There is no time like the present to try out the best virtual reality experiences on the market. We don't mean games. There's fun to be had soaring through space in an X-Wing or killing bad guys from behind a dumpster but there's more to do in virtual reality.

From the comfort of your own home, there are a lot of virtual reality applications that allow you to visit places you wouldn't otherwise be able to. Some titles give you a perspective you might never have considered, while others give you a perspective you might not have thought of. You can work in virtual reality if you want.

You can immerse yourself in the experience of your choice without having to worry about being killed by bandits or being eaten by aliens. If you haven't picked up a virtual reality headset yet, check out our list of the best.

It can be hard to know where to start if you have a specific area of interest in mind. If you put "dinosaurs" and "VR" into the steam store, you will get 80 results.

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There are ten of the best virtual reality experiences out there. Some are free, others are a bit more expensive, but all give you the chance to learn something new without leaving your home. If you want to find the best price on a virtual reality headset, go to our deals page.

Space Explorers: The ISS Experience VR

(Image credit: Headspace Studio)
  • Platforms: Oculus
  • Price: $2.99 for each of the 4 episodes (via Oculus Store) 

If you want to experience the wonders of space, this virtual reality experience may be close to what you will see on a space station. The experience was filmed at the space station. There are four parts to this beautiful look at life aboard the station. It will show viewers a look at living on the moon.

There won't be much interaction, but the experience dives deep into space exploration through the eyes of the astronauts You will feel like you are with the workers when you see these close-ups.

  • Check out Space Explorers on the Oculus Store (opens in new tab).

BRINK Traveller

BRINK Traveller VR experience

(Image credit: BRINK XR Inc)
  • Platforms: Steam VR, Meta (including Meta Quest)
  • Price: $9.99 / £7.99 (via Steam Store, Meta Quest Store)

You will be taken on a tour of twenty stunning natural spots. It doesn't sound like much, but BRINK traveller's locale are more than just shots or videos.

You can look down into the Grand Canyon and watch the bird soar overhead. Pick up a rock, throw it into the water, or take pictures if you're so inclined. Relax by pulling up a chair. It is not completely realistic but it is convincing enough that it is as good as being there.

Most of the locations are American but the developers are adding more international locations. Taking in California's Death Valley, Arizona's The Wave rock formation, and more is bound to impress you.

Star Chart VR

Star Chart VR

(Image credit: Escapist Games)
  • Platforms: Oculus, Steam, Google Play
  • Price: $9.99 

This virtual reality experience allows you to explore the solar system in a beautiful rendering of a real time space simulation. It is possible to take a closer look at all the planets in our universe. This is a great way to learn more about the solar system and how the stars are formed. You can choose from a variety of Star Chart modes.

There are a lot of experiences like the moon landing and the rover's exploration on Mars. Thanks to this one-of-a-kind virtual reality experience, you will be able to enjoy what our solar system has to offer.

National Geographic Explore VR

National Geographic Explore VR_National Geographic

(Image credit: National Geographic)
  • Platforms: Oculus
  • Price: $9.99

National Geographic has an app called Explore Virtual Reality that makes it possible to discover new things in this world. It is a great educational tool to see what the world has to offer in terms of culture and exploration.

The old ruins of Machu Picchu can be explored by users. It is perfect for the entire family to travel together. The National Geographic Explore virtual reality experience is a great way to get to know the landscape and learn about its history.

Ocean Rift

Ocean Rift VR experience

(Image credit: Llyr ap Cenydd / Piselica Ltd)
  • Platforms: Steam VR, Meta (including Meta Quest 2)
  • Price: $9.99 / £7.99 (via Steam Store, Meta Quest Store)

Ocean Rift is based on what we know, but it still offers some amazing encounters. If you swim around one of the sub-aquatic areas, you will be able to play with dolphins and swim with whales.

It isn't the only application that offers a similar watery experience, but what is impressive is the freedom it gives you. If you don't choose the shark cage area, you can wander to your heart's content. When we stumbled across an abandoned submersible, we got the chills.

All Kinds of Limbo XR

All Kinds of Limbo_National Theatre

(Image credit: National Theatre)
  • Platforms: All
  • Price: £6/$8

Broadway shows, concerts, and other types of entertainment are still popular with a large audience. All Kinds of Limbo is the place to see live entertainment from your own home. The NuShape Orchestra is based in the U.K. and is part of the musical performance.

Audiences can take part in a story of a life in limbo across different genres of music using just a virtual reality headset on a mobile device or PC. The National Theater created a place for people to watch the musicians perform with the tunes of the Caribbean with the help of virtual reality.

  • See upcoming All Kinds of Limbo events here. (opens in new tab)

Universe Sandbox

Universe Sandbox

(Image credit: Giant Army)
  • Platforms: Steam VR
  • Price: $29.99 (via Steam Store, also includes non-VR version)

With the click of a button or two, you can watch the planets leisurely circle the sun. Even without touching the extensive and sometimes silly steam workshop items, just poring over solar systems will keep stargazers happy.

Experiments that really elevate Universe Sandbox. The Solar System can be used to blow up planets. It is possible to swap the Sun out for a black hole and cause planetary chaos. You can make small changes and observe the effects.

  • Buy Universe Sandbox VR on Steam (opens in new tab) (Early Access) 

Perspectives: Paradise

Perspectives: Paradise VR experience

(Image credit: Teatime Research Ltd)
  • Platforms: Steam VR
  • Price: Free (via Steam Store)

Paradise starts with a bang and ends with a whimper. The 1952 test detonation of the first hydrogen bomb had an effect on the environment and the original inhabitants.

You get to look at the aftermath of the bomb detonation in virtual reality, but also on top of the sealed mound where radioactive materials were buried. There are interviews with the people who live there now, as well as a lot of other things.

Thanks to the involvement of some Finns, the subject is treated with dignity and respect. It will leave you with a lot to think about.

  • Get Perspectives: Paradise on Steam (opens in new tab).

The Book of Distance

The Book of Distance VR experiences

(Image credit: National Film Board of Canada / NFB / ONF)
  • Platforms: Steam VR, Meta
  • Price: Free (via Steam Store, Meta Quest Store)

It is possible to experience other people's stories in virtual reality. One of the stories in the Book of Distance is about a Japanese man. That might be an interesting tale in its own right, but what makes his story so significant is that he was one of many Japanese American citizens who were held in American internment camps during World War II.

This is an impactful experience because it has a narrow focus. You can explore various aspects of the man's life, thanks to the involvement of the man's grandson. It is presented as a play, one that will hold your attention, and it is the perfect way to illuminate an important but often overlooked part of America's history.

Within - Cinematic VR

Within VR - cinematic VR experiences

(Image credit: Within)
  • Platforms: Oculus, Steam, Google Play, Apple
  • Price: Free

It's possible to make a cinematic experience at home. There are a lot of amazing stories in different genres. It is great that these are free to view.

From all over the world, you can find the best films. If you don't have an internet connection, you can download the videos in high-resolution so you can take them with you. There are a lot of video content through Within.

There are no platform limitations as the Within website proudly states that it's available everywhere fine virtual reality is served.

  • Check out Within VR on Steam (opens in new tab),  Oculus, Google Play (opens in new tab), or Apple (opens in new tab).