Upcoming VR Headsets 2026: New Releases and What's Coming Next
Last updated: June 20, 2026
Part of our Best VR Headsets buyer's guide.
2026 has already delivered the Samsung Galaxy XR and the ultralight Bigscreen Beyond 2, plus an M5 refresh of the Apple Vision Pro. Still on the horizon are Valve's much-anticipated Steam Frame, a wave of smart glasses, and the Meta Quest 4, which is expected around 2027. This is our running guide to the newest and upcoming VR headsets, updated as they are announced and released.
Just launched in 2026
Samsung Galaxy XR. The flagship of Google's Android XR platform has arrived, with eye and hand tracking and Gemini-powered spatial AI. At $1,799 it is the most credible Apple Vision Pro alternative in the Android ecosystem. It is our top Android XR pick in the best standalone VR headset guide.
Bigscreen Beyond 2. At 107 grams it is the lightest and one of the sharpest PC VR headsets ever made, custom-fit and aimed at enthusiasts, for $1,019. See where it lands in our best PC VR headset guide.
Apple Vision Pro (M5). Apple refreshed its spatial computer with the faster M5 chip, keeping the class-leading micro-OLED displays and visionOS. It remains a premium media and productivity device at $3,499 rather than a gaming headset.
On the horizon
Valve Steam Frame. The most anticipated headset coming, Valve's Steam Frame is expected to bridge standalone and wireless PC VR inside the Steam ecosystem and pair with Valve's new controllers. Full specifications, pricing, and a firm date are not confirmed, so treat details as rumor for now, but it is the one PC VR fans are watching most.
Meta Quest 4. Meta's next mainstream headset is expected around 2027, with reports pointing to a much lighter, glasses-like design. Until then, the Quest 3 and Quest 3S are the current Meta headsets, and there is no need to wait if you want one now.
Samsung Galaxy Glasses and the smart-glasses wave.Beyond full headsets, a growing category of AI smart glasses is arriving, including Samsung's Galaxy Glasses on Android XR. These are complementary to VR rather than replacements, focused on audio, cameras, and lightweight displays. We track them in our best AR glasses guide.
Should you wait or buy now?
For most people, there is no reason to wait. The headsets that are shipping today are excellent, and the most exciting upcoming options are either far off or aimed at niches. If you want a headset now, start with our best VR headsets guide or the best standalone and best PC VR picks. We update this page as new headsets are announced, so check back for the latest.
New 2026 headsets at a glance
| Headset | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy XR | $1,799 | Flagship Android XR, a Vision Pro alternative |
| Apple Vision Pro (M5) | $3,499 | Premium spatial computing and media |
| Bigscreen Beyond 2 | $1,019 | Ultralight enthusiast PC VR |
| Meta Quest 3 (512GB) | $599 | Best all-around standalone to buy now |
| Meta Quest 3S (128GB) | $349 | Cheapest way into standalone VR today |
New 2026 headsets you can buy today, with prices from our live VR.org deals tracker. The most anticipated upcoming models (Valve Steam Frame, Meta Quest 4) are left off until their pricing is confirmed.
Frequently asked questions
What new VR headsets are coming in 2026?
2026 has already brought the Samsung Galaxy XR, the flagship Android XR headset, and the ultralight Bigscreen Beyond 2 for PC VR, alongside an M5-chip refresh of the Apple Vision Pro. Still to come are Valve's much-anticipated Steam Frame and a wave of smart glasses including Samsung's Galaxy Glasses. The Meta Quest 4 is expected later, around 2027.
When is the Valve Steam Frame coming out?
Valve's Steam Frame is the most anticipated VR headset on the horizon, expected to blend standalone and wireless PC VR within the Steam ecosystem and pair with Valve's new controllers. Valve has not finalized full specifications, pricing, or a firm release date, so treat any specifics as unconfirmed. It is the headset PC VR enthusiasts are watching most closely.
When is the Meta Quest 4 coming out?
The Meta Quest 4 is expected around 2027 rather than 2026. Reports indicate Meta is focused on making it significantly lighter and more glasses-like than the Quest 3. Until it arrives, the Quest 3 and Quest 3S remain Meta's current standalone headsets, and there is no reason to wait if you want a headset now.
Should I wait for an upcoming VR headset or buy now?
For most buyers, there is no reason to wait. The Quest 3 and Quest 3S are excellent and fully supported, and the headsets on the horizon are either far off (Quest 4 around 2027) or aimed at niches (enthusiast PC VR, smart glasses). If you specifically want wireless PC VR in the Steam ecosystem, keeping an eye on the Steam Frame makes sense; otherwise, buying a current headset gets you playing today.
Are smart glasses replacing VR headsets?
Not yet. Smart glasses like Ray-Ban Meta and the upcoming Samsung Galaxy Glasses are a fast-growing, complementary category focused on AI, audio, cameras, and lightweight displays, but they do not deliver full immersive VR. VR headsets remain the device for gaming, fitness, and mixed reality. The two categories are converging over time, but for now they serve different needs.