Customers praise the Gear VR for its immersive and fun VR experience, comfortable fit, and surprisingly good condition for a refurbished product. Many appreciate the affordable price point, although some users note that their phone's battery drains quickly and the device can get warm during use. A few customers mention concerns about video quality. The overall experience is positive for many, but potential buyers should be aware of these minor drawbacks.
This summary was generated by AI based on customer reviews.
The vast majority of our reviews come from verified purchases. Reviews from customers may include My Best Buy members, employees, and Tech Insider Network members (as tagged). Select reviewers may receive discounted products, promotional considerations or entries into drawings for honest, helpful reviews.
Page 1 Showing 1-20 of 97 reviews
Pros mentioned:
Price
Cons mentioned:
Heat
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Excellent product and price
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
While there isn't a wide selection of apps yet and the heat issues with smartphones limit the time you can use the headset per session, none of this detracts from the Gear VR. As access to video and apps expands, the Gear VR seems ready to face the challenge and at a price that is accessible to those simply curious about the new possibilities. Well worth every penny spent, in my.opinion.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Price, Vr experience
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
Much better than Google Cardboard!
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
I have spent $30-$50 on cardboard viewers that were just a piece of junk. This was available at a reasonable price and you can do a lot more than google cardboard. The downside is that this works only with Samsung phones and needs to be plugged in for power but you get controls on the side which makes it much more versatile than cardboard. I recommend this if you want to try VR! I have demoed an htc vive, while this can't compete with a real VR headset it does emulate the experience very well.
I wish the field of vision was bigger though which is why I'm not giving it a 5 star rating.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Comfort
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Best Option for entry level VR
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
The Samsung Gear VR is itself not much. If I was to judge only the hardware used, the new 2016 version is better. It is a great product as a whole however, and definitely the best option for the average person wanting to try out VR technology. It is "powered by Oculus" which really means that the store front apps are the same. The Oculus HMD and this with a Galaxy S7 are completely different. Although there are apps letting you use this for PC Gaming, they all really come short. When it comes to media, this is by far the best option.
While the resolution will be lower than one of the high end HMDs out now, it all depends on your phone, this is much more comfortable which gives it an advantage as a media viewer. The portability of it is also a huge advantage. You can use this practically anywhere with almost no setup. I can go to my car, put these on with some noise cancelling headphones, and it's like I'm in a whole other world.
Gaming wise, the options are limited. While the Oculus store front is pretty much identical to the GearVR one, they do not share games and you cannot purchase on one and use it on the other. Most games will require an external controller. There are blutooth options, but you can also use an OTG USB cable and plug almost anything in and it will work well. The built in touchpad is usefull for navigating the menus, but it frustrating to use in apps and especially games.
If you have a compatible phone and are interested in VR, buy this. At $40 it is a steal. Google Cardboard doesn't compare really. I would tell anyone interested in VR to try this before an Oculus or Vive. I own an HTC, but prefer to watch things on the GearVR because it is so much lighter. The netflix app has an option, if you look straight up, to enter the void theater where you can watch shows while laying your head down.
Also, you can stream content to your phone from a PC allowing you quite an extensive amount of options. It takes a little setup and know how, but MilkVR has until now been the best VR Media Player available. Very simple to use. Also there are apps coming out which make the Gear VR more and more interesting.
Why this and not Google Cardboard? The software. The next Google system may change things, but the Gear VR's appstore has plenty of choices that will make any user happy.
The only downside is also the appstore. Google Play is something I believe willl be around for awhile, and my purchases will still be available to me. The Gear VR storefront, like the one for Oculus, is brand new and still mostly unproven. As a Vive owner I am glad I can use Steam to make my purchases, because Steam like Google Play is something that has already been around more than a decade and I trust it will stay.
If you are not a huge gamer, but are interested in VR, this is the best option on the market still. As long as you have the right phone, and until Google's new system is released and reviewed, this stands hands down as the best overall VR system. The Vive and Oculus are much more niche, and although they cost the same if you factor in the price of a phone, you will need a decent computer to use them. For most, this is not only the best option fiscally but overall the better experience.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Vr experience
Rated 3 out of 5 stars
Probably great if you don't wear bifocals
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
The little VR goggles are lots of fun, but trying to make them work with my glasses has made me nuts. Because of the nature of my glasses, I am unable to adjust the focus on the device adequately to leave the glasses off. The goggles press on the frames and the ear hooks on the glasses and give me a wicked headache.
In addition, the things inhale power from the phone. If I keep it plugged in to the charger, it is fine, but then I'm tethered to the table. It would be fun if it worked for me, but it doesn't.
I use it with a Samsung Galaxy S6, and it fits fine and stays put.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Comfort, Vr experience
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
A good VR experience
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
I was skeptical about buying this but glad i did. This gives you an awesome vr experience right from your phone. Even got this furbished and had no issues with it. It comfortable and lightweight. Great combo with a steel series bluetooth controller but the button on the sides of the VR works well. I Enjoy this gear vr wery much.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Vr experience
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
Cheap VR device that depends on a cell phone
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
It is a very interesting idea. But this is under a cell phone accessories not as standalone VR gear. It is good enough just for Samsung followers. The question is if it will be compatible with the next generation cell phones, for example Note 7 has now USB-C port if I upgrade my phone the gear is useless or I need to upgrade (and pay) also for a new gear? The answer is obvious and benefits just Samsung not the customer.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend
Cons mentioned:
Heat, Video quality
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
Good For Some
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
The experience is pretty good with the Galaxy S7. The device never overheated although it does get hot. The video does look a little grainy but that's to be expected with you face so close to the screen. However, it made me sick while using it for more than a few minutes at a time.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Condition, Vr experience
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
Very cool
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
There are some great apps that use the abilities of this Gear VR. The kids love it. I have used it some as well and am fairly impressed.
This reufb unit looks like new without any signs of wear.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Vr experience
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
Worth it
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Got it while it was on sale for $50. For that price it can't be beat. Not like the Rift but the VR is amazing. Best if used while sitting in an office chair so you can swivel around. Also add a bluetooth controller for even more fun.
I would recommend this to a friend
Cons mentioned:
Battery life
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
GREAT FUN/AMAZING PRODUCT
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
I purchased the Gear VR because it was the Best Buy product of the day and on sale at a great price. It said that it was compatible with my Galaxy 7 Edge but when the product came my phone was not listed. I was just going to return it but something said take it out of the box and try it.
I attached my phone and downloaded the Oculus app. It was simple and easy to do. The graphics are phenomenal. There are plenty of games for everyone no matter the age. You will not want to take it off, however, after long periods of continued use the battery on your phone does get hot and drained so you have to take it off to recharge the battery and let it cool off.
I took it to work and everyone was amazed. I definitely recommend this to anyone that has a compatible phone. YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED!
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Price
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
Fun and exciting new toy!
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
At this point I would have to call my Sony Gear VR a toy. I was told when I brought it that I would be able to watch any content that I normally watch on my phone but that really appears to be a lie. So, this mean purchasing apps to view content. Once you get pass the idea of purchasing your apps the fun begins. It's a great world to explore. For the price not bad deal at all. I brought refurbished and saved half price!
I would recommend this to a friend
Rated 3 out of 5 stars
Getting there
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
The resolution is low even with a note 5 and s7. The concept is great but they're already making advanced versions hold off till they refine the hardware. Another downfall is you're locked into purchasing apps from the oculus store which requires a credit card and the apps are way overpriced.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend
Cons mentioned:
Heat
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
An amazing experience
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
I had an opportunity to buy a VR headset a year ago but at that time there was really nothing much to do so I ended up returning it. However I can see there are now quite a few apps out there that too specifically designed for the Samsung gear VR. Great product although it does heat up my s6 edge+ after 20 mins of continuous use.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Vr experience
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
Good Deal and Fun to Use
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Bought the Gear VR refurbished. It was complete and easy to setup. The VR is pretty fascinating. Waiting for some good stuff to come out to really have fun with it! Definitely recommend getting one for anyone curious or like to getting cutting edge technology.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Condition
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Great to share with others
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
I purchased this geek squad refurbished and could not have been happier. The Gear VR arrived clean and in very much like new condition. The box was in tack and looked like an opened unit, not used nor refurbished.
The gear vr has been unique and fun to share. I pared with my s7 edge I purchased in September... same day the iPhone came out. The s7 is just a better phone. The experience with the gear vr has been fun.
Buying the gear vr refurbished allowed me to get the free promotianal 256 micro sd card which has a higher value. The vr is the first gen model, but it performs as well as the new all black model with my s7 edge. The light bleed is very, very, I mean slight. Has not caused an issue for me.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Condition
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Worth a shot
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Judging from the other reviews it seems the Geeksquad refurbishment is a crapshoot but the on I received was clean and in great condition including the box other than the Geeksquad stickers all over it. Foam on the headset was good and lenses were fine. Only thing missing was the documentation. Since quality seems inconsistent, still worth a shot and can always return if something is jacked up with it if the price is large enough from new (was 50% off new when I bought but pricing of refurbs seems to vary perhaps due to quantity available).
I would recommend this to a friend
Cons mentioned:
Video quality
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
Virtual fun
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
The gear VR headset is a lot of fun. Feels like your in the action. Complete 360 degree environment. The video could be better but it is still something you should experience.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Vr experience
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
VR on the cheap
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
It's no 500 dollar vr, but it's a surprisingly fun experience.
Get a bluetooth controller though for some of the games.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Vr experience
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
Skeptical
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
I was skeptical at first with it being refurbished, but I couldn't tell it was previously used, it is like new.
Only downside is phone gets hot quickly but it's been fun.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Price
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
awesome 3D
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
work perfect beside the fogging every 5 minutes. hopefully this work on the samsung note 7 when it comes out . plus, i got it only for $77.00, so ot was bargain in my book.