VR vs 360 video: What’s the difference?
What exactly is the difference between a VR video and a 360 video?
Virtual Reality (VR) vs 360-degree are used interchangeably but technically are different.
This article will explain with text the difference between 360 and “true” VR, but watching the videos really help you understand and visualize the experience.
Here is an example of my 360 video I shot with my 360 camera when I travelled to Japan. My Youtube channel is 360 since they are of actual locations I filmed, and they can be viewed in a VR headset to get the 360 experience. However they are not true VR video.
Further down the article I have a video showing a true VR travel experience.
1. Exploring the Difference Between VR and 360 Video
Virtual reality, or VR, is an immersive experience that transports users to different environments using specialized headsets in a virtual digital manner.
This technology creates interactive simulations, allowing you to explore virtual spaces as if you were physically there.
A 360-degree video captures actual environments with cameras that can capture in every direction. Basically a non interactive live action video, where you control the view from a central point.
You can view these 360 videos on any screen without special equipment – including phones and PC monitors, although it is more immersive on a VR headset.
In essence,
The key difference between these two lies in their level of interactivity; while both provide unique perspectives, only VR offers fully interactive experiences where users can manipulate objects within a virtual environment.
In terms of user control, it’s important to note that when experiencing a 360-degree video, viewers are passive observers. They cannot interact with what they see beyond controlling their viewpoint. On the contrary, VR allows individuals to become active participants in their own digital adventures.
Related: Whats difference between 180 vs 360 video?
So which one is better?
That depends entirely upon individual preferences. Whether seeking total immersion through VR exploration and gaming, or preferring easy accessibility offered by 360-degree videos such as travelling.
Now let’s dive deeper into specific advantages each format has over the other.
Here is my 360 camera, Insta360 X3.
(read my blog about Insta360 X3 for travel here)
2. Advantages of 360 Video Over VR
The Cost Factor:
You’ll find that 360 video technology is more cost-effective. Cheaper to film, create, and view.
Ease of Use:
No need for expensive headsets or high-powered computers, a smartphone will do just fine.
With 360 videos, you get to control what part of the scene you want to view and when.
This makes it an ideal choice for tourists who wish to explore different views at their own pace.
Rather than developing a full-blown virtual reality experience, creating content with 360 video can be much simpler.
I use my 360 camera for travel blogs and videos and my article here talks about travel and tourism with 360 videos.
Check out my article on deciding on a Gopro Max 360 vs Insta360 X3 camera.
Here is my explainer on what is a 360 camera?
3. Advantages of VR Over 360 Video
If you’re a thrill-seeker, virtual reality (VR) is your ticket to the ride. Unlike its counterpart, 360 video, VR offers an immersive experience that’s hard to beat.
Virtual Reality, by definition, simulates environments and allows users not just to view but interact with them. This interactive feature sets it apart from 360 videos.
In essence,
- You control the narrative: In VR experiences, you can manipulate objects or move around in space – something impossible with static 360 videos.
- A fully immersive environment: With high-quality graphics and sound effects coupled with haptic feedback devices like gloves or suits; virtual worlds feel incredibly real.
- Creativity potential. With various VR creation tools, artists can incorporate imagined elements into real-world settings creating unique like never before seen worlds.
The ability for user interaction opens up possibilities for gaming enthusiasts who want more than passive viewing offered a 360 video.
Some examples:
- walking inside your favorite store virtually before making any purchase decisions
- education with interactive tools
- practicing surgical procedures before stepping into an operating room
- Moving around a tourist attraction as if you were there and interacting with environment
All these benefits make Virtual Reality a powerful tool despite being costlier compared to standard video production techniques.
Here is one VR Travel experience . Watch the video to understand what I mean. It doesn’t completely show what you will experience unless you actually play the game in a VR headset since this is just a Youtube video showing you what its like.
It’s digital recreation of a real location in the real world so you can wander around where you want rather than where the cameraman took the photo or video.
My Oculus Meta Quest 2 headset.
4. The Future of Experiences with VR and 360 Video
In an ever-evolving digital landscape, VR and 360 video technologies are set to revolutionize experiences.
Tourism Transformed by Virtual Reality (VR)
Virtual reality tourism, for instance.
This is no longer just sci-fi talk. It’s happening right now.
- A walk through ancient Rome? Check.
- Diving in the Great Barrier Reef without getting wet? Absolutely possible.
Provide potential tourists with immersive previews of their dream destinations.
New Dimensions Opened Up By 360 Videos
They’re not only about giving you a panoramic view anymore.
Prospective travelers can explore hotels and activities remotely, but with more immersive view than current fixed 360 photos.
Check out my article on seeing a location with 360 video before you go for real.
If you enjoy 360 travel videos then check out my Youtube channel.
And here is the 360 camera and VR headset I use myself.
My related article on how I use the Meta Quest 2 VR headset to watch my 360 videos.
And if you are looking for a 360 camera here is my article on Insta360 X3 vs X2, and also a list of the best budget 360 cameras.
