Virtual reality is a constantly evolving industry, with new headsets releasing every year that build new technology and design concepts to create new and ever-improving headsets. With constant change being a staple of the VR industry, it can often be hard to find the best headset overall. Fortunately, we checked into it and found the best VR headset of 2021: the Varjo Aero.
With the Aero, Varjo has reworked the VR headset from the ground up, as all the design choices are drastically different from the industry standards. While it may be lacking in several features included in most other modern headsets, the incredible visuals of the Varjo Aero make it the best headset of the year.
Features
The most immediately noticeable feature of the Varjo Aero is its dual mini-LED displays that provide stunning edge-to-edge clarity. The displays work in tandem with the aspheric lenses to offer clearer visuals and actual depth of field. Varjo doesn’t like to measure in resolution, as they are proud of their 35PPD, or physical pixel density. Valve Index, for comparison, is 18PPD. If you were to calculate the resolution on the Aero, it would be close to 5.8K.
The lenses on the Aero are also some of the largest on the market, coming in at a diagonal 134 FOV. The lenses are aspheric rather than the industry standard fresnel, meaning unwanted volumetric light scattering and chromatic aberration are not an issue with this headset. Thanks to the dual mini-LED displays, the backlighting is perfectly balanced, making the image much more clear and stable.
Each headset is tested and calibrated to ensure lens, color gamut, eye tracking, foveated rendering all work to give you the ultimate visual experience. It also features automatic IPD adjustment, meaning through a combination of eye tracking, internal motors and Varjo Base software, the headset moves the lenses to the exact place they need to be. The built-in eye-tracking at 200 Hz gives a tailored, optimal experience to every user, every time.
An additional feature unique to the Aero is that Varjo added a main button and a menu button to the side of the headset. This, paired with eye tracking, makes navigating through menus incredibly simple.
Software
Varjo is also pairing their headset releases with industry-first softwares to help enterprise customers connect in virtual reality. The Varjo Teleport software, for example, allows users to scan their room, and host meetings, share files, and collaborate in their virtual workspace.
Additionally, the Varjo Base internal platform for software support and firmware updates comes with the headset at no additional cost. Users will have full access to Varjo Base software updates, including a high-definition virtual desktop with Varjo Workspace.
While Varjo is pushing an enterprise focus with the Aero, the powerful visuals and premium design means that it has a solid footing as a gaming headset as well.
SteamVR is a big platform for this headset, not only for games, but also software such as Microsoft Flight Simulator, Gravity Sketch, and KeyVR. Thanks to the headset’s excellent visuals, you will be able to read every bit of text and get a clear view of your project, regardless of which software you use.
Peripherals and Accessories
The main headset cable is a replaceable 5M USB-C cable, allowing for varying lengths depending on your playspace. The final production model will be a double sleeve wrap, allowing for more rigidity out of the cable.
It’s premium lightweight comfort is another focal point of the headset, and the straps secure the headset comfortably for aggressive movements. It has a 3-point precision fit headband, active cooling, and optimized ergonomics for long-duration usage. It even has a premium faux-leather face cover for added comfort and sanitation.
The headset ships with in-ear headphones with a built-in mic. Our pre production model did not come with the headphones to test.
The Varjo Aero will work with a variety of graphics cards, with the baseline being the RTX 2080. As RTX cards are throttled in laptops to prevent overheating, using the Aero with a laptop will require an RTX 3080 and the Varjo Laptop Adapter, $59. The laptop adapter converts the USB-C cable to allow for power delivery.
Drawbacks
The Aero is not without its faults, the most immediately apparent issue being the price tag. At roughly $2000, the Aero is clearly for the most dedicated VR enthusiasts. For use in an industry setting, the Aero makes a lot of sense, but consumers looking for a headset for their gaming setup might need to consider their budget.
The only included peripherals for the headset are the aforementioned headphones, and the lack of controllers may present another hurdle for gaming setups. Gamers with established setups will be able to use current peripherals with the Aero, as it is compatible with other types of controllers and base stations, but those looking to start a VR gaming setup from scratch will need to budget for peripherals.
In addition to the lack of certain peripherals, the Aero lacks certain other features that are present on other modern headsets. As can be inferred from the inclusion of headphones, the Aero does not have built in speakers. Likewise, it also lacks a microphone and passthrough camera.
The other complaints about the headset are based on inconveniences caused by the design. The first, and most insignificant, is that the front of the headset is extremely glossy which turns it into a fingerprint magnet.
The other complaint is a lot more noticeable, and it has to do with the gear mechanisms used to adjust and secure the headset. Essentially, the headset has to be adjusted while being worn, so that it will be secure on the user’s head while in use. However, the mechanism on the side of the headset will often catch and pull out hair, leading to obvious discomfort.
Industry Applications
While the Varjo Aero has its uses in gaming, Varjo is still very much industry-forward, marketing their headsets as tools rather than gaming peripherals. In fact, the Aero is the first Varjo headset even available for consumer purchase. The XR-3 and VR-3, Varjo’s other two headsets, are only available for purchase with a business license.
The case studies section of the Varjo website does a great job of illustrating what sets these headsets apart from standard gaming rigs. The incredible visual fidelity of Varjo brand headsets, including the Aero, allows for simulations that are incredibly accurate. This technology enables use cases such as training for specific jobs that are dangerous or expensive to operate.
In a real-world case from Swedish company Tenstar Simulation, clients were able to train for machine operation at a tenth of the normal cost. Others, such as Laerdal Medical were able to simulate healthcare practices using Varjo headsets.
Final Impressions
With dual mini-LED displays at 35PPD, and aspheric lenses to complement the displays, the Varjo Aero is a visual powerhouse. The automatic IPD adjustment contributes to the visuals as well, ensuring that the best settings are automatically implemented.
Whether aiming for the most realistic gameplay for VR titles, or looking for a tool to complement industry training or design, the realism offered by the Aero’s visuals makes it a formidable newcomer to the consumer grade of VR headsets. The price tag and lack of certain peripherals can make it a bit of a steep ask for those who are not extreme VR enthusiasts or industry professionals. However, those seeking the best visuals that VR has to offer will find that the Aero is, without a doubt, the best headset made in 2021.
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