Best Oculus Alternatives in 2025
Looking for alternatives to Oculus? In this comparison, we take a closer look at Oculus alongside similar software solutions including Oculus, Virtual Desktop Streamer, Virtual Desktop Service, SteamVR, Half-Life: Alyx and Virtual Desktop Streamer.
Our detailed comparison table highlights key features, pricing, and performance of these leading solutions, empowering you to make an informed decision. Whether you're seeking robust functionality, user-friendly design, or cost-effective alternatives, explore how Oculus, Virtual Desktop Streamer, Virtual Desktop Service, SteamVR, Half-Life: Alyx and Virtual Desktop Streamer stack up to find the perfect software for your goals.
Platform Compatibility
 Oculus
|
Supports Oculus Quest, Oculus Rift S, PC with VR-ready specifications |
 Virtual Desktop Streamer
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Compatible with Oculus Quest, Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, Valve Index, Windows Mixed Reality devices |
 Virtual Desktop Service
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Supports HTC Vive, Oculus Quest, Oculus Rift, Pimax headsets, Valve Index, Windows Mixed Reality headsets |
 SteamVR
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Compatible with HTC Vive, Oculus Rift, Valve Index, Windows Mixed Reality headsets |
 Half-Life: Alyx
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Requires compatible VR headset such as HTC Vive or Oculus Rift |
|
Virtual Desktop Streamer
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Requires a VR headset and a PC with stable Wi-Fi connection |
Primary Functionality
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Oculus
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Provides a virtual reality platform with a wide range of VR content including games and social apps |
|
Virtual Desktop Streamer
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Enables wireless streaming of PC desktop and games to VR headsets |
|
Virtual Desktop Service
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Offers streaming of PC VR games and supports multi-monitor setups in VR environments |
|
SteamVR
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Serves as a VR software platform providing large library of VR games and development tools |
|
Half-Life: Alyx
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A full-length single-player VR-only game with immersive gameplay and story |
Pricing and Purchase Model
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Oculus
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Supports both monthly subscription and one-time purchases via Oculus Store |
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Virtual Desktop Streamer
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Requires a purchase; commercial software without free trial mentioned |
|
Virtual Desktop Service
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Costs $19.99 USD with a 14-day return policy; no free trial |
|
SteamVR
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Free platform software; games purchased separately through Steam Store |
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Half-Life: Alyx
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Full-price AAA game purchased separately |
Notable Features/Advantages
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Oculus
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High-quality VR hardware; supports both standalone and PC-connected experiences; large selection of content including popular titles like Beat Saber |
|
Virtual Desktop Streamer
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Offers wireless streaming capabilities; customizable settings and backgrounds; supports multiple monitors; requires stable Wi-Fi connection |
|
Virtual Desktop Service
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Smooth performance with minimal latency for PC VR games; supports virtual multi-monitor setups; user-friendly interface |
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SteamVR
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Large library of games; continuous updates; supports mods and multiplayer gaming; offers development tools for creating VR content |
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Half-Life: Alyx
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Highly immersive gameplay; AAA production quality; vibrant modding community; compelling narrative in the Half-Life universe |
Choosing the right software isn’t just about features. Size, license type, user ratings, and popularity also matter.
This quick comparison shows how Oculus stacks up against Oculus, Virtual Desktop Streamer, Virtual Desktop Service, SteamVR, Half-Life: Alyx and Virtual Desktop Streamer in these key areas—helping you find the best alternative for your needs.
Size
|
Oculus
|
|
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Virtual Desktop Streamer
|
84.2MB |
|
Virtual Desktop Service
|
84.2MB |
|
SteamVR
|
1.5MB |
|
Half-Life: Alyx
|
|
|
Virtual Desktop Streamer
|
84.2MB |
License
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Oculus
|
Shareware |
|
Virtual Desktop Streamer
|
Shareware |
|
Virtual Desktop Service
|
Shareware |
|
SteamVR
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Shareware |
|
Half-Life: Alyx
|
Shareware |
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Virtual Desktop Streamer
|
Shareware |