The virtual reality (VR) headset market is undergoing rapid transformation, with major players like Meta, Apple, Valve, HTC, and Pico driving innovation. Within this competitive landscape, Bigscreen Beyond has emerged as a disruptive force, offering an ultra-lightweight, high-fidelity VR headset tailored to enthusiasts who prioritize visual clarity and comfort over mainstream accessibility.

Bigscreen, initially known for its social VR platform, made a bold pivot into hardware with the announcement of Bigscreen Beyond in early 2023. Unlike mass-market standalone headsets, Bigscreen Beyond is a PC VR device designed for users who demand SteamVR tracking, micro-OLED displays, and a custom fit. But how does it compare to established players, and what are its limitations?

This article delves into Bigscreen’s strategy, investment history, the strengths of Beyond, and the key constraints that might shape its adoption, providing an extensive look at the company’s vision, technology, and place in the evolving VR market.

The Origins: From Social VR to Hardware Pioneer

Bigscreen started in 2016 as a social VR platform, allowing users to watch movies, share their screens, and host virtual meetups in immersive environments. The platform gained traction, particularly among PC VR users who appreciated its ability to replicate a shared theater experience in VR.

Recognizing the growing demand for high-quality VR hardware, Bigscreen took the unexpected leap into headset manufacturing—a move that surprised many in the industry. The company’s decision was driven by its founder and CEO, Darshan Shankar, who identified significant gaps in the VR hardware market, particularly for ultra-lightweight, high-fidelity experiences. He recognized that while standalone headsets had become more accessible, there was an unmet demand for a high-end, lightweight, precision-focused device for dedicated VR enthusiasts.

Investment and Financial Backing

Bigscreen secured $14 million in funding through multiple investment rounds, backed by firms like Andreessen Horowitz and True Ventures. Unlike giants like Meta and Apple, which invest billions into VR R&D, Bigscreen took a lean startup approach, focusing on a niche audience rather than mass-market adoption. This strategic positioning allowed the company to develop hardware without the burden of competing in the standalone VR space. Their ability to bring a completely new headset to market with significantly fewer resources than the competition is a testament to the company’s focused strategy and innovative business model.

Key Features of Bigscreen Beyond

Bigscreen Beyond is unlike any other VR headset currently on the market. Here are its defining features:

Ultra-Lightweight Design

Weighing just 127 grams, Beyond is the lightest PC VR headset ever made.
Designed for extended use, significantly reducing neck strain compared to headsets like the Valve Index (809g) or Meta Quest 3 (515g).
The reduced weight allows for significantly longer VR sessions without discomfort, making it particularly appealing to VR professionals, simulator enthusiasts, and content creators.

Micro-OLED Displays with Exceptional Clarity

Each eye gets 2560 x 2560 resolution, producing deep blacks and vibrant colors.
OLED technology enhances contrast, making movie watching, simulations, and creative applications ideal use cases.
Superior pixel density ensures reduced screen door effect, making text and UI elements much clearer, especially for productivity and simulation applications.
The display’s high resolution improves immersion in detailed environments, making it particularly beneficial for architectural visualization, flight simulations, and professional VR design.

Custom 3D Face Scan for a Perfect Fit

Users scan their face with an iPhone or iPad’s Face ID sensor to create a personalized faceplate.
Reduces light leakage and improves comfort—but also makes sharing the headset difficult.
A significant benefit of this feature is that it ensures the optimal interpupillary distance (IPD) for each user, which can dramatically improve image clarity and reduce strain.
Drawback: Because each headset is uniquely fitted, it lacks adjustability, making it impractical for shared use in multi-user settings such as VR arcades or corporate training programs.

SteamVR Lighthouse Tracking

Uses external base stations (sold separately) for ultra-precise tracking.
Unlike inside-out tracking (used in Meta Quest), Lighthouse tracking offers superior accuracy, making it ideal for simulation gaming and professional applications.
Best suited for users who require high-precision tracking, such as flight simulators, VR architects, and motion capture professionals.
The tracking system enables complex movements with high fidelity, but the requirement for external base stations adds complexity and cost to the setup.

Built-in Audio with Audio Strap

Unlike Valve Index or Meta Quest 3, Beyond does not feature built-in audio by default. However, when paired with the Audio Strap, the vast majority of users benefit from an integrated audio solution.
This ensures an immersive audio experience without requiring additional accessories. For those seeking even higher-quality sound, the option to use third-party headphones remains, offering flexibility for audiophiles and professional VR users.
A potential upgrade could include further enhancements to the integrated audio or additional compatibility with VR-specific sound systems.

Challenges for Glasses Wearers and Shared Use

Not for Standalone Users

Unlike Meta Quest 3 or Pico 4, Beyond requires a high-end gaming PC to function.
Users must purchase SteamVR base stations and controllers separately, increasing the total cost.
Those looking for a plug-and-play experience may find the setup process cumbersome.

Not for Glasses

Users cannot wear standard glasses inside the headset.
But prescription lens inserts are available to accommodate those who need corrective lenses.

Not Ideal for Public Events or Shared Use

Because each unit is custom-fitted to an individual’s face, Beyond cannot be easily shared.
Trade shows, VR arcades, and corporate training applications may struggle to justify investing in a headset that cannot be quickly adjusted for different users.

Competitive Positioning: Comparison with Other VR Headsets

Bigscreen Beyond competes in a specialized market segment. Below is a high-level comparison:

VR Headset Comparison

Feature	Bigscreen Beyond	Meta Quest 3	Valve Index	Apple Vision Pro
Weight	127g	515g	809g	~600g
Resolution per Eye	2560 x 2560	2064 x 2208	1440 x 1600	3680 x 3140
Standalone Function	No	Yes	No	Yes
Tracking System	SteamVR	Inside-Out	SteamVR	Inside-Out
Custom Fit	Yes	No	No	No
Integrated Audio	Audio Strap	Yes	Yes	Yes
Price	$999	$499	$999	$3499

Conclusion: A Precision Tool for VR Enthusiasts with Sharing Limitations

Bigscreen Beyond carves out a unique niche in the VR market, demonstrating that specialized hardware can thrive amidst industry giants. Its ultra-lightweight design, high-resolution micro-OLED displays, and custom-fit faceplate offer an unparalleled experience for individual users. However, these very features present challenges for shared use and accessibility.

The custom 3D face scan ensures a perfect fit for the individual user but makes sharing the headset difficult. Each unit is tailored to a specific user’s facial structure, meaning it cannot be easily adjusted for others. This limitation is particularly significant for immersive events, trade shows, or VR arcades, where multiple users would need to use the same device. Additionally, the headset’s design does not accommodate prescription glasses, requiring users to purchase custom lens inserts. This adds to the cost and complexity, potentially deterring glasses wearers from choosing this device.

While Bigscreen Beyond excels in delivering a high-fidelity, comfortable VR experience for dedicated enthusiasts, its design constraints limit its suitability for shared environments and users who wear glasses. As technology evolves, addressing these challenges will be crucial for Bigscreen’s continued success and broader adoption in the VR market.

And last but not least, we tested the customer support—our verdict: very quick, friendly, and competent.