Bigscreen Beyond 2 vs Bigscreen Beyond 2e
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Bigscreen Beyond 2 vs Bigscreen Beyond 2e compares the Bigscreen Beyond 2, a lightweight PC VR headset from Bigscreen, with the Bigscreen Beyond 2e, the eye-tracking version of the same headset, also from Bigscreen. Bigscreen states that the 2e "adds eye tracking capabilities" and that "everything else about the two headsets is the same"; both use 2560×2560 per-eye micro-OLED displays, pancake optics, a 116° diagonal field of view and SteamVR Tracking.[1] Both were announced on 20 March 2025 at US$1,019 (Beyond 2) and US$1,219 (Beyond 2e).[2][3] Since 31 August 2026 they have started at US$959 and US$1,159, a US$200 difference that the store also lists as the price of the 2e option.[4][1] The eye tracking drives avatar eyes and blinking in social VR and, since 22 December 2025, dynamic foveated rendering in early access in supported titles.[5] As of October 2026 both models are on sale, and Bigscreen says eye tracking "is not available as a separate upgrade later on", so a Beyond 2 cannot be converted into a 2e.[1]
Specifications at a glance
| Specification | Bigscreen Beyond 2 | Bigscreen Beyond 2e |
|---|---|---|
| Maker | Bigscreen | Bigscreen[2] |
| Announced | 20 March 2025 | 20 March 2025[2] |
| First shipments | Late June 2025[6] | July to August 2025 (on 11 July 2025 Bigscreen expected to start shipping the 2e "in a week"; on 7 August 2025 it described both models as shipping)[7][8] |
| Status (October 2026) | On sale | On sale[1][9] |
| Launch price (US) | US$1,019 | US$1,219[3][10] |
| Starting price since 31 August 2026 (US) | US$959 | US$1,159[4][11] |
| Upgrade price for original Beyond owners (launch) | US$849 | US$1,049[10] |
| Upgrade price for original Beyond owners (October 2026) | From US$849 | US$200 more than the Beyond 2 upgrade[12] |
| Type | Tethered PC VR headset | Tethered PC VR headset[1][3] |
| Chip, RAM, storage, battery | None in the headset | None in the headset[13][14] |
| Display | Dual micro-OLED | Dual micro-OLED[1] |
| Resolution per eye | 2560×2560 | 2560×2560[1] |
| Contrast ratio (manufacturer figure) | 500,000:1 | 500,000:1[1] |
| Peak pixels per degree (manufacturer figure) | 32 | 32[1] |
| Refresh rates | 75 Hz, 90 Hz | 75 Hz, 90 Hz[1] |
| Field of view (manufacturer figure) | 116° diagonal, 108° horizontal, 96° vertical | 116° diagonal, 108° horizontal, 96° vertical[1] |
| Optics | Pancake lenses, per-eye adjustable IPD | Pancake lenses, per-eye adjustable IPD[1] |
| IPD range | Adjustable, 48-75 mm (55-70 mm physically), as reported by Road to VR | Same as Beyond 2[10] |
| Tracking | SteamVR Tracking with external base stations (1.0 or 2.0, sold separately) | Same as Beyond 2[1] |
| Eye tracking | No | Yes, built in; inference on AMD and NVIDIA GPUs[1] |
| Eye-tracked features | None | Per-eye wink and blinking for social VR; dynamic foveated rendering in supported OpenXR apps (early access)[1][5] |
| Controllers | Not included | Not included[1] |
| Microphones | Built-in stereo | Built-in stereo[1] |
| Audio | Optional Audio Strap accessory | Optional Audio Strap accessory[1] |
| Weight (headset only) | 107 g | 107 g listed for the Beyond 2 line; UploadVR reported that the eye-tracking sensors add 1.05 g[1][3] |
| Dimensions | 143.1 x 52.4 x 24-49.2 mm | 143.1 x 52.4 x 24-49.2 mm[1] |
| PC connection | 5 m fiber optic cable and Link Box; PC needs 1 x DisplayPort 1.4 and 2 x USB 3.0 | Same as Beyond 2[1] |
| Minimum PC | Windows 10 or 11, quad-core Intel or AMD CPU, 16 GB RAM, RTX 2070 or AMD RX 5700 XT (DisplayPort 1.4 and DSC required) | Same as Beyond 2[1] |
| Accessory port | 1 x USB-C (USB 2.0 speed) | 1 x USB-C (USB 2.0 speed)[1] |
| Prescription inserts made before 2025 | Compatible | Not compatible (inserts made in 2025 or later fit both)[1][10] |
| Special edition | None | VRChat Edition (Atomic Purple shell), announced 16 July 2025 at US$1,269[15] |
Display and optics
There is no difference in the display or lenses. Both headsets use two micro-OLED panels at 2560×2560 per eye behind custom pancake lenses, and Bigscreen gives the same 116° diagonal field of view for the whole Beyond 2 line.[1] UploadVR reported that Bigscreen measured the 108° horizontal and 96° vertical figures at minimum eye relief.[3] Each runs at 75 Hz with the PC rendering the native 2560×2560 per eye, or at 90 Hz with the PC rendering 1920×1920, which the headset upscales; Bigscreen acknowledged a "slight reduction in sharpness" in the 90 Hz mode and recommended 75 Hz for films and reading and 90 Hz for games.[3] The graphics card must support DisplayPort 1.4 and Display Stream Compression on both models.[1]
The IPD is set by hand on both: each lens moves independently using an included IPD adjustment tool, and Road to VR gave the range as 48-75 mm (55-70 mm physically).[1][10] Because the headset has no sensor that reports the lens separation, the user enters the IPD in the PC software.[3] At the announcement, UploadVR reported that Bigscreen was exploring using the 2e's eye tracking to measure IPD.[3] On the 2e, the IPD setting also affects eye tracking: Bigscreen says that changing the IPD after enrolling "can degrade eyetracking accuracy" and advises a new enrollment once the user settles on a new value.[16]
Glasses do not fit inside either headset. Bigscreen sells magnetic prescription lens inserts (a US$89 option on the store in October 2026), and here the models differ: inserts made before 2025 for the original Bigscreen Beyond work with the Beyond 2 but not with the 2e, while inserts made in 2025 or later fit both.[1][10]
Performance and hardware
Neither model has a processor, RAM, storage or battery. Both are displays tethered to a Windows PC through a 5 m fiber optic cable and a Link Box, and Bigscreen lists the same minimum PC for both.[13][1] The difference is the eye-tracking module in the 2e. Bigscreen describes an image sensor "the size of a grain of sand", and its teardown shows an eye-tracking flex circuit with two wings carrying infrared LEDs.[17][18] The eye-tracking model runs on the PC's graphics card; UploadVR reported Bigscreen's claim that its eye tracking runs efficiently on the GPU, unlike other PC VR eye-tracking solutions that load the CPU.[3] According to Bigscreen, a personalized model of each user's eyes is refined from a few captured eye images using GPU power that "exceeds the capabilities of at-home PCs", and the finished model then runs locally.[18]
The main performance difference comes from software. Bigscreen released dynamic foveated rendering (DFR) for the Beyond 2e in early access on 22 December 2025. The technique renders the area the user is looking at in higher resolution than the periphery, and Bigscreen claimed it gives "the equivalent performance of an NVIDIA RTX 5090 graphics card from an NVIDIA RTX 4090".[5] That is a manufacturer claim, not an independent measurement. The standard Beyond 2 has no eye tracking and cannot use DFR.[1]
| Title | Method stated by Bigscreen |
|---|---|
| DCS World | OpenXR Quad Views, with the separate Quad-Views-Foveated utility |
| Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 | In-engine Multi-View Rendering (AMD and Nvidia GPUs) |
| iRacing | In-engine, Nvidia VRWorks; requires an Nvidia GPU |
| Kayak VR: Mirage | OpenXR, set with the Steam launch option -hmd=openxr (setup guide) |
| Pavlov VR | OpenXR Quad Views |
Sources for the table: Bigscreen's DFR announcement and setup guide.[5][16]
UploadVR reported in March 2026 that DFR works in OpenXR 1.1 titles that support it, with a few titles needing Matthieu Bucchianeri's Quad-Views-Foveated layer; Bigscreen's own setup guide says most titles require that layer, while iRacing and Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 do not.[19][16] Bigscreen listed early-access limits: latency and accuracy were still being improved through firmware and model updates, the fit of the headset affects accuracy, re-seating the headset may require readjusting the eye tracking, and changing the headset or cushion position may require retraining the eye model.[5] Its setup guide says each eye-tracking model should match a specific facial interface and strap setup, and that OpenXR layers such as XRNeckSafer or OpenXR Motion Compensation may conflict with eye tracking.[16]
Tracking and input
Tracking and input are the same on both models. Each uses SteamVR Tracking with external SteamVR base stations (version 1.0 or 2.0), and neither ships with base stations or controllers.[1] In October 2026 Bigscreen said a 3DoF mode for using either headset in flat content without base stations was "coming soon", without giving a date.[9][14]
The 2e adds gaze as an input. Bigscreen passes the eye-tracking data into OpenXR for applications to read.[18] For VRChat, the data reaches avatars through Bigscreen's own software using OSC or VRCFaceTracking, and Bigscreen says developers can use the raw camera outputs, with community projects such as EyeTrackVR and Babble as alternatives.[18] In October 2026 the store's FAQ listed per-eye wink and blinking as 2e features; an undated answer in the store's question section, like Bigscreen's December 2025 DFR post, named blinking and VRCFaceTracking integration as supported and per-eye winking, gradual blink, eye wideness and pupil dilation as planned for 2026.[1][5] Bigscreen offers no first-party face tracking for either model.[1] On 9 October 2026 the company said a new eye-tracking model was "entering beta soon".[9]
Software and content
Both headsets run SteamVR content from a Windows 10 or 11 PC.[1] Bigscreen's PC software, the Bigscreen Beyond Utility, is installed through Steam.[16] The 2e needs an extra eye-tracking add-on in the utility, a token sent by email, and an in-headset enrollment before eye tracking can be switched on.[16] Software support for the 2e came in stages. At launch UploadVR reported that the eye tracking would at first mainly drive avatar eyes in VRChat, with foveated rendering planned for later in 2025.[3] On 12 August 2025 Bigscreen described its eye-tracking software as in beta, with an Eyetracking Beta Program open to all customers and native software that reported pupil position;[18] it shipped blinking and VRCFaceTracking integration between August and October 2025 before DFR followed in December.[5]
Comfort, weight and battery
Bigscreen lists 107 g for the headset alone and calls the rest of the hardware identical apart from eye tracking.[1] UploadVR reported that the 2e's eye-tracking sensors add 1.05 g.[3] Both use the same body (143.1 mm long, 52.4 mm wide, 24-49.2 mm deep) and the same facial interfaces and straps: a Custom-Fit Cushion made from a face scan, a Universal-Fit Cushion, or a Universal-Fit Light Seal, worn with the included Soft Strap, the optional Audio Strap or the Halo Mount.[1][4] On 9 October 2026, with the Universal-Fit Cushion sold out and about six weeks from a restock, Bigscreen launched the Universal-Fit Light Seal and made it the default facial interface.[9] Neither headset has a battery.[13][14]
Price and availability
Bigscreen sells both models directly from its online store, priced in US dollars, and says it covers VAT and duties on international orders.[1] At launch, Road to VR reported shipping from Los Angeles to the United States, Canada, Japan, the United Kingdom, Europe, New Zealand and Australia.[10] In October 2026 the store advertised shipping to more than 50 countries.[1]
| Product | Beyond 2 | Beyond 2e | Date or basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Headset | $1,019 | $1,219 | Launch, March 2025[3][10] |
| Upgrade for original Beyond owners (reuses straps, cushions, Link Box and cable) | $849 | $1,049 | Launch, March 2025[10][12] |
| VRChat Edition | Not offered | $1,269 | Announced 16 July 2025[15] |
| Headset | $959 | $1,159 | Starting prices from 31 August 2026[4][11] |
The two shipped at different times. Bigscreen first planned April 2025 for the Beyond 2 and May 2025 for the 2e.[6] On 26 April 2025 it delayed the Beyond 2 to June for a controller-tracking fix and said the delay did "not affect anyone who ordered the Beyond 2e", whose orders were then estimated to ship in June 2025.[20] The first units shipped in late June 2025 and, according to Bigscreen, were the standard Beyond 2 model without eye tracking. In its 11 July update, Bigscreen said a supplier had "incorrectly shipped a batch for Beyond 2 instead of Beyond 2e" and expected to start shipping the 2e about a week later.[6][7] By 7 August 2025, Bigscreen described both models as shipping.[8]
The VRChat Edition is a 2e only: a limited edition in an Atomic Purple shell with VRChat digital items, which Bigscreen said would be available "while supplies last".[15] In October 2026 the store still offered it as a US$250 option over the base headset, against US$200 for the standard 2e.[1] Owners of the original Beyond can still buy the upgrade from US$849, with eye tracking listed as a US$200 option.[12]
In September 2026 Bigscreen said both models were in stock and shipping in 1-7 business days and that it had no price increase planned "for now".[13] In its October 2026 update the company wrote that buyers who wanted a headset quickly should "pick up the Beyond 2e in Clear with the Custom-Fit Cushion or the new Universal-Fit Light Seal", which it said would ship in 2-3 business days.[9] MIXED noted that Bigscreen's statements about rising sales after the launch of Valve's Steam Frame were self-reported and gave no unit numbers.[14]
See also
References
- ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 1.12 1.13 1.14 1.15 1.16 1.17 1.18 1.19 1.20 1.21 1.22 1.23 1.24 1.25 1.26 1.27 1.28 1.29 1.30 1.31 1.32 1.33 1.34 1.35 1.36 1.37 1.38 "Bigscreen Beyond 2". Bigscreen Store. Bigscreen. https://store.bigscreenvr.com/products/bigscreen-beyond-2. Retrieved 2026-10-14.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 "Introducing Bigscreen Beyond 2 with next-gen optics and eyetracking". Bigscreen. 2025-03-20. https://store.bigscreenvr.com/blogs/beyond/introducing-bigscreen-beyond-2. Retrieved 2026-10-14.
- ↑ 3.00 3.01 3.02 3.03 3.04 3.05 3.06 3.07 3.08 3.09 3.10 3.11 David Heaney (2025-03-20). "Bigscreen Beyond 2 Has Clearer, Wider, Adjustable Lenses And Optional Eye Tracking". UploadVR. https://www.uploadvr.com/bigscreen-beyond-2-and-beyond-2e-announced/. Retrieved 2026-10-14.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 "Price Drop: Bigscreen Beyond 2 now starts at $959". Bigscreen. 2026-08-31. https://store.bigscreenvr.com/blogs/beyond/a-lower-price-a-sleek-new-look-and-a-shipping-update. Retrieved 2026-10-14.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 5.6 "Now available: Dynamic Foveated Rendering with Bigscreen Beyond 2e". Bigscreen. 2025-12-22. https://store.bigscreenvr.com/blogs/beyond/dynamic-foveated-rendering-with-bigscreen-beyond-2e. Retrieved 2026-10-14.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 David Heaney (2025-07-03). "Bigscreen Beyond 2 Has Started Shipping To Customers". UploadVR. https://www.uploadvr.com/bigscreen-beyond-2-has-started-shipping/. Retrieved 2026-10-14.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 "Beyond 2 is shipping: July Production Update". Bigscreen. 2025-07-11. https://store.bigscreenvr.com/blogs/beyond/production-update-july-2025. Retrieved 2026-10-14.
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 "Bigscreen Beyond 2: August Production Update". Bigscreen. 2025-08-07. https://store.bigscreenvr.com/blogs/beyond/bigscreen-beyond-2-august-2025-production-update. Retrieved 2026-10-14.
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 9.3 9.4 "Production Update for October 2026". Bigscreen. 2026-10-09. https://store.bigscreenvr.com/blogs/beyond/halo-mount-shipping-update-and-the-great-universal-cushion-swapy. Retrieved 2026-10-14.
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 10.3 10.4 10.5 10.6 10.7 10.8 Scott Hayden (2025-03-20). "PC VR Headset Bigscreen Beyond 2 Promises Big Boost to Field-of-view & Clarity, Launching Next Month". Road to VR. https://www.roadtovr.com/pc-vr-bigscreen-beyond-2-fov-boost-release-date-price/. Retrieved 2026-10-14.
- ↑ 11.0 11.1 Scott Hayden (2026-09-02). "Bigscreen Drops 'Beyond 2' Headset Price to $959, Halo Mount Resumes Production". Road to VR. https://www.roadtovr.com/bigscreen-beyond-2-price-drop-halo-mount/. Retrieved 2026-10-14.
- ↑ 12.0 12.1 12.2 "Bigscreen Beyond 2 Upgrade". Bigscreen Store. Bigscreen. https://store.bigscreenvr.com/products/bigscreen-beyond-2-upgrade. Retrieved 2026-10-14.
- ↑ 13.0 13.1 13.2 13.3 Adam S. (2026-09-25). "Beyond 2 is selling FAST... Why?". Bigscreen. https://store.bigscreenvr.com/blogs/beyond/beyond-2-is-selling-fast-why. Retrieved 2026-10-14.
- ↑ 14.0 14.1 14.2 14.3 Chris Steven (2026-10-11). "Bigscreen says Valve's Steam Frame launch grew its sales. The Halo Mount slips again.". MIXED. https://mixed-news.com/en/bigscreen-beyond-2-steam-frame-demand-halo-mount-delay/. Retrieved 2026-10-14.
- ↑ 15.0 15.1 15.2 "Introducing the Bigscreen Beyond 2e: VRChat Edition". Bigscreen. 2025-07-16. https://store.bigscreenvr.com/blogs/beyond/introducing-the-bigscreen-beyond-2e-vrchat-edition. Retrieved 2026-10-14.
- ↑ 16.0 16.1 16.2 16.3 16.4 16.5 "Dynamic Foveated Rendering: Early Access Setup Guide". Bigscreen. 2025-12-22. https://store.bigscreenvr.com/blogs/beyond/dynamic-foveated-rendering-early-access-setup-guide. Retrieved 2026-10-14.
- ↑ "Inside Bigscreen Beyond 2: The Teardown". Bigscreen. 2025-06-11. https://store.bigscreenvr.com/blogs/beyond/inside-bigscreen-beyond-2-the-teardown. Retrieved 2026-10-14.
- ↑ 18.0 18.1 18.2 18.3 18.4 "How Eyetracking Works in Bigscreen Beyond 2e". Bigscreen. 2025-08-12. https://store.bigscreenvr.com/blogs/beyond/how-eyetracking-works-in-bigscreen-beyond-2e. Retrieved 2026-10-14.
- ↑ David Heaney (2026-03-16). "Bigscreen Beyond 2 Now Ships In 1-3 Days & 2e Has Eye-Tracked Foveated Rendering". UploadVR. https://www.uploadvr.com/bigscreen-beyond-2-now-ships-in-1-3-days-2e-has-eye-tracked-foveated-rendering/. Retrieved 2026-10-14.
- ↑ "Improved Controller Tracking and Production Delay for Bigscreen Beyond 2". Bigscreen. 2025-04-26. https://store.bigscreenvr.com/blogs/beyond/improved-controller-tracking-and-production-delay-for-bigscreen-beyond-2. Retrieved 2026-10-14.