Best VR Apps for Fun, Education, Work

23 Best VR apps. Virtual reality for learning skills, socializing, work

Gone are the days when virtual reality apps (VR) are used only for gaming. Some of the best VR apps currently available focus on a wide range of genres and interests and diverse uses, including learning, training, entertainment and conducting business.

Virtual reality apps are increasingly emerging across a quickly evolving market and engaging different platforms. VR apps can add value to your life and skillset in several ways. Some allow you to experience the immersion of VR, others allow you to engage with others in virtual spaces, and others help you learn and practice an important skill.

Would you like to visit the Titanic just before it sinks? Practice lifesaving surgery without the risk of a catastrophic outcome? Or climb a mountain from your own living room? With VR apps, you can. Below, we give you a tour of the best VR apps of 2024 that are available for iOS, Android, Oculus, Playstation VR, HTC Vive, and other popular VR headsets.

VR Apps – Overview 

The world of VR apps can be exciting and even overwhelming. Having some foundational information about the benefits, technology, and availability of virtual reality apps may help you get started or expand your use.

Purpose – VR apps take you away from the current moment and into a simulated environment for immersive experiences. Those apps are designed for VR in education, training, entertainment, design, engineering, and other purposes.

Benefits – Some of the greatest benefits of VR apps include the potential to save money, move beyond physical limitations and make learning more engaging. Some are free and some have a price. You can find VR apps for common headsets on specialized platforms.

Types – VR apps can also be categorized as non-immersive, semi-immersive and fully immersive, depending upon the level of simulation. Whether you are looking to have fun, meet friends, shake up your workspace, conference with others, practice a skill or learn something new, check out the following list of different types of VR apps.

Best VR Apps 2024 – Top Picks

VirtualSpeech	SideQuest VR	Steam VR	Oculus VR
PC, Headsets	PC, Mac, Linux	Headsets, Windows	PC, VR Headsets
★★★★★	★★★★☆	★★★★★	★★★★☆
Visit Website	Read Review	Read Review	Read Review

While there are many, many VR apps available on the market, this list provides a sample.

1. VirtualSpeech – Learn Public Speaking in VR

VirtualSpeech (visit website) offers VR training for the modern workplace. Do you get nervous about public speaking? If so, you’re not alone. There is a VR tool to sharpen your ‘soft’ skills, such as business interactions, leading teams, presenting speeches, and improving your English language skills.

VR spaces may provide a more comfortable simulated environment to practice real-world skills. VirtualSpeech offers training that is included in one of their several courses, or you can use the training individually. There is also the option to combine the training with your company’s training system.

Once you purchase and download the materials, you can engage with those VR apps spaces on Oculus Go or Quest, Android or iPhone and Daydream.

Platform: VirtualSpeech | Style: Virtual Training Classes
Info: View course. For pricing and discounts – Visit website.

2. SideQuest – VR Apps for Entertainment, Education

SideQuest is a third-party platform to access VR apps for education, games and play. The app works with PC, Mac and Linux to sideload content easily onto your Quest.

With SideQuest, you will be able to access a store showcasing many VR apps and features. Browse apps with themes including adventure, fitness, meditation, puzzles, music, horror, education, games for multiple players and more.

3. Steam VR – App Platform with VR Content

Steam VR is an online platform to find VR content, games and community.

You’ll be able to instantly access more than 30,000 games and meet people from around the world. Some benefits of this platform include the ability to chat, participate in group workshops for play, a community in dozens of languages, early access to games, read reviews and earn achievements.

The virtual reality apps and content available on Steam VR work for HTC Vive, Oculus Rift, Valve Index, Windows Mixed Reality and other headsets.

4. VivePort – VR Apps for Games, Edu, BIZ

VivePort is a platform where anyone can shop and purchase different virtual reality apps. The online platform offers applications in 21 different categories, offering everything from sports to real estate to business.

VR apps are available both for free and for a fee. You can browse by single or multiplayer games, and you can also purchase VR gear such as headsets and controllers.

5. Oculus – VR Apps for Oculus Quest, Rift and Go

Oculus provides different headsets to help you get into the VR world. Their currently available headsets include the Oculus Quest and Oculus Rift. The Oculus Quest 2 is the current version and is an “all-in-one” headset; meaning, you can use it independently of your PC. Because of this, you have more ease of motion and ease of use.

It’s worth noting that the Oculus 2 links with your Facebook account to log in. The Oculus Rift, which is operated with a PC, offers a comfortable design and clear, engaging visuals. In addition to headsets, on Oculus you can shop hundreds of games to play alone or with a group of friends.

6. Unimersiv – VR Apps for Educational Experiences

VR apps aren’t just for entertainment; there are experiences built intentionally for education and learning. With Unimersiv (info), you can directly engage with experiences to help you learn about historical events and how the human body works. The VR videos can also help to facilitate team training for potentially dangerous activities such as operating a forklift. 

Whether you’re looking for use as an individual or are interested in the software for classroom learning, it might be worth taking a look. The virtual reality apps are compatible with Samsung Gear, Oculus, and Oculus Go.

7. Connec2 – Work Collaboration & Lifelike Social Experience

As the COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated, more and more people are working remotely. As a result, engaging virtually with colleagues is increasing. Connec2 is a VR platform for virtual collaboration that supports more personal engagement, through movements, high-quality voice and quick communication.

On the platform, you’ll find virtual environments and workspaces that adjust to your style and needs. Adjustments can be made in accordance with brands, including changing colors and adding logos or other visuals to the space. 

Price plans vary by scale and the platform is compatible with Windows 10 and Oculus.

8. Glue Platform – Virtual Collaboration

Are you working from home? Or having meetings with co-workers that aren’t in your same location? For some, these virtual interactions can prove awkward or cumbersome. Now, Glue is a VR apps platform for virtual workplace collaboration.

Teams in the Glue platform, team members can engage via their 3D avatars in spaces that vary from a virtual boardroom to a virtual island. 

The platform is compatible with PC VR, Oculus Quest and desktop programs. Pricing packages are for teams of 1-10 users, organizations of 11-100 users and enterprises of 100 or more users. Packages are between 40 – 50 Euros per user.

9. Immersed – VR Productivity

Another option to assist virtual work is Immersed, which is a VR app to coordinate both individual and group workers. Some of the features include virtual collaboration, sharing and adding multiple screens and unique virtual environments.

The application is available with Oculus Quest and Quest 2, with plans to become available on other platforms. The virtual screens available in Immersed are compatible with Linux, Mac and PC.

If your home office isn’t quite cutting it, or you participate with colleagues from around the world, the Immersed VR app might provide new and more exciting environments for collaboration and work productivity.

Reading tip: Review of Best Productivity Courses to work more effectively.

10. MeetinVR – VR BIZ Meetings

Have you ever found a Zoom call to be uncomfortable or draining? If so, this is not just your experience. MeetinVR is an online platform to help aid better, more productive virtual reality meetings.

MeetinVR supports interactions that feel more natural, including allowing you and your coworkers or customers to engage with virtual handshakes. The collaboration platform also offers features such as creating 3D mind maps and whiteboards, breakout rooms with different environments, and spaces for keynote speakers and presentations.

The platform is compatible with headsets such as Pico Neo, Pico Neo 2 Eye, Oculus Quest, Oculus Quest 2, Oculus Rift, Oculus Rift S, Windows MR, Valve Index, Varjo, HTC Vive and HTC Vive Pro. With limited capability, it is compatible with PC Desktop version.

11. Spatial – Productivity, Collaboration, Project Management

Want to take your virtual professional engagement to the next level? With Spatial, your personalized avatar – based on your own image – can interact with the avatars of friends and colleagues. In virtual workrooms, you can more easily use your hands as the mouse to draw, present, search and organize ideas.

Some traits available on the app are uploading videos, 2D or 3D images, screenshare and the ability to bring in outside information from different platforms.

Options for Spatial are available at no cost or billed monthly. The VR app pairs with several devices: Magic Leap, HoloLens, Oculus Quest, Nreal Beta, Android, iOS and Web.

12. vSpatial – VR Workspace

Another option for a VR workspace is vSpatial, which presents a collaborative toolset where you can engage with spatial audio, use avatars for “face to face” contact, and share multiple screens.

This platform provides you the ability to work from anywhere without the usual limitations of virtual work. vSpatial is available at no cost with Oculus Quest, Oculus Rift/Rift S, Index, Vive and Windows MR. There are additional costs associated with in-app purchases.

13. Dream – PM, Collaboration

If you’re looking for a VR app to assist with collaboration and project management, consider Dream which can be downloaded from the Oculus and Vive app stores and is compatible with the respective headsets.

Features include 3D collaboration to replicate real-life interactions and the ability to easily integrate common tools such as YouTube, Dropbox and Google Drive. These are accessible with an embedded keyboard. Dream also offers an “easy mode” which removes clunky mechanics and confusion with VR.

Reading tip: Review of best Project Management courses and certifications.

14. Sketchbox – Design & Collaboration Tool for VR/AR

Design, technology and engagement come together with the Sketchbox tool, which works both for VR and augmented reality (AR). Sketchbox (info) allows teams to host design sessions, reviews and presentations with a variety of virtual tools.

You can smoothly take ideas into prototypes. Sketches can be exported to other devices; you can host meetings and all models are automatically scaled with their dimensions. 

The Sketchbox website provides more information, including testimonials. If you or your team are creatives, take a look and see if this is one of the VR apps to enhance your work.

15. Wonda Spaces – Immersive Storytelling Platform

Are you passionate about storytelling? Wonda is a platform that supports VR storytelling in exciting ways.

Options for immersive experiences include live events with 360° videos for employees, project presentations, role-playing to practice real-world situations and virtual tours.

The plans and prices range from free to premium cost, available upon request. You can preview and use the application on HTC Vive, Samsung Gear VR, Oculus Rift and Go, Cardboard, Windows Mixed Reality and Daydream.

16. AltspaceVR – Attend VR Events, Shows, Meetups

Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the ways in which we socialize have greatly changed. Now, technology is adapting to help us connect with friends – near and far – through virtual reality.

AltspaceVR offers access to different events daily, where you can socialize and learn with others in a virtual space. You can attend or host events and classes, whenever you’d like.

If you’d like to try these meetups, AltspaceVR is compatible at no cost with Oculus Rift/Rift S, HTC Vive, Quest/Quest 2, Windows Mixed Reality and in 2D Mode on PC.

17. BigScreen – Watch Movies + VR Hangout

Are you a movie buff? If so, there’s a VR app for that. In BigScreen (info), you can watch movies and sports games with fellow fans from all around the world.

In BigScreen, you can also create an avatar to interact with others, play games and chat with friends. The VR app can be downloaded for free from Vive, Oculus Quest/Rift S/Go, Steam VR, Valve Index and Windows Mixed Reality.

If you’re interested, grab some popcorn and check it out. It’s one of the most popular and best VR apps for entertainment.

Reading tip: List of virtual field trips to use VR in schools and homeschooling.

18. Engage – VR Training App & Education

VR is also a great tool for learning and training. For example, the ENGAGE app provides a space for virtual events, simulated training and collaborative education.

You’ll have the opportunity to host live meetings, stream presentations, record training and other events, easily create training and VR experiences, generate avatars and create quizzes, tests and forms to monitor how all meetings are going.

Subscription pricing varies by levels and features but begins with a subscription for no cost. ENGAGE can be used with Oculus Quest, Vive Focus Plus, Viveport, Pico, Steam VR and PC VR.

19. Acadicus – VR Training for Real-World Problems

One great aspect of VR is the ability to simulate expensive or dangerous scenarios and training for practice in a safe environment. Acadius (info) provides a space to exercise and learn skills.

Simulations can be accessed to explore and engage publicly at no cost including emergency room content, veterinary anatomy, EMS content, human anatomy and a nursing simulation. Or, if you’d like to generate your own virtual simulation, you can use the Acadicus Pro subscription.

You can record simulations, edit scenes and engage with multiple users simultaneously. The app can be used in VR mode with hardware or non-VR mode with a computer.

20. Robotics in VR – Become an Inventor in Robotics

More and more, robotics is influencing nearly all aspects of our lives, from work to home. With Robotics in VR, available on SideQuest, you have the ability to invest and learn about robotics through programming and playing.

You can use Oculus Rift and HTC Vive to engage in design and programming robots, with options to engage in ‘easy’ or ‘advanced’ mode.

21. InCell – In-Body Travel. Cell Anatomy – iOS, Android

Have you ever wondered what goes on inside the cells of our bodies? InCell (iOS) is an immersive VR game that allows you to race through the cells of the human body.

This game is an option to help familiarize yourself with VR apps and gaming, while also providing an educational aspect. The game combines excitement, strategy and science.

If you’re looking for something that combines anatomy and thrills, consider this app. While the game is best played in VR, it can also be played with VR mode switched off.

22. inMind 2 VR – iOS

If you’re looking for an exciting game that blends strategy, science and the chemistry of the human brain, there is the VR game InMind 2 (iOS).

The concept of the game involves a teenager turning into an adult, and you support developing his adult life through engaging with his brain and emotions. While playing, you’ll learn the power of a single molecule to shape a person’s life.

The game can be played both with and without VR and is designed to function on an iPad but you can use it on iPhones as well. One of the best VR apps for a younger audience.

23. Within – iOS, Oculus, Steam, Playstation VR 

Arts, cinema, design and VR collide with the app Within. This application provides you access to engaging visual stories. You’ll have access to VR images of real people and places, animation, music videos and documentaries.

The content is selected monthly from film festivals, studios and creators. It is available to download or stream (iOS info).

While the experience isn’t interactive, it boasts great reviews and is available at no cost. Within works with Google Cardboard, but can also be viewed on a phone without a headset.

How to Choose the Best VR Apps

Want to get started with using some of the best VR apps listed above or try a new one? There are a few things to consider.

First, ask yourself what is your goal or motivation. This might include:

• Have fun and meet friends
• Learn and practice a new skill
• Enhance your work environment for greater productivity
• Collaborate with others

And it might be worthwhile to consider the logistics. For example:

• Do you need a headset or other hardware?
• Is the app free or with a cost?

Take your time exploring what is available and, if you can, try out a few and see which of these are the best virtual reality apps you can enjoy the most. 

Best VR Apps for Education 2024 – Conclusion 

Wrapping up our tour of the best VR apps. Virtual reality apps can transport you beyond your current physical limitations. As the pandemic continues to alter our abilities to move and engage with others, VR provides a unique opportunity to learn, train, work and be entertained in new and exciting ways.

The market is quickly changing, with promising VR apps emerging for all genres. Because of this, there is an opportunity and app for everyone’s interests and goals. 

So, whether you’re a VR junkie or someone who has yet to try the technology, let your curiosity guide you through the world of available virtual reality apps.

Additional Best Virtual Reality Apps

The market for virtual reality apps is growing, and this list is not meant to be comprehensive. Below we just want to list some of the other best VR apps available but without further description.

1. The Guardian VR iOS.
2. Dinotrek iOS
3. Google Cardboard – Android, iOS
4. Google Expeditions
5. Colosse – Steam, Oculus
6. Google Earth 
7. Veer VR Steam, Oculus, VivePort
8. Oxford Medial Solutions
9. Couch Live – VR TV Room

What are the best VR apps in 2024? Do you use VR for education, collaboration, work and entertainment? Let us know your experience in the comments below.

Sources: Why Zoom chats are so exhausting – BBC | Social cognition during Corona – Frontiers