People often ask, why is VR so expensive?
Let’s find out!
Why Are VR Headsets So Expensive? – Top 10 Reasons
One of the main reasons why VR headsets are so much more expensive than their competitors is because they include lots of extra features.
These headsets offer high-quality features including built-in cameras, microphones, speakers, and so forth, which add real consumer benefits to them.
You can also look at things from different perspectives.
Video games and movies provide users with an ultimate entertaining experience no matter where they are.
There are several factors that contribute to the high cost of VR headsets.
Let’s learn more about them.
1. Features
VR headset technology has been used to add new features to enhance the user’s experience.
They were quite expensive.
Whether it is a PC- or smartphone-powered VR headset, the advanced features usually cost extra.
Some of the features include:
- 3D viewing experience
- Multi-dimensional view
- 3D-enabled spatialized sound
- Advanced HD view
- Kinect-like camera
- Transparent screen
- Gyroscopes
- 120-degree spatial systems
- Internet connectivity options
- Customization options for sound and viewership
Most VR headsets include multiple connection options so that they can be connected to various devices like laptops, tablets, and smartphones.
Most headsets are worn using Bluetooth technology so they’re easy to pair with smartphones and tablets.
With advanced VR headsets such as Oculus Rift and HTC Vive, there are some ways to improve the experience by using them.
You can easily store some important multimedia content inside the headset and play it without having to connect to any computer.
However, this technology is not widely used yet.
2. Wide Range Of Components
A wide range of internal and external components add value to the VR headsets, increasing the prices.
- Motion Sensors
- Stereo Sound
- Lenses & Screen
- Controllers
- Outer Material
3. No Mass Production
Currently, the total production of VR and AR devices is approximately 20–25 millions devices, which is relatively low compared to the current needs.
According to reports, the VR industry grew by about 93 percent last year.
The rising popularity of VR headsets shows an increase in their demand.
Many different companies have started producing these products because they’re so popular.
However, this will take some effort, and users may need to cope with the problem of lower production of VR headset devices.
Meta has been leading the VR headset production.
According to the company itself, the firm will be able to cope with the pace of market demand until 2030.
5. Portable
One of the reasons why these headsets are considerably more expensive than other models is that they’re portable.
Most VR headset includes a Bluetooth feature, making it easy to connect them to different devices using Bluetooth.
Mobile phones equipped with virtual reality (VR) headsets need their own screens.
It means the user has easy access to his/her headphones.
VR headsets are lighter and therefore easier to wear than regular eyeglasses.
You can carry them while traveling, which helps people who like to travel.
With the portability of the VR headset, anyone can experience an amazing view from any location they choose.
All you need is access to an internet connection, and you’re free from using any devices.
4. Advanced Technology
Advanced technologies increase the costs of manufacturing these headsets.
These headphones use an extended reality technology that lets you interact with the computer in a unique way.
Inside-out tracking systems provide a full body tracking experience by using sensors placed directly on the user’s body.
It’s fairly new and only a few companies are currently utilizing it.
An inside-out tracking system allows people who wear headphones to see the screen from any angle.
Another major technological advancement in VR headsets is the ability to use them without having to be tethered to a computer.
Meta is one of its pioneers, with others following suit too.
With the Room Scale VR technology, you can enjoy a truly immersive viewing experience while walking freely within a room or open spaces.
Haptic feedback is used by high-end VR headsets to enable the user to feel things through their hands.
It gives context to any objects that the user interacts with.
Most of the tech is available when you connect your console to the internet.
6. Design
VR Headsets are extremely basic in design; they’re made from hard plastic, and contain magnifying glasses, a sheet of white cardboard, and some tape.
They’re made using some basic manufacturing processes.
On the sides of the VR headset, there are two buttons with the holding strap made from elastic materials.
The design makes the Oculus Rift perfect for people who want to spend time immersed in virtual reality.
Some of the cheaper headsets are rectangular in shape, so they’re easier for people to hold when using them.
These headsets aren’t meant for accessing some of the most advanced technology, so they may not be ideal if you’re looking for something cheap.
They’re lightweight and they come with a slim design.
You can get them in various shades, and they may cost differently depending on which color you choose.
Some of the heavier VR headset models can be found for less expensive prices than others.
However, you shouldn’t buy them because they could spoil your viewing experience.
The lighter the weight (or size), the better the viewing experience.
7. Responsiveness
The response time of virtual reality headsets is excellent when comparing them to other screen viewing technologies.
Most VR headsets provide a response time of less than 50ms, which greatly improves the viewing experience.
One of the most important factors for making an enhanced viewing experience is latency.
When companies prepare VR headsets, they consider these things when ensuring they provide an excellent head/photon ratio.
To improve performance, companies focus more on optimizing their tracking systems than on live viewing.
They spent on some of the advanced nanomaterials to improve the tracking speed of these headsets, which eventually made them expensive.
8. Battery
A battery is essential for having a realistic gaming experience.
Manufacturers use some high-end battery packs in VR headsets that last longer and don’t get hot too often.
Lithium-ion batteries are used for most VR headsets because they provide a longer lasting battery life and quicker recharger times than their counterparts.
Some of the features included in these batteries are:
- A 940 mAh battery cell
- 1,100 milliamp hours lithium polymer battery
- Fast charging at 900 mA
- Valve index
- Heat tolerance
- Only newer headsets offer the quality battery option.
The traditional VR headset came up without batteries, so they had to be connected by wire.
9. VR Accessories
One of the main reasons why VR headsets are so much more expensive than other types of devices is that they cannot connect with conventional accessories.
Users usually need to buy VR-compatible accessories with their VR headset, which significantly raises the price of the whole package.
Check out some of the essential items needed for enjoying VR headsets at their fullest potential.
10. Quality Sound
Immersive audio technology enhances the sound experience of the user by using different parameters.
VR headsets produce sounds from different directions in each ear.
It provides users with a 360-degree sound experience.
It uses stereo technology that also considers the distance, timing, and location to enhance the viewing experience for the listener.
These headsets provide high-quality sound options for both bass and volume control. They add real value to the headset.
Conclusion
We hope that this article was helpful. If you have any queries feel free to reach out in the comments section below.
