Virtual reality has never been more impressive or accessible, and Bigscreen has established itself as a leader in the PCVR space with headsets that combine lightweight design, crystal-clear displays, and comfort. The original Bigscreen Beyond, celebrated as the world’s smallest VR headset, gained praise for its custom-fit cushions and stunning micro-OLED panels. Now, Bigscreen is raising the bar with Beyond 2, a next-gen headset featuring a sleeker design, broader field of view, and premium upgrades.
Beyond 2 introduces a slimmer profile and improved ergonomics, making it even more comfortable for extended use. Its wider field of view enhances immersion, while performance upgrades promise a smoother, more powerful VR experience. However, these cutting-edge features come at a higher price, positioning it as a premium option compared to the original Beyond.
The big question is: Is Beyond 2 worth the extra cost over Beyond 1? In this comparison, we’ll break down the features, differences, and overall value of both models. Whether you’re a VR expert or just starting out, this guide will help you decide which headset best suits your needs.
Overview of Both Models
Before diving into the specifics, let’s take a quick look at the overall features of both models. Beyond 1 and 2 are both standalone VR headsets, meaning they do not require a separate console or PC to operate. This makes them highly portable and easy to use.
Bigscreen Beyond 1:
- Price: $999 (base)
- Weight: 127 g (headset only)
- Displays & Optics: Dual micro-OLED, 2560 × 2560 per eye, custom pancake optics
- Fit & Comfort: Custom-fit cushion via 3D face scan (iPhone XR or newer required)
- IPD: Fixed, derived from face scan
- Target Audience: Solo users who prize personalized comfort and simplicity
Bigscreen Beyond 2:
- Starting Price: $1,019 (base)
- Weight: 107 g (headset only)
- Displays & Optics: Next-gen micro-OLED panels, edge-to-edge clarity, 116° diagonal FOV
- Fit & Comfort: Choice of Custom-Fit Cushion (+ $120) or Universal-Fit Lightseal (bundled with Halo Mount)
- IPD: Manual adjustment
- Eyetracking Option: Bigscreen Beyond 2e (+ $200)
- Straps & Mounts: Soft Strap (included), Audio Strap (+ $129), Halo Mount (+ $180)
- Target Audience: Enthusiasts and multi-user households seeking versatility and cutting-edge features
Design & Comfort:
Weight:
- Beyond 1: 127 g
- Beyond 2: 107 g
Even a 20 g reduction in weight makes a noticeable difference during extended VR sessions. The lighter design reduces neck fatigue and improves overall balance, offering a more comfortable and immersive experience for users.
Customization & Cushions:
- Beyond 1: Comes with a Custom-Fit Cushion included by default, carefully sculpted using a 3D face scan for maximum comfort and a personalized fit.
- Beyond 2: Offers the Custom-Fit Cushion as an optional add-on for $120, utilizing the same advanced 3D scanning process but sold separately. Alternatively, the Universal-Fit Lightseal is bundled by default, serving as a one-size-fits-all light-blocking solution when paired with the Halo Mount.
Straps & Mounts:
- Beyond 1: Includes a basic Soft Strap, offering a lightweight fabric design with the option to add a top strap for better fit and support.
- Soft Strap (included): A similar lightweight option to Beyond 1 with added flexibility and support.
- Audio Strap (+ $129): Features integrated speakers within an ergonomic headband, delivering built-in audio that enhances convenience and reduces the need for external headphones.
- Halo Mount (+ $180): A premium suspension system designed for extended sessions, fully compatible with the Audio Strap and Universal-Fit Lightseal for a secure, comfortable fit.
Display & Optics:
Field of View:
- Beyond 1: ~100° diagonal.
- Beyond 2: 116° diagonal, enabled by redesigned pancake optics for a more immersive experience.
Clarity & Sharpness:
Both headsets utilize advanced micro-OLED panels, ensuring vibrant colors and deep contrast. However, the Beyond 2 features upgraded optics, providing enhanced edge-to-edge clarity and significantly reducing blur for a sharper visual experience.
Features & Tech:
Interpupillary Distance (IPD):
- Beyond 1: Fixed IPD based on the user’s face scan, tailored for individual use.
- Beyond 2: Features a manual IPD slider adjustable between 58 mm and 72 mm, making it versatile and ideal for multi-user households.
Eyetracking:
- Beyond 1: Not available.
- Beyond 2e: Offers optional integrated eyetracking for an additional $200. This enables advanced features such as foveated rendering for improved performance and more natural social VR interactions.
Portability & Build:
While the dimensions of both headsets are similar, the Beyond 2 benefits from a lighter shell and a streamlined single USB-C link box, making it more portable and convenient for users on the go.
Price & Value:
Base Cost:
- Beyond 1: $999
- Beyond 2: $1,019
Accessory Pricing
Custom-Fit Cushion + $120
Eyetracking (Beyond 2e) + $200
Audio Strap + $129
Halo Mount + $180
Total Possible Spend
A fully decked-out Beyond 2 can exceed $1,500, compared to Beyond 1’s all-in price of $999.
Upgrade Kit for Beyond 1 Owners
Bigscreen offers a “Beyond 2 Upgrade Kit” for existing Beyond 1 owners. Exact pricing and contents are currently TBD, but this kit may allow users to retain their custom-fit housing while upgrading to improved optics and the streamlined Beyond 2 shell.
Is the Upgrade Worth It for Existing Beyond 1 Owners?
Worth It If
- You need an adjustable IPD for sharing the headset with others.
- You want eye tracking to enable advanced features like foveated rendering.
- You seek a lighter shell to reduce fatigue during extended use.
Skip It If
- You’re satisfied with the custom-fit comfort of your current headset.
- You rarely share your headset, making adjustable IPD unnecessary.
- You’d prefer to allocate your budget toward upgrading your GPU or other VR gear instead.
New Buyers:
Beyond 2
- Best for multi-user environments and future-proofing.
- Premium features like adjustable IPD and eye tracking appeal to enthusiasts seeking cutting-edge technology.
Beyond 1
- Ideal for solo users wanting a turnkey custom fit at sub-$1,000.
- Outstanding pixel density paired with an ultra-light package makes it perfect for extended, comfortable use.
Alternatives to Consider:
Meta Quest 3:
The Meta Quest 3 offers standalone convenience with wireless PCVR capabilities, but comes with a lower resolution and is heavier compared to other options.
Apple Vision Pro:
Packed with cutting-edge features, this offers an unparalleled experience, though it comes at a premium price starting at $3,499+.
Valve Index:
With refresh rates of up to 144 Hz, it delivers smooth and immersive visuals for an enhanced experience. However, its high performance comes with a downside, as it is considerably heavier, weighing approximately 809 g.
HP Reverb G2:
The HP Reverb G2 features an ultra-high resolution of 2160 × 2160 per eye, delivering sharp and detailed visuals. However, its heavier design and lack of portability may limit usability for some users.
Conclusion:
For new buyers weighing their options, the Beyond 2 delivers unmatched flexibility, with adjustable IPD, optional eye-tracking, and a lighter build—albeit at a higher total cost. If you prize a turnkey, custom-fit experience under the $1,000 mark, the original Beyond 1 still stands strong for personalized comfort and simplicity.
For those already invested in Beyond 1, an upgrade makes sense only if its key new features—eyetracking, manual IPD adjustment, or the slimmer 107 g shell—directly address your pain points. Otherwise, your current headset continues to offer outstanding clarity and comfort without extra expenditure.
At the end of the day, Beyond 2 represents a meaningful evolution in PCVR headsets, but its true value hinges on how much you’ll leverage its premium additions. After all, the “best” VR headset is the one that fits your lifestyle—literally and figuratively.
