The Bigscreen Beyond headset brings a fresh twist to the SteamVR experience with its super lightweight and compact design, aiming to make those lengthy VR sessions both comfortable and immersive on your PC. This headset comes with a price tag of $1000, but for those who prefer installments, it can be yours for as low as $32 per month. It’s important to note that it doesn’t include positional tracking or controllers right out of the box. It relies on the SteamVR Tracking system, which means you’ll need at least one base station—though two would be preferable—alongside your own input devices like the Valve Index controllers.
When it comes to design, the Beyond headset is quite minimalistic. It features a simple cloth strap and surprisingly, lacks built-in audio and even a headphone jack. Instead, it offers a USB-C port for those who want to hook up external audio devices. If you seek to enhance your audio experience and comfort level, Bigscreen offers an Audio Strap accessory for an additional $130.
During our in-depth review of the Beyond, we were impressed by how its small size and unrivaled physical comfort allow for marathon VR sessions without the dreaded face discomfort many other headsets induce. However, it’s not without its cons. We found that the lenses trade-off some visual clarity for their compactness, resulting in occasional distracting reflections and blur. Despite these imperfections, Beyond is leading the charge into a new generation of headsets that prioritize comfort, setting a trend that others are keen to follow.
