Softwr

AR VR · head to head

Bigscreen vs VRChat

Bigscreen logo

Bigscreen

AR VR

Watch movies and hang out in VR

From
$1019/one-time
Rated
-
VRChat logo

VRChat

AR VR

Social VR platform with user-created worlds

From
Free
Rated
-

The short version

  • Only VRChat has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: Bigscreen accessory pricing not published separately; VRChat vRChat Plus subscriptions are sold only through Steam and the Meta Quest Store, and the FAQ states neither platform permits refunds after purchase: "VRChat does not offer refunds for subscriptions after they are purchased."
  • They diverge on capability: Bigscreen covers Virtual theaters, VRChat covers User-created worlds.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Bigscreen and VRChat actually diverge.

Attributes where Bigscreen and VRChat differ
AttributeBigscreenVRChat
Starting price$1019/one-timeFree
Pricing modelone-timefreemium
Free tierNoYes
PlatformsVr, Pc, Quest, PsvrVr, Pc, Quest

Identical on both: user rating (Not yet rated), category (AR VR), founded (2014).

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
  • Psvr support

Only in VRChat

  • User-created worlds
  • Custom avatars
  • Social features
  • Cross-platform
  • Unity SDK
  • Blender
  • Avatar systems

Both cover

  • Vr support
  • Pc support
  • Quest support

What people use each for

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

Bigscreen

  • VR Gamingnot VRChat
  • AR Marketingnot VRChat
  • Virtual Trainingnot VRChat
  • 3D Visualizationnot VRChat
  • Immersive Experiencesnot VRChat

VRChat

  • Social VR world building and avatar based hangouts, with VRChat Plus as an optional $9.99 per month or $99.99 per year subscription for enhanced featuresnot Bigscreen

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

VRChat

  • VRChat Plus subscriptions are sold only through Steam and the Meta Quest Store, and the FAQ states neither platform permits refunds after purchase: "VRChat does not offer refunds for subscriptions after they are purchased."

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)

VRChat

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Full access
    • Avatar uploads
    • World creation

Which should you pick?

Choose Bigscreen if

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

Choose VRChat if

  • You need user-created worlds.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Vr, Pc, Quest.
  • You also want custom avatars.

Questions people ask

Is Bigscreen or VRChat better?
Neither clearly leads. Bigscreen starts at $1019/one-time and VRChat at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Bigscreen or VRChat?
VRChat has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at $1019/one-time for Bigscreen and Free for VRChat.
Does Bigscreen or VRChat run on more platforms?
Bigscreen runs on Vr, Pc, Quest, Psvr. VRChat runs on Vr, Pc, Quest.
Can I use VRChat for free?
Yes. VRChat 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. Of those, vr gaming and ar marketing are not what VRChat is typically brought in for.
What can Bigscreen do that VRChat cannot?
Bigscreen covers Virtual theaters, Social viewing, Desktop streaming, 3D movies. VRChat covers User-created worlds, Custom avatars, Social features, Cross-platform. Both handle Vr support, Pc support, Quest support.

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
VRChat: How much does it cost to use VRChat?

VRChat is free to play on all platforms. The platform is available free on PC, PCVR, Meta Quest, Pico, iOS, and Android.

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
VRChat: Is there a paid subscription option for VRChat?

Yes, VRChat offers a VRC+ subscription tier for users who want additional features.

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
VRChat: Can I purchase cosmetics in VRChat?

Yes, VRChat has an Avatar Marketplace where users can purchase avatars and cosmetics.

Source
Share

Related pages

Other head to heads