Virtual reality technology allows one to immerse oneself fully in virtual worlds. Augmented reality overlays digital elements atop one’s analog world view, enabling the simultaneous experience of the physical and digital worlds.
Both technologies are becoming more prevalent and exciting by the minute, but choosing the right one can be tricky with so many AR/VR products available.
VR/AR products can be used in many ways, and we can’t say that one is better than the other — they’re just different. If you want to experience yoga in India, pick up a VR headset. If you want your laptop screen, iPhone icons, or a movie to appear in the air in front of you, AR glasses are the better choice.
Both technologies offer different benefits and are quite exciting to experience. In this article, we review the best AR and VR products in depth and reveal their potential use cases, safety, and more.
At a glance:
Best AR Products
Top Pick: MyW
We designed our MyW glasses to be among the best AR glasses in 2024, 2025, and beyond.
MyW glasses project a massive 90” high-resolution “screen” — visible only to you — in front of your eyes. The frames are lightweight, comfortable, and moldable, and you can even wear them over your regular eyeglasses or have your optician fit them with prescription lenses.
Our glasses have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities and run on a modified Android operating system. They feature a 1300W/13MP camera, a double microphone, and built-in speakers that deliver dynamic sound. The audio and visual technology is spectacular, no matter where you are or what you’re doing.
MyW glasses enhance everyday activities like gaming, watching movies, streaming shows, playing app-based games, and capturing video and images from a first-person perspective. When someone speaks to you in a foreign language, access the built-in translation app, and English subtitles will appear in front of your eyes like magic. When it’s time to check your socials, use the wireless remote or the MyW app to access your favorite platforms.
MyW glasses also look sleeker and more stylish than many of the bulkier headsets on the market. These glasses look more like oversized sunglasses, so when you’re out and about, it won’t be evident to other people that you’re immersed in an augmented world.
Apple Vision Pro
The Apple Vision Pro is a one-of-a-kind AR device — but it will set you back a cool $3,500 for 256GB of storage and a staggering $3,900 for 1TB. AR glasses range in price, and you can buy a top-quality pair of MyW specs for just $699. But we must admit, the Apple Vision Pro is in a league of its own.
Each Vision Pro offers a blend of AR and VR technology to deliver a mixed-reality experience. It’s an iOS-based device with innovative audio and visual technology (and spatial computing capabilities) that other devices just can’t offer (yet).
This Apple device could change how we function worldwide, much like the iPhone did when it debuted in 2007.
XREAL
XREAL makes three great AR glasses models: XREAL Air, Air 2, and Air 2 Pro. All three are solid options for anyone who wants to dive into augmented reality, but the Air 2 Pro has the most features.
Experiencing the world through XREAL glasses is equivalent to living in an IMAX theater. These glasses boast SONY Micro-OLED Panels, a 130” spatial display with a 46° field of vision, directional audio technology that reduces sound leakage, and three electrochromic dimming levels that allow you to adjust how much light filters through the lenses.
Air 2 Pro glasses connect directly to iOS, Android, Windows, and Steam Deck devices. With an XREAL adapter, you can connect to Xbox Series X/S, Playstation 5, and Nintendo Switch.
XREAL glasses start at just $379, so they’re a great choice if you want to experience AR without exceeding a $400 price point. They’re also lightweight, have the look and feel of sunglasses, and can be fitted with prescription lenses.
Holokit X Augmented Reality Headset for iPhone
If you want to experience AR for under $150, check out the Holokit X Augmented Reality Headset for iPhone. Priced at just $129, this mixed-reality headset turns your iPhone into an AR/VR device in a matter of seconds.
The Holokit X features a 60° field of view with crystal-clear lenses, so you can still see the physical world around you. You can use your fingers to interact with device-projected holograms or pair it with an Apple Watch for hands-free motion control.
It also allows you to share a mixed reality experience with multiple people, so you can play games with any friends who have a Holokit X of their own.
Holokit X isn’t designed for watching movies, streaming shows, or playing games other than those available on the Holokit app, so with its affordable price tag come minimal capabilities. The graphics, however, are fantastic.
Holokit X is compatible with iPhone XS and all newer models but works best with Pro and Pro Max iPhones with LiDAR sensor technology (iPhone 12 and up).
Rokid Max
A vast 215-inch screen, 50° field of view, and professional-grade acoustics are just some of the many impressive features of Rokid Max AR glasses.
Rokid Max glasses are an incredible option for gaming and entertainment because their expanded field of view allows you to immerse yourself in the action without any visual constraints. Diopter adjustments will enable you to set the focus levels on each lens, while 600 Nits perceived brightness lets you enjoy vibrant visuals.
One thing these glasses lack is a camera. They aren't for you if you want an AR product that allows you to take photos and videos.
Shop Rokid Max AR glasses here
Best VR Products
HTC Vive Flow VR Glasses
Jump into a 360° virtual world with HTC Vive Flow VR Glasses. Lightweight and comfortable to wear, this VR device provides immersive access to all sorts of incredible gaming, health, and wellness apps. The Vive Flow also lets you watch shows and movies from your favorite streaming apps and attend social events virtually.
Vive Flow VR glasses are compatible with most newer iPhones and Android devices. They’re foldable, portable, and easy to set up, and you can control them from your phone or a Vive Flow remote.
Meta Quest 3
Whether you’re into fitness, gaming, or binge-watching your favorite shows, the Meta Quest 3 allows you to do it all. Offering 500+ immersive experiences, impressive graphics, and 3D sound, this headset provides a mixed-reality experience and delivers the best of both AR and VR.
Meta Quest 3 ranks as one of the best VR headsets on the market in 2024, but some users find it a bit too bulky and heavy. Some sunglass-style AR glasses weigh as little as two or three ounces, while Meta Quest 3 weighs more than a pound.
Valve Index VR Headset
The Valve Index VR Headset is among the best VR devices available today. It delivers excellent visuals and equally impressive audio, providing a fantastic gaming experience. But it’s even better when paired with the coordinating hand controllers — sensors built into the handles track the movement of every individual finger.
A Valve Index VR Headset is available as a standalone device for $499, but purchasing the complete VR kit for $999 makes more sense.
The kit includes two controllers and two base stations for a complete setup. You’ll save about $80 if you buy the kit rather than the individual components one at a time. Remember that it also requires a dedicated Valve Index-ready PC to run.
Shop the Valve Index VR Headset here
HP Reverb G2 Virtual Reality Headset
The HP Reverb G2 Virtual Reality Headset allows users to watch movies, play games, work, attend virtual events, and more. With four built-in cameras and spatial audio speakers from Valve, this headset makes it easy to explore virtual worlds.
If you like a slim, sleek design, the HP Reverb G2 has neither. Weighing 1.21 pounds, it’s heavier than many other comparable devices, but the flexible, cushioned materials make it more comfortable than it looks.
One thing that stands out about this VR option is that it’s built on Microsoft’s mixed reality platform and supported by Steam VR, which allows you to access anything in the Windows MR or Steam VR library.
PlayStation VR 2
Don’t let the name fool you — the PlayStation VR 2 isn’t only for playing VR PS5 games. Just pop this baby into cinematic mode, and you can access streaming services and play non-VR games on an OLED movie screen with 4K HDR visuals and a 110º field of view.
The PlayStation VR 2 includes four embedded cameras and an IR camera for eye tracking. It also comes with some cool accessories, including the VR2 Sense(™) controller and stereo headphones that deliver incredible 3D audio (in supported games).
Shop the Playstation VR 2 here
What Are the Potential Use Cases of AR and VR Products?
The potential use cases are infinite as AR/VR technology develops and improves. What will AR glasses be used for in 2024? Entertainment, gaming, sports, work, and education are the most prevalent applications.
Entertainment
Top-quality AR and VR products offer expansive virtual displays that make them perfect for watching movies and shows, gaming, and capturing/sharing videos and photos. Whether on an airplane, in bed, or cramped in a small apartment, AR/VR devices allow you to transform even the tiniest space into an expansive world.
Sports
Augmented and virtual reality devices are changing the way people approach fitness. Just imagine doing yoga or practicing meditation on a virtual beach, or running or cycling with your heart rate, speed, and distance stats appearing right before your eyes.
Work
AR and VR are also changing how we work. Smart glasses can help train employees in industrial and manufacturing facilities. In corporate settings, they can free up space by eliminating the need for multiple computer monitors.
For remote workers and hybrid employees, they make it easy to perform everyday tasks from anywhere in the world. The potential use cases for AR in the workplace are endless.
Education
Educators and students alike are benefitting from AR and VR in multiple ways. Rather than reading about ancient civilizations in history books, students can now “travel” instantly to the pyramids of Egypt, the Roman Colosseum, and the Parthenon in Greece.
Physicians and medical residents training to be doctors also use the technology to practice surgery, create interactive clinical scenarios, and learn more about the human body via 360-degree 3D models.
Is it Safe to Use AR and VR Products?
AR and VR products are generally considered safe but have potential risks. Consider these possible adverse effects before investing in AR glasses or VR headsets:
Eye Strain
The most significant concern surrounding AR and VR devices is eye health. All digital screens emit blue light and have the potential to cause eye strain, eye fatigue, dry eyes, and blurry vision — especially with periods of prolonged use.
Wear augmented and virtual reality glasses in moderation and take breaks to allow your eyes to readjust to your natural surroundings.
Physical Injury
Physical injury is not an inherent risk caused by AR/VR products, but you're more susceptible when you allow such devices to distract you from the physical world.
It’s easy to get distracted by the incredible visuals and massive screens that AR and VR products project. Large headsets that restrict your peripheral vision and real-world view can also alter your perception of your physical space. Be mindful of your surroundings when using augmented and virtual reality devices.
When wearing an AR or VR device outside, exercise even greater caution. Don't get so distracted when walking around that you trip, fall, or bump into someone. And never, ever wear an AR or VR device when driving unless the product specifically says that it’s safe to do so.
Where To Buy the Best AR/VR Products in 2024
All the AR and VR products we reviewed above provide unique experiences, and they all have something different to offer. But our MyW glasses are, without a doubt, our top pick.
MyW glasses offer an unparalleled augmented reality experience. They have a 90” high-resolution display projection, built-in speakers, and a 2100W PIX/PDAF/Zoom camera that allows you to capture video and images of the world from your unique perspective.
Ready to immerse yourself in augmented reality?