Apple

Apple Vision Pro

F
Ranked #12 in VR Headsets
56 LP on the category ladder what's LP?
Announced October 2025 by Apple

The best build quality and warranty backing on this board, and PCMag's continued inclusion of the current model shows Apple is still committed. Ranked here for weight and a thin content ecosystem, not for any reliability doubt.

Consolidated from 74 cited sources across 62 outlets

Where the cited sources landed, as we read them

  • 33 positive sources
  • 23 mixed sources
  • 13 unconvinced sources
See the sources
Flagged as a product to avoid

5 of 16 research runs entered this as a product to avoid rather than a pick.

The most expensive headset in the category, designed primarily for media and productivity rather than gaming, with an inflated price and a tendency to overpromise and underdeliver.

Flagged 16 October 2026
  1. The most expensive headset in the category, designed primarily for media and productivity rather than gaming, with an inflated price and a tendency to overpromise and underdeliver.

    Flagged 16 October 2026
  2. It costs several times a Quest 3 for a device whose gaming library and VR focus are limited, and it is the textbook case of a product that is good only because it is expensive.

    Flagged 16 October 2026
  3. The most expensive headset in the category and the least VR gaming per unit of money: a passthrough-first spatial computer with a thin game library and a price in a class of its own, the definition of good only because it is expensive.

    Flagged 1 September 2026
  4. High price and hype outweigh any potential benefits based on this evidence.

    Flagged 7 August 2026
  5. Steep price and limited game library make it an overhyped premium that delivers only 70 % of the flagship value for the money.

    Flagged 28 July 2026

Why the boards include products to avoid

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Pros & cons

  • ✓ The best-built headset in the category
  • ✓ Apple's warranty and support reputation is the strongest of any manufacturer here
  • ✓ Micro-OLED displays and materials hold up over years
  • ✓ Apple is still actively iterating on the platform
  • ✓ Best displays and passthrough
  • ✗ Heavy first-generation-form product
  • ✗ Thinner content ecosystem
  • ✗ Extremely high price
  • ✗ Primarily a media/productivity device, not gaming-focused
  • ✗ Heavy and bulky

The sources behind this ranking

We searched the web and YouTube for what has been published about this product, then read the articles, video transcripts and comments we found. 2 outlets wouldn't let us check their links.

Evidence 18 articles, 50 video reviews and 6 community sources

33 positive sources

C CNET Article · Oct 2025
When I told my wife about the updated Vision Pro while I was wearing it, downstairs in our living room, she asked me what was different. I said it has a much faster processor and a new head strap. I also mentioned that it still costs $3,500.
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C Cleo Abram Cleo Abram · 8.6M subscribers · Feb 2024
My optimistic take is that this kind of tech is the most direct path to a totally sci-fi ability I never thought I’d see in real life.
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P PCMag Middle East Article · Dec 2025
The M5 Vision Pro refines the already best-in-class mixed reality headset with meaningful comfort and performance gains, but at $3,499, it remains best suited for Apple devotees who want the absolute cutting edge regardless of cost.
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P pierson pierson · 7.3M subscribers · Feb 2024
WE ARE LIVING IN THE FUTURE
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N Nathie Facebook post
That's actually an insane difference, especially because (for me at least) it is well out of the uncanny valley, very impressive
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A Adam Savage’s Tested Adam Savage’s Tested · 7.3M subscribers · Oct 2025
>> Yeah, we are unabashed fans of the Apple Vision Pro. It's been out for a little over a year and a half now. >> We were first day purchasers. >> Yes. um comparing notes, doing all the updates. Uh I went to WWDC this year to check out Vision OS 26 and we had a a chat about that. And just last week, Apple announced a refresh of the Apple Vision Pro.
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S Smart Wearables Smart Wearables · reviewer
These quick answers help buyers decide whether Apple Vision Pro fits their budget, use case, and current live pricing.
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A AppleInsider AppleInsider · 829K subscribers · Nov 2025
Apple’s new Dual Knit Band for the Vision Pro changes everything. This redesigned strap adds a counterweight, improves comfort dramatically, and finally makes extended use feel natural.
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U UC Today Rebekah Carter · reviewer · Nov 2025
Same price, better hardware, a message from Apple that the product is maturing rather than being repositioned.
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N Nathie Nathie · 809K subscribers · Nov 2024
This immersive augmented reality game experience gives you the opportunity to be Peter Parker in first person and create your own spatial Marvel Cinematic Universe using the power of Apple Vision. A Meta Quest 3 version is veing considered!
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J Jamf Author · reviewer
The Apple Vision Pro is an exciting category of product, introducing the world to Spatial Computing.
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N Nathie Nathie · 809K subscribers · Feb 2024
You'll find out how Vision Pro will be replacing your iPhone, iPad and Macbook in the future. This is only the beginning.
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A Andru Edwards Andru Edwards · 677K subscribers · Jun 2025
Apple’s Vision Pro has always felt like a glimpse of the future—but until now, it’s been more of a tech demo than a daily device. With VisionOS 26, that changes. After hands-on time at Apple Park, trying features even the developer beta hasn’t unlocked, it’s clear that Apple is finally turning Vision Pro into something you might actually want to use every day
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A Andru Edwards Andru Edwards · 663K subscribers · Oct 2025
With the new M5 model, Apple isn’t trying to reinvent the wheel. Instead, they’ve addressed the comfort complaints and delivered a leap in day-to-day experience. I’ve spent hours with both versions, and while the original was already my favorite gadget last year, this new one actually solves real problems that held people back.
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A Andru Edwards Andru Edwards · 663K subscribers · Oct 2025
With the new M5 model, Apple isn’t trying to reinvent the wheel. Instead, they’ve addressed the comfort complaints and delivered a leap in day-to-day experience. I’ve spent hours with both versions, and while the original was already my favorite gadget last year, this new one actually solves real problems that held people back.
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I iPhonedo iPhonedo · 631K subscribers · Oct 2025
And I think Vision Pro, at least with this design, finally reached its potential
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F fpt. fpt. · 599K subscribers · Mar 2024
Apple Vision Pro is easily the single most technologically impressive thing I have ever experienced, a risk Apple took to show us the future. A device that can place us in memories of the past, and show us 10 years into the future.
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T TechRadar TechRadar · 457K subscribers · Dec 2025
It could be said that Apple silicon has finally caught up with the Vision Pro hardware Apple introduced more than two years ago. The M5 chip is powerful enough to take full advantage of all those 4K-plus-per-eye pixels. Everything looks a little sharper, especially virtual desktop mode, making long work stretches wearing the headset that much more enjoyable.
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D Denki Denki · 262K subscribers · Jan 2026
Not going to lie, I already like
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C Craig's Tech Talk Craig's Tech Talk · 183K subscribers · May 2024
The Apple Vision Pro is capable of way more than people think.
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G GadgetsBoy GadgetsBoy · 167K subscribers · Dec 2025
It's improved when it comes to AI performance, and it's a lot more comfortable now as well. They've changed the way that it sits on your head with a new dual knit head strap. But anyway, when we look at them, it hasn't really changed that much. We used to get all the sensors and cameras all on the front.
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S Steven Sullivan Steven Sullivan · 62.7K subscribers · Nov 2025
And when I wore them for a week, I freaking loved these things. But now it's been 30 days. So, has my opinion changed? Do I actually use them as much as I thought I would? And is this thing actually worth it for any of you guys to buy or even try? Plus, by the end of the video, I'm going to give you a hidden secret thing that saves this headset from being not worth it at all for me specifically.
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F fabreezy fabreezy · 31.1K subscribers · Jun 2025
These right here are the Apple Vision Pro and they've been out now for over a year or so and I think there's still a lot of people who don't really understand the use case from these and also are they worth buying.
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S Spatial Insider ᯅ Spatial Insider ᯅ · 24.8K subscribers · Dec 2025
I've since removed them because nothing is better than working with the MacBook with the Vision Pro. I'm telling you that right now. In fact, I've taken one of the displays that was here and I've moved it over there. I just don't use it. Now, I love doing video editing on my Mac virtual display.
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H Himels Tech Himels Tech · 21.4K subscribers · Jun 2026
Worked perfectly. Now, let's get that orb to show up. What I have to do is say, "Siri, and I can move this orb anywhere, and check out this interaction with that light. That's so cool. Let me put it down here. I love that. When I tapped it just like that, it's now not listening, so I can talk to you guys a bit more and make it more clear what I'm trying to do.
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H Himels Tech Himels Tech · 21.4K subscribers · Oct 2025
In the Vision Pro, standing at the same spot, looking at the same eye chart, and that fourth row, LPED, easy to read. The next row does become a bit easier to read. It's still a little difficult, but I think it's what, FEFD, maybe. Uh, it's gosh, I would say maybe 10% clearer than the Galaxy headset. It's not just about how clear text might look though when you're talking about pass through.
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H Himels Tech Himels Tech · 21.4K subscribers · Mar 2026
And I must say it looks so good. This is such a great environment here. You get to move around by just going like that. Oh, okay. Here we go. I'm digging the Matrix code everywhere. Okay, I think I figured this out, but I'm going to cut this out. >> Woah. And they really did a good job with these whole the Matrix code in the walls and everything. That looks so good.
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T The Vision Pro Experience The Vision Pro Experience · 6.3K subscribers · Feb 2026
I know if you have the M5 Vision Pro, you can actually view up to 8K footage, which is pretty sweet. But personally, I'm really excited for the 360 and 180 content. So, let's check this out. Now, this says 8K VR 180. Again, I still have it muted.
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B BobbyInBlue BobbyInBlue · 6.2K subscribers · Oct 2025
Whether it's the addition of this top strap, the weight in the back, or just kind of rethinking how this strap works, I've been able to wear my Vision Pro for a lot longer sessions and have a lot more comfort with it on my head. And those who have come out and said, "Oh, it's heavier. Apple's moving in the wrong direction." They're definitely not using the headset or even trying to understand it.
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A A Vision Experiment A Vision Experiment · 5.1K subscribers · Mar 2026
Back then, it was misunderstood—now, two years later, the maturity is undeniable. I dive into its expanded app ecosystem, immersive media offerings, and Apple’s long-term commitment—like their partnership with Blackmagic Design for incredible Apple Immersive Video. Plus, I give a nod to dbrand’s Ghost Cases 2.
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T TechTrove TechTrove · 4.7K subscribers · May 2026
This is the brand new Apple Vision Pro, and honestly, this might be the most futuristic product Apple has ever created. But here's the big question. Is it actually revolutionary or just an expensive gadget for rich tech lovers? Today we're doing the ultimate full review of Apple Vision Pro.
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M Mashable Mashable · channel · Dec 2025
The Vision Pro is the coolest product I've ever tested. It's one of those products that makes you feel like you're living in the future. That's something I've said before on this channel. I mean, look at this. Just look at it. It really does feel like it's been pulled out of a piece of science fiction, right? There are so many things I loved about Pro. So, let's talk specs.
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M Mashable Mashable · channel · Dec 2025
The Vision Pro is the coolest product I've ever tested. It's one of those products that makes you feel like you're living in the future. That's something I've said before on this channel. I mean, look at this. Just look at it. It really does feel like it's been pulled out of a piece of science fiction, right? There are so many things I loved about Pro. So, let's talk specs.
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23 mixed sources

T The Gentleman's Journal The Gentleman's Journal · reviewer · Nov 2025
It is, however, substantial. The headset weighs roughly the same as an existential crisis. Apple has worked miracles with the balance, but no amount of mesh padding can disguise the fact that you are wearing a small iMac on your skull. A white cable slinks down to a battery pack that looks like something one might use to jump-start a Tesla .
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M Marques Brownlee Marques Brownlee · 21.1M subscribers · Jan 2024
There are some parts of this thing that are absolutely incredible, and some other parts that feel weird, or borderline unfinished. There are all kinds of new technologies, from a new operating system to infrared eye tracking to virtually reconstructed versions of you.
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M MacRumors Juli Clover · reviewer · Feb 2016
The Vision Pro is undoubtedly Apple's most technically advanced product and an incredible feat of engineering that is impressive when it is first viewed, but those considering a purchase should try it at the Apple Store and do a lot of research on what can be done with it before making a purchase.
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M Marques Brownlee Marques Brownlee · 21.1M subscribers · Feb 2024
I actually love this thing. I love this thing, not because it's flawless or anything, it is far from flawless, but because it's actually interesting.
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H Hacker News Hacker News thread
Apparently the display on the Vision Pro has such high resolution that they reduce the detail of the rendering. I don’t think I’ve ever seen that reported before. It means that an even higher quality display is still far in the future, since the silicon to push that many pixels isn’t quite ready.
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J JerryRigEverything JerryRigEverything · 10M subscribers · Feb 2024
Turns out Apples new Apple Vision Pro has a plastic exterior AND interior lenses.
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A Ars Technica Samuel Axon · reviewer · Nov 2025
I still like the Vision Pro, but I can tell it’s hanging on by a thread. Content is light, developer support is tepid, and while Apple has taken action to improve both, it’s not enough, and I’m concerned it might be too late.
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T The Wall Street Journal The Wall Street Journal · 6.7M subscribers · Jan 2024
This is typing. Yeah, it's a struggle for anything longer than a quick message. Thankfully, I have never been so happy to see a keyboard. The real game changer for getting work done. Adding in a Mac. We are connected. Yes, you get a giant desktop for your Mac apps and you can run Vision Pro apps right next to them. And you too can have this for the low, low price of. But really, I continued to wor
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T The Gadgeteer Article · Nov 2025
This headset isn’t featherweight, and unless you’re using the Dual Loop band, you may feel pressure points. Not a dealbreaker, but something to know before you settle in for a full movie marathon or extended work session.
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Z zollotech zollotech · 2.2M subscribers · Oct 2025
The new Apple Vision Pro M5 brings much needed refinement and speed to the original Vision Pro, but is it the future?
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S Stratechery by Ben Thompson Ben Thompson About · reviewer · Jan 2026
I’m incredibly disappointed, and cannot in good faith recommend any model of the Vision Pro to basketball fans (or anyone else for that matter).
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T The Tech Chap The Tech Chap · 1.6M subscribers · Nov 2025
and improve it in a meaningful way that thinks that makes us now think, "Oo, let's all rush out and spend three and a half grand on a AR VR headset." Well, no, not really. Now, before we dive in, I haven't made one of these videos in a little while, but it's basically my one take, no cuts.
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M Man of Many Ben McKimm · reviewer · Mar 2026
Then, there’s the price. This remains the primary barrier to entry for many, but I believe it’s the true indicator of who this device is for.
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D Digital Trends Digital Trends · 1.4M subscribers · Mar 2024
I love everything about the Apple Vision Pro — except wearing it:
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M MacRumors MacRumors · 660K subscribers · May 2026
There's a lot of talk right now that the Apple Vision Pro is on ice or worse, it's dead. And we need to have a real conversation about the Vision Pro because honestly, the picture around this device right now is pretty grim. By almost any commercial metrics you want to look at, the Vision Pro is kind of shaping up to be one of the worst performing major Apple products in the company's modern history. And yet, after spending serious time with the M5 version, I genuinely think it's one of the most impressive pieces of hardware that Apple has ever made
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B Becca Farsace Becca Farsace · 208K subscribers · Nov 2025
And I'm doing this experiment, so I like should use the Apple Vision Pro, but I don't want to use the Apple Vision Pro because there's a couple other cons that come with using this thing during the day. First is this, my hair. Unless you have no hair, your hair will absolutely be wrecked after wearing this band on your head.
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C Cult of Mac Cult of Mac · 116K subscribers · Oct 2025
Unfortunately, the tweaks do not include a lower starting price or more storage. Apple doesn't seem to be pushing M2 Vision Pro owners to upgrade. Rather, if you're still Vision Pro curious and you've been pinching your pennies for the past year and a half, the Vision Pro you happen to buy today will be that much more powerful. I fell in love with the original Vision Pro.
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A Andrew Clare Andrew Clare · 108K subscribers · May 2026
I love the design. I don't like the weight, but the new dual knit band does a fantastic job of alleviating the pressure on the top from the cheekbones, and it's pretty comfortable as well.
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T The Tailoring Talk Magazine The Tailoring Talk Magazine · 3.5K subscribers · Apr 2026
I talk about the biggest misconception around the product, why I don’t see it as a failure, where it genuinely works brilliantly, and where the compromises become impossible to ignore. That includes productivity, virtual displays, entertainment, battery life, portability, comfort, and whether this thing is actually practical in the real world.
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H Harri Harri · 3.5K subscribers · Mar 2026
Today I am reviewing the Apple Vision Pro and when I tell you this headset has been a tough one to review I mean it. With this being one of the longest videos on my channel I clearley have alot to say about it.
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P PinkuDrone PinkuDrone · 2K subscribers · Feb 2026
💭 After using it for 90 days, I honestly think the Apple Vision Pro 2 is one of the coolest tech products ever made… but it’s definitely not perfect.
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S Samuel Philip Airey Samuel Philip Airey · 1.7K subscribers · Jul 2026
Is the Apple Vision Pro still worth buying in 2026, or has the hype faded? After using Apple's mixed reality headset every day for 3 months, I'm sharing what it's really like to live with it—from productivity and entertainment to comfort, battery life, and whether I still find myself reaching for it.
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J jEarpo Tech jEarpo Tech · 1.3K subscribers · Apr 2026
And just to, you know, not leave you hanging, I will tell you that the biggest upside to the Apple Vision Pro is also its biggest downside and why maybe this isn't an exact replacement for a monitor, but why it is an excellent addition to your setup.
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13 unconvinced sources

B BGR Ojasvi Nath · reviewer · Feb 2026
The Apple Vision Pro is technologically impressive but remains a poor consumer product. At $3,499, it costs more than a high-end MacBook Pro, yet struggles with basic wearability. Weighing 1.65 to 1.76 pounds, its front-heavy design causes neck strain and facial pressure for many users within less than an hour. MarketWatch cites user complaints of experiencing headaches and even facial bruising, underscoring that ergonomics remain a serious limitation more than a minor inconvenience.
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M Marques Brownlee Marques Brownlee · 21.1M subscribers · Feb 2024
Like, it's an interesting product for sure, but it just doesn't do much, and I started having those thoughts immediately as soon as I started testing this thing, just all sorts of missing stuff that I would like it to do. So this is all those things in one place.
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F Facebook logan.micke.66952
I cannot believe how awful this whole Apple Vision Pro experience was today. I walked in actually excited to buy these. I literally showed up with the full 3500 in cash ready to go, thinking this was about to be some life changing futuristic moment. And then the worker brings us a broken pair like we are supposed to just smile and pretend it works.
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L Logically Answered Logically Answered · 928K subscribers · Jun 2026
The amount of money Apple poured into this thing has caused the Vision Pro to be the worst Apple disaster in decades
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M Macworld David Price · reviewer · Nov 2025
And after all that expense, OneEightyDegrees would have run into the worst problem of all: the audience isn’t guaranteed, and will be very small at first, partly because hardly anyone can afford a Vision Pro and partly because the idea of watching a multi-hour sports event using a weighty headset is unappealing.
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J JMTech JMTech · 306K subscribers · Jun 2026
Don't buy the Apple Vision Pro until you see the XREAL 1 Pros. Look, the Vision Pro is an amazing device with technology like 4K 3D displays, a bunch of cameras, sensors, great speakers, and a computer-level processor. All of that gives you an experience where your apps and movies, some of which are maybe 3D, float in front of you spatially anchored.
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S Subscribers Sam Byford · reviewer · Jan 2026
The first reviews dropped for the Vision Pro exactly two years ago today, and whatever critics thought about the merits of Apple’s headset itself, they were unanimous on one thing: it’s way too expensive, so normal people shouldn’t buy it.
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J Jordan Liles Jordan Liles · 88.1K subscribers · Mar 2026
The scammers behind Vision Pro jack up the price significantly.
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F Facebook Kevin Attwood · owner
Apparently Apple’s got no idea how to support their Vision Pro with full surround sound and I’m talking sound with subwoofer bass and full Atmos directionality.
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M Matt Gonzalez Matt Gonzalez · 79.7K subscribers · Jul 2026
And now I'm pretty sure I'm using a product Apple has decided has no future. Look, this thing has been out for almost 3 years now, so you already know it's heavy. You know, it costs more than most laptops. You know, the eyetracking feels like magic when you try it for the first time. I'm not going to retell you what the Vision Pro is, but instead, I want to figure out something deeper.
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T the Guardian Article · Jan 2026
Poor sales have reportedly forced Apple to cut production of the Vision Pro headset that it had hoped would herald a new era in “spatial computing”.
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F Facebook dachefgyal
I really wanted to love the Apple Vision Pro, but after a few weeks, I realized I just wasn’t using i…
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V r/VisionPro u/These_Ask_1358 · owner
Yeah definitely felt like I couldn’t justify it for just movies
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Frequently asked questions

It ranks #12 of 14 on our VR headsets tier list, in F tier. That placement draws on 74 cited sources across 62 outlets.

13 of the 69 sources with a clear view are critical of it, among them BGR, Facebook and JMTech. Heavy first-generation-form product. Thinner content ecosystem. Extremely high price. Primarily a media/productivity device, not gaming-focused. Heavy and bulky.

Ranked nearby in VR Headsets