VR apps offers a truly immersive experience and offers a sensory experience that can transport the individual to virtually any place, well ‘virtually’. While the space has been taken up by expensive as well as inexpensive headsets and fancy gear to enjoy the VR apps experience, it is now possible to leverage your smartphones display for a good VR experience.

All that you need is to get the right VR apps on your smartphones.

Here are 24 top VR apps that will transform your smartphones into a great VR experience.

Within VR Google Earth VR VR Space GoPro
Sites in VR Titans of space Google Art & culture VR Theater
VR X Racer Google Street View Fulldive VR Var’s VR
VR Roller Coaster Google Expeditions VR VR Haunted house Google VR services
Google Cardboard Oculus Deep space Battle VR VR Media Player 360
Youtube VR Veer VR VR Fantasy Daydream

 

1. Within VR

within vr - vr apps

Founded by Aaron Koblin and Chris Milk “WITHIN” brings together the most immense experiences from the finest VR’s around the world. WITHIN is an all in one VR content app that distributes VR, XR and AR experiences across web, mobile and other consoles.

App Features

  • New contents added constantly
  • Available on iOS, Android, Daydream, Gear VR, Oculus Rift, PlayStation®VR, Steam®VR, Viveport and WebVR platforms.
  • A broad content library which is getting bigger by time

Ratings: 4.5/5

Installs: 1,000,000+

Download: Android, iOS

2. Google Earth VR

google earth - vr apps

The whole new Google Earth VR lets users explore the world from a totally new perspective. With this app, the whole world becomes within your reach.

This app can be of great use for people everywhere to explore our planet in detail.

It also consists of a new search function that prompts the VR keyboard that can be manipulated according to your headset controller.

App Features

  • Helps you discover the world’s most incredible places
  • Can measure heights & area
  • Zoom on down to Google street view database
  • Enjoy virtual tourism
  • Spin the globe at 360 degrees view

Ratings: 4.4/5

Installs: 100,000,000+

Download: Android, iOS

3. VR Space

VR space - vr apps

VR space is an awesome app solution that facilitates users to enjoy a VR universe. Here, you can conduct a real tour of sun, star and planet systems with a connected VR device.

Being a VR headset game, it doesn’t need any additional touch controls. This VR app offers a blissful VR journey through the whole universe with HD graphics of every planet and space objects.

App Features

  • Experience ambient music.
  • Stunning view of space and planets.
  • Optimized Fulldive VR adventure.
  • Immersive VR Interface

Ratings: 4.4/5

Installs: 500,000+

Download:  Android

4. GoPro

gopro - vr apps

GoPro is a godsend for the digital era. A  simple device capturing photos and videos from hard-to-reach places. It enables a 360-degree view of every image captured. The app never can make any great shots miss from your view or camera.

Once you click a wide-angle/fish lens image, it is transferable within seconds to your multiple devices. It is easy to play your 360-degree videos offline and instantly share with friends without an internet connection.

App Features

  • Limitless cloud backup & storage
  • Rectilinear planet projections.
  • Support multiple formats.
  • Live VR events.

Ratings: 4.3/5

Installs:10,000,000+

Download: Android, iOS

5. Sites in VR

sites in vr - vr apps

Sites in VR help you reach any destination you wish to visit. Users can feel as if they are roaming around the famous monuments and even mars. Starting from ancient architecture to most popular tour landmarks, sites in VR help you in excellent virtual touring.

You can integrate this app with any other VR apps like Cardboard as a perfect alternative with detailed settings for correcting visuals or other parameters.

App Features

  • Turn on/off stereoscopic mode.
  • PAN, Zoom, and more movements.
  • An auto collaboration of sensors.
  • Quality 360° panoramic images.

Ratings: 4.3/5

Installs:1,000,000+

Download: Android, iOS

Read Also : 20 Best Online Multiplayer Games 2023

6. Titans of space

titans of space - vr apps

Titans of space provide an incredible virtual reality tour of our planets and the solar system. Exciting soundtracks accompany the visual tour and make your VR experience into the next level.

There is a cockpit dashboard where the latest tour spots on the solar system are shown and you can easily choose from them. A purchase option helps you know very details of space objects and unlock a 50-minute voice-over.

App Features

  • Drift correction mode.
  • Multiple language support.
  • Full control over a multitude of options.
  • Work with Google cardboard.

Ratings: 4.3/5

Installs: 1,000,000+

Download: Android

7. Google Art & culture

google arts & culture - vr apps

Google Arts and culture invite users into the world of mindblowing virtual tours to the famous spots and heritage sites at fingertips. Besides, you can click pictures and compare it with classic artworks & share them with your friends.

It allows a personalized experience where you can click portraits and compare them with the art that looks like. You get a chance to visit world-class museums and view HD quality 360-degree videos with the app.

App Features

  • Immersive pocket gallery.
  • Point and recognize artworks.
  • Weekly highlights & notifications.
  • Customize the artwork gallery.

Ratings: 4.2/5

Installs:10,000,000+

Download: Android, iOS

8. VR Theater

VR theatre - vr apps

VR theatre is a dedicated VR app for Cardboard. Users can turn their heads around and enjoy movies in true virtual reality. The app works fully via your sight control and an array of options to stimulate the visual experience.

You can view normal,2D, and 3D movies with VR theatre. It also has an additional feature of supporting panoramic 360-degree and 180-degree movies. There are many configuration setups for users and create their theatres themselves.

App Features

  • No headset controls are required.
  • Easy to use UI
  • Supports majority file formats
  • Customized design choices.

Ratings: 4.2/5

Installs:1,000,000+

Download: Android

9. VR X Racer

VR x racer - vr apps

VR X racer is an extraordinary VR  aerospace game enjoyed by all age groups. The game has two modes namely hand mode race and virtual reality mode race. Users become the protectors of earth defeating UFOs, spaceships, missiles, etc.

You can feel like you are fighting on an extraterrestrial war in reality. Users get credits after each level and can buy spaceships.

App Features

  • Stunning 3D effects
  • Multiple easy & hard levels.
  • Superb animations & graphics.
  • Amazing & simple controls.

Ratings: 4.2/5

Installs:1,000,000+

Download: Android

10. Google Street View

google street view - vr apps

This is definitely a VR app that you should have on your iPhone, as it has possibly the largest collection of locations. You name the place and the app seems to have it.

And it offers additional features like giving you the flexibility to include your own collections to the app.  If you would like to good look at the most sought after locations on the globe, here’s your chance to do it virtually.

App Features

  • Explore world landmarks &step inside locations
  • Allows 360º photographs and can publish to Google Maps to share with the world
  • Consists of spectrum of Street View ready tools

Ratings: 4.1/5

Installs: 1,000,000,000+

Download : Android, iOS

app cost calculator

11. Fulldive VR

fulldive VR

Full dive VR is a well-known VR platform where users can earn money, bitcoin, or other cryptocurrencies by browsing VR content. Fulldive VR works with the Fulldive browser and can be operated on the Cardboard or daydream app.

Users can just engage in listening to music, watching movies, etc in Virtual reality and earn money. It contains about five hundred million plus games and one million-plus video which you can view and start getting a passive income too.

App Features

  • Simple navigations
  • Filtered contents from approved sources
  • Exciting VR camera and video player
  • Affordable & acvessible platform

Ratings: 4.1/5

Installs:1,000,000+

Download: Android, iOS

12. Var’s VR Video player

VaRs

Var’s VR Video player is one of the best VR viewers for mobile phones. It has a pro version available on the play store with more exciting features. This free app lets users enjoy 3D videos with ultimate VR quality along with complete control of the app.

Users view videos with perfect head tracking response and control all movements and display parameters. Unlike other VR players, Var’s support subtitles & watch movies of any language.

App Features

  • Static/Float modes for nonspherical videos.
  • Requires Google Cardboard.
  • Easily configurable settings.
  • Immersive VR experience.

Ratings: 4/5

Installs: 10,000,000+

Download: Android

13. VR Roller Coaster

VR roller cosater

This has got to be one of the best roller coaster rides ever, at least on VR apps. It gives you a near real experience with some crazy loops, twists and turns that will give you the same feeling as an actual roller coaster ride.

To add to the feeling, the landscape depicted on the app, gives you the sensation of heights as you get to see skyscrapers and landmark buildings.

App Features

  • Experience the real-life roller coaster ride using the VR headsets
  • Google Cardboard powered stereoscopic rendering
  • Exciting playing environment filled with buildings, noisy crowds, birds, riders &airship

Ratings: 3.9/5

Installs: 5,000,000+

Download: Android

14. Google Expeditions VR

expeditions VR

This VR teaching tool allows you to lead immersive trips all over the world and get more virtual reality experiences in mountains, underwater and at any outer space that you visit.

An additional feature in the app the solo mode lets users explore over 600 different tours by themselves.

For this experience, users just need to download the app, drop phones to Google Cardboard and then ready for the adventure.

App Features

  • Serves as a new way of learning for students with the help of AR & VR
  • Allows teachers to guide students with 360° scenes and 3D objects
  • Create your own virtual adventures

Ratings: 3.9/5

Installs: 1,000,000+

Download: Android, iOS

15. VR Haunted house

VR haunted house

VR Haunted house is a thrilling app with any number of paranormal activities active on both android and iOS platforms. You can play the game in VR cardboard or normal mode.

Users are the hero of the game who shall protect the house from ghosts and unusual monsters. There are easy, medium, and hard levels with different horror sounds and animations. You can easily play the game in automatic mode is at the center of the action.

App Features

  • Easy Bluetooth gamepad controls.
  • Magnet sensor to stop & examine the place.
  • Manual mode and 360-degree view.
  • 24/7 technical support.

Ratings: 3.9/5

Installs: 1,000,000+

Download: Android, iOS

Read Also : 24 Best Video Chat Apps 2023

16. Google VR services

google vr services

Google has established its best services on Virtual reality too. As the name implies, these are VR services supporting Virtual reality features on cardboard, Daydream, and such VR apps.

Google VR services include functionality entering, resuming, and exiting from the app, connecting VR headsets or other devices, and more. Daydreamer like apps dysfunction once you uninstall Google VR Services.

App Features

  • Timely notifications on VR devices/apps.
  • Quickly pair with VR headsets/controllers.
  • Provide better VR functionality.
  • Simple and Interactive UI.

Ratings: 3.8/5

Installs: 100,000,000+

Download: Android

17. Google Cardboard

google cardboard

Google Cardboard is very much popular among VR apps. This single app makes many other VR apps active and runs on devices. Most of the gaming and video apps work on Google cardboard for a smooth 3D view or fish eye view.

Cardboard puts virtual reality on smartphones and lets users view contents, install apps with wonderful VR experience. The app has a set of in-built VR demos from which you can choose one or get new apps. Carboard along with the Cardboard viewer opens up the full version of the app.

App Features

  • Exciting Tour guide and photosphere feature.
  • Fun & Simple Virtual Reality.
  • Immersive experiences
  • Easy to use UI.

Ratings: 3.8/5

Installs:10,000,000+

Download: Android, iOS

18. Oculus

oculus

Oculus VR device allows you to access thousands of VR content dedicated to you. Oculus stores help users to know about live VR shows or select content from existing collections.

Unlike other apps, Oculus has a unique feature of interactivity where you can connect with your friends and enjoy together. Oculus notify about the recent contents and your friends who are active in the virtual world instantly.

App Features

  • Manage multiple oculus devices
  • Browse and buy contents from the Oculus store
  • Reserve seats for VR events in advance.
  • Unlimited Video Casting.

Ratings: 3.8/5

Installs: 1,000,000+

Download: Android, iOS

19. Deep space Battle VR

deep satellite

Deep space battle VR is a completely free fast-paced VR shooter game. The game is exclusively made for Google cardboard. The app gives you a chance to become a lone space pilot defeating the shadow fleet coming against.

Deep space makes you feel like you are at galactic spaceships through immersive Virtual reality. The app contains amazing screen shattering effects with powerful audio.

App Features

  • No in-app purchases.
  • Customizable space rides.
  • Auto-firing options.
  • Fun and exciting VR game.

Ratings: 3.8/5

Installs:1,000,000+

Download: Android

20. VR Media Player 360

vr media player

VR Media player is one of the best VR apps that let users have a wide view of the content you like. It can display movies and photos in your local storage in 360° and 4k video quality.

The app also enables its users to zoom content by natural pinching and thus, a user-friendly design and navigations. Besides from the local storage, you can video via URL.

App Features

  • 3D & Full-screen view
  • Gyro sensor rotation.
  • Support an Equirectangular format.
  • Fisheye viewing of photos & videos.

Ratings: 3.8/5

Installs:1,000,000+

Download : Android

21. Youtube VR

youtube

Youtube VR is a perfect partner for users who wish to experience VR on the favorite video channels, creators, or any content. Youtube showcases thousands of videos and you can turn this ordinary platform into your own virtual reality experience.

 Every video you watch has a 360-degree view putting you at the center of the action. The videos make you feel in it as the detailed in-depth sounds too play a great role in your VR experience.

App Features

  • Switchable voice and keyboard controls.
  • Launched via the Daydream app.
  • High-quality spatial sound.
  • Complete signed-in experience throughout.

Ratings: 3.7/5

Installs:5,000,000+

Download: Android, iOS

22. Veer VR

VeeR

Enjoying your favorite videos is now easier with Veer VR. The app stimulates and lets you enter into a world of movies and animations with High-quality VR features.

You can watch any movie you wish in multiple VR devices that enable an immersive experience for you. The movies and shows are filtered from award-winning categories and film festival line-ups. Veer VR supports all mainstream VR headsets.

App Features

  • Single account for all devices.
  • Preview, bookmark, and purchase titles.
  • Truly awesome app interface.
  • Support 360-degree panoramic videos.

Ratings: 3.7/5

Installs: 5,000,000+

Download: Android, iOS

23. VR Fantasy

VR fantasy

Virtual Reality stimulates you into a dreamy world delving you into a 3D environment. VR fantasy makes you that ancient magical fortress who fights with a sword to complete each level.

The fortress is you and you can feel & roam around the dungeon as real. Many enemies appear right in front of you & you defeat them to reach the exit. This VR adventure game allows you to find out unique weapons and more thrilling activities.

App Features

  • A VR viewer like cardboard is needed.
  • Amazing live game experience.
  • Smooth & stable VR activities
  • Low cost & frequent upgrades.

Ratings: 3.7/5

Installs:1,000,000+

Download: Android

24. Daydream

daydream

Daydream app enables users to have a high-quality virtual reality experience. The app is a package of an ever-growing collection of apps, games, and movies.

It allows you to enjoy a personalized world of VR content with a ready headset and controller. Daydream-ready phones and headsets let users explore a new world of immersive games and your favorite VR cinemas on the go.

App Features

  • Intuitive Interface
  • Browse Featured content
  • Versatile collection of apps and games.
  • Launch Daydream experiences.

Ratings: 3.5/5

Installs: 5,000,000+

Download: Android

Read Also : 24 Best Stargazing Apps 2023

Conclusion

On the whole, VR is taking off in a big way and many companies in every part are working on this experience creating immersive solutions for a new kind of interactive experience.

app cost calculator

Even if you’re not ready to make a move into VR right now, it’s still ok but, it’s an interesting technology to pay attention.

Lately, there is a significant improvement in the development of virtual reality applications. Nonetheless, the market niche still stays a bit unfilled. There weren’t any massive breakthroughs in the history of the virtual reality app application development yet that gives a leap of hope to all new players to measure the success of the application such as Instagram, at virtual reality market. This seemingly exciting technology is significantly utilized in military services, entertainment, medical, and of course, there is education.

By 2020, the virtual reality market is estimated to hit $30 billion. On one side, tech giants and gaming  are  likely take over the field, but at the same time startups are here to  grab their space in the market revenue. However, before anything else, how much does it cost to build a VR app? The answer isn’t that simple. We certainly can’t say a definite number like exactly $50, 000 or even as low as $1000.

But to make it a bit easier for you, lets take a detailed look at the factors that affect virtual reality app development expenses in every step of its developmental phase.

Factors that affect a virtual reality app development costs

In the end, the development costs of a virtual reality application come down to whether you want to build a mobile virtual reality application or a mobile virtual reality game. You can expect the number somewhere between $35, 000 to $75, 000 for a non-gaming mobile virtual reality application and between $45, 000 to $100, 000 for a mobile virtual reality game. These numbers may  differ from company to company. Nonetheless, you can undoubtedly expect a six digit number for the development of a VR  app.

Now that we have seen the estimated cost of a virtual reality app, it is now time to dig deep into the various factors that åre directly proportional to the cost of developing a VR app:

What kind of software and content would you be using?

For any app, the primary 2 factors that determines the development cost is the type of content used and the software you want for your app. Usually, the content and the software are two distinct subjects, but however, when it comes to the budget, it is a bit complex to separate these two. Well, you can say, the more complex the content of your app is, the more complex the software has to be.

Also Read : How To Create a Mobile App? [Infographic]

For example, a mobile virtual reality app which lets its customers check the different products in 3D needs a comparatively simple interface. The development costs of the 3D models and the user interface are comparatively low. However, the point here is that whether you want to build a simple 3D environment or an engaging virtual reality game, the interface of the app will be directly affected by the content you choose and both will decide whether the development costs of your virtual reality go up or down.

Also, regarding the content of your app, there will be a couple of things you first need to decide.

1. What sort of content are you planning to have for your app?
2. Who will write/create the content of your app — Developer or a 3rd-party content writing services company?
3. How will the content of your virtual reality app affect your platform selection?

What kind of gadgets to utilize?

You need to learn and understand the set of gadgets that you want to pair with your virtual reality app. For example, Google Cardboard headset uplifts the consumer experience significantly. Moreover, yes, it is only cardboard. However, what about the whole variety of the probable complementary virtual reality gadgets that comes along with the headset? Supporting a comprehensive range of 3rd-party gadgets will undoubtedly take your app to a whole new level. However, of course, the costs will go up as well.

Virtual reality video or engaging experiences?

When compared to a highly 3D viewing experience, your app might not need to provide so much interaction. In any case, if 3D video is what you want then there are many hardware options for high-quality recording and producing good 3D video content at medium and professional stages.

Not to forget that there are some lower-end devices for Do-it-yourself (DIY) 3D video development and on the other side, there are companies specialize in 3D video production. The cost of DIY video gadgets ranges from a couple of hundred dollars to $10, 000 per minute.

What kind of strategy were you planning for your VR app?

This is one of the most critical and distinct steps. Although it may look simple, it is not. You certainly cannot afford to make any mistakes at this point as you will end up rebuilding the entire development plan later on. So pay utmost attention even to the minute details.

First, choose whether you want to build a virtual reality app for iOS or Android users. Wondering what difference it makes? Well, this step will help you define your toolset and get ready for the distributional work.

Who will build your virtual reality app?

The last important factor that will affect the development cost is for the team who will build the app — Who, where, when, and what conditions. These questions are essential to deciding on not only the budget but also the quality and time consumption to build the app. Apart from the platform (iOS or Android) of the virtual reality app, at the point, the concern is about the development company– Where it is  and how much does they  charge for the development process.

The development costs of your virtual reality app will ultimately depend on how big your development company is. There are freelancers and small companies whose charges start from as minimum like $5, 000 and go up to $10, 000 just for simple projects. If compared with the big firms, then they will charge no less than $15, 000 to $35, 000.

Also Read : 13 Best Augmented Reality Games For iOS and Android (2018)

For instance, the app development companies in Asian countries can get your project done even with the lowest prices. They will charge $25 to $40 per hour. However, if you want the same work to get it done either in Europe or the United States, then the charges will be at least $50 to $250 per hour.

Conclusion

More and more industries are now using VR based apps and thus this industry is merely to rise and grow in the coming years. However, if you look for the appropriate cost and quality, then you may want to look in a bit to different countries and their mode of development.

There are East Asian countries that charge less  per hour, where You might doubt the quality of the work, but you don’t have to. Not every time cheaper means worse quality. Moreover, again, it is ultimately you who will decide the development costs according to your priorities and requirements.

The field of Virtual Reality is going through many exciting innovations and changes. Although it is yet to be a household technology, it has already made inroads into the mainstream and commercial. That it is indeed the next wave that will influence our daily lives is vouched by the fact that Facebook bought Oculus VR in a US$2 billion deal. Virtual Reality apps is also changing how businesses operate and following are the ways it is poised to influence small businesses:

VR will change the way brands interact with customers

Virtual reality is exciting to customers because it engages more of their senses, captures their mind and triggers emotions that can never be aroused by inanimate 2D visuals. In short ,it is the dream tool of any marketer.

Must Read: 

Are Mobile Apps a Necessity Rather than a Luxury for SMEs?

Brands like Marriott and JC Penny have already given their guests and customers the thrill of a virtual tour of far off destinations. The important point to be noted here is that not all of these VR campaigns were driven by sales as the end. Rather, these businesses saw VR as an opportunity to engage with the customers and change the way their customers look and them. They wanted to send a message to their customers that says. “we work with cutting edge technologies to give you a unique experience”

There is a lot of scope for small businesses and entrepreneurs to connect with customers in innovative ways with VR. Imagine a food startup which shares preparation of your meal in a virtual reality. Isn’t it an appetizing and connected way to order a meal?

Cost Savings due to Virtual Reality Apps

Although Internet has negated geographical boundaries as a serious barrier for businesses, virtual reality apps will do their bit in getting us tangibly closer. Virtual reality can save a lot of time and money in travelling to places. It is already being used in realty and tourism sector. Being able to look for a new office space without stepping out of your office can save a lot of time and effort.

As technology advances, entrepreneurs can interact with all the stakeholders like vendors, investors and customers in a more personal way and saving cost all the while. Recruiting activity will benefit greatly as virtual reality will allow reading body cues and expressions of candidates from across the globe.

Quicker Product Development for Start Ups

A lot of cost can be saved in product development and testing, thanks to virtual reality. There is no need to build a costly prototype of your product for testing. Just introduce your customers to one in a virtual reality and make quick changes (or even real time in some cases!). Check out research work done by consumer Research Company Haystack using VR tools with their target audience.

Lesser cost in Brick and Mortar

Virtual reality will also mean that most of the businesses can display their products and services in a virtual world. This will drastically cut down on the need to have a retail space and maintain inventory costs associated with the brick and mortar model.

Advantage to New Age Start ups

Companies that are starting up with VR in their DNA will have great advantages over a bigger competitor who does not have VR integrated into their business because they did not see it coming, a couple of years ago. For example: imagine an shopping apps that does not have a virtual reality experience versus a newer one that is giving their customers an option to see how a dress fits and looks on them. The costs of starting everything from the scratch for the older app are big and so are the first mover’s advantage to a newer app offering virtual reality experience.