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AR VR · head to head

Bigscreen vs Instagram AR Effects

Bigscreen logo

Bigscreen

AR VR

Watch movies and hang out in VR

From
$1019/one-time
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Instagram AR Effects logo

Instagram AR Effects

AR VR

Creative AR effects for Instagram Stories and Reels

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only Instagram AR Effects has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: Bigscreen accessory pricing not published separately; Instagram AR Effects no pricing information published on Instagram's official pages
  • They diverge on capability: Bigscreen covers Virtual theaters, Instagram AR Effects covers Face effects.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Bigscreen and Instagram AR Effects actually diverge.

Attributes where Bigscreen and Instagram AR Effects differ
AttributeBigscreenInstagram AR Effects
Starting price$1019/one-timeFree
Pricing modelone-timefree
Free tierNoYes
PlatformsVr, Pc, Quest, PsvrAr, Ios, Android
Founded20142004

Identical on both: user rating (Not yet rated), category (AR VR).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Bigscreen

  • Virtual theaters
  • Social viewing
  • Desktop streaming
  • 3D movies
  • Pluto TV
  • Paramount+
  • Desktop apps
  • Vr support

Only in Instagram AR Effects

  • Face effects
  • World effects
  • Interactive filters
  • Beauty effects
  • Spark AR Studio
  • Instagram Stories
  • Reels
  • Ar support

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Bigscreen

  • VR Gaming
  • AR Marketing
  • Virtual Training
  • 3D Visualization
  • Immersive Experiences

Instagram AR Effects

  • VR Gaming
  • AR Marketing
  • Virtual Training
  • 3D Visualization
  • Immersive Experiences

Both are used for vr gaming, ar marketing, virtual training, 3d visualization, immersive experiences, on those jobs the choice comes down to price and fit rather than capability.

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Bigscreen

  • Accessory pricing not published separately
  • Custom-fit cushion via face scan cost not specified
  • Shipping costs vary by international destination

Instagram AR Effects

  • no pricing information published on Instagram's official pages
  • pricing model not disclosed on vendor sites

Pricing, plan by plan

Bigscreen

$1019/one-time
  • Beyond 2$1019/one-time
    • 5m Fiber Optic Cable
    • Soft Strap
    • Link Box
  • Beyond 2e$1219/one-time
    • Beyond 2 features plus
    • Eye tracking capability
    • 1-year warranty (2 years in EU)

Instagram AR Effects

Free
  • FreeFree
    • AR effects library
    • Effect creation
    • Publishing

Which should you pick?

Choose Bigscreen if

  • You need virtual theaters.
  • You work on Vr, Pc, Quest, Psvr.
  • You also want social viewing.
Bigscreen review

Choose Instagram AR Effects if

  • You need face effects.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Ar, Ios, Android.
  • You also want world effects.
Instagram AR Effects review

Questions people ask

Is Bigscreen or Instagram AR Effects better?
Neither clearly leads. Bigscreen starts at $1019/one-time and Instagram AR Effects at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Bigscreen or Instagram AR Effects?
Instagram AR Effects has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at $1019/one-time for Bigscreen and Free for Instagram AR Effects.
Does Bigscreen or Instagram AR Effects run on more platforms?
Bigscreen runs on Vr, Pc, Quest, Psvr. Instagram AR Effects runs on Ar, Ios, Android.
Can I use Instagram AR Effects for free?
Yes. Instagram AR Effects has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Bigscreen starts at $1019/one-time.
What is Bigscreen best used for?
Bigscreen is most often used for vr gaming, ar marketing, virtual training, 3d visualization.
What can Bigscreen do that Instagram AR Effects cannot?
Bigscreen covers Virtual theaters, Social viewing, Desktop streaming, 3D movies. Instagram AR Effects covers Face effects, World effects, Interactive filters, Beauty effects.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Bigscreen: How much does Bigscreen Beyond 2 cost?

Bigscreen Beyond 2 starts at $1019 one-time purchase. Beyond 2e with eyetracking capability starts at $1219. Both ship in 1-3 days and include a 5m fiber optic cable, soft strap, and link box with a 1-year warranty (2 years in EU).

Source
Instagram AR Effects: How much does it cost to create AR effects on Instagram?

Instagram does not publish pricing information for creating or using AR effects. Creation and usage appear to be free for Instagram users, but comprehensive pricing details are not officially documented.

Source
Bigscreen: What's Bigscreen's return policy?

Bigscreen offers a 14-day return policy for both Beyond 2 and Beyond 2e models. International customers cover return shipping costs for items sent back outside the home country.

Source
Bigscreen: What warranty does Bigscreen provide?

Both Beyond 2 and Beyond 2e include a 1-year limited warranty. European customers receive a 2-year warranty to comply with EU consumer protection requirements.

Source
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