The Bigscreen Beyond is an impressively compact and lightweight SteamVR headset designed for those who want to enjoy extended VR sessions on their PC without the usual discomfort.
With a price tag of $1000 or a manageable $32 per month, the headset doesn’t come with positional tracking or controllers right out of the box. Instead, it relies on the SteamVR tracking system. This means you’ll need at least one base station — though two would be ideal — and your own input devices such as Valve Index controllers to get started.
The headset itself includes a basic cloth strap and lacks built-in audio components, not even offering a headphone jack. However, it does feature a USB-C port for attaching audio devices. For those who want to enhance their experience, there’s a $130 Audio Strap accessory available from Bigscreen, which adds audio capability and boosts comfort.
When we got our hands on the Beyond, we were really impressed by its tiny size and remarkable comfort. It allows for hours-long VR sessions without leaving you with a sore face, unlike many other headsets. On the downside, the lenses have their issues, with distracting reflections and blur due to their ultra-compact design. Despite these flaws, the Beyond is leading the charge in a new era of headsets that prioritize comfort, and it’s clear others in the industry are looking to follow its lead.
