At $99.99 / £82.00 / AU$161 this Kiwi design H4 Boost Halo Battery strap is not cheap. But if you use your VR headset frequently it could be a worthwhile upgrade to your Meta Quest 3 or Meta Quest 3S – it’s already become my favorite Quest 3 accessory.
The built-in battery – the main reason to buy this strap – boasts a 5,300mAh capacity, which is a little more than the battery life of either the Quest 3 or Quest 3S. This doubles your VR and MR sessions, an advantage anyone who has ever had to cut a session far too short because their battery ran out will appreciate.
Beyond direct utility, the battery strap helps improve your Quest setup’s comfort to some degree as it serves as a counterweight to the headset proper and includes front and back padding. With its adjustable hard plastic mechanism, the strap will also remain comfortably attached to your head providing a more stable fit than the strap you get with your Meta Quest 3.
The only downside is that the strap weighs 446g, which is about 60g shy of what the Quest headsets weigh on their own. So while the battery is useful, a non-battery-equipped head strap like the H4 Halo Comfort (which is otherwise identical to the H4 Boost Halo) could be a better pick if you find your headset is heavy enough as it is.
(Image credit: Future)
Kiwi design H4 Boost Halo Battery Strap: Price
Normally costs $99.99 / £82.00 / AU$161
Regularly on sale for less
At $99.99 / £82.00 / AU$161 this Kiwi design H4 Boost Halo Battery strap is not cheap. But if you use your VR headset frequently this cost could be worthwhile as the strap effectively doubles how long you can use your Quest 3 for between charges.
What’s more, Kiwi design’s accessories are frequently on sale on Amazon and its store. We’ve seen it drop as much as 40% during sales so it’s worth waiting for a discount unless you’re desperate for a Quest 3 upgrade.
Value score: 4
Kiwi design H4 Boost Halo Battery Strap: Design
Comfy and secure Meta Quets 3 or 3S headstrap
Doubles your Quest headset's battery life
(Image credit: Future)
The Kiwi design H4 Boost Battery Halo head strap can easily replace the base head strap included with your Meta Quest 3 or Meta Quest 3S – just unclip and unloop the original, and attach the H4 in its place – and it’s a near-total upgrade.
First, the hard plastic strap is adjustable and has cushioning on the back and front of your head which combine to create a more secure and comfy setup than the basic Quest head strap. Second, and more importantly, it comes equipped with a battery that increases how long you can use your Quest 3 between charges and can be easily connected to your headset via a built-in USB-C cable.
The battery – which is housed at the back of the head strap and serves as a counterweight to the headset proper, improving comfort – boasts a 5,300mAh capacity.
This is just over the battery capacity of both the Quest 3S (4,324 mAh) and Quest 3 (4,879 mAh) so your headset’s battery life will more than double; if you got 2 hours of usage out of your Quest you’ll now get 4 hours.
Best of all, with your headset hooked up to the battery pack you can use a USB-C cable to charge the pack and headset simultaneously, and fairly quickly, too. Kiwi design promises that a 45W charger can restore 60% charge to your headset and 65% to the strap in an hour.
(Image credit: Future)
In my experience, the setup does recharge fairly speedily, and the extended battery is more than enough to game for a whole evening without needing to take a break for my headset to recharge – which is a frustration I’ve dealt with in the past.
The only notable downside is that at 446g this head strap is just 60g lighter than either the Quest 3 or Quest 3S on their own, doubling your setup’s weight as well as its battery life. If you already find your headset is too heavy as is then adding this strap could be a bad idea.
However, during my testing, I never had trouble wearing the H4 Boost Halo Battery strap for an extended play session, so I expect many VR users won’t struggle too much with it either.
Design score: 5/5
Should you buy the Kiwi design H4 Boost Halo Battery Strap?
Buy it if…
You wish your headset could go the distance If two hours of battery life per charge is never enough, then this battery strap will go a long way to solving your Meta Quest 3 or Meta Quest 3S woes.
You want comfort If the regular Quest 3 head strap isn’t comfy or secure enough for you then you’ll appreciate the cushioning and adjustable design of the Kiwi design H4 Boost Halo Battery Strap.
Don’t buy it if…
You use your headset infrequently The H4 Boost Halo Battery Strap is excellent, but it’s not good value if you use your VR headset infrequently. If you’re new to VR wait and see how often you use it before upgrading to this head strap.
You find your headset too heavy already This strap effectively doubles the weight of your Quest 3 setup. The battery acts as a counterweight to keep it from feeling too uncomfortable, but it’s something to consider if headset weight is already an issue for you.
How I tested the Kiwi design H4 Boost Halo Battery Strap
To put this strap through its paces I used it for a few weeks with my Meta Quest 3 and made sure to swap back to the base strap every so often to get a sense of the advantages and disadvantages of each design. I also compared it to the Razer head strap and the K4 Battery strap from Kiwi to judge its effectiveness against other third-party headsets.
At $99.99 / £82.00 / AU$161 this Kiwi design H4 Boost Halo Battery strap is not cheap. But if you use your VR headset frequently it could be a worthwhile upgrade to your Meta Quest 3 or Meta Quest 3S – it’s already become my favorite Quest 3 accessory.
The built-in battery – the main reason to buy this strap – boasts a 5,300mAh capacity, which is a little more than the battery life of either the Quest 3 or Quest 3S. This doubles your VR and MR sessions, an advantage anyone who has ever had to cut a session far too short because their battery ran out will appreciate.
Beyond direct utility, the battery strap helps improve your Quest setup’s comfort to some degree as it serves as a counterweight to the headset proper and includes front and back padding. With its adjustable hard plastic mechanism, the strap will also remain comfortably attached to your head providing a more stable fit than the strap you get with your Meta Quest 3.
The only downside is that the strap weighs 446g, which is about 60g shy of what the Quest headsets weigh on their own. So while the battery is useful, a non-battery-equipped head strap like the H4 Halo Comfort (which is otherwise identical to the H4 Boost Halo) could be a better pick if you find your headset is heavy enough as it is.
(Image credit: Future)
Kiwi design H4 Boost Halo Battery Strap: Price
Normally costs $99.99 / £82.00 / AU$161
Regularly on sale for less
At $99.99 / £82.00 / AU$161 this Kiwi design H4 Boost Halo Battery strap is not cheap. But if you use your VR headset frequently this cost could be worthwhile as the strap effectively doubles how long you can use your Quest 3 for between charges.
What’s more, Kiwi design’s accessories are frequently on sale on Amazon and its store. We’ve seen it drop as much as 40% during sales so it’s worth waiting for a discount unless you’re desperate for a Quest 3 upgrade.
Value score: 4
Kiwi design H4 Boost Halo Battery Strap: Design
Comfy and secure Meta Quets 3 or 3S headstrap
Doubles your Quest headset's battery life
(Image credit: Future)
The Kiwi design H4 Boost Battery Halo head strap can easily replace the base head strap included with your Meta Quest 3 or Meta Quest 3S – just unclip and unloop the original, and attach the H4 in its place – and it’s a near-total upgrade.
First, the hard plastic strap is adjustable and has cushioning on the back and front of your head which combine to create a more secure and comfy setup than the basic Quest head strap. Second, and more importantly, it comes equipped with a battery that increases how long you can use your Quest 3 between charges and can be easily connected to your headset via a built-in USB-C cable.
The battery – which is housed at the back of the head strap and serves as a counterweight to the headset proper, improving comfort – boasts a 5,300mAh capacity.
This is just over the battery capacity of both the Quest 3S (4,324 mAh) and Quest 3 (4,879 mAh) so your headset’s battery life will more than double; if you got 2 hours of usage out of your Quest you’ll now get 4 hours.
Best of all, with your headset hooked up to the battery pack you can use a USB-C cable to charge the pack and headset simultaneously, and fairly quickly, too. Kiwi design promises that a 45W charger can restore 60% charge to your headset and 65% to the strap in an hour.
(Image credit: Future)
In my experience, the setup does recharge fairly speedily, and the extended battery is more than enough to game for a whole evening without needing to take a break for my headset to recharge – which is a frustration I’ve dealt with in the past.
The only notable downside is that at 446g this head strap is just 60g lighter than either the Quest 3 or Quest 3S on their own, doubling your setup’s weight as well as its battery life. If you already find your headset is too heavy as is then adding this strap could be a bad idea.
However, during my testing, I never had trouble wearing the H4 Boost Halo Battery strap for an extended play session, so I expect many VR users won’t struggle too much with it either.
Design score: 5/5
Should you buy the Kiwi design H4 Boost Halo Battery Strap?
Buy it if…
You wish your headset could go the distance If two hours of battery life per charge is never enough, then this battery strap will go a long way to solving your Meta Quest 3 or Meta Quest 3S woes.
You want comfort If the regular Quest 3 head strap isn’t comfy or secure enough for you then you’ll appreciate the cushioning and adjustable design of the Kiwi design H4 Boost Halo Battery Strap.
Don’t buy it if…
You use your headset infrequently The H4 Boost Halo Battery Strap is excellent, but it’s not good value if you use your VR headset infrequently. If you’re new to VR wait and see how often you use it before upgrading to this head strap.
You find your headset too heavy already This strap effectively doubles the weight of your Quest 3 setup. The battery acts as a counterweight to keep it from feeling too uncomfortable, but it’s something to consider if headset weight is already an issue for you.
How I tested the Kiwi design H4 Boost Halo Battery Strap
To put this strap through its paces I used it for a few weeks with my Meta Quest 3 and made sure to swap back to the base strap every so often to get a sense of the advantages and disadvantages of each design. I also compared it to the Razer head strap and the K4 Battery strap from Kiwi to judge its effectiveness against other third-party headsets.
It boasts a 5,300mAh battery capacity – effectively doubling the battery life of your Meta Quest 3 or Quest 3S – and the padding and adjustable plastic deliver a secure yet comfortable fit that’s an upgrade on the default fabric strap that would have arrived with your VR headset.
Best of all, it costs only $69.99 / £57 / AU$113. As such, it’s a relatively affordable option and the perfect choice for first-time or more casual Meta Quest users who aren’t ready to splash out on top-of-the line upgrades, but still want something worthwhile.
The only negative of note is that at 358g this strap weighs about 70% of what the Meta Quest 3 and Meta Quest 3S each weigh on their own. So, if you’ve been struggling with the headset’s weight already then this will add over half as much weight again and could make your VR system unmanageable.
(Image credit: Future)
Kiwi design K4 Boost Battery strap: Price
Usually costs $69.99 / £57 / AU$113
Typcially discounted during sales like Black Friday and Prime
You can pick up the Kiwi design K4 Boost Battery Strap from Kiwi design’s official store or Amazon for $69.99 / £57 / AU$113 – although it can regularly be found at a discount through both outlets.
At this price, the K4 is a more affordable battery strap for your Meta Quest 3 or Meta Quest 3S – being cheaper than Kiwi’s own H4 strap, and Meta’s official Elite Strap with battery.
Value score: 5
(Image credit: Future)
Kiwi design K4 Boost Battery strap: Design
Like an upgraded version of the official Meta Quest 3 Elite strap with battery
Just over doubles your Meta Quest 3 headset's battery life
The K4 Boost Battery Strap shares several design similarities with the official Meta Quest 3 Elite Strap with Battery. It’s a hard plastic strap with a battery at the rear, which can be adjusted to fit the size of your head. The hard plastic with padding ensures the design delivers a secure yet comfortable fit on your head; it feels significantly more solid on the head over the fabric strap the Quest 3 headset comes with in its box.
There are some differences between this and the official plastic battery strap, however. The first is that the head strap is padded for additional comfort, and the other is the Kiwi design has a hinge half way along each side.
Not only does this hinge help you to find a better position for the strap on your head; it means you can more easily put on and take off the headset without putting stress on the arms as it just folds up.
I had previously used an official Elite Strap with my Meta Quest 2, but it snapped on one side – roughly where the K4’s hinge is positioned – following just a few months’ use. Based on the K4 Boost Battery Strap’s design then, I expect it to be more durable.
As for the battery itself, beyond serving as a counterweight to the front of the headset, helping improve the comfort of your setup, the 5,300mAh unit will more than double the length of time for which your Meta Quest setup can be used. The Quest 3S features a 4,324mAh capacity battery and Quest 3 a 4,879mAh battery, so with the K4 supplying an extra 5,300mAh, you can expect to run each device for just over double the time.
(Image credit: Future)
What’s more, while the K4’s battery pack is hooked up to your Quest 3 using the built-in USB-C cable, you can use your Quest’s USB-C charger to refuel both the headset and strap simultaneously. Kiwi design promises that a 45W charger can restore 60% charge to your headset and 65% to the strap in an hour – just like its H4 battery strap – by dividing 22.5W of power between the battery and headset.
The only downside to consider here is that the battery isn’t light. At 358g, the K4 strap weighs about 70% of the Meta Quest 3 or Meta Quest 3S on their own. It’s lighter than some battery straps, and from my experience makes up for the weight with added comfort. However, if you already struggle with the weight of either headset then you may prefer Kiwi’s K4 Comfort Strap (which is identical except it lacks the built-in battery).
In addition, the K4 Boost Battery Strap doesn’t offer as much in the way of adjustments as more high-end options such as the H4 Boost Halo Battery Strap – which includes an adjustable front cushion, for example. However, the latter is also more expensive, so this is to be expected.
Design score: 4/5
Should you buy the Kiwi design K4 Boost Battery strap?
Buy it if…
You’re on a budget If you want an affordable but capable battery strap then this is one of the best options we’ve tried.
You want to stay in VR for longer This battery strap effectively doubles the battery life of a Meta Quest 3 or Meta Quest 3S, meaning you’ll be able to play VR and MR games for longer.
Don’t buy it if…
Your Quest 3 feels too heavy already This battery strap weighs about 70% of a Quest 3 or Quest 3S headset alone, so you may prefer the K4 Comfort instead, which comes without the battery.
You demand something high-end This strap lacks some of the adjustability of slightly more high-end VR headset straps.
How I tested the Kiwi design K4 Boost Battery Strap
To test the Kiwi design K4 Boost Battery Strap thoroughly, I attached it to my Meta Quest 3S and used it as my primary head strap on that headset for a few weeks. I also made sure to swap between the K4 and the base strap to compare, while also pitting against the Razer head strap and the Kiwi design H4 Boost Halo Battery strap (which was attached to my Meta Quest 3) to contrast different third-party options.
It boasts a 5,300mAh battery capacity – effectively doubling the battery life of your Meta Quest 3 or Quest 3S – and the padding and adjustable plastic deliver a secure yet comfortable fit that’s an upgrade on the default fabric strap that would have arrived with your VR headset.
Best of all, it costs only $69.99 / £57 / AU$113. As such, it’s a relatively affordable option and the perfect choice for first-time or more casual Meta Quest users who aren’t ready to splash out on top-of-the line upgrades, but still want something worthwhile.
The only negative of note is that at 358g this strap weighs about 70% of what the Meta Quest 3 and Meta Quest 3S each weigh on their own. So, if you’ve been struggling with the headset’s weight already then this will add over half as much weight again and could make your VR system unmanageable.
(Image credit: Future)
Kiwi design K4 Boost Battery strap: Price
Usually costs $69.99 / £57 / AU$113
Typcially discounted during sales like Black Friday and Prime
You can pick up the Kiwi design K4 Boost Battery Strap from Kiwi design’s official store or Amazon for $69.99 / £57 / AU$113 – although it can regularly be found at a discount through both outlets.
At this price, the K4 is a more affordable battery strap for your Meta Quest 3 or Meta Quest 3S – being cheaper than Kiwi’s own H4 strap, and Meta’s official Elite Strap with battery.
Value score: 5
(Image credit: Future)
Kiwi design K4 Boost Battery strap: Design
Like an upgraded version of the official Meta Quest 3 Elite strap with battery
Just over doubles your Meta Quest 3 headset's battery life
The K4 Boost Battery Strap shares several design similarities with the official Meta Quest 3 Elite Strap with Battery. It’s a hard plastic strap with a battery at the rear, which can be adjusted to fit the size of your head. The hard plastic with padding ensures the design delivers a secure yet comfortable fit on your head; it feels significantly more solid on the head over the fabric strap the Quest 3 headset comes with in its box.
There are some differences between this and the official plastic battery strap, however. The first is that the head strap is padded for additional comfort, and the other is the Kiwi design has a hinge half way along each side.
Not only does this hinge help you to find a better position for the strap on your head; it means you can more easily put on and take off the headset without putting stress on the arms as it just folds up.
I had previously used an official Elite Strap with my Meta Quest 2, but it snapped on one side – roughly where the K4’s hinge is positioned – following just a few months’ use. Based on the K4 Boost Battery Strap’s design then, I expect it to be more durable.
As for the battery itself, beyond serving as a counterweight to the front of the headset, helping improve the comfort of your setup, the 5,300mAh unit will more than double the length of time for which your Meta Quest setup can be used. The Quest 3S features a 4,324mAh capacity battery and Quest 3 a 4,879mAh battery, so with the K4 supplying an extra 5,300mAh, you can expect to run each device for just over double the time.
(Image credit: Future)
What’s more, while the K4’s battery pack is hooked up to your Quest 3 using the built-in USB-C cable, you can use your Quest’s USB-C charger to refuel both the headset and strap simultaneously. Kiwi design promises that a 45W charger can restore 60% charge to your headset and 65% to the strap in an hour – just like its H4 battery strap – by dividing 22.5W of power between the battery and headset.
The only downside to consider here is that the battery isn’t light. At 358g, the K4 strap weighs about 70% of the Meta Quest 3 or Meta Quest 3S on their own. It’s lighter than some battery straps, and from my experience makes up for the weight with added comfort. However, if you already struggle with the weight of either headset then you may prefer Kiwi’s K4 Comfort Strap (which is identical except it lacks the built-in battery).
In addition, the K4 Boost Battery Strap doesn’t offer as much in the way of adjustments as more high-end options such as the H4 Boost Halo Battery Strap – which includes an adjustable front cushion, for example. However, the latter is also more expensive, so this is to be expected.
Design score: 4/5
Should you buy the Kiwi design K4 Boost Battery strap?
Buy it if…
You’re on a budget If you want an affordable but capable battery strap then this is one of the best options we’ve tried.
You want to stay in VR for longer This battery strap effectively doubles the battery life of a Meta Quest 3 or Meta Quest 3S, meaning you’ll be able to play VR and MR games for longer.
Don’t buy it if…
Your Quest 3 feels too heavy already This battery strap weighs about 70% of a Quest 3 or Quest 3S headset alone, so you may prefer the K4 Comfort instead, which comes without the battery.
You demand something high-end This strap lacks some of the adjustability of slightly more high-end VR headset straps.
How I tested the Kiwi design K4 Boost Battery Strap
To test the Kiwi design K4 Boost Battery Strap thoroughly, I attached it to my Meta Quest 3S and used it as my primary head strap on that headset for a few weeks. I also made sure to swap between the K4 and the base strap to compare, while also pitting against the Razer head strap and the Kiwi design H4 Boost Halo Battery strap (which was attached to my Meta Quest 3) to contrast different third-party options.
Kiwi design G4 Pro Performance Controller Grips: One-minute review
I’ve fallen in love with the Kiwi design G4 Pro Performance Controller Grips since outfitting my Meta Quest 3’s controllers with them (they’re also compatible with the identical Meta Quest 3S handsets). They offer a thorough improvement over the naked controllers – especially for fitness apps and more active VR games like Beat Saber – and I don’t think I could ever go back to standard controllers.
The textured silicone surface is easier to grip than the bare plastic, the side strap more securely attaches the controllers to my hands, and the battery hatch ensures it’s easy to replace the controller’s battery as and when needed.
(Image credit: Future)
That said, for all my praise I’m well aware that these grips fall into that luxury add-on category. Not because they’re particularly pricey – they’re just $39.99 / £29.99 / AU$65 – but because I don’t think these grips are something everyone with a VR headset needs to own.
If you use your Meta Quest 3 or Quest 3S fairly regularly and have already upgraded it with a silicone facial interface (and maybe a battery head strap too), then the G4 Pro Performance Controller Grips are a solid next step. Alternatively, if you’re looking for a gift that isn’t just Meta Quest Store credit for someone you know who loves their Meta Quest 3, then these grips are an ideal purchase.
Otherwise, while the grips are great, people who use their headset infrequently would be better served spending their money on great Quest 3 software instead.
Kiwi design G4 Pro Performance Controller Grips: Price
Normally cost $39.99 / £29.99 / AU$65 for a pair
Often discounted during sale events like Prime Day
(Image credit: Future)
The Kiwi design G4 Pro Performance Controller Grips are available in the US, UK and Australia for $39.99 / £29.99 / AU$65 from Amazon or Kiwi’s own store, although they’re regularly available for less with discounts and limited-time vouchers. It’s worth checking both sites as you might find one has the accessory for a lot cheaper than the other.
This means they’re not overly pricey, but are in the same ballpark as an AA VR game – or a couple of indie titles. I’ll get into why the G4 Pro Performance grips are fantastic in a minute but at this price, I believe people who are complete newcomers to VR or only wear their Meta Quest 3 every so often would generally be better off buying software instead of these grips.
Value score: 3
Kiwi design G4 Pro Performance Controller Grips: Design
Effective Meta Quets 3 or 3S controller grips
Perfect for active games like Just Dance VR or Supernatural
The main design advantage of Kiwi’s G4 Pro Performance Controller Grips is that they make it much easier to, well, grip your controller securely during a VR session. The silicone covering provides more friction between your hand and the controller, so you’re less likely to accidentally let go when swinging your arms around compared to the naked plastic. The adjustable side strap replaces the flimsy cord you get in the Meta Quest box to more securely attach the handsets to your hands.
I’ve found this is especially useful for active fitness games and apps with a lot of movement like Just Dance VR or Supernatural.
(Image credit: Future)
What I particularly like is that you can completely let go of the controller and the strap will still keep it pressed against your palm. So if you’ve ever found it awkward or slightly strange immersion-wise to let go of a virtual object without completely letting go of your controller, this grip’s design could help you out a lot.
An issue I was anticipating with the grips is that the silicone would make it significantly harder to access the Quest controllers’ batteries whenever they need replacing. Thankfully, Kiwi design thought ahead with a built-in battery hatch. A custom plastic battery cover replaces the default Quest controllers’ covers to add a window and pull cord – if you run this cord under the battery you can later tug it to easily free the cell from its cage – then a hatch built into the silicone can be peeled back to reveal the battery without removing the grip.
These simple yet effective design features make the grips a delight to use and a complete upgrade on the base Meta Quest controllers.
Design score: 5/5
Should you buy the Kiwi design G4 Pro Performance Controller Grips?
(Image credit: Future)
Buy it if…
You love VR If you use your Meta Quest 3 or Quest 3S regularly then these grips are worth picking up.
You’re getting a Meta Quest 3 user a gift I think these G4 Pro grips might be the perfect gift for a Meta Quest 3 user as they’re something I can’t see someone buying for themselves, but they’ll love using them when they get a pair.
Don’t buy it if…
You’re a VR newbie You don’t need to get the perfect VR setup right away. Use your Quest 3 for a bit, see how often you put it on, and if you’re convinced you still need to upgrade, then consider picking these grips up.
You don’t own a Quest 3 or 3S These grips are designed to fit Meta Quest 3 or 3S controllers. So even if your handsets look really similar you’ll probably find these grips don’t fit and will be a wasted purchase.
How I tested the Kiwi design G4 Pro Performance Controller Grips
To test these Kiwi design G4 Pro Performance Controller Grips I put them onto my Quest 3 controllers and used them for a few weeks in a wide variety of different VR games. I’d also make sure to swap between my Quest 3 and Quest 3S – which still uses naked controllers – to compare the experience.
As a professional device I can see the appeal of the Vive Focus Vision. The simultaneously standalone and high-end PCVR headset offers a versatility its rivals don’t – which will be well suited to the diverse needs of a work environment. Plus its easy-to-clean material, intuitive controls, and eye-tracking for automatic lens adjustments will benefit a use case in which different people (of different VR experience levels) will be jumping in and out of the headset’s experiences – and who may not have their own dedicated machine.
However, I’m not reviewing this headset as a professional device.
Instead, I’m tasked with looking at whether it stands up as a consumer headset, and whether it does enough to justify its $999 / £999 price tag and convince people to buy it over the Meta Quest 3 (or Quest 3S, or a non-Meta alternative). TL;DR, I don’t think Vive makes a compelling enough case.
The two main options for VR headsets are PCVR headsets (those which connect to a PC and serve as effectively a wearable display, as the processing is done by a computer) or standalone headsets (which are all-in-one units with displays and their own processing power). Most standalone headsets can also be used for PCVR, but with typically less impressive displays they aren't as good for this purpose as proper PCVR headsets.
With its effective 5K display resolution and DisplayPort compatibly via the Wired Streaming Kit (which facilitates improved data transfer rates for higher image quality) the Vive Focus Vision attempts to market itself as a full-on hybrid of the two VR headset types. Unfortuantely, it also has several flaws that are impossible to ignore, and which mean it's neither an excellent standalone or PCVR headset, or even an excellent hybrid.
I’ll get into the problems in more detail in this review, but briefly, the headset isn’t the comfiest, boasts outdated specs which feels a little odd for a 2024 flagship, and (most importantly) doesn’t have a software catalogue that comes close to rivalling that of the Meta Quest. And fundamentally, what’s the point in paying more for a headset that (for consumers) does less than a cheaper alternative?
I was supremely excited to try the Vive Focus Vision because of the jack-of-all trades approach it promised, but unfortunately it has simply proven itself a master of none.
HTC Vive Focus Vision review: Price and availability
Headset costs $999 / £999
Available since October 2024
Look out for deals which including the excellent Streaming Kit for free
The HTC Vive Focus Vision launched on 18 October 2024 and is available to buy now. You can pick up the Vive Focus Vision headset on its own for $999 / £999, with the Wired Streaming Kit coming in at an additional $149 / £159.
The headset comes with a battery, straps, controllers, 30W power adapter and charging cable and a lens-cleaning cloth as standard, while the Streaming Kit adds a DisplayPort-compatible cable and converter.
That Streaming Kit is a massive benefit for PCVR, so unless you need the headset immediately or don't mind paying extra, I’d recommend waiting for a deal which bundles the two together for no extra cost. We’ve seen this deal before, so it’s likely to return; stay patient and keep an eye out for it if you want to save a not-insignificant amount.
Value score: 3/5
HTC Vive Focus Vision review: Specs
HTC Vive Focus Vision review: Design
Rechargeable battery is a nice touch
Heavier than Quest 3
Not comfortable for long sessions
Out of the gate the Vive Focus Vision makes some excellent design choices. The adjustable plastic strap ensures the headset maintains a stable position on your head, its removable battery allows you to easily swap in a new one if you want to extend your play sessions without waiting for a recharge, and the padding is an easy-to-clean PU leather material which makes this device perfect for sharing with friends or family – or working out in VR.
Beyond this, the Vive Focus Vision boasts a decidedly standard design, rather than following the more interesting headset/glasses transforming setup of the Vive XR Elite. This in and of itself is nothing to complain about, but despite chasing a more typical build, the Vive Focus Vision makes a few disappointing mistakes.
(Image credit: Future)
At 785g the headset is heavier than the Quest 3 (515g), but lighter than PCVR headsets such as the Valve Index (810g) and Pimax Crystal Light (815g). That extra weight vs the Quest is noticeable, and while the issue could have been mitigated with a well-balanced weight distribution and sufficiently padded cushions, the Focus Vision ultimately doesn’t do a good enough job in these regards.
While it does well with the former by moving the battery to the back of the strap, so it serves as a counterbalance to the display unit sitting on your face, the padding isn’t sufficient. The pad on the back of the head strap feels paper-thin – providing effectively zero cushioning from the solid battery housed inside – and it simply isn’t comfy for extended periods of time (I’m talking 15 minutes or more).
The other issue is the fresnel lens choice. Fresnel lenses are bulkier than their increasingly popular pancake lens rivals, leading to a thicker front box on your face. What's more, fresnel lenses cause visual distortion at the fringes of the lens. This means you need to physically turn to see virtual objects at your periphery, rather than simply moving your eyes like you would in real life, which can be immersion-breaking.
(Image credit: Future)
I’m also not a fan of the controllers. While they’re fundamentally very similar to those on basically all other modern VR handsets (with regards to the button placements) they felt unnecessarily chunky and the long handle always felt kinda clunky next to the streamlined Meta Quest 3 or Pico 4S controllers.
Design score: 3/5
HTC Vive Focus Vision review: Performance
Last gen chipset is disappointing
DisplayPort is a major upgrade...
...but comes at an added cost
For PCVR, the Vive Focus Vision’s DisplayPort compatibility via its Streaming kit was something I was excited to experience. This more direct connection with your PC’s graphics card allows for higher frame rates and resolutions, because you’re not as restricted as you might be via a typical HDMI- or USB-C-to-USB-C connection.
It was also very simple to set up by simply following the Vive Hub app’s instructions – so don’t be put off by the various connector cables in the box, it will all make perfect sense when you do it.
The end result is a PCVR experience that takes full-advantage of the roughly 5K combined resolution of the 2,448 x 2,448 pixel-per-eye displays. It's noticeably better overall than any other standalone headsets I’ve relied on previously, including the Meta Quest 3 – which not only lacks DisplayPort compatibility, but which only boasts two 2064 x 2208 pixel-per-eye displays. The only downside of this tool is it is an added expense at $149 / £159, which is a significant additional cost on an already pricey headset. Although as I say above, you can sometimes find it bundled with the headset for free.
It’s worth noting, too, that the PCVR experience will be determined by your PC’s specs. With aged hardware, the DisplayPort upgrade won’t seem as significant as it will for someone running an Nvidia RTX 40-series GPU.
Unfortunately I don't have as many positives to levy at the headset’s standalone performance. That’s because the Vive Focus Vision relies on the now years-old Snapdragon XR 2 Gen 1 chipset – the previous model of the chipset found in the Meta Quest 3, Quest 3S, and Pico 4 Ultra, to name a few.
The wired streaming kit (Image credit: Future)
Seeing this in the specs sheet was a massive surprise, so much so that when I first wrote about the Focus Vision I unconsiously added a “Gen 2” at the end because I was so used to only seeing the most recent model in new headsets.
This is a major disappointment, as it means the standalone apps don’t look as visually impressive as they would on rival VR headsets – which is a shame, because while even the XR 2 Gen 2 wouldn’t be able to take full advantage of the Focus Vision’s screens, it would at least do a better job than its Gen 1 sibling.
While I understand the Vive Focus Vision does boast some other enhancements – more on that in a second – it's borderline inexcusable for a 2024 standalone headset with a price of $999 / £999 to not have the most recent XR2 chipset.
At least the Vive Focus Vision boasts a few neat extras, including eye-tracking – which facilitates automatic IPD adjustments, and eye-tracking support in compatible games – and full-color mixed reality.
On that topic, the mixed reality is in a word: fine. It’s neither noticeably worse nor better than what’s offered by a Meta Quest 3 or Quest 3S, which is to say it’s definitely not life-like, but it's believable enough when you’re distracted by engaging with virtual objects.
Lastly, I’ll add here that the Vive Focus Vision is compatible with optional additional facial and external trackers for full-body rigging to bring a virtual avatar’s face and body to life. I haven’t tested this feature, but it is an option you’ll be able to take advantage of in apps like VRChat if you want to.
Performance score: 3/5
HTC Vive Focus Vision review: Software
Full access to Vive and Steam VR software on PC
Standalone software library is disappointing
Clean operating system
For PCVR the Vive Focus Vision should be able to facilitate the vast majority of experiences given its feature set, with the deciding factor being your PC’s specs – though this is true of most PC-compatible VR headsets.
Where this VR headset shows its weaknesses is when it comes to standalone software. The titles it offers are fine – you’ll find a few delightful options across the full range of VR game and app genres – but it simply doesn’t compete with the biggest name in the space: Meta’s Horizon OS.
Toy Trains VR was fun, but it's not an exclusive (Image credit: Something Random)
The Vive system, unfortunately, doesn’t have meaningful rivals to titles such as Batman: Arkham Shadow, Asgard’s Wrath 2, and so many more other found in Meta's store. Many of these are either only available on Quest headsets, or are on a few other VR devices but skip Vive’s.
This is a problem for every non-Meta headset, admittedly, but it immediately relegates devices such as the Vive Focus Vision to at best second-place – because it’s impossible to recommend a headset when you know a different VR device can offer a wider range of better experiences.
In the Focus Vision's case, it's in an even worse place – because even if it did have some solid Meta alternatives, the weaker specs would make it an inferior option for people after standalone XR excellence. Some modern titles might even be completely incompatible.
At least the Vive headset’s operating system is generally clean and as intuitive to navigate as other VR headsets I’ve tried.
Software score: 3/5
Should you buy the HTC Vive Focus Vision?
Buy it if
You want a hybrid The Vive Focus Vision’s strength is as a headset for both PCVR or standalone VR experiences, rather than being a master of either.
You want to share the headset Eye-tracking makes it easy to adjust the IPD settings, and the easy-to-clean materials make wiping this headset down a breeze – so it’s perfect as a headset that’s shared between people.
Don’t buy it if
You’re not getting the Streaming Kit The DisplayPort connection compatibility afforded by the Wired Streaming Kit is easily the Vive Focus Vision’s best PCVR feature.
You want the best standalone headset With outdated specs and a lackluster library of software, this isn’t the headset to buy if you want a premium standalone VR experience.
How I tested the Vive Focus Vision
I tested the Vive Focus Vision for a couple of weeks, using it to play a handful of standalone and PCVR apps across various play sessions. I also made sure to boot it up alongside my Meta Quest 3 (which I use frequently), so I could easily swap between the headsets to compare their abilities.
For my PCVR gameplay, I used a PC equipped with an Nvidia RTX 4060 Ti 16GB.
Looking at the Meta Quest 3S it’s easy to get the sense that it’s just the 128GB Samsung Galaxy S24 to the Meta Quest 3’s 512GB Samsung Galaxy S24; because it sort of is.
In many fundamental ways the two devices are identical. Their chipset and RAM are the same – a Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2, with 8GB – meaning there’s no Horizon OS game or app – in either VR or MR – that one headset can run that the other can't. Their controllers are the same, the mixed-reality passthrough is the same.
But in order to hit the cheaper $299.99 / £289.99 / AU$499.99 starting price of the Quest 3S, Meta has trimmed the specs and feature compared to the more expense model.
Storage is limited to either 128GB or 256GB instead of 512GB, and it has a bulkier frame than the Quest 3 (though it is one gram lighter than its counterpart). The Quest 3S’s most noticeable drawback, however, are the display and lens choices Meta has made.
At 1832 x 1920 per eye the screen is noticeably less crisp than the Meta Quest 3's, and the Fresnel lens design means images become slightly blurred towards the edges of the visible area. Those edges are more noticeable within your field of vision too, as the Quest 3S has a narrower field-of-view than the Quest 3, which makes virtual worlds feel a tad more restricted.
I’m also disappointed that the Quest 3S has brought back the IPD (inter pupillary distance) presets for adjusting the distance between the lenses for the clearest image, rather than maintaining the adjustable scroll wheel; this design choice again contributes to the image not being as crisp as you’d find on rival (admittedly pricier) VR headsets.
(Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)
These downgrades aren’t the end of the world when you’re enjoying an interactive VR or MR experience, but for a more relaxed static Quest 3S use – like kicking back on your sofa to watch Netflix on an immersive screen – the drop in quality is hard to ignore, and a more noticeable screen-door effect – where lines appear across the display as if you're viewing the image through a screen door – can’t help but chip away at your immersion.
The Meta Quest 3S gets a lot right, and for people on a budget, or who aren’t ready to commit to the $499.99 / £469.99 / AU$1,049.99 Meta Quest 3 because they aren’t confident they’ll use VR enough, it’s a fine choice. But the Meta Quest 3S is more than just a storage downgrade, and for some people its picture quality deficiencies may be too much of a letdown – and for those people the Meta Quest 3 remains the best VR headset around.
Meta Quest 3S: Specs
(Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)
Meta Quest 3S: Price and Availability
Unveiled at Meta Connect 2024, the Meta Quest 3S is shipping globally from October 15, 2024. It's priced at $299.99 / £289.99 / AU$499.99 for the base 128GB model, or $399.99 / £379.99 / AU$669.99 if you splash out on the larger 256GB storage option. If you want more storage than that you’ll need to upgrade to the 512GB Meta Quest 3 for $499.99 / £469.99 / AU$1,049.99.
More storage is certainly useful, but if you ask me 128GB is fine for most users. VR games and apps are fairly small, so filling 128GB is harder than you’d think, and even if you do run out of storage you can always delete a game you haven’t played in a few months to make room – and if you want to play it again down the line you can reinstall it, and it’ll be ready to play fairly quickly as long as you have a decently speedy internet connection.
Meta Quest 3S: Design
514g, but bulkier than Quest 3
Same Quest 3 controllers
Fabric facial interface
While the Meta Quest 3S shares many similarities with the Meta Quest 3, its design is a blend of the 3 and the Meta Quest 2.
In the name of cost-cutting it sacrifices the Quest 3’s slim pancake lens system for the bulkier fresnel lens option, though despite only being 20% slimmer than the Quest 2 when the Quest 3 is 40% slimmer the Meta Quest 3S is 1g lighter than the Quest 3 at 514g.
Having worn it I’d say this extra size does make it less comfortable than the Quest 3, as the Quest 3S’ weight is sitting further away from your face. That’s not to say you can’t happily use it to play VR games until the roughly three-hour battery runs dry – I've done just that – but I would have rather been using my Quest 3 for its slightly better comfort.
This headset also sees the return of the Quest 2’s trio of IPD presets. IPD adjustments enable you to adjust the distance between the lenses to match the distance between your pupils for the clearest-possible VR experience, and where the Quest 3 has a scroll wheel that enables you to adjust the IPD between 53mm and 75mm, the Meta Quest 3S only offers three fixed settings: 58mm, 63mm, and 68mm. This means that if your IPD doesn't exactly match one of those options the Quest 3S experience may be a little more blurry for you than for some other users.
Generally this isn't a deal-breaker, but I had hoped that we'd moved past this imperfect setup.
(Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)
Then there are the controllers, which are identical to those that ship with the Meta Quest 3. They have the standard VR handset button layout: a trigger on the back, a side grip button, two buttons and an analog stick on the front face, and then either the Pause or Home button on the left and right controllers respectively. The continued lack of a tracking ring is excellent for immersion (as your rings won’t accidentally bash into each other when you bring your hands too close together), and I found the controllers were accurate and responsive to my movements.
For glasses-wearers, the Meta Quest 3S brings back the Quest 2’s spacer – a plastic insert which makes the gap between the lenses and your face a little wider so that there's room for your spectacles.
That said it’s not all familiar. It does have a new button: an Action button, although this isn’t programmable (at least not at the time of writing). Right now it simply (read: handily) swaps your view between VR and passthrough.
One thing I wish Meta had improved is the facial interface. There’s nothing wrong with it per se – it’s practically the same as the fabric interface you get with the Meta Quest 3 or the Pico 4 Ultra – but I’m yet again going to moan that it isn’t silicone. A silicone interface – or a similarly easy to clean, non-sweat-absorbing material – is not only essential for working out in VR (I can tell you that from my month-long VR workout experiment), it’s a helpfully hygienic option for all VR users.
Fabric facial interfaces aren’t easy to clean, and because of this sharing your VR headset with someone else can feel a little gross. And even if you’re the only person who uses it, eventually you’ll feel like the headset needs a clean after it's been strapped to your face for a certain number of hours. Fabric facial interfaces need to no longer be the default, and their continued presence seems to be mostly down to the fact that Meta and its partners (like Razer) can get away with selling you pricey silicone facial interface add-ons.
Design score: 3.5/5
(Image credit: Future)
Meta Quest 3S: Performance
Handles VR games and apps with aplomb
Visuals aren't amazing
Obvious screen-door effect
With its (at the time of writing) top-of-the-line Snapdragon XR 2 Gen 2 chipset and 8GB of RAM, the Meta Quest 3S is able to comfortably handle everything the Horizon OS platform can throw at it. It’s not as lightning-fast as a modern console like a PS5, sure, but games and apps load reasonably quickly, and once you’re all booted up the software runs smoothly – well, at least as smoothly as it would on the full-on Meta Quest 3.
I hopped into a range of titles including Just Dance VR, the Vendetta Forever demo, Beat Saber, Walkabout Mini Golf, and a demo of Batman: Arkham Shadow, as well as mixed-reality experiences like Starship Home. The Meta Quest 3S had no trouble with any of them – and I had an absolute blast.
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Arkham Shadow is an excellent Quest 3S game (Image credit: Meta)
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It has you exploring every nook and cranny of Gotham (Image credit: Meta)
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But you can use the headset for other VR activities too, like Netflix (Image credit: Meta)
The main downgrade with this headset is not how well experiences run, but how good (or in this case not good) they look. Thanks to the the lower-resolution displays and fresnel lens system. which as mentioned introduces slight blurring at the edges of the image. there’s a noticeable drop in visual sharpness when you swap between the Meta Quest 3 with its 2064 x 2208 pixels per eye dual-display setup and the Meta Quest 3S with its 1832 x 1920 per eye single-display setup.
The screen-door effect is much more obvious too. This effect occurs when your eyes are too close to a screen with too few pixels and you're able to see horizontal and vertical black lines on the image – making it seem like you’re viewing the image through a screen door. On the Quest 3S, and other headsets that suffer from this effect, it can be a little immersion-breaking, especially if you've used a higher-resolution headset which doesn’t have the same issue.
If you’re distracted by an interactive VR or MR experience the Meta Quest 3S’ visual shortfalls are somewhat forgivable, but for activities such as streaming Netflix or kicking back with Xbox Cloud Gaming, which have you staring at a large virtual screen, the Quest 3S display's failings are a lot more noticeable.
Performance score: 4/5
Meta Quest 3S: Software and features
Can play all VR and MR Quest 3 experiences
Runs Horizon OS
Action button is an odd feature right now
Thanks to having identical specs where it counts, the Meta Quest 3S’ software and features are practically identical to the Meta Quest 3's. Every Meta Quest 3 exclusive – including the upcoming Batman: Arkham Shadow – nd all of my favorite titles are not only playable on the Quest 3S, but run as well as they would on the Quest 3.
Horizon OS – Meta’s Quest operating system – is clean, intuitive, feature-packed, and regularly updated (about once a month) with new enhancements or tools to enjoy at no additional cost.
The Quest 3S supports the same full-color passthrough capabilities as the Quest 3 for mixed reality – allowing you to enjoy games and apps that blend real-world and virtual elements. However, the Meta Quest 3S does miss out on a depth sensor.
Though ‘miss out’ isn’t quite right, as when the Meta Quest 3S scanned my room while setting up a mixed-reality space I found it was almost as accurate as the Quest 3 at detecting walls and furniture. I did have to make some minor adjustments, but surprisingly no major alterations to the scan were necessary.
(Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)
The biggest feature change (predominantly because it’s the only one of note) comes in the shape of the Action button. Rather than needing to slap the side of the headset twice in quick succession to swap between mixed and virtual reality – though you still can use this option – you can instead tap the Action button on the headset. I’m not sure why the Meta Quest 3S needs two different ways to quickly transition a player between virtual reality and passthrough, but I suspect the Action button might be made programmable in the future to better justify its existence.
You want an affordable VR headset At just $299.99 / £289.99 / AU$499.99, and with solid specs, the Meta Quest 3S is the best affordable VR headset out there right now.
You want to play the best VR games Running Horizon OS and giving you access to Meta’s library of exclusive titles, as well as being PCVR compatible (using a Link Cable or Air Link) means the Quest 3S can play all of the best VR games out there.
You want an entry-level option If you're new to VR and aren't ready to commit to a higher-end model this affordable headset is a fantastic stepping stone into the world of XR tech.
Don’t buy it if…
You demand visual excellence The Meta Quest 3S cuts costs compared to the full-on Quest 3 by using less-crisp displays and a blurrier fresnel lens system, which means its visuals aren’t as good as those of its sibling or some rivals.
You’re a VR power user While 128GB is enough for a lot of people, the storage space will get eaten up if you have a large enough digital library. If you like to download everything, and hate deleting and installing software, then shell out on a Quest 3 with its 512GB of storage.
You want supreme comfort The Meta Quest 3S is a little less comfortable than its sibling due to its bulkier frame. so you'll want to get that if you'd rather a comfier experience.
Also consider
Meta Quest 3 Its name has been dropped in this piece so frequently that I of course had to mention it here. If you’re after better visuals and more storage this is the VR headset for you. Read ourMeta Quest 3 review
Pico 4 Ultra The Pico 4 Ultra isn’t as strong a VR contender as the Meta Quest 3, but its add-on motion trackers for foot tracking are a unique tool that could give this VR headset the edge for some users. Read our Pico 4 Ultra review
PlayStation VR 2 Our sister site TRG called the PSVR 2 headset "an experience that’ll be well worth your hard-earned cash." If you have a PS5 already and want a VR headset this is one to check out, though the software library isn't quite as large as Meta's. Check out TRG's PSVR 2 review
Xreal Air 2 glasses It's not a VR headset, but these AR smart glasses are an alternative option for people looking to dip their toes into XR and who are more concerned with non-interactive entertainment uses, like streaming Netflix on a massive virtual screen. Read ourXreal Air 2 review
How I tested the Meta Quest 3S
I’ve been using my Meta Quest 3 at least weekly since I received it this time last year, so a lot of what the Meta Quest 3S was offering in terms of specs and software was extremely familiar to me. Because the Quest 3 is also the 3S’ closest competitor I spent a lot of time comparing the two headsets in terms of their design, comfort and the quality of their visuals.
To do this I booted up my favorite VR games on both headsets. I dove into hours-long play sessions to judge how the Quest 3S stacked up against the Meta Quest 3, but also how it holds up on its own merits – this is a review, not our Meta Quest 3 vs Meta Quest 3S comparison, after all.
To get an authentic experience I tested the Quest 3S with the base strap, facial interface, no headphones, and no other additional accessories. It was judged as it came out of the box.
The Pico 4 Ultra is giving me serious deja vu, and it’s not entirely the good kind.
That’s because its launch is extremely reminiscent of its predecessor; the base Pico 4. A Meta Quest VR headset is the dominant force in the budget/mid range market (then the Meta Quest 2, now the Meta Quest 3), and Pico is launching a device with better specs at an only marginally higher price.
In this instance, the Pico 4 Ultra will net you the Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chipset, 256GB of storage, and 12GB of RAM for £529 (around $695 / AU$1025). Meanwhile, the Meta Quest 3 ($499.99 / £479.99 / AU$799.99) only boasts 128GB of storage and 8GB of RAM with the same chipset.
But despite that additional oomph, the Pico 4 Ultra (like the Pico 4 before it) is let down by a lack of software with which to demonstrate its hardware superiority.
With Meta picking up more and more hard-hitting exclusives that you can’t play on Pico systems – including entries in major gaming franchises like Assassin’s Creed and the Batman Arkham series – the severe lack of return fire from Pico is disappointing. Couple that with Meta’s superb OS support and optimizations which the Pico operating system isn’t matching (at least right now) and it’s clear the Pico 4 Ultra isn’t winning in every area – and software-wise the fight isn’t even close.
The Pico 4 Ultra does, however, have a few unique features that could entice you and software developers to pay it some respect.
The first is its spatial footage capture. While it is inconvenient and something of a useless novelty in practice, if a few OS updates can bring some quality improvements this tool could be a fun one for recording memories or creating an experimental stereoscopic film (if you’re willing to put in the effort) without needing to buy an iPhone 15 Pro or Apple Vision Pro.
More importantly it has Meta Connect, a free Virtual Desktop alternative that allows you to connect to your PC wirelessly or use a compatible USB-C cable for productivity and PCVR gaming. In my testing it worked very well and seems a little more feature rich and reliable than Meta’s free Air Link.
Last but by no means least are the Pico 4 Ultra’s standout Motion Trackers. Annoyingly, you have to pay extra for them, but these foot trackers bring a great level of immersion to compatible apps for only £79 (around $100 / AU$150) for a pair – or a lot less if you pick up the preorder bundle or a different deal that I’m sure we’ll see during future sales events like Black Friday. These alone could be the best reason to pick up the Pico 4 Ultra.
Pico 4 Ultra: Specs
Pico 4 Ultra review: Price and Availability
The Pico 4 Ultra has only one model (the specs are listed above, but the notable stats are 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage) and it goes on sale in the UK on September 20 for £529 (around $695 / AU$1025). No Australia or US launch has yet been announced.
The Pico 4 Ultra preorder bundle (Image credit: Future)
Preorders go live on September 6 and if you preorder the Ultra you’ll get a few free goodies; namely two free motion trackers (more on those in the Features section) as well as four games:
Blade & Sorcery: Nomad
Infinite Inside
Let’s Get Fit VR
FootPool
The lack of a truly global launch schedule isn’t unheard of for Pico – the original Pico 4 still isn’t available in the US – but it’s always a surprise to see Pico’s headsets dodge a major market, especially this time when the Ultra boasts such impressive internals. Yes, it’s a little pricier than a Meta Quest 3 ($499.99 / £479.99 / AU$799.99) but offers an additional 4GB of RAM and 128GB of storage which is an upgrade that could entice a lot of VR users; that is, if they weren’t locked out because the Pico 4 Ultra is unavailable in their part of the world.
Value score: 4/5
Pico 4 Ultra review: Performance
Every VR game and app runs smoothly
Nothing feels like it needs 12GB of RAM
The Pico 4 Ultra boasts some fantastic hardware upgrades over its predecessor, which help it deliver a stronger performance in VR and MR. The principal upgrades are to its chipset with the Ultra relying on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chipset (instead of the Gen 1 like the regular Pico 4) and 12GB of RAM (up from 8GB).
When testing the headset with a good mixture of games – Infinite Inside, Arizona Sunshine 2, All-In-One Sports VR, and Angry Birds VR – everything ran smoothly and looked good on the new device.
The battery is housed at the back of the strap (Image credit: Future)
There were no hiccups in mixed reality either. Infinite Inside jumps between MR and VR while Angry Birds VR offers a dedicated MR mode for all of its levels. Both titles ran really well in this blended real-and-virtual setting – even when large chain reactions in Angry Birds sent pigs and many blocks that formerly made up their structures flying in different directions.
Now it’s officially announced, with any luck we should see some next-gen upgrades make their way to Pico 4 Ultra games and apps too – just like we saw with Quest 3 titles when Meta’s Quest line made the jump to the XR 2 Gen 2.
My only concern so far is I feel I’ve yet to experience anything that pushes the Pico 4 Ultra in a way which warrants that extra 4GB of RAM over other mid-range VR headsets with an XR2 Gen 2 chipset which only have 8GB (i.e. the Quest 3). Games and apps on those rival systems also run really well, and if Pico is asking us to pay more than its rivals charge because of the Ultra’s improvements, I’d like to see some really concrete reasons why that higher RAM and price is worthwhile.
Hopefully, some made for Pico 4 Ultra software will highlight how necessary the upgrades are, though we’ll have to wait and see what’s announced. For now we can at least enjoy the very solid mid-range headset Pico has delivered.
Performance score: 5/5
Pico 4 Ultra review: Design
Counterbalanced design is appreciated for comfort
No silicon facial interface in the box
The Pico 4 Ultra (unsurprisingly) takes plenty of design cues from the base Pico 4; so much so you might assume they’re the same device at a glance. The Ultra is almost the same weight (580g instead of 586g), features more prominent mixed-reality sensors, and its controllers have lost their icon spiral tracking ring – in favor of the Quest 3 handsets’ tracking ring-less design.
However, you still get a VR gadget clad in a light gray plastic casing, with an adjustable plastic head strap that creates a counterbalanced design – as the device’s battery is housed at the back of the strap (so the battery sits at the back of your head) to offset the weight of the display and other components that are sitting on your face.
Pico 4 Ultra controllers (Image credit: Future)
While this certainly aided the Pico 4 Ultra’s overall comfort, the headset was let down by its facial interface and rigid head strap cushion that left me wanting more in terms of support and fit. As a result, the headset didn’t feel leaps and bounds ahead of its non-counterbalanced headset counterparts. I’d go as far to say it was merely on par which was a shame.
I’m also disappointed that Pico – much like other headset makers – refuses to give you a silicon face cushion in the box. Fabric cushions get sweaty even if you don’t plan to play fitness apps meaning they’re generally gross to share with others, and cleaning fabric interfaces is a real pain. Silicon facial interfaces should be standard, not an additional purchase. At least it comes with a spacer attachment so you can make room for your prescription specs without needing to buy bespoke lenses (*cough*Apple Vision Pro *cough*).
The last negative aspect – though one I’m more torn on – is a fan that blows inside the headset while you’re wearing it to prevent the lenses fogging. While this can be handy I often found the breeze annoying as it kept blowing in my eyes causing them to feel extra dry. After a while you get a bit used to it, but the same feature was present in the Pico 4 and online forums suggest it’s one of those things people either love or hate. I’m more in the hate camp, but it comes down to personal preference.
Otherwise, the Pico 4 Ultra is fairly standard. It boasts USB-C charging and a familiar control layout on its handsets – save for two additional menu buttons meaning that the left controller has a dedicated button for the main Pico menu and another for the in-game pause menu, while the right controller has the same main Pico menu button and a dedicated screenshot button (which comes in handy for capturing impromptu clips).
Last but not least, the Pico 4 Ultra boasts continuous interpupillary distance (IPD) adjustment from 58-72mm. IPD adjustments are essential for ensuring the VR headset’s lenses are spaced the correct distance apart for your eyes to avoid blurriness, and a continuous adjustment setup allows for a higher degree of personalization compared to the three or four pre-set distances offered by some models (i.e. the Meta Quest 2).
Design score: 4/5
Pico 4 Ultra review: Software
Many great VR and MR games and apps
Pico lacks meaningful exclusives
Coming into this review my main concern for the Pico 4 Ultra was its software. It might have the best specs we’ve ever seen on a mid-range standalone VR headset but without software to take advantage of this performance there’d be no point buying one.
I’m therefore pleased to report that the Pico 4 Ultra’s software library is good, bordering on great.
Navigating the virtual store is more of a pain then it should be – a cleaner layout and better app curation would go a long way here – but using the search bar to look up my favorite titles (Walkabout Mini Golf, The Last Clockwinder, Painting VR, and Pistol Whip to name a few) I found almost everything I was looking for. Best of all, the titles were all as content-packed and feature-complete as their counterparts on other platforms (something that hasn’t always been true for the Pico 4 system).
My only concern is that the Pico 4 Ultra is lacking in notable exclusives beyond its TikTok VR app. I know, I know, exclusive software is a contentious subject and I agree that overall they’re a bad deal for consumers. But under its belt the Meta Quest 3 (the Pico 4 Ultra’s main rival) has some massive hitters which Pico can’t currently compete with – we’re talking Beat Saber, Resident Evil 4 VR, Assassin's Creed Nexus, Asgard’s Wrath 2, Batman: Arkham Shadow, Xbox Cloud Gaming, and soon (ironically because it was originally announced as a Pico 4 exclusive) Just Dance VR, among others.
Where is Pico's Arkham Shadow competitor? (Image credit: Meta / Camouflaj)
Some major upcoming titles like Just Dance VR and Alien: Rogue Incursion (which is also due out on the PSVR 2) could get Pico 4 Ultra release dates after the headset’s launch now that the device isn’t a secret, but Pico really needs to start swinging with some major games and apps you can’t find anywhere else. Until then there’s a clear winner in terms of the headset that’ll give you the most complete VR software experience, and it isn’t Pico.
What’s more, cross-platform titles will have to play to the lowest common denominator. That means they won’t be optimized for the Pico 4 Ultra’s 12GB of RAM; they'll also be designed with headsets in mind that only have 6GB or 8GB of RAM. This means you won’t get the most out of the extra specs you’re paying for unless the app creators devote extra time to Ultra-exclusive upgrades (which there’s no guarantee they will).
At least you can connect the Pico 4 Ultra to a PC to play SteamVR games, helping to expand its library further. You do so using the Pico Connect app which facilitates both wired and wireless experiences in much the same way as the third-party Virtual Desktop app. I tried the wireless version for some SteamVR games and found it ran pretty well, though your experience will depend on your home Wi-Fi speed – so you may find a wired connection is more stable.
My only critique is that when using Pico Connect for productivity apps like Google Docs I didn’t have a virtual keyboard. Using a real one in mixed reality is fine, but the option of a floating keyboard would have been appreciated.
I also found the Pico 4 Ultra’s operating system to be fairly clean. It’s very similar to Meta’s HorizonOS – likely because both are built on Android – so transitioning to it was simple enough, and I expect VR newcomers would be able to navigate fairly easily too. It does noticeably lack some of HorizonOS optimizations and smoothness at times, but Pico could address this in future updates.
Software score: 3.5/5
Pico 4 Ultra review: Features
Motion Trackers are impressive
Spatial image camera seems pointless
As for features, the one you’ll all want to know about is the Pico 4 Ultra’s mixed-reality performance. Again the simple descriptor I’d go for is ‘it’s good’. For mixed reality the Pico 4 Ultra boasts two 32MP cameras, and a depth sensor – a step up on the base model’s single 16MP lens and no depth sensor setup. The end result is a vibrant passthrough image with less (but not quite zero) distortion than what we’ve seen from Pico before – at the fringes I did notice the passthrough feed shifting unrealistically at times.
Though it’s far from lifelike, there’s the same graininess you’ll find from other mid-range devices like the Meta Quest 3 – graininess which you’ll also see in the footage recorded by the Pico 4 Ultra’s new spatial camera.
Here's one of the Motion Trackers... (Image credit: Future)
That’s right, just like the Apple Vision Pro you can use the headset to record spatial video that you can watch later. It’s interesting, sure, but far from useful. Someone on Reddit or X will post a video of them carrying their Pico 4 Ultra around to capture moments in spatial video or as spatial photos, but 99.99% of people won’t. Instead they’ll do exactly what I did – take a picture of their office / their living room / another space in their home, say “huh, that’s neat” when they see the stereoscopic image, and promptly never use it again.
I think spatial content capture is better handled by phones or accessories like the Xreal Beam Pro as these are devices you can reasonably carry with you to capture moments you’d like to remember and relive – and the quality would be higher too.
Finally, let's talk about the Motion Trackers, easily the best of the Pico 4 Ultra’s accessories.
When I strapped them to my ankles I expected the trackers would pick up general leg motion but might struggle with specifics – for example, it wouldn’t be able to tell the difference between me raising my foot with my knee bent, and raising my foot keeping my leg straight. I was very wrong.
I tried a bunch of maneuvers trying to trick the ankle bracelets, and the little VR avatar the app showed me mimicked my poses perfectly.
... and here's one of the weird poses I tried to use to trick them (Image credit: Future)
They were also super easy to set up and calibrate, with the only (minor) inconvenience being that I had to remember to roll my jeans up so that the trackers were exposed and not hidden behind my clothing (as I write this I realize I could have instead put them over the top of jeans, but regardless it was the most minor of minor inconveniences anyway).
Obviously, the thing to note is that unless you’ve picked them up as part of the preorder bundle – or another deal that comes later during Black Friday or otherwise – the Motion Trackers cost £79 for a pair. What’s more, they only work with a few titles – Pico says “20+” for standalone Pico 4 Ultra games as well as any motion tracker enabled SteamVR experiences.
If you play these titles regularly I think the trackers can add a fair amount of immersion – actually getting to kick a virtual football or feel like the headset was properly tracking my full body movement was a blast – though I’d recommend trying to get them as part of a discounted bundle if you can (or only picking them up if your digital library is well stocked with compatible experiences).
Features score: 4.5/5
Should you buy the Pico 4 Ultra?
Buy it if…
You want the best specs for a mid-range device
The Pico 4 Ultra has some really solid specs for its price, so if you value the best hardware for your budget then it could be just what you’re after.
You want foot tracking
With its optional Motion Trackers you can bring accurate foot tracking to several VR titles. Yes, they’re an additional add-on, but they’re not an accessory every standalone headset can support, so it could be worth picking an Ultra up for that reason alone.
You hate Facebook If Meta has rubbed you the wrong way with its privacy practices over the years, or you don’t enjoy the Quest ecosystem’s Facebook integrations, then the Pico 4 Ultra is the best mid-range, non-Meta headset you can buy right now.
Don’t buy it if…
You want the broadest VR software library
The Pico 4 Ultra is lacking many major standalone VR titles because they’re exclusive to its biggest rival (Meta). If you’re desperate to play any of them (like, say, Batman: Arkham Shadow) you shouldn’t buy a Pico 4 Ultra.
You’re after something cheaper While the Pico 4 Ultra is good value for money, it is pricier than other mid-range standalone headsets like the Meta Quest 3. Not by a lot, but the £50 difference could instead be spent on software or something non-VR related.
You want a spatial image capture device
Yes, the Pico 4 Ultra can be used for spatial image capture – a unique feature for mid-range XR headsets – but the quality isn’t high enough, nor the feature anywhere close to convenient enough, for it to be a deciding factor in your purchase decision.
Also consider
Meta Quest 3
Surprise, surprise after it was name-dropped a few times throughout this review. If you’re looking at mid-range VR headsets, you can’t not consider the king of them. Yes the Pico 4 Ultra has some advantages, but so does the Meta Quest 3, so you seriously don’t want to dismiss this alternative.
Meta Quest 3S Okay, so this headset isn’t even announced officially yet, but I’m dropping it in here because so many leaks (including several from Meta itself) say it’s coming and that it’ll be announced on September 25 at Meta Connect 2024. It likely won’t boast the same specs as the Pico 4 Ultra but is expected to be a lot cheaper, so it might be worth waiting a little longer to see if the Quest 3S is announced and if this more budget-friendly device tickles your fancy.
Xreal Air 2 These AR smart glasses are a very different prospect to the Pico 4 Ultra VR headset, but with the help of the Xreal Beam Pro they offer many useful features in a similarly priced package – including a wearable private movie theater and high-quality spatial footage capture.
Apple has spent almost a decade developing the Vision Pro, and it shows. Everything about it is spectacular, from the exquisite design to brilliant visuals that blend the real with the fantastical, to the versatility that puts other mixed-reality headsets to shame.
The fact that, even after all that work, there are still limitations is frustrating. Sure, I want a sub-1lb/500g headset that somehow integrates the battery; and, of course, I want it to cost $500. The state of the art, even Apple’s bleeding-edge form of it, isn’t there yet. None of that, however, makes me think less of the Vision Pro. It's a stunning achievement in industrial design and technology that translates the inscrutable worlds of AR, VR, and mixed reality into an experience that pretty much anyone can understand and enjoy.
Using your gaze and gestures (finger taps, long pinch, pull) to control a computer is the intuitive technology control you didn’t know you were missing – the millimeter precision is more like what you’d expect from a seasoned OS, not the brand new Vision Pro platform, visionOS, Apple introduced nine months ago. Apple got this right on the first try, and it could become as second-nature as tapping, pinching, and swiping on an iPhone or iPad is today.
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As a new computing platform, the Vision Pro is rich with features and possibilities. The fact that it does so many things so well, and that they work and make sense, is a testament to Apple’s efforts. I’ve been marveling at the attention to detail, and at how a bleeding-edge, V1 product can feel so finished and complete. Apple has created a headset that I’m itching to wear almost every day, and if I did nothing but work in it the Vision Pro would transform my life. I’ve long dreamed of having a 150-inch or larger workspace, but I couldn’t imagine how it would be practical or, more importantly, viewable. With the Vision Pro, I get an almost unlimited desktop that makes me want to never return to the confined space of my laptop.
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Encounter dinosaurs remains one of the most eye-popping Vision Pro experiences… (Image credit: Future)
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…especially when this virtual butterfly lands on your finger (Image credit: Future)
I’ve rarely tested a technology that has moved me in the way the Vision Pro does. Spatial videos are so achingly real that they instantly trigger an emotion that a flat image might not. Being up close with otherworldly or prehistoric creatures that seem to almost see me is at once jarring and thrilling. To pull this off, you need more than great apps, software, developers, and artists; you need a cohesive system that brings it all to life. The Vision Pro does it time and again, with 23 million pixels of imagery, spatial audio that travels the distance from band-bound speakers directly to your ears, and eye-tracking that knows your gaze better than you do.
There are frustrations and missteps, too.
Apple Vision Pro with the Solo Knit Band (Image credit: Future)
I struggled to find the best fit, and while I can now wear the Vision Pro for hours, my face reminds me afterwards that it’s not built for this. I've struggled on occasion to find a fit that doesn’t cause me some niggling discomfort (although the more immersed I get, the less I feel anything).
I don’t mind the external battery, but it feels not quite up to the task when you want to watch a 3D movie and power seems to drain at double speed. Thank goodness the battery can be plugged in for continued use.
You won't go anywhere without that battery pack (Image credit: Future)
While I think the outside-in pass-through technology that marries the real and computer-generated worlds is among the best I’ve seen, Apple’s attempts to keep you connected to people in front of you and through, say, FaceTime calls, need work. Personas are just this side of creepy, and EyeSight, which shows a video of your eyes to those around you on the exterior screen, looks a bit scary. Then there's the price, which is overwhelming, and will be an instant turnoff for many. I wonder, though, if they might feel differently after their first experience – I’d argue that they will decide they want a Vision Pro, and the only question will be how they can afford it.
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Apple Vision Pro: Price and availability
Expensive
Price does not include lens inserts
No yet available outside the US
Apple announced its Vision Pro headset on June 5, 2023, at WWDC 2023. It's available now in the US, and costs $3,499 for the 256GB model. Preorders opened on January 19, and the headset began shipping on February 2. Availability and pricing for other markets is yet to be confirmed, but Apple says that will follow in 2025.
Value score: 4
Apple Vision Pro: What's in the box
Here's what you'll find when you unbox your Vision Pro (Image credit: Future)
So what do you get for your $3,499 (Apple sent me the 1TB version, which starts at $3,899 – you can opt for a $3,699 512GB headset)? Essentially, in the box is everything you need to put on and start using the Vision Pro. In order of importance:
There’s the Vision Pro system
A battery with attached cable
USB-C charge cable and 30W adapter
The Solo Knit Band
A Dual Loop Band
Two Light Seals Cushions
A fabric cover
A polishing cloth
The only thing that's not included, and which you might need, as I did, are the Zeiss prescription lens inserts. These will run you $99 for reading-glass lenses, and $149 for full prescription lenses, which is what I need. The Vision Pro might be unusable for those with particular sight issues – Apple can let you know upfront if that's likely to be the case.
It all arrives in a large white box that has all the hallmarks of containing a high-end Apple product.
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The optional case costs $199 but I thick its worth it (Image credit: Future)
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You can buy an optional carrying case for $199, and, considering that you just dropped almost $3,500, I think it’s money well spent, although some might argue that Apple should include the case with the expensive headset. Apple sent me the case; it's compact, and has storage space for everything I mentioned above, and I think the hard-shell, soft-surface body will do wonders to protect your expensive new toy.
Apple Vision Pro: Specs
The headgear is, in some ways typical goggle size: it's roughly six inches wide by almost four inches deep from the edge of the Light Seal to the front of the glass, and almost four inches tall.
Perhaps the most important spec of all, though, is the weight. Depending on which bands you use, the Vision Pro clocks in at 1.3 to 1.4lbs, or 600 to 650g. The external battery, which I kept either in my pocket, on the table, or on the couch next to me (later I got a nice $49.95 Belkin Case, so I could attach it to my belt), weighs just over three-quarters of a pound, or around 350g. Thank goodness Apple opted to not integrate the battery in its first mixed-reality headset.
Apple Vision Pro: Performance
Powerful, proven M2 chip
R1 appears to take the visual load
Never a lag
Could do with more base storage
Apple’s Vision Pro works as well as it does not only because of the design and remarkably intuitive interface. As always, it’s what’s inside that really counts.
At its heart is the M2 chip, a second-generation piece of Apple silicon, featuring an 8-core CPU and a 10-core GPU that powers, for instance, the most recent MacBook Air (MacBook Pros now have M3 chips). In my experience, this is a powerful chip that’s well qualified to handle the demands of virtual and augmented reality.
However, the M2 has the support of a new piece of Apple silicon, the R1 chip, which appears to be primarily in charge of managing those 4K screens, and maintaining a 12-millisecond image update so that what you see is clear and butter-smooth.
The Vision Pro’s dual 4K micro-OLED displays with 23 million pixels are also industry-leading. My experience with the headset is that I get crystal-clear imagery wherever I look, and at whatever size I make the screens.
The Vision Pro's audio comes through a pair of audio pods which are hidden under that white rubber (Image credit: Future)
Apple has placed the stereo audio pod headphones on the stiff white rubber stems that feed into the Vision Pro frame, but they provide excellent spatial audio that’s arguably as good as anything you might get with in-ear buds. If you place an app on your virtual left, the audio will come from that space. At one point, I took a screen that was playing video and slowly dragged it from one side of my space to the other, and the audio tracked perfectly from my left side to the middle and then to the right. There’s also a six-microphone array that does a good job of picking up “Siri” commands. I love summoning Siri because, in the Vision Pro, the digital assistant is embodied as a small floating glass orb.
There are numerous cameras arrayed on the outside and inside of the Vision Pro. The two on the front handle the stereoscopic imagery that you can see and capture in photos and videos that you’ll play back later, and sometimes cry over.
The Vision Pro supports Wi-Fi 6 (though oddly not Wi-Fi 7, which in a few years will be ubiquitous) and Bluetooth 5.3, the latter of which allowed me to easily connect the Vision Pro to an Xbox controller, Magic Keyboard, and Magic Trackpad.
The Vision Pro is best for a quick message or short sentences; typing anything of length on it is virtually impossible (Image credit: Future)
The Vision Pro also displays a virtual keyboard that you can poke at in space. This can be resized and positioned to your liking, but the lack of physical and tactile feedback makes it difficult, at best, to use. What’s worse is that because you may not be looking at the keyboard when you type, the gaze control system can’t really help you with accuracy. To be fair, I’m a terrible typist and do often look at the keyboard when touch-typing. Ultimately, if I want to type within visionOS while wearing the headset, I find that using the Magic Keyboard Apple sent me is best (they also sent a Magic Mouse that can work across both visionOS and my connected MacBook Pro’s virtual display).
Apple provided me with a 1TB Vision Pro test unit, which retails for $3,899. The base model, which costs $3,499, starts with just 256GB of storage. Apple pitches the Vision Pro as the first “spatial computer,” which makes me wonder why it didn’t start with at least a half-terabyte of storage as standard.
Performance score: 4.5
Apple Vision Pro: Design
Exquisite materials and build
Good looks hide impressive specs
Not that light
External battery
I know people joke about the Vision Pro looking like a pair of hyped-up snow goggles. Maybe so, but I’d argue there’s not one false note in this design. Apple, as it often does, chose the best material, with a particular focus on weight. So, it’s a mix of an aluminum body, magnesium, carbon fiber, and woven fabric. It’s virtually all curved, with a gleaming glass front that protects the screen marrying almost seamlessly with the body.
There’s a lot of technology packed into the Vision Pro, but Apple has made some effort to hide it. There are cameras behind the glass, and a set of them along the bottom edge that watch your face and hands. The AudioPod speakers that deliver near-perfect spatial audio are hidden behind stiff, white rubber.
Along one side of the top edge is a familiar piece of technology: the Digital Crown. When I first saw this, I wondered why Apple would pull an idea from Apple Watch and slap it on its newest device. But Apple considers the Vision Pro to be a wearable, so there’s some logical continuity here. Plus, the Digital Crown turns out to be one incredibly useful and important piece of Vision Pro technology.
The 'Top Button' on the top left side, which is mostly used for Spatial Photos and Video, gets far less use.
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There are some large vents on the top of the frame, and a grille on the bottom, and these seem to work together to draw air in and flow it up and away from your face. The Vision Pro does get warm, but never so much so that it’s uncomfortable.
The Vision Pro and the Light Shield both curve to meet your face, but the crucial bit that makes this design work is the foamy Light Seal cushion. This rests on and follows the contours of your face, and it’s about as comfortable as such a thing should be, though on occasion during my testing time I've wondered if it should be either thicker or denser.
Once I settled on the Dual Loop Band, I found my Vision Pro comfort zone. (Image credit: Future)
Attaching this spatial computer to your head requires a band, or a pair of bands. The default Solo Knit Band is wide, and can be adjusted via a dial to make it tighter or looser. It’s never offered enough support for me, though.
It’s worth pausing here to remind you that the Vision Pro weighs 1.3lbs. That’s not particularly heavy in itself, but a typical set of eyeglasses might weigh 0.08lbs, and now imagine attaching a pound of ground beef to your head. This experience is far more enjoyable, but it needs support. In contrast to the Solo Knit Band, the Dual Loop Band supports the headset on the back of your head and across the top of it, and I bet most people will prefer it over the more attractive Solo Knit version.
Design score 4.5
Apple Vision Pro: Setup
I would not call any part of the Vision Pro setup process complicated or off-putting. There are several steps to go through, but mostly these are to customize the experience. As for assembling it, there’s the matter of which band you choose for comfort, and fitting the right Light Seal (the thinner one is standard, the thicker one is for glasses-wearers who have those Zeiss inserts). You also need to attach the battery cable, which snaps into the right side (if the headset’s glass is facing you) and locks on with a twist – there’s no chance of it popping off. The cable is long enough for you to drop the somewhat hefty battery into your pocket.
The bands snap on and off metal lugs using small orange pull tabs; I usually put the lens cover on, so that I can tip the Vision Pro on its face while I swap bands. Aside from the colorful screen behind the glass, which is just black when the device is off, that orange is the only bit of color pop on the headset.
If you ordered Zeiss prescription lenses, as I did, you’ll have to put them in before using the headset. They, like most other pieces on the Vision Pro (for instance the Light Seal and its cushion) attach magnetically. They’re also labeled, so you won’t get confused about which lens goes on which side. The box comes with a QR code that you’ll use to register the lenses with the headset.
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There’s also a QR code moment when you want to sync your Vision Pro with your phone and iCloud account. None of this takes long, or is even remotely confusing.
The rest of the setup occurs mostly with the headset on. Apple fans will appreciate the startup, which includes a floating Apple logo and then the iconic 'Hello' spelled out in 3D scripted letters floating in your real-world space. It’s just a hint of what’s to come.
One of the keys to the Vision Pro’s technical excellence is its ability to track your gaze (along with the dual 4K micro-OLED screens inside the headset are cameras pointed directly at your eyes). So, the setup begins with pressing the crown to get the pupillary distance – that is, the distance between your pupils – right. The screens mechanically shift position to match your pupils.
Looking at and selecting these dots is an important step in the setup process (Image credit: Future)
Next, to ensure that the Vision Pro fully understands where you’re looking, you go through a series of vision calibration tests, during which a circle of dots appears and you look at each one, and pinch your index finger and thumb together. You do this three times in three different environmental light settings. I’d already tried this five times over the last seven months of demos, so I'd gotten quite good at it.
The system also needs to calibrate for your hands. This process consists of holding them up in front of the Vision Pro. You’ll see a faint glow around the outside edges of your digits, and then you flip your hands over and do it again.
While the system may occasionally ask you to reset the pupillary distance by holding down the Digital Crown, you won’t have to perform any other part of the setup again. For Guest Mode, if you want to let someone else to try the headset, they’ll go through the vision and hand calibration, but the results will not be used by the Vision Pro when their session ends.
As I've said, I found this setup simple, and quite effective in that from that point on the system has seemed to know me every time I've donned the Vision Pro, and it worked as well as the time before. The only step I need to follow now to get started is logging in with a PIN. You can also log on with an iris scan (OpticID) but, while I successfully registered my iris, I could never unlock the Vision Pro with my eyes. I've asked Apple about this issue and will update this review with its reply.
Apple Vision Pro: Software and Interface
Excellent intuitive OS
A true 'think-do' interface
Spatial computing turns the world into an unlimited digital space
You start on the home screen, or Home View, which can be summoned with one press of the Digital Crown. This screen will look somewhat familiar to most Apple fans: there's a grid of preinstalled app icons, many of which match what you’ll find on your iPad or iPhone (Notes, Safari, Photos, Podcasts, Calendar, Mail, Files, etc), horizontally arrayed and floating in your real-world environment. You can use the pinch-and-wave gesture to move through multiple screens of apps. This is where the apps you install will live – you can download many more from the App Store, which now has more than 600 visionOS apps. There’s also access to 'Compatible Apps' folder, which collected all the iOS and iPadOS apps I installed on Vision Pro. Apple claims that roughly a million iOS and iPadOS apps already work with Vision Pro, even if they were not designed for visionOS and the Vision Pro. It's not hard, though, to find ones, like most Google apps, that don't.
Compatibility is a mixed bag. Sometimes it works perfectly, other times less so. NBA2K got stuck on setup screens and wouldn’t let me access the game. In the case of Paramount Plus, which is not officially designed to work on the headset, it played, but I couldn't expand the live video to a full window. Apps that have not been custom-built for visionOS were the ones most likely to crash.
The Vision Pro defaults to a full pass-through mode, although that’s a misnomer; you’re never looking directly at your surroundings. Instead, the cameras on the front deliver a clear video feed of your surroundings to your eyes. It’s the best way to marry virtual information with reality, and it's very effective.
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The Home View (Image credit: Future)
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Environments (Image credit: Future)
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Home View on 50 percent immersed envrionment (Image credit: Future)
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App Store (Image credit: Future)
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Arcade (Image credit: Future)
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Immersion and audio controls. both accessed by spinning the Digital Crown. (Image credit: Future)
The Vision Pro is constantly keeping track of your gaze, and your hands and fingers, so as long as your hands are in view of the cameras you can control anything you see simply by looking and pinching. The headset will not register gestures made behind your head, or if you drop your hands down to your side; I usually have my hands in my lap, or raise them in front of my chest to pinch, drag, and zoom. To telegraph my intentions, I simply look at something and then pinch to, for instance, open an app.
Once an app is open, you can move it about the room by grabbing a thin white bar at the bottom of the app’s screen. This isn’t hard to do; you just look at it, pinch to grab, and move it. You can also use this gesture to pull the app window closer or move it further away. On the bottom right corner is a curved bar that you can use to resize from, say, a big-screen TV size to a wall-size app. Inside an app you can look at, for instance, a photo in the Photo app, and use both hands with a pinch gesture to zoom in and out.
My work, entertainment, information, and creativity space is all around me (Image credit: Future)
While working and playing in apps, you can have them superimposed onto your real world, or select one of Apple’s Environments to change your surroundings. There’s Yosemite, Mount Hood, Joshua Tree, Haleakalā, Hawaii, and even the Moon, and each one is a 360-degree, 'live,' immersive experience, complete with spatial sounds. Once you've chosen an Environment, you can twist the Digital Crown to turn the immersion up or down (this is also how you raise and lower the volume – you just look at the Volume icon instead of the Environments one). Up means the real world increasingly fades, and you’re surrounded 360 degrees by, for instance, the dusty surface of the Moon. Your hands don’t disappear, but they’re not resting on your knees, and instead appear to be floating above the moon’s surface.
You can see my EyeSight here. That's not a pass-through; you're looking at screens displaying a video feed of my eyes from inside the headset (Image credit: Future)
While the Vision Pro can drop you into virtual reality, it’s smart enough to keep you connected to the outside world. When my wife started to speak to me during one immersive session, I could see her gradually appearing in front of me as we talked. On her side, she sees a video feed of my eyes on the front of the headset. Apple called this EyeSight, and it’s a hit-or-miss affair.
EyeSight shows a video recreation of your eyes based on what the camera sees inside the headset. The color is blue and purplish, and it can look, well, weird. My wife never liked it, but I noticed that she got used to talking to me while I was wearing the headset.
Software and interface score: 5
Apple Vision Pro: The Experience
There's nothing quite like using a Vision Pro
It can be hard to convey the experience to people on the outside
Your work life will change, too
If you can get your fit right (this can take some trial and error) there's nothing quite like the experience of using the Vision Pro. Even when I wasn’t wearing the headset, I found myself thinking about wearing and using it.
It's an able virtual-reality and mixed-reality machine, and I have much more to share there, but its ability to integrate my real-world work environment has been transformative for me.
I’ve spent many hours now working in the Vision Pro. To do so, you use the Control Center, which you access by glancing up until you see a green arrow and pinching to open, to launch the Mac Virtual display. In my case this showed me my MacBook Pro as an option, so I selected this and my desktop appeared before me as a huge 55-inch display. I could expand that to, say, 150 inches (or more), and then pull it close to me – this is the endless desktop I’ve always dreamed of, and none of this would work if every window, app, and bit of text weren’t crystal clear.
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That little arrow at the top is to access the Control Center (Image credit: Future)
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The Control Center has many of the typical Apple controls you'd expect (Airplane Mode, Bluetooth, etc). It also adds Mac Virtual Display and Screen Mirroring. (Image credit: Future)
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Choose your system (Image credit: Future)
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One click and the big screen will appear (Image credit: Future)
Just because I had my work desktop in front of me didn’t mean I lost out on the rest of the Vision Pro experience. On my right, I had Messages open (when a new message arrives, a green message icon floats in front of my face), and, on my left, I had my Photos. Sometimes, I would AirDrop an image (often a Vision Pro screen-grab that I'd captured by saying “Siri, grab a screenshot”) from the Vision Pro to my desktop, and then edit it in Photoshop on my giant virtual display.
You can place apps anywhere you want around you, and not just in one space. Vision Pro understands your space, even different rooms in your home.
One day I wanted to try JigSpace, an app that lets you manipulate and pull apart giant 3D objects like a race car. I wanted ample space to work, so I walked over to my den. The Vision Pro’s pass-through capabilities are good enough that I was never worried about navigating around my home, though I did need to sometimes look down to see what was near my feet. I would not recommend wearing your Vision Pro while walking in the street, where you need to pay attention to curbs and other obstacles.
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JigSpace let me put a jet engine in my den… (Image credit: Future)
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…and take it apart by looking and parts and grabbing them with my hands (Image credit: Future)
Once in the den, I opened JigSpace and started pulling apart a jet engine – whatever part I looked at, I could grab and drop somewhere around the room. Then I went back to work.
Hours later I was writing about JigSpace, but wanted to double-check something in the interface. I couldn’t find the app, so on a hunch, I got up and walked back into the den – and there was the app, where I’d left it hours before. What we have here with spatial computing and the Vision Pro is, maybe for the first time, the concept of space-aware computing. I could, perhaps, leave apps all over my house and the Vision Pro would remember where they were. To bring all open apps back into my local view, I just needed to hold down on the Digital Crown.
Experience score: 5
Spatial Computing is the only computing where if you forgot where you put an app, it might be in another room. #VisionPro pic.twitter.com/yzG84JRWmfFebruary 1, 2024
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Apple Vision Pro: Entertainment
An immersive entertainment experience
Spatial audio support is strong with or without AirPod Pros
Games designed for Vision Pro are often inspired
Compatible games don't always work as expected
I've tried watching movies on other virtual reality headsets, and it just never clicked. The Meta Quest Pro is an excellent device, but I still find it too uncomfortable to wear for more than 20 minutes at a time. There is, however, something special about watching a movie in the Apple Vision Pro, especially if you add in the AirPods Pro 2 (which include support for spatial audio and, thanks to their new H2 chip – also inside the Vision Pro – add support for lossless audio with ultra-low latency).
What makes it work so well isn’t only the near-perfect 3D fidelity (Disney Plus has a particularly excellent library of 3D films, including the trippy Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness), but also the way in which you can immerse yourself in the theater experience with various Environments. The Disney Plus app provides some of my favorites: there’s an Avengers space, a Monsters Inc. Factory, and the Disney Theater, which is probably my top pick overall.
Inside the virtual Disney Theater (Image credit: Future)
When the lights come down, and you’re staring at a giant 70mm or even IMAX-class virtual screen inside a darkened theater, you can almost smell the popcorn. There’s virtually no light leakage to break the illusion, and I had no trouble losing myself in the experience of watching a two-hour movie. One thing I did notice, though, is that 3D movies can chew through battery life. If you plan on watching, say, the three-hour and 26-minute Killers of the Flower Moon (an Apple production, by the way) you’ll want to plug in the battery using the included cable and charge adapter. They’ll provide all the pass-through power you need.
Marketing for the Vision Pro often shows people sitting down while using it, but, while I've spent most of my time seated, I have played games while standing. Synthriders is a Vision Pro-ready game that has elements of Beat Saber in it; your hands are orbs, and there are music-beat-based orbs flying at you that you must bounce back or ride the waves of with your hands. I played this while standing, and between waving my arms and ducking glass trapezoids flying at my head, it was quite a workout.
Apple Vision Pro playing Synthrider (Image credit: Future)
Entertainment score: 4.5
Apple Vision Pro: Spatial Photography
(Image credit: Future)
Vision Pro is a strong spatial photography machine
An excellent spatial imagery partner for your iPhone 15 Pro
The spatial photography and videography playback effect is often moving
I love how Apple always manages to cook up new terms for existing technology that somehow manage to capture the imagination of regular people.
Stereophotography is well over a century old, and many boomers and GenXers first experienced it in the 1970s with View-Master toys. The effect was okay, though not remotely immersive. With the Vision Pro, Apple has introduced the concept of spatial photography, a 21st-century upgrade of 3D photography and videography that puts 3D image capture in the hands of, or rather on the head of, everyone. It even extended the concept by building spatial video capture into the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max.
In some of my earlier Vision Pro demos, I played back spatial video that I'd captured on my iPhone 15 Pro Max on the Vision Pro. This was no View-Master experience: I could view the videos in a floating window, which put them at a certain remove, or use a pinch-and-expand gesture with both my hands to almost enter the video. The edges fade away, so the spatial video looks like it’s floating in a cloud.
The Vision Pro can capture both still and video spatial imagery. To capture, you use the dedicated button on the top-left side of the visor. A single press brings up the option to shoot photos or videos, and after you select one you press the button again to capture a single photo or start recording spatial video (you press it again to end the video capture). I did this with photos of my hand, and then a photoshoot with my son. Every time I view spatial imagery I have an immediate and automatic emotional reaction; when I replayed the spatial content it was like my son was standing before me, complete with his pained expression.
I must hand it to Apple, it doesn’t just invent new terms, it reinvents the experience.
Spatial photography score: 5
Apple Vision Pro: Communication and Personas
Personas can look strange, but they're more useful than you think
Communicating through iMessage and FaceTime is trouble-free
During setup, the Vision Pro will guide you to create a Persona, a 3D rendering of your head that you can use in FaceTime and other video calls. To build mine, I followed the instructions, removed the headset, and then pointed the display at my face. It captured me looking up, down, left, and right, as well as making a few facial expressions. All of this information enabled the spatial cameras to create a 3D map of my face.
(Image credit: Future)
When I put the Vision Pro back on, I could see my new Persona, which automatically started mimicking my facial expressions (the cameras inside and the ones pointed down at my face and hands capture my live expression). I added semi-translucent glasses to my Persona, and I was done and ready for a FaceTime call with my wife. She hated it. Even though I think my Persona is one of the better ones out there, I can’t deny the uncanny valley look of it.
Chatting with my colleague Ray Wong's Persona via FaceTime (Image credit: Future)
Later, I conducted a call with a colleague who was also testing the Vision Pro. We both remarked on the limitations of our Personas, but throughout our 20-minute conversation those concerns faded away, and I forgot that we weren’t looking at either our real faces or our real hands. I’m still convinced that Apple can do better here, but then that’s why Personas are still in beta. By the time you finally decide to buy a Vision Pro (or some version of it), I expect Personas to be much more realistic and palatable.
Communication and Personas score: 4
Apple Vision Pro: Final thoughts
The Apple Vision Pro is expensive, but I’m not sure I can argue that it’s too expensive for what it does. Someone asked me if I would buy it. I now know that if I could afford it, the answer would be an enthusiastic yes.
There has never been a wearable quite like the Vision Pro, let alone a mixed-reality headset like it. It’s a true 'think-do' platform. It’s powerful, but also inviting. It’s fun to use, but also completely ready for work. It might make you look like a bug, but there’s also beauty in its design.
I know, it's looks weird on the outside, but it's incredible on the inside (Image credit: Future)
I wish it were lighter, but still, I can forget I’m wearing it and give myself over to the experience of work, play, or entertainment in a dark, virtual theater.
I love working in the Vision Pro, but I'm aware that if you spend hours working in it, it’s unlikely that you’ll want to keep the headset on at the end of the day. Over time, Vision Pro enthusiasts will likely achieve a balance between work and play, though I’m convinced that the tug of this one-of-a-kind technology will remain strong.
The Apple Vision Pro instantly goes to the top of our list of the best virtual reality headsets. It may not be a best-seller yet, but those who have one will talk about it endlessly, and they may even let you try it. I suggest you take that opportunity if offered, or at least get yourself to an Apple Store for a demo.
There has never been anything quite like the Vision Pro. It's my favorite mixed-reality headset ever, and I’m certain that it has reinvigorated the AR/VR market while also creating something completely new. Spatial computing is a thing. Better get used to it.
Apple Vision Pro (Image credit: Future)
Should you buy the Apple Vision Pro?
Buy it if...
Don’t buy it if…
Also consider
How we test
For my Apple Vision Pro review, I spent almost a week, and as many hours each day as I could, wearing and using the mixed-reality headset.
I watched movies, played games, communicated with friends and co-workers, streamed live TV, moved apps around my home, and did a lot of work on my giant MacBook Pro virtual display.
Lenovo’s first foray into the AR glasses market could easily be one of the best smart glasses, with a great balance between design and functionality. They look similar enough to other AR glasses on the market, all-black, and mostly sleek sunglasses. There is a bulkiness that comes from the built-in lenses, which does make them jut out from your face a bit, and the optional lenses that can be slotted behind the main ones don't help with that either.
Those spare lenses have a purpose, however, as those who wear corrective lenses can have them made out in our prescription. But having to pay for extra lenses on top of shelling out over $300 for the Legion Glasses is a tall order, which is why I appreciate the modified nose guard that allows you to wear your glasses under them.
Lenovo had warned me about them not fitting every pair of glasses and I personally experienced the awkwardness of trying to shift them to stay on properly, which took a bit to master. But once I found the sweet spot, they stayed in place surprisingly well around my large plastic frames. Not the best look, however, so if you care about aesthetics you may want to splurge for the prescription lenses.
Compared to other AR glasses like the Xreal Air AR which only offers the corrective lens option, or the Rokid Max AR which offers the corrective lens option plus myopia adjustment wheels for each eye, the Legion Go offers the simplest yet most effective method out of them.
The build quality of these glasses is quite premium – it has a sturdy yet light form factor with glass lenses and a solid frame. These are glasses clearly built to last. Not to mention that it comes with spare nose guards and a spare pair of anti-slip adapters for when wear and tear happens.
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I also love the buttons in front of the speakers, two on each side, as they activate several useful features depending on whether you short or long-press them. You can increase or decrease brightness, enable Low Blue Light Mode, control volume, and toggle the display off and on.
As for performance, the Lenovo Legion Glasses work exactly as promised, which is to say, quite well. I extensively tested it out with a wide variety of devices that feature USB Type-C ports including videos on the best smartphones, the Lenovo Legion Go, the best gaming laptops, the best gaming PCs, and more.
Even though it only states that the Legion Glasses works with Android, iOS, and Windows, it also works perfectly with the Steam Deck as well. And it works equally well with all of them, though I wish there were more connection types other than Type-C, however, I can understand the rationale behind it.
The picture quality and brightness are superb, living up to its micro-OLED HD visuals and more. My only real complaint in that regard is the image can blur around the edges a bit and obscure any UI, especially if the glasses aren't fitted properly to your head. Sometimes you have to readjust them to hit that sweet spot, and then the visuals are great. Accompanied by excellent visuals are equally excellent built-in speakers, which are so robust that I forgot I wasn’t playing video games on a gaming PC. That also carries over to music and movie streaming, delivering great audio quality on those fronts.
Something that often isn't mentioned with AR and VR tech in general is how they can affect more sensitive people, such as myself. Normally I have sensitivity issues with 3D, VR, and some AR technology ranging from watering and burning eyes, headaches, and nausea to name a few symptoms. But I've found that prolonged use of the Legion Glasses doesn't affect me in the slightest.
Lenovo Legion Glasses: Price & availability
(Image credit: Future)
How much does it cost? Starting at $329.99 / £329 / AU$599
When is it available? Available now
Where can you get it? Available in the US, UK, and Australia
The Lenovo Legion Glasses is a pricey gadget at $329.99 / £329 / AU$599, though it’s still more affordable than some of its competitors like the Xreal Air AR and Rokid Max AR, making it a much better deal by comparison. And if you're investing in a pair of AR glasses, you're most likely already prepared to spend a sizable amount of money so that shouldn't be much of an issue.
It’s also available for shipping in the US, UK, and Australia from the Lenovo storefront, which is great news for those in regions outside the US.
Lenovo Legion Glasses: Specs
Should you buy the Lenovo Legion Glasses?
Buy it if...
You want good-quality AR glasses The build quality is extremely good with a nice weight and sturdy form factor. The lenses being made of thick glass also help.
You want a clear picture quality The display is made of dual micro-OLED HD screens for each eye and the result is a bright and clear picture quality.
Don't buy it if...
You're on a budget Though it should be expected for AR glasses, you're going to be paying quite a bit of money for them.
You want a completely clear image Though it's usually not an issue, sometimes the edges can blur a bit which is exacerbated by misaligned glasses.
Lenovo Legion Glasses: Also consider
How I tested the Lenovo Legion Glasses
I spent about a week testing these AR glasses
I tested it with a wide variety of screens
I used it extensively in different environments with different lighting
I tested the Lenovo Legion Glasses keyboard in a home office environment, seeing how well it functioned in both productivity work and gaming. I also carried it around in various bags to test its portability.
The Lenovo Legion Glasses is a pair of AR glasses that's meant as an alternative screen for a wide variety of devices. I made sure to quality-test it to see if it held up to being able to work on nearly any device with a USB Type-C port.
I've tested a wide range of accessories and these in particular I've tested for well over a year at different stages of completion, becoming familiar with its features and improvements.
We pride ourselves on our independence and our rigorous review-testing process, offering up long-term attention to the products we review and making sure our reviews are updated and maintained - regardless of when a device was released, if you can still buy it, it's on our radar.
