Lifewire
Overall Findings
Large rig, often wired, that fits over your whole head.
VR puts you in a totally virtual world; AR enhances how you view the real world.
Stationary use cases, like education, design, and entertainment.
Lifewire
More expensive than smart glasses.
Lightweight and easy to wear anywhere; akin to eyeglasses.
Overlays information on what you’re already seeing.
Mobile use cases, like navigation, taking pictures, and viewing texts.
More affordable than VR/AR headsets.
VR/AR headsets and smart glasses are useful for different reasons.
Extended reality headsets are pricier, larger, and not as comfortable when worn for long periods of time.
Immobile; some are tethered to another machine.
Designed to look and feel like eyeglasses.
Extremely mobile; no controllers or other accessories to carry around.
Smart glasses provide enough area for you to still see regularly while taking advantage of their features.
Features: Both Devices Have Relevant Capabilities
Virtual movie theater or video game world.
Meeting space for co-workers and friends.
Guided directions while walking, biking, etc.
Information hub; translations, captions, calendar alerts, texts, etc.
Immersion: VR Is Fully Simulated
VR headsets let you experience a completely virtual world.
AR headsets blend virtual and real world elements.
Your vision is hardly obstructed.
Day-to-day tasks aren’t hindered.
Full immersion in a simulated 3D space is only possible with a virtual reality headset.
Price: Smart Glasses Are Far More Affordable
Powerful hardware doesn’t come cheap.
Could cost as much as thousands of dollars.
Fewer features means cheaper prices.
Usually priced at under a few hundred dollars.
VR headsets are far superior if you’re after life-like experiences limited only by the imagination of software developers.
AR headsets are ideal for the best of both the real and virtual world.
Generally, virtual-reality headsets have two screens inside: one for each eye.
