The virtual reality market is growing faster than many people think. According to IDC’s Guide on 2020 Worldwide Augmented and Virtual Reality Spending, it is forecasted to increase from $12 billion to $72.8 billion in 2024.
After all, virtual reality is quickly getting adopted in various industries, including education, healthcare, real estate, and retail.
So, if you are working remotely and you want to keep up with the bleeding edge of technology, this list of the top VR apps for working from home will certainly help you find the right software!
Check out the cutting-edge time and activity monitoring software, Traqq. It helps boost task involvement throughout the workdays and keeps employees concentrated on their tasks.
Check out this list of VR office apps to see the programs you can use for socializing and collaborating with your coworkers. As a bonus, we’ve added VR apps that universities, schools, and enterprises can use for distance learning.
VR Apps for Presentation, Collaboration and Meetings
These are the top virtual reality programs you can use for collaborating in a remote work setting. Some of these programs offer presentation and interactive features.
1. Horizon Workrooms
You asked, we listened! ?
— Oculus (@oculus) December 6, 2021
Horizon Workrooms v1.2 introduces the HIGHLY requested customizable room features which include:
☑️ A wider variety of themes
☑️ Adding your logos & posters to express your teams’ culture & personality
☑️ New stand to make presenting that much better
Horizon Workrooms was initially developed as Facebook’s internal app for Oculus Quest collaboration. Recently, Meta announced that it is opening the program to the public.
Remote teams can use it to conduct immersive meetings complete with whiteboard features for taking notes. With this app, you can expect quality support and excellent spatial audio latency.
Pricing: Free
2. Connec2
If you want to experience life-like collaboration and socialization, Connec2 is one of the VR meeting apps you should consider. It can function as a virtual extension of your physical workspace. Let your digital avatar interact with your colleagues for efficient collaboration. No matter how geographically scattered your team is, you can feel connected through this VR working from home app.
Pricing:
- Team – €250 per month for up to 5 users
- Organization – €150 plus €45 per user, per month (up to 50 users)
- Enterprise – Customized pricing plan available upon request
3. Glue
When it comes to VR office programs, Glue is definitely a crowd favorite. With this virtual collaboration platform, you can access immersive 3D graphics and cloud computing features. Its avatars can also mimic the user’s movements and gestures, adding a non-verbal layer to conversations.
Pricing:
- Free – Free for up to 10 users
- Professional – €10 per user, per month
- Enterprise – Customized pricing plan available upon request
4. MeetinVR
VR apps for conferencing should have interactive elements that boost employee productivity and engagement. Those are exactly what you can expect from MeetinVR. Users can pick up a virtual pen and start writing notes. They can even import 3D objects, spreadsheets, and PDFs for easier file sharing. The best part is, there are more than ten virtual environments to choose from in this VR productivity app.
Pricing:
- Free – Up to 10 users per meeting
- Pro – €35 per user, per month (up to 10 users per meeting)
- Enterprise – Customized pricing plan available upon request
5. Spatial
Spatial is one of the VR apps that were originally designed for AR headsets like HoloLens and Magic Leap. However, it now supports Oculus Quest as well. Even if you don’t own a VR or AR headset, you can still enter meetings conducted via this platform. After all, Spatial offers browser support, allowing users to join VR meetings via mobile or desktop devices.
Spatial is definitely one of the big players transforming the way distributed teams work. Check out Wall Street Journal’s interview with Spatial CEO Anand Agarawala:
Pricing:
- Free – $0 per month with feature limitations
- Pro – $20 per month with unlimited storage and host tools
- Team – $20 per user, per month with team-level permissions and 20% discount for five users or more
- Special Event – Customized pricing plan available upon request
6. vSpatial
You can enter an immersive VR workspace that promotes efficient collaboration when you use vSpatial. What’s great about this platform is that it allows meeting participants to share various applications. It allows users to extend their workstations into unlimited screens. As a result, they can visualize information and multi-task efficiently.
Pricing:
- Basic – Free ($4.99 with remote access)
- Workspace Pro – $9.99 per month
- Enterprise – Customized pricing plan available upon request
VR Apps for Design Visualization and Review
Do you need to annotate, review, and visualize 3D models, CAD designs, complex code, and big data? These are the top VR working from home programs for you.
7. Enscape
With Enscape, you’ll have a Revit plug-in that allows you to use your BIM data for generating a VR walk-through. Because this is an intuitive plug-in, you don’t have to download or install anything. During the VR simulation, you can change all the geometry and materials from your Revit project. You can also let your customers use Oculus Rift to allow them to virtually explore your project.
Pricing:
- Free – 14-day trial
- Floating License – $67.90 per month (full version for multiple machines)
- Fixed-Seat License – $39.90 per month (full version tied to one machine)
8. Varjo Teleport VR
Instead of viewing your design in 2D form on your computer, you can visualize it in 3D using Varjo Teleport VR. This way, you can easily spot design issues, make better decisions, and save time. What’s more, since you’re in a VR workspace, you can collaborate with your clients or colleagues. This way, you can discuss creative choices more efficiently.
Pricing:
- 1-3 users – €69 per month
- 4-15 users – €249 per month
- More than 15 users – Customized pricing plan available upon request
9. Shapespark
With Shapespark, you can turn architectural 3D models into VR walk-throughs. What’s great about this program is that it provides web-based and real-time visualizations with accurate lighting, which is why it is ideal for presenting projects to clients. Since Shapespark uses WebGL, it can run on most browsers and operating systems.
Pricing:
- Starter – $19 per month
- Standard – $49 per month
- Plus – $99 per month
10. IrisVR Prospect
With IrisVR Prospect, you can collaborate with your colleagues in a VR office space. Your team can run quality analysis and control to spot expensive coordination errors. By seeing true-to-scale projects, you can have the confidence to make better design decisions.
Pricing:
- Individual – $225 per user, per month
- Workstation – $350 per team, per month
- Enterprise – Customized pricing plan available upon request
11. Fuzor
Designed for the architecture, engineering, and construction industries, Fuzor can instantly transform your SketchUp and Revit models into immersive virtual reality experiences. With realistic simulations, you can collaborate seamlessly with your team and clients. As a result, you can spot design roadblocks and achieve unrivaled detail and quality.
Pricing:
- Fuzor Lite – $67 per month
- Construction Pro – $500 per month
- Virtual Design Construction – $677 per month
12. Storyboard VR
With Storyboard VR, you can visualize your prototype and even have your clients test it. As a result, you’re able to identify design challenges and create a more refined product. Since virtual reality is such a flexible experience, it’s great to have an app that will support your vision. As of this writing, Storyboard VR only supports Windows.
Pricing: Free
13. VISIONxR
Multiple users from different locations can use VISIONxR to communicate and collaborate. Whether you’re using AR, VR, desktop, or mobile devices, this app will remove geographical boundaries for your team. It even has an “x-ray” tool that lets you examine an object in detail by dissecting its layers.
Pricing:
- VISIONxR Platform – £140 per user, per month
- VISIONxR Plus – £2.500 per month with unlimited users
14. Unreal Engine
If you’re in the architectural industry and you’re familiar with VR apps, then you’ve likely encountered Unreal Engine. Indeed, this program was originally created for game designers. However, over the years, it also became widely used by architects. You will appreciate the level of detail you can examine and add during the rendering phase.
Pricing:
- Publishing License – Free with 5% royalty
- Creators License – Free with no royalties
- Custom License – Dependent on negotiated terms
- Unreal Enterprise Program – $1,500 per seat, per year
Here’s an example of a hyper-realistic architecture visualization created via Unreal Engine:
15. Vizible
With Vizible, you can communicate and collaborate with your colleagues in a secure VR workspace. What’s more, its features allow you to interact with objects. Because of this highly immersive experience, you can make comprehensive revisions to your 3D models. Also, you can work on your project with your colleagues in real time.
Pricing: Available upon request
VR Apps for Education and Training at Work
These virtual reality programs provide features for immersive distance learning, large presentations, training, and lectures.
16. Rumii
Rumii has all the tools an instructor would need in a virtual learning environment. Because of the app’s intuitive widget board, you won’t have to go through a complex 3D object library. What’s more, it features hyper-realistic renderings of learning environments. Unnecessary elements are not present to keep participants from getting distracted.
Pricing:
Rumii for Education pricing starts at $14.99 per month
17. Engage
Engage is another VR platform for education and corporate training. This tool allows educators to host events, classes, meetings, and presentations with participants from around the world. You don’t need technical expertise to use the tool. Within a few minutes, you can get the hang of the platform and host your training session.
Pricing:
- Lite – Free
- Plus – €4.99 per month
- Enterprise/Education – Customized pricing plan available upon request
18. Anatomyou
Anatomyou was primarily marketed for health science students. However, you can also use it to teach younger pupils about human anatomy. This highly immersive app brings you to a tour inside the human body, showing you its various systems. Students can explore the circulatory, respiratory, digestive, and urinary systems in a virtual environment.
Pricing: Free with in-app purchases
19. Oxford Medical Simulation
It can be challenging to provide nursing students with quality clinical experiences. However, with Oxford Medical Simulation, educators can provide standardized yet immersive simulation scenarios. This intuitive platform lets geographically scattered students access first-rate education while saving money, time, and space.
Pricing: Customized pricing plan available upon request
20. Virbela
Universities, schools, and companies can use Virbela to create their own virtual learning environment. With its highly immersive features, this VR app boosts engagement among students and trainees. Aside from learning, participants can also access fun activities like playing games or even driving a speedboat. There are various educational spaces to choose from, including the classroom, office, expo hall, and auditorium.
Pricing:
- Open Campus – Free
- Team Suites – $100 per month for up to ten users
- Private Campus – $4,000 per month for 100 to 25,000 users
- Online Events – Customized pricing plan available upon request
VR Meeting Apps for Socialization
Aside from collaborating and learning, work-from-home employees and remote students should also have a venue for socialization. Here are some platforms that allow users to connect with other people and have fun.
21. Bigscreen
Since 2014, Bigscreen has been transforming the way people work, collaborate, play, and hang out. This VR app has features for movie streaming, gaming, and communicating. There’s also a virtual living room where companies can conduct remote team building activities.
Pricing: Free
22. AltspaceVR
With AltspaceVR, you can organize a virtual meetup for your team. No matter where your colleagues are in the world, they can enter the VR space and hang out. AltspaceVR is a great platform for hosting events, live shows, and entertaining activities.
Pricing: Free
23. Mozilla Hubs
If you prefer a lightweight VR working from home app, Mozilla Hubs is one of the best options for you. With a single click, users can enter a virtual room in the app. Whether they’re using a VR headset, a desktop browser, or a smartphone, socializing through Mozilla Hubs is easy. All you need to do is provide the room code to your colleagues and they can enter the VR office space with ease.
Pricing: Free
24. vTime
While vTime does not offer advanced features like user-generated content or screen sharing, it shines in its simplicity. It’s perfect for teams that prefer a minimal setup for virtual hangouts. In a way, it works like a social network. vTime allows you to send invites to people, make new friends, and chat in a virtual environment.
Pricing: Free
25. Rec Room
With Rec Room, you can chill while chatting with your remote colleagues. As long as you have a VR headset, you can use this app and have a fun, vibrant experience with your community. What’s more, participants can go on quests or even join ‘battle royale’ competitions. So, there are plenty of reasons to stick around and unwind with your co-workers.
Pricing: Free
26. OrbusVR
Many tech reviewers consider OrbusVR as one of the most full-featured MMORPGs in the virtual reality industry today. After a long day at work, you and your co-workers can explore the vast world of Patraeyl. However, your socialization is not limited to your colleagues. In the process, you can mingle with the entire playerbase of OrbusVR.
Pricing:
- Free to play until Level 10
- Level 11 and up – $19.99
27. NeosVR
If a chat room, game engine, and operating system made a love child, it would be NeosVR. Keep in mind that things can get pretty technical once you enter its virtual space. There are development tools that allow users to create avatars, maps, and even games. So, if your team is tech-savvy, you will definitely enjoy interacting via NeosVR.
Pricing:
- Basic – Free to play
- Neos Pro Monthly Subscription – $65
- Neos Pro Perpetual – $1,170
28. VRChat
Since its release on Oculus Rift in 2014, VRChat continues to be one of the strongest social VR apps on the market. Because of its world and open avatar creation features, this platform has built a unique culture of organically weird memes. Even if your buddies or remote team do not own a VR headset, they can use this app as a virtual meeting space.
Pricing: Free
29. Couch Live
Couch Live is a great virtual living room where people can hang out and watch movies. What makes this different from apps like Bigscreen is that the users can create avatars from their selfies. Aside from that, Couch Live supports non-VR users. They can use their computer or mobile device to enter the same virtual space and socialize with their friends and colleagues.
Pricing: Free
Comparison Table: VR Apps for Working from Home
VR App | Free Trial | Upgrade Cost |
---|---|---|
Horizon Workrooms | Yes | $0 |
Connec2 | No | €250 per user, per month |
Glue | Yes | €10 per user, per month |
MeetinVR | Yes | €35 per user, per month |
Spatial | Yes | $20 per month |
vSpatial | Yes | $4.99 for remote access |
Enscape | Yes | $39.90 for one machine |
Varjo Teleport VR | No | €69 per month (up to 3 users) |
Shapespark | No | $19 per month |
IrisVR Prospect | Yes | $225 per user, per month |
Fuzor | No | $67 per month |
Storyboard VR | Yes | $0 |
VISIONxR | No | £140 per user, per month |
Unreal Engine | Yes | $1,500 per seat, per year |
Vizible | No | Info unavailable |
Rumii | Yes | $14.99 per user, per month |
Engage | Yes | €4.99 per month |
Anatomyou | Yes | $0 |
Oxford Medical Simulation | No | Info unavailable |
Acadius | Yes | $10,000 per year |
Virbela | Yes | $100 per month (up to 10 users) |
Bigscreen | Yes | $0 |
AltspaceVR | Yes | $0 |
Mozilla Hubs | Yes | $0 |
vTime | Yes | $0 |
Rec Room | Yes | $0 |
OrbusVR | Yes | $19.99 from Level 11 and up |
NeosVR | Yes | $65 per month |
VRChat | Yes | $0 |
Couch Live | Yes | $0 |
Infographic: Why Invest in VR Office Apps
According to a 2020 PwC report, almost 23.5 million jobs around the globe will be using VR and AR by 2030. The report predicted that the technology will be used for facilitating work meetings, training, and providing better customer service.
In the corporate setting, workforce development sees the most benefit in investing in VR apps. According to PwC’s 2020 VR Soft Skills Training Efficacy report, learners using virtual reality were four times faster to train than those educated in a traditional classroom. What’s more, they are 275% more confident in applying the skills they learned. Aside from that, they are four times more focused than their peers who engaged in e-learning.
The great news is that VR is useful in several industries, and not just in gaming. Perkins Coie’s 2020 Augmented and Virtual Reality Survey revealed that VR is also beneficial in healthcare, education, manufacturing, the auto industry, entertainment, workforce development, and marketing.
Conclusion
While there is not enough evidence proving that VR technology has gone mainstream, the landscape is definitely changing. With more companies joining the movement, we’ll likely see the barriers of VR adoption slowly getting shattered.