A mixed reality headset gives users the opportunity to experiment with various forms of immersion, combining augmented and virtual reality experiences. Though the market for mixed reality technology has evolved more slowly than the VR and AR landscapes, demand is increasing.
Currently, studies show that the Global Mixed Reality market is growing at a rate of 45.3%, to a projected value of $26.20 billion in 2029. For companies investing in immersive experiences, new forms of collaboration, and innovation, MR headsets represent a unique opportunity.
The question is, which vendors are actually producing effective mixed reality headsets? We created this market map to showcase some of the top companies in the MR space for 2024.
The article provides a snapshot of the vendors featured in our Mixed Reality Headsets Marketplace.
- Microsoft
- Magic Leap
- Lenovo
- Varjo
- HP
- Acer
- ASUS
- Dell
- Biel
- AjnaXR
- FYR Medical
- ESight
- Canon
- IrisVision
- VRgineers
- Lynx
- Valve
- Apple
Microsoft
For some time now, Microsoft has been expanding its foothold in the extended reality landscape, with solutions like Microsoft Mesh, Teams Immersive Spaces, and MR headsets. The flagship mixed reality headset from Microsoft is currently the HoloLens 2, available in various editions, including industrial and development options.
The device features see-through holographic lenses, comprehensive headtracking and eye-tracking cameras, and a 5-channel microphone array. It also includes built-in spatial sound, 6-degrees of freedom tracking, spatial mapping, and mixed reality capture capabilities. The HoloLens 2 is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 850 Compute platform, and custom-built holographic processing unit.
Magic Leap
Focusing on the needs of enterprise customers, Magic Leap creates augmented and mixed reality headsets designed to boost productivity, creativity, and collaboration. The Magic Leap 2 mixed reality headset is a lightweight and ergonomic device, with built-in dynamic dimming, and a set of intuitive handheld controllers.
Part of what makes Magic Leap’s headset so compelling for business users is its ability to integrate with a diverse catalog of applications for everything from AEC to healthcare and manufacturing. The MagicLeap 2 has some of the highest computer performance capabilities of any standalone AR device on the market, and the company even offers dedicated tools for developer customization.
Lenovo
Well-known in the computing and technology landscape, Lenovo produces everything from meeting room kits to VR headsets for business leaders. The Lenovo ThinkReality VRX is a mixed reality headset that combines a sleek and ergonomic frame, with a powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 1 chipset. It supports both 3DoF and 6DoF capabilities, and includes full-color high-resolution pass through for mixed reality applications.
Portable and streamlined, the VRX is also attuned to the specific needs of business users, with end-to-end security features, for assured compliance. Moreover, this solution enables comprehensive collaboration with built in audio, and a microphone system.
Varjo
Specializing in the mixed reality landscape, Varjo produces a huge range of software and hardware solutions for extended reality experiences. Solutions like the Varjo XR-4 promise an immersive mixed reality experience, with 4K resolution, a 120 x 105 field of view, and advanced sensor capabilities for eye and hand tracking.
Designed for collaboration, the headset leverages integrated speakers for spatial audio, and dual noise-cancelling microphones for communication. Moreover, this headset includes an in-built camera, allowing users to capture and share content on the move. There are even specialist variants available, such as the Focal edition for advanced passthrough, and the Secure edition for compliance.
HP
Building on an extensive history in the computing landscape, HP began producing headsets for both virtual and mixed reality. The HP Windows Mixed Reality headset is a streamlined device with integrated motion tracking, and a 2-in-1 cable for pairing USB 3 and HDMI connections. The product includes a 1440 x 1440 resolution per eye and a 90 Hz refresh rate, for high-quality visuals. Plus, HP supports six degrees of freedom with no tracking boundaries.
For ergonomics, HP has built its headset with a double-padded headband, an easily adjustable strap, and a front-hinged display. The device comes with its own convenient controllers, and works well with Windows operating systems, for quick access to a range of enterprise applications.
Acer
Targeting customers in search of simpler and more affordable mixed-reality experiences, Acer produces the AH101 headset, with wireless controllers. The headset features a Windows operating system, which works alongside 20,000 universal applications. It comes with a flip visor for ease of use, and the ability to personalize virtual experiences on demand.
The Windows headset also supports six degrees of freedom, and inside-out tracking, to ensure a safe and consistent level of immersion. Plus, spatial audio technology is built in, and the company has even invested in user comfort, with an adjustable double-padded headband.
ASUS
While ASUS hasn’t delivered anything new to the mixed reality market for a while, the company was one of the early entrants to the landscape. Similar to Acer, ASUS produces a Windows-powered MR headset, with inside-out tracking, and a resolution of 2880 x 1440. There’s also a 95-degree field of view and a 90Hz refresh rate.
The device includes its own motion controllers, and has a user-friendly design that allows wearers to switch between virtual and real-world experiences in seconds. ASUS’ technology benefits from a simple setup experience and lightweight design, as well as the option to add your own headphones.
Dell
Dell entered the mixed reality headset market in 2017, with the introduction of the Dell Visor, a headset specially designed for the Windows Mixed Reality platform. The solution features a 110 degree field of view, and 1440 x 1440 per eye resolution. Moreover, the headset comes with a set of ergonomic controllers, with built-in tracking sensors.
Dell’s technology takes a simple approach to mixed reality immersion, with no need for any base stations, and a portable, lightweight design. The device also features a tilt-up visor, so you can easily jump between your virtual and real landscapes without having to remove the full headset.
Biel
Investing in the emerging landscape for “smart glasses”, Biel’s headsets are specially designed to support patients and individuals with visual impairments. Unlike most mixed reality headset vendors, the company concentrates on empowering people to process visual information more effectively, using capturing, processing, and display modules in tandem.
The technology combines 3D vision software, with cutting-edge artificial intelligence for object detection, and mixed reality passthrough. Moreover, these headsets are highly customizable, with solutions that adapt to each person and the nuances of their visual conditions. The headsets aim to improve mobility, and maximize the remaining sight individuals have.
Ajna Lens
Indian company Anja Lens produces XR technology intended to augment and enhance human intelligence. The AnjaXR headset, available in both Pro and SE versions delivers a 5K resolution, with full-color passthrough, and ultra-low-latency performance. The company has taken an innovative approach to development, creating a lightweight device weighing less than 400g.
Moreover, AnjaXR headsets feature full IPD adjustment capabilities, to reduce eye stream, a Qualcomm XR2+ Gen 1 platform for powerful performance, and integrated hand tracking. Users can also expect fantastic visuals with pancake lenses and a 90hz refresh rate, as well as strong audio powered by integrated stereo speakers.
FYR Medical
Specializing in the healthcare niche, FYR Medical creates custom mixed reality smart glasses for medical practitioners. The company’s solutions combine unique eyepieces with integrated sensors, and a flexible, adjustable headset, designed to suit the medical and surgical landscapes. Each headset features two independent eyepieces capable of capturing, processing, and re-emitting light.
With these glasses, FYR Medical hopes to empower medical professionals with new levels of visualization, delivering solutions with true mixed reality 6-degrees of freedom, depth sensing, and light estimation capabilities.
ESight
Another mixed reality headset company with a specific niche focus, ESight creates devices intended to help users overcome visual impairments. The ESight wearables use small, high-speed, high-definition camera to capture a user’s field of view, them optimize and enhance the footage for the individual. This helps to combat the challenges of central vision loss.
Currently, ESight produces two headsets, starting with the ESight 4, a portable, lightweight device built with clinically-validated technology. The ESight Go, set to roll out in 2024, is a flexible, upgraded version of the previous device, with advanced connectivity, controls, sensors, and proprietary algorithms.
Canon
Camera developer Canon stepped into the mixed reality headset space with the creation of its MREAL portfolio. The MREAL X1 is a tethered system that connects to a computer to deliver immersive experiences. This device combines comprehensive mixed reality passthrough with a lightweight design for all-day wear and comfort.
With a resolution of 1920 x 2160 per eye, and a 120hz refresh rate, the slimline headset promises high visual fidelity, as well as 6 degrees of freedom tracking. This new headset builds on the benefits of the MREAL S1, a smaller, more entry-level headset produced by the company in 2021. Both headsets don’t cover a user’s entire peripheral vision, but presents virtual elements just within their core area of focus.
IrisVision
Focusing on the benefits of extended reality solutions for overcoming visual impairments, IrisVision produces intelligent “low vision glasses”. The smart glasses and headsets produced by the company include the IrisVision Inspire, a low-profile wearable software platform. The Inspire solution connects with smartphones and devices, and includes intelligent features designed to enhance and optimize the vision of patients.
The most recent device developed by IrisVision is the “Live 2.0 headset”, a comprehensive mixed reality headset with passthrough capabilities, and an octa-core processor. The headset also features a 1440 x 3210 resolution, adjustable design, and 50mp camera. The company also personalized training for users accessing the headset for the first time.
VRgineers
Exploring various aspects of the extended reality ecosystem, VRgineers produces devices designed to assist professionals with their everyday tasks. The company’s current flagship mixed reality headset is the XTAL 3 NEO, designed specifically for pilots. It combines an 8K resolution with a 120-degree field of view, and integrated eye tracking capabilities.
The XTAL 3 NEO has its own tracking system, and can be modified to suit different firmware, hardware, and software requirements. VRgineers also offers a limited edition mixed reality headset in the form of the XTAL 3 CAVU, designed with precision-engineered carbon.
Lynx
Lynx are the technology company behind the Lynx R1 headset, available in both development kit and enterprise editions. The headset offers both AR and VR experiences, with built-in privacy features for extensive compliance in the enterprise landscape. It also features an open platform, which allows users to create and integrate their preferred apps with the device.
The Lynx headset promises a 90-degree circular field of view, and dual 1600×1600 lenses. 2 stereo speakers are included for audio, alongside 2 microphone array channels. Plus, the solution includes tools for positional tracking and hand-tracking. These headsets also come with a Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 1 SoC built-in, alongside 8GB of memory and 128GB of storage.
Valve
Though the Valve Index headset, designed by Valve is often described as a virtual reality headset, it’s also capable of supporting mixed reality experiences. The system features passthrough capabilities which allow users to control their level of immersion. Headset users benefit from custom displays with high-resolution visuals, and a 130-degree field of view.
The headset is also highly customizable, with front expansion slots, and sample codes for the computer vision community. Valve’s Index headsets support multi-level tracking with Valve sensors, as well as offering users consistent comfort with a balanced form factor.
Apple
Entering the mixed reality headset landscape for the first time in 2024, Apple produces the Apple Vision Pro, a spatial computing device that allows users to control their level of immersion. The Apple Vision Pro features a 23 million pixel display, and refresh rates of up to 100 Hz. It also includes Apples proprietary VisionOS operating system, stereoscopic cameras, and spatial sound.
The Apple Vision Pro features multiple cameras for world-tracking, eye-tracking, and hand tracking. Plus, the solution comes with an adjustable crown dial, which allows users to easily move in and out of virtual and augmented reality experiences at speed.
