Augmented reality (AR) is no longer a futuristic concept—it’s powering next-generation apps in retail, education, healthcare, real estate, and gaming. With mobile phones, tablets, and AR glasses becoming more capable, the demand for immersive digital-physical experiences is booming.
To bring these experiences to life, developers rely on powerful AR development platforms that provide the tools to create, test, and deploy AR apps across devices and ecosystems.
Below is a curated list of the top AR platforms in 2025—each offering unique features, device support, and flexibility.
1. Unity with AR Foundation – Best for Cross-Platform AR Development
Why it stands out:
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Create AR apps for iOS (ARKit), Android (ARCore), and HoloLens
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Supports marker-based, markerless, and plane detection
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Great for 3D games, education, simulations
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Massive asset store and developer community
Unity’s AR Foundation provides a unified API to deploy AR experiences across multiple platforms. It’s the go-to choice for developers building immersive apps with 3D elements and real-world interaction.
2. Unreal Engine (AR with RealityKit & ARCore) – Best for High-Fidelity AR
Why it stands out:
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AAA graphics and physics engine
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Native support for ARKit and ARCore
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Great for cinematic experiences and realistic visualization
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Used in enterprise training, architecture, and product demos
Unreal Engine offers real-time rendering quality that’s hard to beat, making it ideal for AR apps where photorealism matters.
3. Vuforia – Best for Enterprise AR Solutions
Why it stands out:
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Industrial-grade AR SDK for marker tracking, object recognition
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Supports HoloLens, Magic Leap, Android, iOS
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Cloud recognition and model targets
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Used in manufacturing, remote assistance, training
Vuforia is trusted by Fortune 500 companies for its robust tracking and integration with physical environments, especially in AR-based IoT and maintenance apps.
4. 8thWall – Best for WebAR Experiences (No App Needed)
Why it stands out:
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Build AR apps that run directly in mobile browsers
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Marker-based and SLAM-based tracking
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No need to install an app (works via Safari/Chrome)
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Ideal for marketing, ecommerce, and events
8thWall is a leader in WebAR, opening up AR to broader audiences by removing download barriers—perfect for brands and agencies.
5. ZapWorks (Zappar) – Best for No-Code and Creative Teams
Why it stands out:
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Easy drag-and-drop AR creation tools
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Supports image tracking, face filters, and world tracking
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WebAR and app-based deployment
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Great for marketing campaigns and education
ZapWorks is a powerful yet accessible tool for teams without heavy development resources. It balances creative flexibility with cross-platform compatibility.
6. Apple ARKit – Best for iOS AR Apps
Why it stands out:
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Native AR framework for iPhone and iPad
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Face tracking, motion capture, LiDAR integration
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Great integration with Swift, RealityKit, and SceneKit
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Perfect for iOS-exclusive AR apps
ARKit is ideal for developers who want to fully leverage Apple’s hardware ecosystem, including LiDAR-powered AR on iPad Pro and iPhone Pro.
7. Google ARCore – Best for Android AR Apps
Why it stands out:
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Advanced motion tracking, environmental understanding
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Depth API for occlusion
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Face mesh, light estimation
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Easily integrated into Android Studio
If your audience is Android-heavy, ARCore gives you deep access to device features for rich AR experiences across a wide range of smartphones.
8. Microsoft Mixed Reality Toolkit (MRTK) – Best for HoloLens and XR Development
Why it stands out:
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Advanced spatial mapping and gesture input
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Optimized for HoloLens 2 and Windows Mixed Reality
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Integration with Unity and Unreal
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Used in defense, medical, and industrial training
For AR glasses and headset development, especially in high-stakes industries, MRTK is a robust foundation with strong enterprise backing.
Key Factors When Choosing an AR Development Platform
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Target Devices: Mobile phones, smart glasses, or browser-based?
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Technical Skill Level: Code-heavy tools vs. low-code platforms
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Use Case: Gaming, marketing, industrial, education, etc.
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Realism vs. Speed: Real-time rendering or simple overlays?
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Budget & Licensing: Free tools vs. enterprise licenses
The best AR platform for your project depends on your goals, audience, and resources.
Conclusion: Build the Future in Mixed Reality
Whether you’re designing immersive learning tools or launching a virtual showroom, AR development platforms empower you to merge digital and physical realities. With tools like Unity, 8thWall, Vuforia, and ARKit, your vision is no longer limited to screens—it lives in space.
In 2025, the only limit to augmented reality is imagination—and the tools to bring it to life are more powerful than ever.