Thomas Alsop
Research expert covering the global hardware industry
VR headsets - statistics & facts
Virtual reality (VR) headsets are devices that enable user participation in VR – simulated experiences that can be similar to or completely different from the real world. VR headsets aim to create a sensory experience for the user, including visuals and sound. The effect is commonly created by devices that consist of a head-mounted display (HMD), a wraparound headset that does not allow light or images from the real world to interfere with the virtual one. Both the enterprise and consumer segments of the VR headset market, including the increased development of the VR gaming industry, are expected to grow in the coming years.
Standalone vs. tethered VR headsets
VR headsets can be categorized into two types: standalone and tethered. Standalone VR headsets are not connected to another device and can therefore be controlled entirely via the headset itself, making it easier to handle. Standalone VR headsets have built-in processors, sensors, batteries, storage memory, and displays. Alternatively, tethered VR headsets are devices that are connected to a PC or smartphone via a cable. Such headsets typically require more computing power to deliver superior VR experiences, for example, high-quality graphics used in certain VR gaming applications.Meta Quest devices prove most popular
One of the most popular VR headset brands is Meta Quest and, with a retail price of 399 U.S. dollars, Meta Quest 2 is one of the more affordable VR headsets on the market. The company also offers Meta Quest Pro, an upgraded version of their best-selling VR headset with a price tag of 999 U.S. dollars. In June 2023, Mark Zuckerberg announced the company’s next-generation VR and mixed reality headset in the form of Meta Quest 3. Other notable VR headset brands include Sony, HTC, Valve, and Pico. It is expected that Meta will face even greater competition in the coming years as other technology firms release VR devices onto the market.Apple finally reveals its immersive headset
As part of the company’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June 2023, Apple announced its debut product in the immersive space – Apple Vision Pro. Designed primarily as a mixed-reality device to support creativity and collaboration, Apple Vision Pro is set to retail at 3,499 U.S. dollars once it is released – a sizeable jump from the Meta Quest Pro and Meta Quest 3 that come with a price tag of 999 U.S. dollars and 499 U.S. dollars, respectively.
