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