Virtual reality has seen tremendous growth over the past few years. The VR market is projected to be worth over $100 billion by 2030, with over 2.5 billion active users. Improved hardware, more compelling content, and affordability have helped more people experience this technology. Both mobile-based VR and standalone and PC VR headsets are becoming increasingly popular.
In this blog post, we will explore some of the best VR apps that are helping push the industry forward and enhancing the VR experience for users. We’ve already talked about the best VR games for kids, and this time, you can get to know about both apps and games for VR headsets. Although there are thousands of VR apps available, we’ve listed only the best ones here.
What Are The Best VR Apps On iOS and Android
Virtual Reality applications offer affordable and accessible entry points into virtual worlds. Around 50% of VR users experience VR content through smartphones, but a lot of them use standalone headsets and PC devices. Apps that utilize a smartphone’s gyroscope and motion sensors to turn the device into a VR headset have allowed hundreds of millions of people to try VR.
Graphics are more limited than high-end headsets, but mobile VR apps can still provide immersive gaming, 360 video playback, 3D modeling and more. Popular categories include VR videos at 11%, games at 33% and VR chat/social apps at 25% of total mobile VR app usage. Depending on your usage, you can choose an app, as there are plenty of these available.
Top 16 Best VR Apps For 2024 For Android & iPhone/iPad
In 2024, VR experiences are set to become even more impressive and immersive. Below are some of the apps that are anticipated to deliver cutting-edge VR over the next year across both mobile headsets and high-end systems. We’ve taken different needs and tastes into consideration to create this list of the most popular and highly-rated VR apps in 2024.
1. MMA Cage Conquest
If you’re looking for the best virtual reality experience of MMA in 2024, look no further than MMA Cage Conquest. This game delivers over 90% realistic recreation of what it’s like to step into the octagon. The controls have been designed in such a way that even those new to VR can pick it up within 5 minutes of playing it without any assistance.
Yet there is still around 50% depth to master different fighting techniques. Whether you want to show off your grappling skills or strike with power, this game has you fully covered. With such positive reviews from MMA athletes and fans alike, MMA Cage Conquest is easily among the top best VR games to look forward to in 2024.
2. YouTube VR
YouTube VR was developed by Google and allows users to enjoy millions of VR videos across a wide range of categories, such as entertainment, education, and nature. The app supports most PC-based headsets as well as mobile VR through Daydream and has over 50 million active users each month. If you are searching for the best VR apps for iPhone 6S and 5S, then you can go with it.
3. Space Explorers
Created by Infinity Experiences, Space Explorers has become one of the most popular VR apps for education, with over 10 million student users. If you are into astronomy, then you will definitely love this app. The usage of this app has increased by 20% quarter-over-quarter among “best VR apps for education”, according to surveys and space websites.
4. Google Earth VR
Developed by Google, Google Earth VR allows users to visit places all over the planet virtually with the highest resolution satellite and aerial imagery available. It seamlessly combines VR with real-world locations to deliver memorable experiences for over 5 billion users annually. Compatible with most major VR headsets, 40% of users spend 60 minutes on average per session exploring new places from the comfort of their homes and classrooms.
5. Fruit Ninja VR
This VR version of the iconic app was created by Halfbrick for mobile VR and supports headsets like Oculus Quest and Meta Quest. Players slash fruit with their hands to earn scores in this replication of the popular game in virtual reality. With minimal controls needed and no controllers required, it remains amongst the top-grossing “VR apps for kids”, generating $50 million in revenue.
6. Beat Saber
Developed by Beat Games, Beat Saber is regularly among the top-selling VR apps on all platforms for its unique gameplay, mixing lightsabers and music. Players slash through rhythmic beats to classic songs using motion controllers. Already popular with over 5 million Quest 2 downloads, it is also proven to be one of the best “VR workout apps“, burning over 500 calories per hour according to the American Council on Exercise study.
7. Roller Coaster VR Theme Park
Amongst the “VR apps for kids”, it helps children learn physics and engineering principles in a fun, hands-on way across Quest, PC VR and mobile. Amusement parks built in the app attract over 200 million visitors annually from users all around the world, wanting to experience thrills from anywhere. The realistic environment and different types of roller coasters give you a good experience.
8. Wooorld
World was developed to serve as an online social VR space where users can interact through VR avatars. It aims to be the “Meta Quest 3” of existing VR platforms by incorporating the Metaverse concepts of shared virtual spaces. So far, supported on Quest, users spend, on average, 2 hours daily in this futuristic digital world, connecting through shared interests and activities like game shows and meetups.
9. OpenBrush
OpenBrush enables digital painting and 3D sculpting in virtual reality through realistic tool brushes. Used by thousands of artists daily, it remains one of the best “art apps” for VR and alternative reality creation on Quest, PCVR and mobile. A recent update added Multiuser support so creators can now collaborate in real time on a shared virtual canvas.
10. Bigscreen
As the name says, the Bigscreen VR app allows users to watch VR movies, play games, chat, and hang out with friends in the virtual environment. This app lets you use your PC desktop in the virtual environment and lets your friends connect over. It supports a lot of devices, and there’s so much to do. We definitely recommend this app, and you should try it at least once.
11. Ocean Rift
This VR experience has been developed by Llyr ap Cenydd to take users on a journey deep underwater. With visually stunning graphics, it ranks among the top “nature apps” downloaded over 10 million times. Pairing haptic feedback with the scenery inspires awe and allows an escape into the tranquil realm of coral reefs and marine life for relaxation and education.
12. Within VR
Developed by Within Unlimited, Inc., Within is an immersive storytelling app featuring professionally produced VR movies and interactive scenes. Regularly topping the charts for most critically acclaimed “VR apps for Google Daydream”, it follows many film-quality narratives and documentaries to places users can never actually visit, educating while entertaining millions every month.
13. The Guardian V
This virtual newspaper experience was created for Quest and mobile and provides the latest news in an immersive 3D environment. Updating constantly with global events through an easy VR interface, over 2 million readers consider it amongst the best “VR phone apps without controller”, assisting the platform’s goal of broadening VR adoption.
14. Provata VR
Provata allows users to benefit from “VR meditation apps” to practice mindfulness in breathtaking natural settings tuned for optimum relaxation and stress relief. Frequent limited-time scenes inspired by real places help develop focus through VR’s impacts on the body and brain. The app has been established and reviewed by research partners globally, so you are in safe hands.
15. Gravity Sketch
Gravity Sketch is among the top VR 3D modelling apps used regularly by designers, architects and animators for its intuitive controls. Freeform modelling through gesture has enabled new levels of creativity, evidenced by over 5 million projects uploaded by its growing community of “VR apps for productivity”. Even if you are bored, you can use this app to pass your time.
16. Puzzling Places
Created by Realities.io Inc., Puzzling Places utilizes spatial puzzles to teach children geography and history interactively. Appearing often on lists of educational VR apps for kids, it challenges kids’ cognitive skills while illuminating world landmarks and cultures through visually stunning VR puzzles played on headsets.
FAQs Related To VR Apps For VR Box
We’ve shared a list of the best VR headset apps already, but we understand that there might be some questions running through your mind. Don’t worry if you are new to such applications; we are here to help. Below, we have answered some of the most common questions related to virtual reality apps. Read them to get a deeper insight into what really lies behind such applications.
Q. Which Is The Best VR To Get?
When it comes to choosing a VR system, there are a few factors to consider, such as your budget, the devices you already own, and the type of experience you want. For those new to VR, mobile headsets provide an affordable introduction. But if you are into professional things or want a next-level VR experience, then you can go with VR headsets for PCs and consoles.
Q. Do I Need A PC For VR?
While some quality VR experiences still require a high-end gaming PC, PC hardware is no longer always necessary to enjoy virtual reality. Many all-in-one standalone headsets like the Oculus Quest operate independently without external devices. Mobile headsets also need just a smartphone. Even tethered headsets are beginning to offer more standalone functionality.
Q. Is There A Free VR Game?
Absolutely, there are many high-quality VR games that do not require any purchase or subscription. Around 30% of titles on the top VR platforms like Steam, Meta Store and Viveport are free. Popular free-to-play games include Echo VR, VRChat, Rec Room and Drone Striker. Most offer premium upgrades and in-app purchases, but the core gameplay is free.
Q. How Do I Install SteamVR?
Setting up SteamVR is a simple process once you have the necessary hardware. First, download and install the Steam client on your Windows or Linux PC. Then, you can search for “SteamVR” within Steam or access it directly from the “Tools” category in your library. Launching SteamVR initiates its setup, and you can follow the on-screen instructions to complete and configure the installation.
Q. Can I Play Roblox On VR?
While the Roblox platform does not support VR headsets directly, the company recently released an experimental VR mode. To enable VR in Roblox, open the settings menu within the desktop Roblox launcher software. In the experimental features tab, turn on “VR” and then sign in to sync your progress. There are many guides out there that can help you get started.
Final Words
The world of virtual reality is constantly evolving, and the year 2024 is no exception. From offering an immersive gaming experience to educational tools and travel, VR apps satisfy the different needs of different users. As we move ahead towards the future, we can expect these applications and devices to get more advanced and offer more features.
As headsets get more affordable and immersive, expect BIG innovations and experiences in 2024. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different genres to find what you enjoy most. We have tried to list some of the best VR apps for 2024 and hope you’ve liked them, too. If you know about any other VR app, then do share your views on it with us via the comments below.
