Varjo Aero
| Varjo Aero | |
|---|---|
| Basic Info | |
| VR/AR | Virtual Reality |
| Type | Head-mounted display |
| Subtype | PC VR |
| Platform | SteamVR |
| Developer | Varjo |
| Manufacturer | Varjo |
| Announcement Date | October 21, 2021 |
| Release Date | Q4 2021 |
| Price | $1,990 USD (no subscription) |
| Website | https://varjo.com/products/aero |
| Predecessor | Varjo VR-3 |
| Successor | Varjo XR-4 |
| System | |
| Storage | |
| Display | |
| Display | 2× Mini-LED LCD |
| Resolution | 2880×2720 per eye |
| Refresh Rate | 90 Hz |
| Image | |
| Field of View | 115° |
| Optics | |
| Optics | Aspheric lenses |
| Ocularity | Binocular |
| IPD Range | Automatic (mechanical) |
| Tracking | |
| Tracking | Outside-in (SteamVR Lighthouse) |
| Eye Tracking | Yes (200 Hz) |
| Hand Tracking | No |
| Audio | |
| Audio | 3.5mm jack, in-ear headphones included |
| Connectivity | |
| Connectivity | DisplayPort, USB 3.0 |
| Device | |
| Weight | 617g |
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.
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.[1]
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.[2]
Design and Hardware
Display
Industry-leading visual fidelity:
- Dual mini-LED LCD displays
- 2880×2720 resolution per eye
- 90 Hz refresh rate
- 35 pixels per degree (PPD)—industry-leading clarity
- 150 nits brightness
- 99% sRGB color space
- 95% DCI-P3 color gamut
- Individually color-calibrated panels
- Virtually eliminates screen door effect
Optics
Premium aspheric lens design:
- Aspheric lenses (not consumer-grade Fresnel)
- True-to-life edge-to-edge clarity
- 115° field of view
- Eliminates god rays
- No screen door effect
- Superior optical quality vs Fresnel alternatives
Eye Tracking
Advanced integrated eye tracking:
- 200 Hz eye tracking frequency
- Automatic mechanical IPD adjustment
- Dynamic foveated rendering support
- Enhanced application performance
- Precise gaze data
Build and Comfort
Designed for extended professional use:
- 617g weight
- 4 adjustment dials for custom fit
- 3-point precision fit headband
- Optimized ergonomics for long sessions
- Active cooling system
- Premium build quality
Audio
- 3.5mm audio jack
- In-ear headphones with microphone included in box
- No built-in speakers (external audio required)
Tracking
Uses SteamVR Lighthouse system:
- SteamVR 2.0 base stations recommended
- Compatible with SteamVR 1.0 base stations
- 6 Degrees of Freedom
- Controllers not included
- Compatible with Valve Index controllers, Vive controllers
System Requirements
- Windows 10/11 desktop PC
- High-end NVIDIA or AMD GPU recommended
- DisplayPort 1.4
- USB 3.0
- SteamVR base stations required (not included)
Pricing
- $1,990 USD (headset only)
- No annual subscription fee (unlike some Varjo enterprise products)
- Base stations and controllers sold separately
Target Audience
Positioned for:
- Flight simulator enthusiasts: Microsoft Flight Simulator, DCS World
- Racing simulator fans: iRacing, Assetto Corsa
- Professional visualization: Architecture, engineering, design
- High-end VR gaming: Users demanding maximum visual fidelity
- Medium-sized businesses: Professional use without enterprise pricing
Reception
Praise:
- "What the Future Looks Like" - Tom's Hardware
- Industry-leading 35 PPD clarity
- Aspheric lenses eliminate god rays and screen door
- 200 Hz eye tracking with automatic IPD
- Mini-LED displays with excellent color accuracy
- 115° field of view
- Active cooling for extended sessions
- No subscription fee
- Individually calibrated displays
- Exceptional for simulation
Criticism:
- $1,990 price (expensive for consumers)
- 617g weight (heavier than competitors)
- Requires SteamVR base stations (additional cost)
- Controllers not included
- No built-in audio/speakers
- VR only (no passthrough/MR)
- 90 Hz only (no higher refresh rate)
- Still requires high-end PC[3]
See Also
References
- ↑ "Varjo Aero VR Headset Announced with Price, Specs, Release Date". Road to VR. https://www.roadtovr.com/varjo-aero-price-specs-release-date-announcement/.
- ↑ "Varjo Introduces Varjo Aero Headset". Varjo. https://varjo.com/news/varjo-introduces-varjo-aero-headset-to-bring-the-highest-fidelity-virtual-reality-for-professionals-and-leading-edge-vr-users-alike.
- ↑ "Varjo Aero Review: What the Future Looks Like". Tom's Hardware. https://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/varjo-aero-review.
- ↑ "Varjo Aero Review: A Powerhouse Headset With Some Question Marks". UploadVR. https://www.uploadvr.com/varjo-aero-review/.