In 2025, virtual reality has become much more than a playground for gamers. It is a space for creativity, productivity, wellness, and exploration. VR apps are pushing the boundaries of how we work, learn, relax, and connect with the world around us.
If you are looking for something beyond games, this guide covers the best virtual reality applications available today. From meditation and 3D painting to virtual travel and collaborative workspaces, these tools show what VR can really do when it steps out of the arcade and into real life.
1. Google Earth VR
Google Earth VR is still one of the most jaw-dropping virtual reality experiences available. It transforms the way we explore the world by letting you fly from one city to another, stand on top of Mount Everest, or stroll through the streets of Tokyo, all without leaving your home.
Originally launched as a tech demo, it has evolved into a powerful educational and recreational tool. You can zoom in and out of real-world locations, walk around landmarks, revisit your childhood neighborhood, or explore places you may never see in real life.
What makes it stand out in 2025 is how effortlessly it combines functionality and wonder. Whether you are a student, a travel enthusiast, or just someone curious about the world, this app turns geography into something personal and immersive.
Available on:
- SteamVR (compatible with HTC Vive, Valve Index, and Oculus Rift)
Best for:
- Virtual tourism
- Education and geography
- Escaping your apartment without spending a cent
2. Tilt Brush (or Open Brush)
Tilt Brush lets you paint in three dimensions. Not on a canvas, not on a wall, but in the air around you. With simple tools and intuitive controls, you can create glowing sculptures, abstract explosions of color, or delicate linework that floats in space.
Originally developed by Google and now maintained as Open Brush (an open-source version), this app is a favorite among artists, designers, and anyone who wants to experiment with spatial creativity. It is not just drawing, it is painting with movement and depth.
In 2025, Open Brush continues to thrive with regular updates and a strong community. Whether you want to sketch casually or create complex VR installations, it offers one of the most unique creative experiences available in virtual reality.
Available on:
- Meta Quest
- SteamVR
- PC VR platforms
Best for:
- 3D art and design
- Creative therapy
- Artists who are bored of flat surfaces
3. Bigscreen VR
Bigscreen VR turns your headset into a shared digital cinema, conference room or personal desktop. It allows you to watch movies, browse your PC, or host virtual meetups in a customizable environment. You can sit in a giant theater, a cozy room, or even outer space while sharing your screen with others.
The app supports both private and public rooms. You can stream your own files, join live events, or just hang out with friends in a virtual space that feels surprisingly social. Unlike traditional screen sharing, Bigscreen adds a sense of presence that makes group viewing more personal and immersive.
In 2025, the app continues to add features like improved streaming quality, new room designs, and social tools. It is a great example of how VR can mix entertainment and social interaction in one intuitive space.
Available on:
- Meta Quest
- SteamVR
- PC VR platforms
Best for:
- Virtual movie nights
- Remote hangouts
- Replacing your laptop screen with something 10 meters wide
4. YouTube VR
YouTube VR brings the entire world of YouTube into your headset, including thousands of 360-degree and VR-native videos. It is not just about watching flat videos on a floating screen. With immersive content, you can look around inside music videos, explore virtual tours, or sit front row at a concert from your couch.
The app is fully integrated with your regular YouTube account, so your subscriptions, playlists, and history carry over. You can browse, search, comment, and even like videos using VR-friendly controls. Navigation is smooth and intuitive, and the app runs well even on standalone headsets.
In 2025, content creators are producing more high-quality VR experiences than ever, from travel vlogs to interactive storytelling. YouTube VR is one of the easiest ways to dip into that universe.
Available on:
- Meta Quest
- SteamVR (limited support)
- Android VR platforms
Best for:
- Casual video watching
- 360-degree exploration
- Discovering what the VR internet really looks like
5. TRIPP
TRIPP is not just an app, it is a guided journey into mindfulness using immersive visuals, spatial audio, and gentle breathing exercises. Think meditation meets digital art gallery, designed to calm your nervous system and clear your mind.
The sessions are short and guided, with evolving visual environments that respond to your focus and breath. It is not about sitting still and doing nothing. TRIPP keeps you engaged while helping you slow down.
In 2025, TRIPP continues to expand its science-backed content with new daily experiences, personalized mood tracking, and support for mental wellness. It is a great example of how VR can be used for something deeper than distraction.
Available on:
- Meta Quest
- PS VR2
6. Horizon Workrooms
Horizon Workrooms is Meta’s answer to remote collaboration. It lets teams meet in a virtual office space, complete with whiteboards, avatars, file sharing, and spatial audio. You can sketch out ideas, take notes, and actually feel like you’re “in the room” with others.
The app syncs with your computer so you can bring in real files, screenshare, and type on a virtual desk with real-world tracking. It is surprisingly functional and doesn’t feel like a gimmick once you get past the cartoonish avatars.
In 2025, with hybrid work the new normal, Horizon Workrooms continues to improve its usability and integrate with other productivity tools like Slack and Google Docs.
Available on:
- Meta Quest 2 and 3
- Meta Quest Pro
Best for:
- Remote teams and startups
- Collaborative planning
- People who miss office whiteboards but not office pants
7. Spatial
Spatial is a collaboration and presentation platform for VR and AR, with a sleek design and a focus on creative professionals. It lets you host meetings, display 3D models, and walk through virtual presentations as if you were in a design studio or gallery.
Originally built for enterprise, Spatial has evolved into a flexible space for artists, educators, and remote teams. It supports voice chat, live streaming, and integration with various design tools. The environments feel polished and professional without being too stiff.
In 2025, Spatial is gaining popularity as a platform for virtual events, product launches, and interactive workshops.
Available on:
- Meta Quest
- HoloLens
- Web and mobile access
8. Wander
Wander brings the world to you using Google Street View data, but in full virtual reality. You can travel the globe, drop into cities, landmarks, and neighborhoods, and explore them at ground level as if you were standing there.
Unlike Google Earth VR, which is more cinematic and aerial, Wander gives you a pedestrian’s view. You can visit famous sites, walk down your old street, or explore places you’ve only dreamed of. You can even share sessions with friends and tour together.
In 2025, Wander remains one of the most relaxing and oddly emotional ways to use VR. It is great for education, curiosity, or when you’re just tired of your living room.
Available on:
- Meta Quest
9. FitXR
FitXR is a fitness app that disguises workouts as VR games, but make no mistake — you will sweat. It offers a wide range of classes including boxing, dance, HIIT, and more, with real instructors guiding you through sessions in a virtual studio.
You can track your stats, compete with others, and adjust intensity levels to match your goals. The app adds new classes regularly and supports both solo and multiplayer sessions.
In 2025, FitXR stands out as one of the few VR apps that makes exercise consistent, fun, and oddly addictive. Way better than a gym subscription you never use.
Available on:
- Meta Quest
- Pico platforms
10. National Geographic Explore VR
National Geographic Explore VR offers curated virtual expeditions where you paddle through icy waters in Antarctica or explore ancient temples in Egypt. Each experience blends light interaction, educational content, and beautiful environments.
You are not just watching a documentary, you’re inside it. The pacing is calm, the visuals are polished, and the narration feels just right. It is ideal for anyone looking to learn and explore without being overwhelmed.
In 2025, while the app is no longer brand new, it remains a gold standard for educational VR done well.
Available on:
- Meta Quest
Best for:
- Education and exploration
- Parents and teachers
- Curious minds who like their adventures slow and scenic
