VRHow / Guides / VR vs AR vs mixed reality
VR vs AR vs mixed reality
Short answer: VR replaces the real world, AR adds to it, and mixed reality blends digital objects into your real space so they respond to it.
The three at a glance
| Virtual reality | Augmented reality | Mixed reality | |
|---|---|---|---|
| What you see | A fully virtual world | The real world with digital overlays | The real world plus digital objects that react to it |
| Typical device | Headset with opaque displays | Phone or glasses | Headset with passthrough cameras |
| Example | Playing a VR game in a headset | Phone apps and AR glasses | Placing a virtual object on your real table in a headset |
Where XR fits
XR is an umbrella term for VR, AR and MR together. Many headsets, including the Quest 3, can switch between fully virtual and mixed-reality experiences.
Definitions are general, and companies use the terms differently.
Questions
What is the difference between VR, AR and MR?
VR replaces your view with a virtual world. AR adds digital content to your view of the real world. MR blends the two so digital objects can interact with your real space.
Is Quest 3 VR or mixed reality?
Both. It plays fully virtual games and uses color passthrough cameras for mixed-reality experiences.
Are the terms used consistently?
Not always. Companies use AR, MR and XR loosely, so check what a product actually does.