We’ve all been in some sort of virtual world for over a year thanks to the pandemic. From virtual doctor appointments to celebrations over FaceTime, the workplace is no different.
Online conference software has become a booming business across the globe. But tools like Zoom can only go so far, and human connection is still a major missing piece in remote work. While seemingly impossible, virtual reality (VR) can help make that happen.
Why VR for teams?
Let’s face it, remote work is the future, and VR gives teams the chance to meet as close IRL as possible. It’s not only a great tool for productive collaboration, but it’s also great to connect during off-work hours too.
But getting started in a virtual workplace isn’t all that simple. Every team is different and requires different platforms, functions, and features. When hosting your first VR meeting, it’s important to first familiarize yourself with the best options.
No matter what your needs are, there are new VR platforms and software being added every day. Which is the best? Well, that entirely depends on what you’re looking for. Here are the best VR platforms for a variety of use cases.
Best for Fun & Social Gatherings
Party Space
The name says it all–Party Space was definitely created for partying. This interactive 3D virtual event platform has the capacity for up to 10,000 attendees–all without the need for headsets. Created for business, it’s one of the most advanced tools for corporate events–even if you don’t know 10,000 people.
Accessible by: desktop
Starting price: demo needed
Horizon Worlds
Created by Meta (formerly known as Facebook) this popular platform is best for fun–however you define it. It’s a social collaborative resource that allows teams to connect via games and other creative tools. Take your event to the next level with a bowling party or a mindful meditation session.
Accessible by: desktop and Oculus Quest 2
Starting price: free
Best for Collaboration & Meetings
Horizon Workrooms
This platform isn’t called workrooms for no reason. It’s a great VR workspace for smaller-sized teams looking to collaborate together “face-to-face.” Whether you need to share screens, view presentations, or utilize whiteboards, Horizon Workrooms has it all–including your own personal office.
Accessible by: desktop and Oculus Quest 2
Starting price: free (beta version)
MeetinVR
All enterprise-sized companies could use a bit of organization and collaboration. Thanks to this specially designed platform, departments can connect with their specialized teams in VR. Optimized for taking care of business, handling various projects in MeetinVR might just be easier than over Zoom.
Accessible by: desktop, Oculus Quest, Oculus Quest 2, Oculus Rift/S, Pico Neo 2/Eye, Pico Neo 3 Pro/Eye, HTC Vive/Pro, Windows MR, Varjo
Starting price: free
GatherInVR
The name of this platform couldn’t be more obvious. When it comes to corporate meetings, keeping it high-level is important for efficiency, as is gathering in general. This customizable, conference-style collaboration platform is designed within a universe optimized for businesses of all kinds.
Accessible by: desktop, smartphones, all VR headsets
Starting price: $49 per user
Best for Exhibitions & Events
Spatial
Whether hosting an art gallery or showing off your non-fungible tokens (NFT) in real-time, Spatial was created with exhibiting in mind. Useful for a wide range of use cases, this platform is great for anything requiring collaboration or presentation style observation.
Accessible by: desktop, Oculus Quest, Oculus Quest 2
Starting price: free
FrameVR
If there’s anything you want your VR meetings to be, it’s immersive. The hardest part of hosting them isn’t just about functionality, it’s also about engagement. FrameVR is great for keeping everyone’s attention with the ability to import photos and videos for a more entertaining approach to team meetings.
Accessible by: desktop, Oculus Quest, Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, Valve Index
Starting price: free
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While these are just a few of the best VR platforms to choose from, it’s important to remember that you don’t have to be held hostage to just one. Different meetings and events require different tools, so don’t feel like you can’t explore your options. VR is an abundant world of its own!
