10 Best Android and iPhone VR Player Apps
12 Best VR Video Players in 2022
Using a VR video player you can get fully immersed in what you see on the screen. Either you watch people riding a roller coaster, participating in a football match, enjoying the views of the night sky high in the mountains or practicing windsurfing, you can feel like you are also involved in those adventures. Most programs allow users to split videos not to tire their eyes.
Top Online Video Rotators
While choosing the best VR player, you need to consider such parameters as compatibility range, the possibility to access media from different sources and change various settings for optimal viewing experience, as well as decent head tracking with reduced latency. We have listed 11 programs you can currently find and specified these parameters for each of them below.
1. SkyBox VR Video Player - Our Choice Support all stereo modes 360 video support
Recognition engine
HD, Full HD, and 4K playback Not found SkyBox VR Video Player DOWNLOAD FREE
Verdict: SkyBox VR Video Player tops our list because it has lots of cool features that can interest users. First off, it automatically recognizes video formats when you play a VR video. During numerous tests, it didn’t make any mistake.
Besides, it tightly works with numerous VR platforms – Vive, Gear VR, Oculus, Cardboard, and many more. Another advantage to consider is an integrated 4K video player.
Using this VR player PC, you can search for, watch, and control your favorite videos with the help of your VR headset. The variety of supported theater systems is rather broad – Space Station, Void, Movie Theater, etc.
2. Codeplex VR player Read local streams, files, CDs Mono, over-under, and side supported formats
3D audio base on orientation and position
You can use preset files for faster configuration Paid subscription when the trial period expires Codeplex VR player DOWNLOAD FREE
Verdict: Choosing Codeplex VR Player, you get a well-designed program capable of playing not only VR videos, but also those saved in 2D/3D formats. The video player is highly popular in the Oculus Rift community for its smooth performance, the possibility to read local files, CDs, etc.
Users can effortlessly open mono, over-under, and side file formats. Thanks to a 3D audio base, you can experiment with position and orientation settings. The availability of preset files makes configuration intuitive and fast.
3. 5KPlayer Download videos from 300+ sites Integrated streamers
Audio and radio support
Simple rotation tool Unusual interface 5KPlayer DOWNLOAD FREE
Verdict: 5KPlayer plays 4K/1080p/360° videos, DVD, and IPTV with ease. The developer has integrated AirPlay technology, instant screen mirroring into the program. Besides, you can use this 360-degree video player to record a screen in 4K, open and handle YouTube videos and playlists, arrange your favorite files in collections. Another advantage of 5KPlayer is a built-in library, which you can expand with your own playlists.
Though this 4K video downloader is available free of charge, it provides access to over 300 audio-video hosting websites, including Facebook, YouTube, Dailymotion, and more. If you like listening to different songs, you can take advantage of online radio accessible right from 5KPlayer. It supports such stations as BBC, Capital, Magic, and more.
4. VR Player Stream in 360° events live Read local files or call up remote URL's
Supports iOS, Android, and Windows devices
Can be controlled with voice commands Doesn’t support 3D surround audio VR Player DOWNLOAD FREE
Verdict: Those looking for the best VR video player, often prefer this program. It allows playing all kinds of 4K videos in a trouble-free way. Besides, you can keep the storage of your device uncluttered by using a URL link to a certain video instead of downloading it.
In case you are watching a video from another region and need to upload the captions to understand the plot, this VR video player offers such possibility. It runs smoothly on devices with iOS, Windows, and Android.
5. Total Cinema 360 Oculus Player Viewing a VR Video on the web Responsive customer support
Online video playback both on PCs and mobile devices
Demo videos Free version with limited functionality Total Cinema 360 Oculus Player DOWNLOAD FREE
Verdict: This free video player instantly amazes with its rich functionality that people using Mac and Windows computers, as well as those owning Android and iOS devices, can savor to the fullest. It provides optimized access to live action videos, non-linear narratives, and soundscapes in the best quality possible.
This free VR player allows people to enjoy live-action and Omni-directional content using the Oculus Rift headset. You can also take advantage of the functionality of the program to watch 360º videos. For beginner users to understand how all the features of this VR player work, the developer prepared 4 demo videos covering such topics as pausing playback, zooming and adjusting the distance of the eye from a video.
6. Magix 360 video support Works on Android, iOS and Windows platforms
Doesn’t require VR hardware
Intuitive UI You need to pay extra to watch some video formats Magix DOWNLOAD FREE
Verdict: This VR player for PC and mobile devices attracts users with a new approach to VR video playback that doesn’t require special hardware. It is possible to transfer VR videos from Photostory Premium to VR-X Player wirelessly at a really high speed.
If you like creating jaw-dropping virtual spaces and that sharing the result with your relatives and friends or marveling at the outcome on your own, this program can be really helpful.
7. Simple VR 3D Menus & File Navigation Understandable user interface
One-Handed Controls
Virtual Play/Pause/Stop Buttons Occasional bugs Simple VR DOWNLOAD
Verdict: If you need a virtual reality video player with straightforward controls, this is probably the best variant, as it has separate buttons for the most frequent processes such as play, stop, and pause a video. VR settings are fully customizable, so you can create a comfortable environment for watching various content.
Thanks to a file browser, finding the needed video won’t take much time. Once you are satisfied with the settings you got, you can save them for all future videos. Besides, the program allows drag and resize controls using motion controllers.
8. LiveViewRift Side-by-side stereo content You can watch mixes of standard and panoramic photos
Supports playback from YouTube
Allows watching full-length movies Crashes from time to time LiveViewRift DOWNLOAD FREE
Verdict: This VR video player is highly popular among users because it allows accessing different media storage and watching various files with the Oculus Rift. The program supports network cameras offering MJPEG-streams over HTTP, cameras supported by OpenCV, Blackmagic DeckLink, iSight, etc.
Not only allows this Oculus video player enjoy content online, but provides all the necessary features to watch video and photos stored on your computer. Besides, there are handy mapping functions for fixing image distortion, while FOV and view-pitch options are fully adjustable and automatically saved.
9. Opera VR Player Play all videos in VR Constantly evolving library of 360-degree content
Integrated VR 360 player
You can configure the stereoscopy Lacks a reading mode or reading list Opera VR Player USE FOR FREE
Verdict: Many users treat Opera as a regular browser and don’t know that it can function as a decent VR player. You just need to connect your VR headsets to initiate the playback. Opera VR player automatically chooses a proper format for your video and doesn’t require installing any software.
Besides, you don’t need to tackle various VR settings. Just launch a favorite 2D movie or regular 180º video through a headset and that’s it.
10. VLC 360 Cross-platform player Supports all Windows versions
Reads all file formats
Supports HLS, MMS or RTSP streaming Performance issues VLC 360 iOS | Android
Verdict: VLC Player is a free and cross-platform program that supports VR and 3D audio playback. It has a large collection of audio and video filters and decent subtitle sync features. VLC can play numerous multimedia formats such as DVD, Audio CD, VCD, and broadcasts.
The program has 0-copy on the GPU and can fallback on software when needed. You can use it to watch 360º videos, listen to audio in high quality, select different audio and subtitle tracks, take advantage of multi-core and full hardware decoding.
11. Homido 360 VR player Built-in web browser Capable of playing 360° spherical videos
Side-by-side video playback
Simple and fast navigation No desktop version Homido 360 VR player iOS | Android
Verdict: Thanks to a well-developed VR navigation system, you can easily browse the net, open a video file, record and download a video without detaching your device from a VR headset. There is a separate side-by-side mode that makes it possible to record videos with absolute convenience.
The strong point of this simple VR video player is that it allows watching not only 3D videos, but also 2D content in a good quality. The head tracking mode provides you with more immersive experience.
12. VR Gesture Player Head tracking support You can use a virtual mouse to select menu and search for words
Side-by-Side 3D and Top-Bottom video playback
Allows accessing and watching YouTube videos Fails to work properly sometimes VR Gesture Player Android
Verdict: Use this app to play regular and VR videos and enjoy IMAX-level experience. The most notable feature of the application is the input method with the gesture-based UI. In other words, it provides touchless control of your smartphone. Once you insert VR Gesture Player installed on your mobile device into an HDM device, your adventures begin.
A rear camera of your phone will recognize your gestures, so you can make adjustments and select the necessary files in such a way. The app supports 2D video in SBS with VR headset, SPS and top-down 360º/3D videos, and YouTube content.
Download GoPro VR Player for Mac
GoPro VR Player(was KolorEyes) is a 360° video & photo player for computers: watch 360° videos locally and enjoy professional playback features.
GoPro VR Player allows to watch VR videos at their original quality: watch 360-degree videos files stored on your computer at up to 8K resolution & 60 FPS (in Cineform or ProRes). Watch and proof your 360-degree videos & photos on your computer in full quality before sharing them with the world. Use the GoPro VR Player application or its included plugin for Adobe Premiere Pro and proof your content on a screen, an Oculus Rift® or an HTC Vive®. Let your audience experience virtual reality at events on a touch table or in an Oculus Rift VR headset. Or install GoPro VR Player on several computers and have the master installation synchronize the others.
Features
10 Best Android and iPhone VR Player Apps
Virtual Reality, referred to as VR, is the most prevalent news headlines. Many experts said that now is the time of VR, partly because major technology companies released new VR headsets, like Google Daydream View. At present, early adopters are eager to enjoy more VR content with their hardware. To catch up such demands, developers put a lot of efforts on VR player tools for Android and iOS. In this article, we are going to show you the best VR players on markets available to iOS or Android. If you want to learn how to enjoy VR content, you will find our guides are helpful.
Part 1. VR Player Software for Windows and Mac
VR videos has become increasingly popular on YouTube and other platforms. Tipard Blu-ray Player is a remarkably comprehensive media player software for desktop computers. It supports a variety of formats, including 4K UHD, 1080p HD, SD videos like MP4, MKV, AVI, WMV, MOV, etc. You can watch all types of VR videos with the original quality and the best entertainment experience. It is an excellent choice for VR video lovers.
1. Play 4K and 1080p HD MP4, MKV, AVI, WMV, MOV, M4V, etc.
2. Play Blu-ray/DVD disc, folder and ISO image files with the high quality.
3. You can take a quick snapshot while watching the VR video.
4. Control audio tracks, subtitles, screen size and video playback.
How to watch VR videos on Windows/Mac
Step 1 Download Tipard Blu-ray Player from its official website and then install it on your computer. Step 2 Run this media player and select Open File after entering the main interface. Choose the video file you want to play then Open. Or you can drag the file directly to the window to play it. After that, you can enjoy watching your VR videos with the best quality.
Part 2. Top 5 VR Players for Android Device
1. VR Gesture Player
VR Gesture Player is a special VR player app. The biggest advantage is to control video playback with gesture, which is especially important for immersive experiences. You do not need to take off your VR headset and set up the videos every time. What is more important is that VR Gesture Player could achieve such feature without extra hardware.
How to play VR videos on Android
Step 1: Download VR Gesture Player from Play Store and install it on your Android phone.
Step 2: Launch VR Gesture Player and open a VR video or 360 degree video.
Step 3: Put your Android phone in the VR headset and start watching it.
Step 4: If you want to go forward or backward, you can make left or right swipe gesture in front of your headset. VR Gesture Player captures your gestures using smartphone camera.
Other control gestures include clockwise and anticlockwise circle to turn volume up and down, left and right tilt to zoom in and out the images, or control the virtual cursor with your real finger.
2. VRTV Player Free
VRTV Player Free is simple tool for playing VR video on Android devices. Its key features include:
1. Watch VR videos with friends through sync feature.
2. Experience immersive virtual environment.
3. Configure multiple custom options.
4. Control video playback using Bluetooth keyboard.
Pros
1. It supports a wide array of VR headsets.
2. The VR experiences are smooth.
Cons
Some features need pay for upgrade.
3. AAA VR Cinema App
AAA VR Cinema App could turn your smartphone to home theater in a few seconds. Its main features include:
1. Support VR playback, 360 degree videos, and other video formats.
2. Optimize playback according to video formats, sizes and other parameters.
3. Play the new videos in VR mode without taking headset out.
4. Customize screen size as you wish.
Pros
It works for Google Cardboard and high end VR headsets.
Cons
The custom options make beginners frustrated without guides.
4. Homido 360 VR player
Homido 360 VR player is a simple VR playing app for Android users. Its principal features include:
1. Support 2D videos, 360 degree videos and panoramas.
2. Enjoy VR content in immersive virtual world.
3. Use head tracking system to control VR video playback.
Pros
1. It is compatible with both Android and iOS.
2. The configuration is easy with on-screen instruction.
Cons
It only works well for Homido Headset.
5. VR Player Pro
VR Player Pro is a dedicated VR player for Android devices. Its basic features include:
1. View 2D and 3D videos in immersive environment.
2. Supports to play online VR content.
3. Control video playback with game pad or Bluetooth keyboard.
4. Preset configurations automatically.
Pros
The preset feature makes it easier than other VR players.
Cons
You may need an extra VR adapter for Android phone.
Part 3. 5 Best VR Player Apps on iPhone/iPad/iPod
1. Mobile VR Station
Although there are not many VR headsets support iPhone, if you have iPhone 6s or iPhone 7, you can experience VR content with VR One Plus or View-Master, which are two VR headsets support latest iPhone models. When it comes to software, Mobile VR Station for iOS is a powerful VR player for iPhone.
How to watch VR content on iPhone
Step 1: Install Mobile VR Station from App Store to your iPhone.
Step 2: Configure this VR player according to your VR headset. You can select your headset from the list, then it will preset automatically.
Step 3: Play the VR content you want to watch and put the iPhone into your VR headset. Then you can enjoy it immediately.
Mobile VR Station supports to control by MFI Controller or Bluetooth keyboard. But the free version only plays first five minutes of each VR video.
2. Zeiss VR One Cinema
Zeiss VR One Cinema is a good choice for home entertainment using iPhone. Its main features include:
1. Open VR videos from Camera Roll.
2. Control playback with head tracking system.
3. Optimize VR experiences by re-center viewpoint.
Pros
1. It is easy to set up.
2. This VR player supports a wider variety of formats.
Cons
It will downscale the video.
3. Go VR Player
Go VR Player is a free VR playing tool for iOS devices, which is developed by Baofeng Mojing. Its basic features include:
1. Support 360 degree videos, HD MP4 and other video formats.
2. Use head tracking system to control playback.
3. View HTML5 videos from VR+.
Pros
1. It is compatible with most major VR headsets.
2. The video quality is good.
Cons
There are too many options to set up.
4. VRPlayer Pro
VRPlayer Pro is a paid VR playback app for iPhone and iPad users. Its features include:
1. Watch VR videos from camera roll or cloud services.
2. Supports both 2D and 3D video content.
3. Playback is controlled by Bluetooth keyboard.
Pros
1. It works with various VR video sources.
2. This app is easy to use.
Cons
The video quality and experience need improving.
5. VR Tube
VR Tube lets you play VR content easily. Its features include:
1. Discover content in YouTube VR channel.
2. Watch VR videos on iPhone.
3. Create playlist for view multiple videos at once.
Pros
It is a free-to-use VR player.
Cons
Ads are annoying.
Conclusion
Now, virtual reality is transforming into customer market. To meet the entertainment demands, there are already several VR players available to iOS and Android. In this article, we identified and shared top 10 VR players on market. If you just buy a mobile VR headset, you can browse our review and choose an appropriate VR content playing tool for your smartphone. Some apps support head tracking or gesture to control playback, like VR Gesture Player and Homido 360 VR player. Others use Bluetooth keyboard, such as VRPlayer Pro. You can prepare hardware according to your favorite VR player app.