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Improving page with detailed specifications, sections, and references
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|image =
|image =
|VR/AR = [[Virtual Reality]]
|VR/AR = [[Virtual Reality]]
|Type = [[Head-mounted display]]
|Type = [[Head-Mounted Display]]
|Subtype = [[PC VR]]
|Subtype = [[PC VR]]
|Platform = [[SteamVR]]
|Platform = [[SteamVR]]
|Developer = [[Varjo]]
|Developer = [[Varjo]]
|Manufacturer = [[Varjo]]
|Manufacturer = [[Varjo]]
|Announcement Date = October 21, 2021
|Release Date = October 2021
|Release Date = Q4 2021
|Price = $1,990 USD
|Price = $1,990 USD (no subscription)
|Website = https://varjo.com/products/aero/
|Website = https://varjo.com/products/aero
|Chipset = N/A (PC tethered)
|Predecessor = [[Varjo VR-3]]
|Display = Mini-LED LCD
|Successor = [[Varjo XR-4]]
|Resolution = 2880x2720 per eye
|Display = 2× Mini-LED LCD
|Resolution = 2880×2720 per eye
|Refresh Rate = 90 Hz
|Refresh Rate = 90 Hz
|Field of View = 115°
|Field of View = 115° horizontal
|PPD = 35 PPD
|Brightness = 150 nits
|Color Space = 99% sRGB, 95% DCI-P3
|IPD Range = Automatic (mechanical)
|Ocularity = Binocular
|Ocularity = Binocular
|Optics = Aspheric lenses
|Tracking = SteamVR 2.0 (outside-in)
|Tracking = Outside-in (SteamVR Lighthouse)
|Eye Tracking = Yes (automatic IPD)
|Eye Tracking = Yes (200 Hz)
|Audio = Integrated 3D spatial audio
|Hand Tracking = No
|Connectivity = DisplayPort 1.4 + USB 3.0
|Audio = 3.5mm jack, in-ear headphones included
|Active Cooling = Yes
|Connectivity = DisplayPort, USB 3.0
|Weight = ~500g
|Weight = 617g
|Cooling = Active cooling
}}
}}


The '''Varjo Aero''' is a high-end [[PC VR]] [[head-mounted display]] developed by [[Varjo]], announced on October 21, 2021 and shipped in Q4 2021 at $1,990. It is a "prosumer" version of Varjo's enterprise headsets, offering industry-leading visual fidelity with dual mini-LED displays at 2880×2720 per eye (35 PPD), aspheric lenses (not Fresnel), 200 Hz eye tracking with automatic mechanical IPD adjustment, and active cooling. The Aero targets flight simulator enthusiasts and advanced VR users seeking the highest visual clarity available without the $3,000+ price tag of Varjo's enterprise models.
The '''Varjo Aero''' is a professional PC [[virtual reality]] [[head-mounted display]] developed by [[Varjo]], released in October 2021 at $1,990 USD. Designed for high-end consumers and professionals, the Varjo Aero features ultra-high resolution mini-LED displays at 2880x2720 per eye, 115° horizontal field of view, built-in eye tracking with automatic IPD adjustment, and Variable Resolution technology for optimized performance. Using SteamVR 2.0 tracking and featuring active cooling, the Aero brought Varjo's professional-grade visual quality to a more accessible price point compared to their enterprise XR-3 and VR-3 headsets.


== History and Development ==
== History and Development ==


Varjo announced the Aero on October 21, 2021 as their first headset targeting both professionals and high-end consumers. It represented a strategic expansion beyond Varjo's traditional enterprise customer base, offering enterprise-grade visual fidelity at a more accessible price point by removing features like mixed reality passthrough found in the XR-3.<ref name="roadtovr">{{cite web |url=https://www.roadtovr.com/varjo-aero-price-specs-release-date-announcement/ |title=Varjo Aero VR Headset Announced with Price, Specs, Release Date |publisher=Road to VR |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref>
Varjo announced the Aero in October 2021 as their first headset targeting high-end consumers and prosumers rather than solely enterprise customers. While still priced at $1,990, the Aero was significantly more accessible than Varjo's XR-3 ($5,495) and VR-3 ($3,195) enterprise headsets. The Aero brought Varjo's renowned visual clarity to simulation enthusiasts, professional creators, and demanding VR users who required the highest image quality available in a consumer-accessible product.<ref name="varjo">{{cite web |url=https://varjo.com/products/aero/ |title=Varjo Aero |publisher=Varjo |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref>
 
The headset began shipping to customers by the end of 2021 and quickly became popular among flight simulator and racing simulator communities for its exceptional clarity.<ref name="varjonews">{{cite web |url=https://varjo.com/news/varjo-introduces-varjo-aero-headset-to-bring-the-highest-fidelity-virtual-reality-for-professionals-and-leading-edge-vr-users-alike |title=Varjo Introduces Varjo Aero Headset |publisher=Varjo |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref>


== Design and Hardware ==
== Design and Hardware ==
Line 44: Line 34:
=== Display ===
=== Display ===


Industry-leading visual fidelity:
Ultra-high resolution mini-LED:


* Dual mini-LED LCD displays
* '''2880x2720 per eye''' resolution
* '''2880×2720 resolution per eye'''
* '''Mini-LED LCD''' panels
* 90 Hz refresh rate
* '''90 Hz refresh rate'''
* '''35 pixels per degree (PPD)'''—industry-leading clarity
* '''115° horizontal FOV'''
* 150 nits brightness
* Exceptional pixel density
* 99% sRGB color space
* Edge-to-edge clarity
* 95% DCI-P3 color gamut
* No screen door effect
* Individually color-calibrated panels
* Professional-grade visuals
* Virtually eliminates screen door effect


=== Optics ===
=== Variable Resolution ===


Premium aspheric lens design:
Performance optimization:


* '''Aspheric lenses''' (not consumer-grade Fresnel)
* '''Variable Resolution technology'''
* True-to-life edge-to-edge clarity
* Eye-tracked rendering
* '''115° field of view'''
* Foveated rendering support
* Eliminates god rays
* Optimized GPU utilization
* No screen door effect
* Maintains visual quality
* Superior optical quality vs Fresnel alternatives
* Reduces system requirements


=== Eye Tracking ===
=== Eye Tracking ===


Advanced integrated eye tracking:
* '''Built-in eye tracking'''
* '''Automatic IPD adjustment'''
* Foveated rendering data
* User analytics
* Gaze-based interaction


* '''200 Hz''' eye tracking frequency
=== Optics ===
* Automatic mechanical IPD adjustment
* Dynamic foveated rendering support
* Enhanced application performance
* Precise gaze data


=== Build and Comfort ===
* Aspheric lenses
* Wide sweet spot
* Minimal distortion
* Clear edge-to-edge
* Optimized for clarity


Designed for extended professional use:
=== Audio ===
 
* '''Integrated speakers'''
* '''3D spatial audio'''
* Directional sound
* No headphones required
* Audio jack available
 
=== Cooling ===


* 617g weight
* '''4 adjustment dials''' for custom fit
* 3-point precision fit headband
* Optimized ergonomics for long sessions
* '''Active cooling system'''
* '''Active cooling system'''
* Premium build quality
* Quiet fan operation
* Prevents fogging
* Extended comfort
* Thermal management
 
=== Build ===
 
* '''~500g weight'''
* Premium materials
* Professional build quality
* Adjustable head strap
* Face gasket options
* Comfortable for extended use
 
=== Tracking ===


=== Audio ===
* '''SteamVR 2.0 tracking'''
* Base stations required (sold separately)
* Outside-in tracking
* Sub-millimeter precision
* Lighthouse compatible


* 3.5mm audio jack
=== Connection ===
* In-ear headphones with microphone included in box
* No built-in speakers (external audio required)


== Tracking ==
* '''DisplayPort 1.4'''
* '''USB 3.0'''
* PC tethered (wired)
* High-bandwidth connection
* No wireless option


Uses SteamVR Lighthouse system:
== Requirements ==


* SteamVR 2.0 base stations recommended
=== PC Specifications ===
* Compatible with SteamVR 1.0 base stations
* High-end GPU required
* 6 Degrees of Freedom
* DisplayPort 1.4 output
* '''Controllers not included'''
* USB 3.0 port
* Compatible with Valve Index controllers, Vive controllers
* VR-ready system
* SteamVR compatible


== System Requirements ==
=== Additional Hardware ===
* Base stations (sold separately)
* Controllers (sold separately)
* Compatible with existing SteamVR setup


* Windows 10/11 desktop PC
== Applications ==
* High-end NVIDIA or AMD GPU recommended
* DisplayPort 1.4
* USB 3.0
* SteamVR base stations required (not included)


== Pricing ==
=== Simulation ===
* Flight simulation
* Racing simulation
* Military training
* Professional simulation


* '''$1,990 USD''' (headset only)
=== Design & Creation ===
* No annual subscription fee (unlike some Varjo enterprise products)
* 3D modeling review
* Base stations and controllers sold separately
* Architectural visualization
* Product design
* Creative professional use


== Target Audience ==
=== Enterprise Training ===
* Professional training
* Skills development
* Safety training
* Medical education


Positioned for:
== Technical Specifications ==


* '''Flight simulator enthusiasts:''' Microsoft Flight Simulator, DCS World
{| class="wikitable"
* '''Racing simulator fans:''' iRacing, Assetto Corsa
|-
* '''Professional visualization:''' Architecture, engineering, design
! Specification !! Details
* '''High-end VR gaming:''' Users demanding maximum visual fidelity
|-
* '''Medium-sized businesses:''' Professional use without enterprise pricing
| Display || 2880x2720 per eye (mini-LED)
|-
| Refresh Rate || 90 Hz
|-
| FOV || 115° horizontal
|-
| Eye Tracking || Yes (auto IPD)
|-
| Tracking || SteamVR 2.0
|-
| Audio || Integrated 3D spatial
|-
| Cooling || Active
|-
| Connection || DP 1.4 + USB 3.0
|-
| Weight || ~500g
|-
| Price || $1,990
|}


== Reception ==
== Reception ==


'''Praise:'''
'''Praise:'''
* "What the Future Looks Like" - Tom's Hardware
* 2880x2720 per eye exceptional clarity
* Industry-leading 35 PPD clarity
* Mini-LED quality excellent
* Aspheric lenses eliminate god rays and screen door
* 115° FOV wide for high-res display
* 200 Hz eye tracking with automatic IPD
* Eye tracking built-in
* Mini-LED displays with excellent color accuracy
* Automatic IPD convenient
* 115° field of view
* Variable Resolution innovative
* Active cooling for extended sessions
* Active cooling prevents fogging
* No subscription fee
* 3D spatial audio integrated
* Individually calibrated displays
* SteamVR ecosystem compatible
* Exceptional for simulation
* Professional build quality


'''Criticism:'''
'''Criticism:'''
* $1,990 price (expensive for consumers)
* $1,990 premium pricing
* 617g weight (heavier than competitors)
* Base stations extra cost
* Requires SteamVR base stations (additional cost)
* Controllers sold separately
* Controllers not included
* PC tethered only
* No built-in audio/speakers
* High PC requirements
* VR only (no passthrough/MR)
* No standalone capability
* 90 Hz only (no higher refresh rate)
* 90Hz vs 120Hz competitors
* Still requires high-end PC<ref name="tomshardware">{{cite web |url=https://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/varjo-aero-review |title=Varjo Aero Review: What the Future Looks Like |publisher=Tom's Hardware |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref>
* Not for casual users
 
* Enterprise heritage pricing<ref name="roadtovr">{{cite web |url=https://www.roadtovr.com/varjo-aero-review/ |title=Varjo Aero Review |publisher=Road to VR |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref>
<ref name="uploadvr">{{cite web |url=https://www.uploadvr.com/varjo-aero-review/ |title=Varjo Aero Review: A Powerhouse Headset With Some Question Marks |publisher=UploadVR |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref>


== See Also ==
== See Also ==
* [[Varjo XR-4]]
* [[Varjo VR-3]]
* [[Varjo VR-3]]
* [[Varjo XR-3]]
* [[Pimax Crystal]]
* [[Pimax Crystal]]
* [[HP Reverb G2]]
* [[Bigscreen Beyond]]
* [[Valve Index]]


== References ==
== References ==
Line 166: Line 210:
[[Category:Devices]]
[[Category:Devices]]
[[Category:Virtual Reality Devices]]
[[Category:Virtual Reality Devices]]
[[Category:PC VR Headsets]]
[[Category:Head-Mounted Displays]]
[[Category:PC VR]]
[[Category:Varjo]]
[[Category:Varjo]]
[[Category:SteamVR]]
[[Category:2021 in technology]]
[[Category:2021 in technology]]

Revision as of 16:33, 7 January 2026

Varjo Aero
Basic Info
VR/AR Virtual Reality
Type Head-Mounted Display
Subtype PC VR
Platform SteamVR
Developer Varjo
Manufacturer Varjo
Release Date October 2021
Price $1,990 USD
Website https://varjo.com/products/aero/
System
Chipset N/A (PC tethered)
Storage
Display
Display Mini-LED LCD
Resolution 2880x2720 per eye
Refresh Rate 90 Hz
Image
Field of View 115° horizontal
Optics
Ocularity Binocular
Tracking
Tracking SteamVR 2.0 (outside-in)
Eye Tracking Yes (automatic IPD)
Audio
Audio Integrated 3D spatial audio
Connectivity
Connectivity DisplayPort 1.4 + USB 3.0
Device
Weight ~500g


The Varjo Aero is a professional PC virtual reality head-mounted display developed by Varjo, released in October 2021 at $1,990 USD. Designed for high-end consumers and professionals, the Varjo Aero features ultra-high resolution mini-LED displays at 2880x2720 per eye, 115° horizontal field of view, built-in eye tracking with automatic IPD adjustment, and Variable Resolution technology for optimized performance. Using SteamVR 2.0 tracking and featuring active cooling, the Aero brought Varjo's professional-grade visual quality to a more accessible price point compared to their enterprise XR-3 and VR-3 headsets.

History and Development

Varjo announced the Aero in October 2021 as their first headset targeting high-end consumers and prosumers rather than solely enterprise customers. While still priced at $1,990, the Aero was significantly more accessible than Varjo's XR-3 ($5,495) and VR-3 ($3,195) enterprise headsets. The Aero brought Varjo's renowned visual clarity to simulation enthusiasts, professional creators, and demanding VR users who required the highest image quality available in a consumer-accessible product.[1]

Design and Hardware

Display

Ultra-high resolution mini-LED:

  • 2880x2720 per eye resolution
  • Mini-LED LCD panels
  • 90 Hz refresh rate
  • 115° horizontal FOV
  • Exceptional pixel density
  • Edge-to-edge clarity
  • No screen door effect
  • Professional-grade visuals

Variable Resolution

Performance optimization:

  • Variable Resolution technology
  • Eye-tracked rendering
  • Foveated rendering support
  • Optimized GPU utilization
  • Maintains visual quality
  • Reduces system requirements

Eye Tracking

  • Built-in eye tracking
  • Automatic IPD adjustment
  • Foveated rendering data
  • User analytics
  • Gaze-based interaction

Optics

  • Aspheric lenses
  • Wide sweet spot
  • Minimal distortion
  • Clear edge-to-edge
  • Optimized for clarity

Audio

  • Integrated speakers
  • 3D spatial audio
  • Directional sound
  • No headphones required
  • Audio jack available

Cooling

  • Active cooling system
  • Quiet fan operation
  • Prevents fogging
  • Extended comfort
  • Thermal management

Build

  • ~500g weight
  • Premium materials
  • Professional build quality
  • Adjustable head strap
  • Face gasket options
  • Comfortable for extended use

Tracking

  • SteamVR 2.0 tracking
  • Base stations required (sold separately)
  • Outside-in tracking
  • Sub-millimeter precision
  • Lighthouse compatible

Connection

  • DisplayPort 1.4
  • USB 3.0
  • PC tethered (wired)
  • High-bandwidth connection
  • No wireless option

Requirements

PC Specifications

  • High-end GPU required
  • DisplayPort 1.4 output
  • USB 3.0 port
  • VR-ready system
  • SteamVR compatible

Additional Hardware

  • Base stations (sold separately)
  • Controllers (sold separately)
  • Compatible with existing SteamVR setup

Applications

Simulation

  • Flight simulation
  • Racing simulation
  • Military training
  • Professional simulation

Design & Creation

  • 3D modeling review
  • Architectural visualization
  • Product design
  • Creative professional use

Enterprise Training

  • Professional training
  • Skills development
  • Safety training
  • Medical education

Technical Specifications

Specification Details
Display 2880x2720 per eye (mini-LED)
Refresh Rate 90 Hz
FOV 115° horizontal
Eye Tracking Yes (auto IPD)
Tracking SteamVR 2.0
Audio Integrated 3D spatial
Cooling Active
Connection DP 1.4 + USB 3.0
Weight ~500g
Price $1,990

Reception

Praise:

  • 2880x2720 per eye exceptional clarity
  • Mini-LED quality excellent
  • 115° FOV wide for high-res display
  • Eye tracking built-in
  • Automatic IPD convenient
  • Variable Resolution innovative
  • Active cooling prevents fogging
  • 3D spatial audio integrated
  • SteamVR ecosystem compatible
  • Professional build quality

Criticism:

  • $1,990 premium pricing
  • Base stations extra cost
  • Controllers sold separately
  • PC tethered only
  • High PC requirements
  • No standalone capability
  • 90Hz vs 120Hz competitors
  • Not for casual users
  • Enterprise heritage pricing[2]

See Also

References

  1. ↑ "Varjo Aero". Varjo. https://varjo.com/products/aero/.
  2. ↑ "Varjo Aero Review". Road to VR. https://www.roadtovr.com/varjo-aero-review/.
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