Varjo Aero Review

Varjo is a Finnish XR hardware manufacturer that has launched a number of successful VR headsets in the past (Varjo VR-3 and Varjo XR-3). However, these headsets were aimed at the business VR market. For instance, you always needed to have a software license to use the headset. This changes with the Varjo Aero. The Varjo Aero is Varjo's first "prosumer" (professional consumer) headset. In this review, we will delve deeper into what this new headset has to offer

• Screen Type: Dual Mini LED LCD
• Resolution: 2880 x 2720 pixels (per eye)
• Refresh Rate: 72 – 90 Hz
• Field of View (FOV): 115 degrees
• Weight: 717 grams
• Tracking Method: SteamVR tracking (using 2 base stations)

The first thing you notice about the Varjo Aero is its exceptionally high image resolution. For comparison: the HP Reverb G2 has 2160 x 2160 pixels per eye and the HTC VIVE Pro 2 has 2448 x 2448 pixels per eye. In practice, you notice the high image resolution mainly because texts are easy to read and details are easy to see. Where in the past you sometimes had to get close with your head to something to be able to read it well, with the Varjo Aero you can see everything clearly and sharply right away

The field of view of 115 degrees is also a welcome addition to the Varjo Aero. With this, you see just a little more around you than with other headsets, which are often around 110 degrees. As a result, you have less of a feeling that you are looking through a tube, but more of a feeling of a natural viewing environment

When you unpack the headset for the first time, you immediately notice that the Varjo Aero has a wide cushion that sits against the forehead. This is a smart choice, as it ensures that the weight is better distributed over the entire head. You will not quickly suffer from red spots around the eyes, as the Varjo Aero actually supports its full weight against the top of the head. The Varjo Aero can therefore be called one of the most comfortable VR headsets currently available

At the back of the Varjo Aero is a dial with which you can tighten or loosen the headband. It's surprising that not every headset has this nowadays. The dial makes it much easier to comfortably put the headset on your head. And a big advantage of this is that you can press the headset tighter against your face, allowing you to better place the sweet spot of the headset in front of your eyes

The Varjo Aero is a SteamVR-based headset. This means that the headset can be used with Steam's hardware and software. In addition to the headset, you also need to have SteamVR base stations and SteamVR controllers (for example HTC VIVE Pro Controllers or Valve Index Knuckles).

The Varjo Aero uses lighthouse tracking. With this method of tracking, you place two (or more) base stations in the corner of the room. Make sure the base stations are at a good height, so they have a clear field to the tracking of the headset and controllers. If something is between the base station and the headset, the tracking may be lost (or work less well).

This method of tracking has its pros and cons. The disadvantage of lighthouse tracking is that you always need the base stations to use the headset. So if you want to take the headset to show someone else, you also have to take and set up the base stations. The advantage of lighthouse tracking is that this method of tracking is seen as the most accurate tracking method. Because the base stations have a 360-degree view of both the headset and the controllers, you never lose tracking (with a good setup), no matter how enthusiastically you are moving

In addition to using Steam, Varjo also uses its own software platform; Varjo Base. The Varjo VR-3 and XR-3 required this to be purchased as a separate license for 1, 2, or 3 years. Fortunately, Varjo Base is already included in the price with the Aero. Varjo Base can be seen as the overall control center for the Varjo Aero. It checks, for example, whether there are relevant updates for the Varjo Aero headset. To use Varjo Base, you always need to have an active internet connection. Because some users prefer to use the headset without internet (think for example of demo or event use at locations where internet is not always available) it is also possible to purchase a Varjo Base Offline Unlock once.

The Varjo Aero is a unique VR headset in the sense that it is currently the headset with the highest possible resolution. This comes with a price tag: the Varjo Aero costs €1,980.00 excluding VAT at the time of writing. This is almost twice as high as the HTC VIVE Pro 2 and as much as 4 times the HP Reverb G2.

The Varjo Aero is therefore intended for users who are looking for the very best performance in a virtual reality headset. Where image resolution, smooth movements, and a wide field of view are important. In practice, we therefore see that the Varjo Aero is mainly used by users who play simulation games with the headset. Think of someone who wants to play Microsoft Flight Simulator at the highest resolution. But the Varjo Aero is also frequently used for business purposes, for example by real estate agents who want to show their customers a very detailed 3D representation of a new house.

The Varjo Aero is Varjo's first consumer and professional VR headset in one. With a hefty price tag, it is a significant investment, but there is nothing else on the market that offers a similar VR experience as the Varjo Aero. So if you're looking for a VR headset of the highest quality, then the Varjo Aero is definitely a good choice!