Virtual reality seems to be gaining more and more popularity since the proliferation of headsets such as the PlayStation VR. However, you do not need expensive headsets to enjoy the best VR apps, since your Android and iOS paired with Google Cardboard can perform the same role. Below is an outline of the best VR apps available for both Android and iOS devices. The ranking depends on the number of votes the apps have garnered on Google Play Store and App Store.
10. YouTube
YouTube offers a broad range of content, including music videos, nature films, news and events, as well as sports. All users have to do is search for “360 videos,” and get to experience a wide variety of options provided. The free app has a 4.2 rating from over 663 votes on Google Play.
Pros
- It provides easier access to the videos that one loves from the subscription and the account tab
Cons
- The free version may come with advertisements, which can be annoying to the user
9. Google Street View
The application provides a 360° view of various roads, landmarks, and addresses across the world. Users can also use the app to create photospheres to add to their street view experiences. The application comes with a 4.0-star rating, and over 1,737 votes on iTunes.
Pros
- The app allows the users to manage and review their private photospheres
- It provides easier navigation to areas that one is not familiar with
Cons
- It may lead to a decrease in the phone’s battery life if the GPS is running in the background for too long
8. Cardboard
The app allows one to view photospheres, videos, and experience any other VR content from an Android or iOS device. Additionally, users can use the app to set up their Cardboard experience, which allows easy access to all the compatible apps installed on the phone. The free-to-download app has a 4.2-star rating, and has been reviewed by 121,729 users.
Our full review of the Cardboard headset compatible with this app might be an interesting read for you as well.
Pros
- The My Library feature allows easy accessibility to the photosphere and the videos on the phone, rather than scanning through the phone
Cons
- The app has a lot of missing features, such as landscape-viewing, which needs adjusting
7. Full Dive VR
Full Dive is one of the best VR apps on the market today. The VR navigation platform offers plenty of VR content, ranging from VR video support from YouTube, a VR market for viewing more apps and games, VR browsers for viewing online content, photo gallery, and a VR video player.
The free Virtual Reality app is compatible with both Daydream and Cardboard headsets, and has a 4.3 rating out of 45,912 reviews on Google Play.
Pros
- It is the fastest app in terms of action, interactions, and functionality
- The PG13 restriction is hard to get around, hence the app is ideal for parents of young children
Cons
- You must have a phone with a gyro-sensor for you to use the app
- Users may have problems screen drifting while using the app
6. Cardboard Camera
This is one of the must-have virtual reality apps. The app helps you take pictures that you can later relive in VR. The app makes near things appear nearer, and far things seem even farther. The application is available for use on both Android and iOS devices, and has a 4.3-star rating on Google Play Store after 17,383 votes.
Pros
- You do not need to sign up for an account to get the app
Cons
- It may be challenging to use at first, but the users get used to it after a short time of usage
5. Titans of Space
The virtual reality app takes the users on a deep-dive guided tour to the Galaxy for about 30 minutes. The free app is compatible with most iPhones and Android devices, although a powerful modern smartphone provides the best results. It has a 4.4-star rating, and 10,299 votes on Google Play.
Pros
- It comes with a comfort mode for users who are sensitive to motion
Cons
- It only works on a phone with a Neon CPU extension
- Some users may get stuck at the loading screen, but a reinstallation will solve the problem
4. WITHIN
WITHIN is one of the best VR apps that provides a 360° experience while watching videos from your Android or iOS device. The app developers have partnered with other organizations and information giants such as NBC and the United Nations to provide innovative, entertaining, and informative content to the user. Approximately 361 users have reviewed this free app on iTunes, leading to a 4.0-star rating.
Pros
- The story-based immersive content is more fun to watch compared to standard videos
Cons
- The audio is sometimes unclear, meaning that you will require headphones or ear buds for a clear 3D sound
3. Orbulus
This is the VR app for if you are a Photo Sphere enthusiast. The unique hands-free device allows the users to control things by just looking at them. Additionally, the users can view and experience different iconic locations around the universe, such as Mars and the Northern Lights. The free app has a 3.9-star rating after 1,963 reviews on Google Play.
Pros
- The hands-free feature allows the users to enjoy other tasks, as they experiment and have fun with their eyes
Cons
- It only works with the Google Cardboard headset
- Most users are not comfortable with the large textures that it has
2. NYT VR
The New York Times app provides an immersive 360-degree experience to the users. The app completely delivers on the promise of using virtual reality to bring you the features of places that you cannot normally get. For example, you can visit Pluto or climb the World Trade Center with Jimmy Chin. The app is both Cardboard and Daydream enabled. The 1,133 reviews it has received have earned the app a 3.8-star rating on Google Play.
Pros
- The developers update a new reality film every month or so
- It offers the option to download or stream the films
Cons
- It is sometimes difficult to download the application.
1. Jaunt VR
You may want to consider getting this virtual reality app if you have a Cardboard headset, since it comes with premium content for its users. It comes with concert footage from Paul McCartney, ABC News Documentaries, college football with ESPN Gameday, and a five-part series from Doug Liman. The app is free for both iPhones and Android phones, with a 3.8 rating on Google Play after 874 votes.
Pros
- It provides over 150 virtual reality cinematic experiences to the users
Cons
- The language and the violence depicted in the app may not be appropriate for some users
Conclusion
You should consider getting at least two of these best VR apps on your smartphone, to enjoy the greatest virtual reality experiences. There are numerous other apps on Google Play and the App Store that you can get for free or for a small fee. Feel free to include any additional information on the best VR apps you’ve ever tried, or make a comment on the ones mentioned above.
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