The Bigscreen Beyond is a sleek, featherweight VR headset tailored for those lengthy PC-based virtual reality experiences, offering an impressive blend of comfort and performance. At a price point of $1,000, or conveniently $32 a month, it’s a worthy contender if long VR sessions are your thing, though it’s worth mentioning that it doesn’t include positional tracking or controllers right out of the box. To get the full experience, you’ll need to integrate it with the SteamVR Tracking system, meaning you should have at least one base station—two for optimal performance—and compatible input devices like the Valve Index controllers.
This headset comes equipped with a straightforward cloth strap and notably lacks built-in audio. There’s no headphone jack, which can be a bit of a hassle, but it does feature a USB-C port for connecting audio devices. If you’re looking to enhance both your audio experience and comfort, Bigscreen offers a $130 Audio Strap accessory.
When we got our hands on the Beyond, we couldn’t help but commend its streamlined design and exceptional comfort. It’s perfect for those marathon VR sessions without causing the usual discomfort you might feel with other headsets. However, it’s not without its downsides. The compact lenses, while designed to maintain the headset’s slim profile, can sometimes create bothersome reflections and a bit of blurriness. Still, Beyond marks a significant shift towards headsets that prioritize user comfort, setting a benchmark that others in the industry are now striving to meet.
