit stage system. It includes infrared touch, integrated computing and connectivity, while Miirage's current website explicitly positions the platform for AI avatar assistants, customer service, retail media, shopping malls, airports and OOH advertising as well as events. [8] [9] [10]
Why this matters
A procurement comparison should evaluate the products each company sells now. Miirage has evolved beyond the event-led modular use case described on Holoconnects' comparison page.
Hardware, size and weight
Both systems are physically substantial life-size displays, but the logistics difference is significant. Miirage Miracle weighs approximately 150 kg. Holoconnects publishes a weight of 250 kg for The 86. That is a difference of roughly 100 kg per unit. [3]
The Holoconnects unit is also wider. Its published dimensions are approximately 140.6 cm wide, 76.3 cm deep and 206 cm high. Miirage Miracle is approximately 115 cm wide, 70 cm deep and 217.2 cm high. In venues where doorways, lift capacity, floor loading, freight costs or repeated installations matter, those differences can become operationally important.
For a single permanent installation the weight difference may be manageable. Across ten, fifty or one hundred locations, however, the cumulative effect on shipping, handling, installation crews and repositioning becomes much more material.
Holobox price and total cost of ownership
Holoconnects deserves credit for publishing straightforward starting prices. Its current buyer guide lists The 86 at €25,000 excluding VAT for the hardware, with delivery, installation and content quoted separately. [3]
The same guide says the IRIS OS licence is optional and recommended. For a one-year term it is listed at €3,500 per box per year, falling to €3,000 per year on a two-year term and €2,500 per year for three years or more. Optional two-way live-stream software is listed at €1,750, €1,500 or €1,250 per box per year on the same respective term lengths. A one-time studio setup starts at €5,000. [3]
Holoconnects' AI Hologram layer starts from €2,500 and can increase depending on the job and integrations required. [4]
Miirage does not require an equivalent annual proprietary operating-system licence simply for the Miracle hardware to function. AI services, content, bespoke software, support and managed services can still carry project-specific fees, but the underlying architecture gives customers more flexibility in how the system is operated.
Compare the whole deployment, not only the cabinet
Hardware, freight, software, live-stream services, AI, support, content, installation and the commercial role of the display should all be included when comparing total cost over several years.
IRIS OS vs Miirage's open computing architecture
Holoconnects has invested heavily in IRIS OS. The platform manages pre-recorded content, live 4K two-way sessions, AI agents, scheduling and fleet control across multiple locations. Its newer IRIS appliance provides an edge computer designed to run the platform beside a Holobox or other screen. [5]
This is a genuine Holoconnects strength. A customer that wants a vertically managed vendor platform for multiple Holoboxes may value the consistency and central control.
Miirage takes a more open approach. Miracle incorporates Windows 11 Pro computing and standard connectivity rather than requiring the customer to operate solely inside a proprietary display OS. That can be advantageous for bespoke applications, third-party software, enterprise integrations, unusual content workflows and projects where the buyer wants more control over the computing environment.
Holoconnects approach
IRIS OS provides a unified, vendor-managed layer for content, AI, live human sessions, scheduling and fleet management. This is particularly attractive to customers wanting a tightly integrated managed platform.
Miirage approach
Integrated Windows 11 Pro creates a more open computing layer with fewer restrictions around third-party applications, integrations and custom software, while Miirage can still support remote management and managed services.
AI holograms, hologram people and digital humans
Both companies now treat AI as a major part of the value proposition. Holoconnects markets life-size AI Hologram agents for roles including clinic host, lobby host, hotel receptionist and retail product expert. The AI layer starts from €2,500, with project-specific integration costs depending on the role and connected systems. [4]
Miirage similarly offers branded multilingual holographic AI avatar assistants for customer service, product discovery, wayfinding, FAQs and brand engagement. Miirage can create realistic digital humans from real people or build new characters, with controlled knowledge and brand-safe answer structures. [11]
For a buyer searching for an AI hologram, hologram person or virtual receptionist, both platforms are capable. The more important difference is what surrounds the AI. Holoconnects packages it tightly inside IRIS OS and role-specific agents. Miirage positions AI as one function within a broader advertising, retail media and customer-experience platform.
Live telepresence and holographic video communication
Holoconnects is strong in live two-way telepresence. Its hospitality and enterprise material describes a central operator appearing at multiple receptions, while its product platform supports a live 4K connection between locations. [2] [5]
Miirage also supports live-streamed people and remote presenters. The practical difference is less about whether live communication is possible and more about the surrounding commercial model. Holoconnects has strong reception, telehealth and enterprise-host examples. Miirage combines live presence with advertising, AI, retail media and other customer-facing content on the same system.
Miirage vs Holoconnects for retail and customer service
Holoconnects has a broad retail use case and offers several physical formats. The 43-inch and 75-inch units can suit stores where a full life-size cabinet is unnecessary, while the AI Hologram product expert is designed for product questions and stock-related integrations. [4]
Miirage is particularly strong when the retailer wants the display to serve more than one commercial purpose. The same deployment can operate as a customer-service avatar, product guide, brand campaign, promotional display, QR journey or paid retail-media placement. [9]
That difference matters for permanent retail networks because a display that can generate media revenue when it is not performing a service function has a different business case from a display purchased only as a customer-experience tool.
Hologram ads, retail media and OOH
Holoconnects lists advertising as one of the sectors for the Holobox and has delivered brand activations, events and retail experiences. It is clearly capable of running hologram ads. [2]
Miirage, however, is built much more explicitly around holographic advertising, retail media and OOH/DOOH partnerships. Miirage works with media owners, retail networks, landlords and venues to create premium advertising inventory rather than positioning every deployment as a hardware sale. [9] [10]
For a hotel receptionist or telehealth room, Holoconnects can be an excellent fit. For a shopping-centre network, airport media estate, retailer media network or OOH operator trying to monetise attention across many high-footfall locations, Miirage's commercial strategy is more directly aligned.
Product range and form factors
This is an area where Holoconnects currently has a clear advantage. The company publishes a mature range of four cabinet sizes plus Hologrid: The 22, The 43, The 75 and The 86, giving buyers more off-the-shelf physical choices today. [1]
Miirage's current flagship comparison is the Miracle, with additional modular and smaller formats in the product roadmap. Buyers who need a tabletop product immediately may therefore find the Holoconnects Mini particularly attractive, while buyers focused on full-size commercial deployment should compare the Miracle directly against The 86.
Holoconnects ownership and business continuity
There was a material corporate change at Holoconnects in 2026. Public insolvency records show that Holoconnects Netherlands B.V. was declared bankrupt on 16 April 2026. [7]
Holoconnects itself states that the brand and products continued under new ownership, that it is now owned and operated by Filigree Labs B.V., and that existing installations and projects continue to be supported. The company has subsequently launched IRIS OS and The IRIS appliance under the new structure. [6]
This does not mean Holoconnects is unavailable. Its current site is active, it publishes current pricing and it states that deployments remain supported. For procurement, however, buyers should make sure quotations, warranties, support obligations and contracting entities are clearly documented under the current ownership structure.
Where Holoconnects is stronger than Miirage
1. Wider current product range
Four cabinet sizes plus Hologrid provide more off-the-shelf form factors today, including an established tabletop product.
2. Public pricing
Holoconnects publishes clear hardware starting prices and software licence rates, making initial budget research straightforward.
3. Hospitality and telehealth references
Holoconnects has named deployments in hotel reception and remote healthcare that directly support those use cases.
4. Integrated fleet software
IRIS OS provides a coherent vendor-managed environment for content, scheduling, AI, live sessions and multi-site fleet control.
Where Miirage is stronger than Holoconnects
1. Much lighter life-size hardware
At approximately 150 kg versus 250 kg, Miracle is around 100 kg lighter than The 86, reducing freight and handling burden.
2. Narrower full-size footprint
Miracle is approximately 25 cm narrower than the published Holoconnects The 86 cabinet, useful in constrained high-footfall environments.
3. More open computing architecture
Integrated Windows 11 Pro supports custom applications and third-party software without forcing the deployment into a single proprietary operating environment.
4. No equivalent mandatory annual OS licence
Miirage does not require an equivalent proprietary operating-system fee simply for the display hardware to keep functioning.
5. Retail media focus
Miirage is explicitly designed around premium retail-media inventory and networks, not only customer-experience installations.
6. OOH and DOOH strategy
Media-owner partnerships and high-footfall advertising estates are central to Miirage's commercial approach.
7. Advertising economics
The same unit can alternate between customer utility and monetised brand campaigns, creating a stronger revenue case for landlords and media owners.
8. Integrated 4G/5G capability
Miracle's connectivity options are useful for deployments where fixed venue networking is limited or where rapid rollout matters.
Holoconnects alternative: is Miirage a good alternative to the Holobox?
Yes. If you are comparing a life-size Holobox, hologram box or holographic box, Miirage is one of the closest alternatives because the core visual format and many of the use cases overlap directly.
Holoconnects may be the stronger choice when you need its existing size range, published rental or leasing routes, hospitality references or a tightly integrated IRIS OS deployment. Miirage becomes particularly compelling when the project prioritises lower life-size unit weight, open computing, retail media, OOH, advertising revenue and scalable partner-led deployment.
Frequently asked questions
Is Miirage a competitor to Holoconnects?
Yes. Miirage and Holoconnects are close competitors in life-size transparent-display hologram systems, AI holograms and live remote presence.
What is the difference between Miirage and Holoconnects?
The main differences include weight, footprint, software architecture, current product range and commercial focus. Holoconnects has a wider current size range and IRIS OS. Miirage has lighter full-size hardware, a Windows-based architecture and a stronger strategic focus on retail media and OOH advertising networks.
What is a Holobox?
A Holobox is Holoconnects' product name for an enclosed holographic display using a transparent LCD and custom light box. The wider market also uses terms such as hologram box and holographic box for similar display formats.
Which is lighter, Miirage Miracle or Holoconnects The 86?
Miirage Miracle is approximately 150 kg, while Holoconnects publishes 250 kg for The 86. That is about a 100 kg difference.
How much does the Holoconnects Holobox cost?
Holoconnects currently lists The 86 hardware from €25,000 excluding VAT. Delivery, installation, content and optional software or services are additional.
Does Holoconnects charge a software licence?
Holoconnects says IRIS OS is optional and recommended. Its current buyer guide lists the one-year licence at €3,500 per box, with lower annual rates for longer commitments.
Is IRIS OS mandatory?
Holoconnects' current buyer guide states that the IRIS OS licence is optional and recommended. Buyers should confirm which features require IRIS OS for their specific deployment.
Can Miirage and Holoconnects show AI holograms?
Yes. Both support conversational digital humans for roles such as reception, product guidance, customer service and visitor information.
Does Miirage have touch interaction?
Yes. The current Miirage Miracle includes infrared touch. Holoconnects' current Holobox also supports touch interaction.
Can both systems be used for live holographic video calls?
Yes. Both can present live remote people. Holoconnects has particularly strong published reception and telehealth examples, while Miirage combines live presence with advertising, AI and other customer-facing content.
Which is better for retail media and OOH advertising?
Miirage is more explicitly built around retail-media networks, OOH partnerships and premium advertising inventory. Holoconnects supports retail and advertising, but its published positioning is broader across hospitality, telehealth, education and enterprise presence.
What happened to Holoconnects in 2026?
Holoconnects Netherlands B.V. was declared bankrupt in April 2026. Holoconnects states that the brand, technology, customer relationships and installations continued under new ownership and that the business is now owned and operated by Filigree Labs B.V.
Final verdict: Miirage vs Holoconnects
Holoconnects is a serious competitor. Its wider current product range, transparent published pricing, strong hospitality and telehealth case studies and new IRIS software platform make it a credible choice for enterprise buyers.
Miirage's advantage is different. Miracle is substantially lighter and narrower at life size, uses a more open Windows-based computing architecture and does not require an equivalent proprietary annual OS licence simply to operate the display. More importantly, Miirage is being built around retail media, OOH, advertising monetisation and partner-led network deployment.
Our conclusion
Choose Holoconnects if the strongest match is its current form-factor range, hospitality or telehealth references, published buy/lease/rent pricing and integrated IRIS OS environment. Choose Miirage when the priority is lighter life-size hardware, open integration, advertising, AI, retail media, OOH and a scalable commercial network model. For the broadest commercial combination, we believe Miirage comes out on top.
Sources and references
Primary sources
- Holoconnects, Holobox vs Miirage. Holoconnects' current comparison page and its characterisation of the two platforms. View source ↗
- Holoconnects, The 86 Holobox. Current product description, transparent-LCD architecture, touch, live connection, sectors, weight and dimensions. View source ↗
- Holoconnects, Before you buy a Holobox. Current dimensions, weights, hardware prices, IRIS OS licence pricing, optional live software, studio costs and support terms. View source ↗
- Holoconnects, AI Hologram. AI agent roles, IRIS OS integration and AI pricing from €2,500. View source ↗
- Holoconnects, IRIS OS and The IRIS. Content, live-person, AI and fleet-management platform information. View IRIS OS ↗ View The IRIS ↗
- Holoconnects, under new ownership. Holoconnects' statement that the brand is owned and operated by Filigree Labs B.V. and that installations continue to be supported. View source ↗
- Public insolvency record. Record of the bankruptcy of Holoconnects Netherlands B.V. on 16 April 2026. View source ↗
- Miirage. Current Miirage Miracle and company positioning. View source ↗
- Miirage, Retail Media Advertising. Retail-media network, interaction and commercial deployment positioning. View source ↗
- Miirage, Holographic Advertising Displays. OOH, DOOH, retail media and advertising use cases. View source ↗
- Miirage, Holographic AI Avatar Assistants. Multilingual digital humans, controlled AI and customer-service use cases. View source ↗
Compare Miirage for your deployment
If you are evaluating a Holobox, hologram box or holographic display for AI, retail, advertising, OOH, customer service or live communication, compare the complete deployment rather than a single specification.
This comparison is published by Miirage Limited, a competitor of Holoconnects. It is based on publicly available information and Miirage product materials available in October 2026. Holoconnects, Holobox, IRIS OS and related marks belong to their respective owners. Product specifications, pricing, ownership, subscriptions and services can change. Buyers should confirm current specifications, contracting entities and commercial terms directly with each vendor before making a procurement decision.