“Sweet” immersion: which VR headset to choose for archviz in 2025?
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Well, we’ve reached the point where even exploring the interior of a future apartment, thousands of kilometers away (while you’re on the other side of the globe from the studio’s headquarters where the design project was ordered), no longer seems surprising. Simply put on a virtual reality headset, sit comfortably on the couch in the kitchen-living room of an unsold house, and begin exploring the 3D panel behind the widescreen TV, or simply enjoy the designer’s skilled work in selecting harmonious colors that don’t provoke discomfort. Given that some cutting-edge technological innovations now allow you to taste a lollipop within the immersive experience, the above scenario has become an everyday reality.
And it’s precisely this “ordinariness” that characterizes the rapid growth of innovations that are radically changing people’s lives. A reality in which real estate is first designed with 100% feasibility in “imaginations” project revisions are made faster than the speed of light, facilitating closer interaction among stakeholders, and any risks seem virtually nonexistent…
Now, when the only thing more valuable than the budget for rendering exterior or interior designs, 360 panoramas, or virtual tours is time, revolutionary methods of presenting architectural and design ideas are winning the race for efficiency. And clearly, this isn’t a sprint, but rather a full-fledged “marathon”. In this race, besides the strategic resources allocated for developing 3D scenes or individual models in 3Ds Max or Unreal Engine, a significant role is played by knowing how to choose the right headset for showcasing presentations and immersing oneself in the “imagined” world. That’s exactly why we’re here – to explore the market and its VR headset models to determine which one will be perfect for archviz in 2025! Here’s our top 5!
Meta Quest 3Meta Quest 3
A “mixed” reality headset that supports both AR (through the Passthrough feature – a front-facing camera that integrates the real world into the virtual space) and VR, powered by the XR2+ Gen 2 chip and featuring ultra-realistic resolution. This headset holds a prominent place and significant weight in the realm of architectural projects! This makes it an optimal choice for virtual tours or conducting live presentations. Additionally, the Quest 3 supports a wide range of applications for architectural visualizations, such as Twinmotion and Unreal Engine, which deliver high-quality results.
Technical specifications
– Resolution: 2064 x 2208 pixels per eye
– Refresh Rate: Up to 120 Hz (with dynamic refresh rate adaptation)
– Compatibility: Oculus Store and other VR platforms, standalone system
– Display: LCD
– Field of View: Up to 110°
HTC Vive Pro 2 Full KitHTC Vive Pro 2 Full Kit
Still an indispensable product in our 3D visualization and rendering studio, where we even “transport” clients into their dream spaces, showcasing interior design possibilities. Spoiler: they didn’t experience motion sickness, which often happens (due to factors like narrow field of view or low image quality)…
This is all thanks to its impressive refresh rate of 120 Hz, a high 5K resolution (2448 x 2448 pixels per eye), and excellent sound quality provided by the built-in headphones!
The Vive Pro 2 also tackles discomfort with its practical design. Hours spent immersed in these HTC headsets will result in invaluable experience, thanks to the comfortable, ergonomic head strap and the shape of the headset itself.
Technical specifications
– Resolution: 5K
– Refresh Rate: 120 Hz (for wireless adapter VIVE, only 90 Hz is supported)
– Compatibility: SteamVR, VIVEPORT
– Display: Two full-RGB LCD screens with low latency
– Field of View: Up to 120°
– Sound: Hi-Res certification (analog signal via USB-C), removable headphones
Varjo XR-3Varjo XR-3
A union of photorealistic graphics and pixel-perfect precision in one device? Yes, exactly! This is what the cutting-edge headset from Finnish manufacturers delivers.
Firstly, the headset is optimized for the latest NVIDIA graphics processors and the Omniverse platform, which automatically sets it apart from its competitors. Secondly, thanks to the integrated passthrough autofocus, it mimics the behavior of the human eye, providing ultimate accuracy and clarity at various distances. Thirdly, equipped with LiDAR technology and stereo RGB, the Varjo XR-3 can recognize pixel depth, which has a positive impact on professional applications.
Technical specifications
– Resolution: 2880 x 2720 pixels per eye
– Refresh Rate: Up to 200 Hz
– Compatibility: Unity, Unreal Engine, Varjo Reality Cloud
– Field of View: Up to 115°
Valve IndexValve Index
Currently, among all the VR headsets on our list, the American-made Valve Index takes the top spot when it comes to field of view, which should provide a much more immersive experience. However, alongside its strong points, there are a few downsides. The main drawback is the “lackluster” resolution of its dual LCD display. Additionally, the headset relies on a PC connection via DisplayPort or USB cable. This wired connection makes the experience less flexible due to the lack of standalone use, which naturally affects the overall perception. Despite its flaws, the Valve Index remains an excellent choice for architectural rendering services!
Technical specifications
– Resolution: 1440×1600 per eye
– Refresh Rate: 144 Hz – suitable for long sessions
– Compatibility: Requires PC connection via DisplayPort or USB
– Display: RGB-LCD
– Field of View: Up to 130°
Apple Vision ProApple Vision Pro
Apple Vision Pro is an excellent choice for professional architects and designers, for whom high resolution is a key aspect in demonstrating their work – and here, it offers an impressive 4.3K per eye (utilizing two displays for maximum clarity). The spatial computing capabilities are truly the standout feature of this headset! They are powered by two powerful processors (Apple M2 and R1), which handle real-time video processing and sensor synchronization.
Technical specifications
– Resolution: 4.3K per eye
– Refresh Rate: 90 Hz – suitable for long sessions
– Compatibility: Autodesk Revit, Unity, and Unreal Engine
– Display: Micro-OLED (ultra-high resolution for clarity and brightness), supports brightness up to 1000 nits
– Field of View: Up to 120°
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