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, 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.A diverse field of companies
One of the most popular VR headset brands is Meta Quest and, with a retail price of 299 U.S. dollars, Meta Quest 3S is one of the more affordable VR headsets on the market. The company also offers Meta Quest Pro, an upgraded version of one of their best-selling VR headsets with a price tag of 999 U.S. dollars. Further on the upper end of the market is Apple Vision Pro, the mixed reality headset released in early 2024 that retailed at 3,499 U.S. dollars. Other notable VR headset brands include Pico, Sony, and HTC. While Meta has long enjoyed a dominant position in the market, it is expected that the company will face even greater competition in the coming years as other technology firms release VR devices onto the market.
