Photo by Maurizio Pesce (CC BY 2.0)

Once upon a time not too long ago, a world in which virtual reality headsets provided a widely-used form of entertainment was looked upon as nothing more than a utopian pipe dream.

Fast forward to the present day and this fantasy is very much a reality. These days it is possible to purchase a VR headset and enjoy a variety of spectacular, immersive games and experiences. One fast-growing area of technology right now is the VR mobile apps sector, with both Android and Apple’s iOS systems receiving a huge influx of playable titles. Indeed, the new Oculus Quest headset was recently released with a wide range of games available to download right out of the box. These include popular titles such as FujiiPokerStars VR and Rec Room.

With so much on offer, it can be tough for even the most discerning and invested technophiles to decide which titles to spend money and time on. Fortunately, our guide to the best apps available for iOS and Android right now will put you in great stead to make a wise, informed decision that will provide hours of wonder and enjoyment.

So, without further ado, let’s take a look at the best VR apps available for iOS and Android right now…

YouTube VR

The idea is simple—this app allows you to enjoy your favourite YouTube videos using Android VR headsets, including Google Cardboard.

With this app users can enjoy immersive, cinematic-style viewing of YouTube, and, as such, it is an essential component of any VR headset user’s arsenal. Once you have seen a video in VR, there really is nothing like it, and with the technology set to continue to improve, YouTube VR is likely to be an app we will hear a lot more from in future. 

Also available for iOS, YouTube VR is investing heavily in the potential of the 360-degree video feature, which allows creators and consumers to enjoy the benefits and the novelty of an immersive video that creates the illusion of surrounding the viewer.

Google Cardboard

Exclusively available on the Android system, Google Cardboard is the fundamental app that all users of the tech-giant’s namesake VR headset must first install. This app acts as a kind of home space for Cardboard users to download apps, enjoy VR videos and experience demonstrations. 

Whilst there are some great apps available for download within Google Cardboard, this fundamental VR app makes it onto our list due to its indispensable nature. 

Photo by Maurizio Pesce (CC BY 2.0)

Discovery VR

Perhaps the most purely enjoyable of all the VR apps for iOS and Android, Discovery VR is a stunning, immersive experience that is universally loved by all fortunate enough to have enjoyed it. Completely free to boot, the app immerses users in the wonders of the world, with 360-degree videos from the deep sea to the deep forest, providing no shortage of wonder.

As educational as it is entertaining, Discovery VR is perfect for younger users as much as it is for the adult nature enthusiasts. Of particular note are the app’s incredibly exciting shark video experiences, which are intense enough to make the hairs on your neck stand up.

Bookful

Although this app is technically more of an augmented reality feature than a virtual reality one, it still makes it onto our prestigious list. Bookful projects story books onto whatever surface you look at, so is ideal for use at a table or in front of an open space like the living room carpet. This is a great app for use by people of all ages, making this a great way for the entire household to bond with each other in a way that’s both fun and informative.

The 3D, interactive books that appear out of thin air right before your eyes are truly the stuff of magic. Titles include classic fairytales to more modern titles, and the characters will pop up to wave hello. Moreover, you can swipe and tap your way through the adventure that each story brings within the Bookful universe.

There are also some awesome augmented reality games on this app, featuring a range of exotic locations that set the stage for sports and fun board games right there in your home.