What is the best VR headset for work?

22 Feb 2024

5-minute read

Virtual environments are literally changing the way companies look at their products, services and people. The VR headset is where it all starts, which makes choosing the right one a priority.

By some estimates, enterprise spending now makes up the bulk of the VR market, which covers hardware, including headsets, and the apps that go with them. Meta Quest 3, Meta Quest Pro and Meta Quest 2 headsets offer businesses three different ways to access virtual and mixed realities. And by adding a Meta Quest for Business subscription, your IT team will be able to launch and manage the devices more easily.

Meta Quest headset options at a glance

Meta Quest 3

Meta Quest Pro

Meta Quest 2

Described by PCMag UK as 'the gold standard for standalone VR headsets', Meta Quest 3 has powerful mixed reality capabilities, more RAM and double the processing power of Meta Quest 2. Key features include: Motion detection with 6DOF (degrees of freedom). The headset tracks your head's movements and position in physical space; full-colour pass-through for high-quality mixed reality; 4K LCD display with 30% more resolution and clarity than Meta Quest 2; improved audio with a 40% louder range for more immersive experiences; slimmer Touch Plus haptic controllers to help you work more intuitively. Find out more about Meta Quest 3

This premium model features cutting-edge features and design for professionals who want to integrate MR and VR into their workflows. Key features include: Accurate hand tracking, plus face and eye tracking; 12 GB of RAM so you can run more apps simultaneously; powerful Snapdragon XR2+ Gen1 processor for smoother, less interrupted MR experiences; greater interaction and precision with TruTouch haptics; premium comfort with counter-balanced ergonomic design. Find out more about Meta Quest Pro.

In 2022, sales of the versatile Meta Quest 2 accounted for over 84% of the global AR/VR headset market. It's still a cost-effective option for larger scale launches. Key features of the Meta QUest 2 include: Lightweight and cable-free for greater freedom of movement; black and white pass-through provides a real-time view of your surroundings. It stops you tripping over and allows you to see objects in the real world, such as your keyboard; powerful Snapdragon XR2 processor and 6 GB RAM; and in-built 3D positional audio for 360-degree sound.

Which headset is right for your business?

Choosing the right VR headset means considering a few key variables before you place your order.

Price. As well as investing in headsets and accessories, a subscription to Meta Quest for Business will make your Meta Quest devices work ready.
Overall performance. Processor power, RAM and storage capacity matter. The more you have, the smoother the experience.
Comfort. Weight is important, as is adjustability and padding, especially when taking on work tasks in MR for longer periods of time.
Controllers. These translate real-world movements into virtual actions. The more precisely they track your movements, the more control you have in the digital world.
Display quality. Better optics mean more realistic graphics and cleaner, sharper video.
Mixed reality. The right headset adapts to the way you work. Do you need open peripheral vision or full immersion? MR headsets give you both.

Which are the best VR apps for work?

While VR headsets determine the quality of your digital environments, working effectively within them relies on having the right software. Choosing the best VR apps for work starts with specific use cases. What do your teams need to do – and what will help them do it more efficiently and effectively?

Organisations are using VR headsets to:

increase the pace of innovation and bring agility to their creative and design processes.
deliver engaging, memorable learning and training experiences that boost employee retention.
hold engaging virtual meetings and team collaboration sessions that improve the resulting quality of work.
unite a dispersed workforce by building community and creating a sense of belonging.

Through Meta Quest for Business, you can start personalising your company's work experiences by choosing the best VR apps from the Meta Quest Store.

VR now plays a transformative role in a wide range of business functions. Broadly speaking, how you choose to apply it is limited only by your imagination.

Expand the boxes below to learn about the benefits of using VR for Work.

Enhanced creativity

Meta Quest headsets allow you to draw, build and shape in a virtual space. Sketches and models can be swapped for room-size 3D visualisations and early-stage concepts turn into clear visions when they're conveyed in three dimensions. Testing and modifications are easier too when coworkers occupy the same virtual space. You can work simultaneously on the same project, sharing knowledge, insights and ideas.

Examples of VR apps for creatives include: Arkio – for the seamless design of interiors, buildings and virtual spaces. Tilt Brush – helping designers speed up the conceptual art process. Autodesk – power design reviews with data for improved efficiency. Gravity Sketch – refine designs with gestural actions and a suite of sculpting tools. And ShapesXR – an intuitive design tool to help anyone start creating in 3D within minutes.

Superior upskilling

L&D programmes are more effective with VR, which can personalise sessions and provide extra guidance where it's needed. With digital simulations that recreate real-life scenarios, engagement goes deeper and learning is faster. This includes developing skills for high-risk situations that become low risk when practised safely within a virtual or mixed environment.

VR apps for learning and development include: Nanome – a powerful interface for scientific discovery and research. Talespin – browse a library of immersive learning content for professional growth. AndSkillsVR – for immersive learning across a wide range of industries.

Richer collaborations

Customised virtual meeting rooms bring people closer without the tiredness factor of prolonged screen time. Although with MR, you can join from anywhere, using a headset or a 2D screen. Immersive digital environments remove distractions and there's no temptation to multi-task. In avatar form, employees can give conversations their full attention.

VR apps for effective collaboration include: Horizon Workrooms – connect with colleagues using spatial audio in engaging virtual spaces. Arthur – a virtual office space with pin boards, 3D flowcharts, mixed reality desks and more. And Glue – bring teams together remotely with a wide range of customisable avatars.

Increasing the sense of community

VR eliminates silos. Remote workers can come together at virtual town halls or even Christmas parties. We're not meant to exist in isolation. Digital workspaces create a sense of 'really being there' together, helping build trust, engagement and stronger working relationships.

An example of a VR app for building community is Immersed, which offers impressive digital environments including a virtual café, plus multi-screen sharing and whiteboarding.

What's the best way to introduce VR headsets to my team?

Change – even positive change – can be challenging. New tech can make people feel out of their depth, fearful about job security or scared of being left behind.

Rather than forging ahead with a VR headset order, approach the transition with an inclusive mindset and focus on building a workplace culture that's open, receptive and even excited about the potential. There are some simple ways to do this.

Find early adopters to champion virtual reality and educate others.
Run taster sessions and demos to demystify the tech.
Highlight the educational aspect of VR, and the opportunities for upskilling and empowering every team member.
Communicate a commitment to adequate training and support for all levels of technical ability.
Emphasise how VR headsets can enhance current processes and contribute to the overall success of the business.
Outline a phased approach to implementation and a gradual transition to help everyone adapt
Emphasise the continued importance of human skills, creativity and collaboration.
Encourage open discussion, welcoming questions and feedback.
Measure impact and share your successes for continued buy-in from your team as you scale.

Getting started

Bringing the benefits of mixed reality to your organisation starts with Meta Quest for Business. The subscription service offers user management, device management, app management and customer support to help companies of any size embrace the power of mixed reality for work with confidence.

Learn more about Meta Quest for Business