Here’s a comprehensive list of the Top 21 Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) Development Tools along with their major features:

1. Unity

Unity is a versatile and widely-used game development engine that supports both 2D and 3D game creation.

Major Features:

• Cross-Platform Support: Developers can deploy games across multiple platforms, including Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and various consoles.
• Asset Store: Access to a vast library of free and paid assets to enhance game development.
• Rich Documentation and Community Support: Extensive resources and a large community for troubleshooting and learning.
• Visual Scripting Tools: Features like Bolt allow for game development without extensive coding knowledge.

2. Unreal Engine

Developed by Epic Games, Unreal Engine is renowned for its high-fidelity graphics and robust toolset, making it a top choice for AAA game development.

Major Features:

• Blueprint Visual Scripting: Enables developers to create game logic without writing code.
• Photorealistic Rendering: Advanced rendering capabilities for stunning visuals.
• Cross-Platform Deployment: Supports a wide range of platforms, including PC, consoles, mobile devices, and VR systems.
• Extensive Marketplace: Offers a plethora of assets and plugins to accelerate development.

3. ARKit

ARKit is Apple’s augmented reality development framework for iOS devices.

Major Features:

• Motion Tracking: Utilizes device sensors to accurately track the user’s movement.
• Environmental Understanding: Detects horizontal and vertical planes, as well as light estimation.
• Rendering Integration: Seamlessly integrates with rendering engines like Unity and SceneKit.
• Face Tracking: Supports high-fidelity face tracking for AR experiences.

4. ARCore

ARCore is Google’s platform for building augmented reality experiences on Android devices.

Major Features:

• Motion Tracking: Uses the device’s camera and sensors to track its position relative to the world.
• Environmental Understanding: Detects flat surfaces and estimates lighting conditions.
• Augmented Images: Recognizes and augments pre-defined images in the environment.
• Cloud Anchors: Enables shared AR experiences across different devices.

5. Vuforia

Vuforia is an augmented reality software development kit (SDK) for mobile devices that enables the creation of AR applications.

Major Features:

• Image Recognition: Recognizes and tracks images and 3D objects in real-time.
• Model Targets: Allows recognition of objects by their shape using pre-existing 3D models.
• Ground Plane Detection: Enables content placement on horizontal surfaces.
• VuMarks: Customizable markers that encode data and act as AR triggers.

6. Microsoft HoloLens

Microsoft HoloLens is a mixed reality headset that enables interaction with holographic content in the real world.

Major Features:

• Spatial Mapping: Creates a detailed map of the environment for accurate hologram placement.
• Gesture Recognition: Supports natural hand gestures for interaction.
• Voice Commands: Integrates with voice recognition for hands-free control.
• Enterprise Integration: Offers solutions tailored for enterprise applications.

7. Oculus SDK

The Oculus SDK provides the tools necessary to build VR applications for Oculus devices.

Major Features:

• Device Integration: Seamlessly integrates with Oculus Rift, Quest, and Go hardware.
• Tracking Support: Offers head and hand tracking capabilities.
• Asynchronous Spacewarp: Enhances performance by generating intermediate frames.
• Platform Services: Access to Oculus Store and social features.

8. Google VR SDK

Google VR SDK allows developers to create virtual reality experiences for Android and iOS devices.

Major Features:

• Daydream and Cardboard Support: Builds applications compatible with Google’s VR platforms.
• Spatial Audio: Implements immersive audio experiences.
• User Interaction: Supports motion controllers and gaze-based controls.
• Integration: Works with engines like Unity and Unreal.

9. Amazon Sumerian

Amazon Sumerian is a platform for building VR, AR, and 3D applications quickly without requiring extensive programming knowledge.

Major Features:

• Web-Based Editor: Design scenes directly in the browser.
• Host Integration: Adds interactive 3D characters to scenes.
• AWS Services Integration: Seamlessly connects with other Amazon Web Services.
• Cross-Platform Deployment: Supports multiple platforms, including Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, and mobile devices.

10. Wikitude

Wikitude is an augmented reality SDK that offers a wide range of features for AR development.

Major Features:

• Image and Object Tracking: Recognizes and tracks images and 3D objects.
• Geo-Location AR: Creates location-based AR experiences.
• Instant Tracking: Enables markerless AR by tracking environments without predefined markers.
• Smart Glasses Support: Compatible with various wearable AR devices.

11. ARToolKit

ARToolKit is an open-source library for developing AR applications.

Major Features:

• Computer Vision Algorithms: Utilizes computer vision to track user viewpoints.
• Cross-Platform Support: Compatible with various platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android.
• Open-Source: Allows developers to modify and enhance the library to suit specific project needs.

12. SynergyXR

SynergyXR is a powerful virtual reality development software that allows users to create and experience immersive 3D models in real-time.

Major Features:

• Collaborative VR Experiences: Specializes in fostering collaboration within VR environments.
• Real-Time 3D Modeling: Enables the creation and manipulation of 3D models in real-time.
• Platform Compatibility: Supports various VR headsets and platforms for broad accessibility.

13. NVIDIA XR Suite

NVIDIA XR Suite utilizes RTX GPUs and RTX Virtual Workstation (vWS) to enable extended reality (XR) applications on various devices.

Major Features:

• CloudXR Platform: Maximizes quality and frame rates for next-level VR/AR experiences.
• High-Performance Rendering: Delivers high-quality visuals with advanced rendering capabilities.
• Cross-Platform Support: Supports Android and iOS devices, among others.

14. EasyAR

EasyAR is an augmented reality development engine that provides a comprehensive set of features for AR application development.

Major Features:

• Cloud Recognition: Supports recognition of images stored in the cloud.
• 3D Object Tracking: Enables tracking of three-dimensional objects.
• SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping): Allows for markerless AR experiences by understanding the environment.

15. DeepAR.ai

DeepAR.ai offers an SDK for adding AR features to applications, focusing on face tracking and effects.

Major Features:

• Real-Time Face Tracking: Accurately tracks facial movements in real-time.
• AR Filters and Effects: Provides a library of filters and effects that can be applied to faces.
• Cross-Platform Support: Compatible with iOS, Android, and web platforms.

16. MaxST

MaxST provides AR development tools with a focus on robust tracking capabilities.

Major Features:

• Image and Object Tracking: Recognizes and tracks both images and 3D objects.
• Visual SLAM: Enables markerless AR by mapping the environment.
• Platform Versatility: Supports development for mobile devices and smart glasses.

17. OpenXR

OpenXR is an open-source, royalty-free standard for access to virtual reality and augmented reality platforms and devices.

Major Features:

• Cross-Platform API: Provides a unified interface for VR and AR applications across different hardware.
• Industry Support: Backed by major companies, ensuring wide adoption and support.
• Extensible: Allows for the addition of new features and extensions as technology evolves.

18. Mixed Reality Toolkit (MRTK)

MRTK is an open-source toolkit by Microsoft for developing mixed reality applications.

Major Features:

• Cross-Platform Support: Supports HoloLens, Windows Mixed Reality, and other platforms.
• Component-Based Development: Offers a collection of components and features to accelerate development.
• Open-Source: Allows customization and community contributions.

19. Verge3D

Verge3D is a 3D web framework that enables the creation of immersive web-based AR and VR experiences.

Major Features:

• WebGL-Based Rendering: Utilizes WebGL for high-performance 3D graphics in web browsers.
• Integration with 3D Software: Works seamlessly with Blender, 3ds Max, and Maya.
• Interactive Visuals: Supports interactive animations and real-time rendering.

20. Google Android XR

Google’s Android XR is an extended reality platform designed to support AR and VR applications.

Major Features:

• Integration with Android Ecosystem: Allows developers to create immersive experiences within the Android platform.
• Support for AI Features: Incorporates AI capabilities for enhanced user interactions.
• Compatibility with Various Devices: Supports a range of devices, including smartphones and dedicated XR hardware.

21. MetaSpark by Meta

MetaSpark is an AR platform by Meta that enables the creation of interactive augmented reality experiences.

Major Features:

• User-Friendly Interface: Offers flexible tooling to easily build and share AR experiences.
• Template-Based Development: Provides templates to kickstart AR projects.
• Cross-Platform Sharing: Allows sharing of AR experiences across various platforms and devices.

These tools offer a diverse range of features and capabilities, catering to various aspects of AR and VR development.