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Virtual reality (VR) is no longer confined to the gaming and entertainment industries. Its potential applications are expanding rapidly, driven by technological advancements and growing consumer demand. As VR becomes more accessible and affordable, adoption rates across various sectors—including eCommerce, healthcare, and education—are rising. This article explores the growth of the U.S. VR market from 2020 to 2028, highlighting key trends and forecasts for the future.
How Many VR Users Are There in the US?
The number of VR users in the United States has been steadily increasing. In 2025, it is projected that 80.6 million people will engage with VR monthly, marking a 4.7% increase from the previous year. This growth represents a significant expansion from 50.7 million users in 2020, showcasing the technology's rising prominence.
Here is a breakdown of the number of VR users in the U.S. from 2020 to 2028:
Year |
Number of VR Users (Millions) |
Annual Growth (%) |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 50.7 | — |
| 2021 | 61.5 | +21.3% |
| 2022 | 67.9 | +10.4% |
| 2023 | 73.3 | +8.0% |
| 2024 | 77.0 | +5.0% |
| 2025 | 80.6 | +4.7% |
| 2026 | 84.3 | +4.6% |
| 2027 | 87.8 | +4.2% |
| 2028 | 91.3 | +4.0% |
From 2020 to 2028, the number of VR users is expected to grow by 40.6 million, reflecting a total increase of 80.1% over eight years. While growth rates are gradually slowing, the consistent upward trajectory highlights the expanding appeal and applications of VR technology.
VR Market Growth: 2020–2024
The U.S. VR market experienced rapid growth between 2020 and 2024, driven by advancements in technology and increased consumer awareness. In 2020, 50.7 million Americans used VR monthly, a figure that includes both headset-based and non-headset experiences, such as 360-degree video tours and virtual museum exhibits.
The following year, VR adoption surged by 21.3%, reaching 61.5 million users. Growth slowed slightly in subsequent years but remained strong, with 67.9 million users in 2022 and 73.3 million in 2023. By the end of 2024, the number of monthly VR users was expected to hit 77 million, representing an overall growth rate of 51.9% from 2020.
This rapid adoption is attributed to several factors:
- Technological Advancements: Improvements in VR hardware, software, and connectivity have made the technology more accessible and user-friendly.
- Affordability: The introduction of cost-effective VR headsets, such as Meta’s Quest series, has lowered barriers to entry for consumers.
- Diverse Applications: VR’s use cases have expanded beyond gaming, increasing its appeal across various demographics.
Virtual Reality Market Forecast: 2025–2028
Looking ahead, VR adoption in the U.S. is expected to continue growing, albeit at a slower pace. In 2025, the number of monthly VR users is projected to reach 80.6 million, rising to 91.3 million by 2028. This represents a total growth of 13.3% over the four-year period.
The slightly decelerating growth rate can be attributed to market maturation and saturation in key consumer segments. However, emerging technologies and expanding use cases are expected to sustain steady adoption.
Key drivers of growth during this period include:
- 5G Connectivity: Faster internet speeds and lower latency will enable smoother, more immersive VR experiences, boosting user satisfaction and adoption.
- Artificial Intelligence (AI): AI-driven enhancements in VR applications, such as personalized experiences and natural language processing, will improve functionality across industries.
- Enterprise Applications: Increasing adoption of VR by businesses for training, simulations, and collaboration will contribute to market growth.
Beyond Gaming: VR’s Expanding Applications
While VR initially gained traction in gaming, its applications are rapidly expanding into other industries. This diversification is driving broader adoption and demonstrating VR’s potential as a transformative technology.
Education
VR is revolutionizing education by providing immersive learning experiences. From virtual field trips to interactive science experiments, VR enables students to engage with content in ways that traditional methods cannot match.
Healthcare
The healthcare industry is leveraging VR for applications such as pain management, physical therapy, and surgical training. Virtual simulations allow medical professionals to practice complex procedures in a risk-free environment, enhancing skill development and patient outcomes.
eCommerce
Retailers are using VR to create immersive shopping experiences. Virtual showrooms, product demonstrations, and try-before-you-buy features allow consumers to interact with products in a virtual space, bridging the gap between online and in-store shopping.
Automotive
Car manufacturers are incorporating VR into design, testing, and sales processes. Virtual prototypes enable faster design iterations, while VR showrooms provide customers with detailed previews of vehicles before purchase.
Enterprise Training
Companies are adopting VR for employee training and development. Immersive simulations offer a safe and effective way to teach skills, improve decision-making, and enhance team collaboration.
Challenges Facing the VR Market
Despite its growth, the VR market faces challenges that could impact its trajectory:
- High Initial Costs: Advanced VR headsets and related equipment remain expensive for many consumers, limiting adoption in some demographics.
- Content Availability: A lack of high-quality, diverse VR content can hinder user engagement and retention.
- Technical Barriers: Issues such as motion sickness and hardware compatibility continue to affect user experiences, requiring further innovation.
Opportunities for VR Growth
As the VR market evolves, several opportunities could unlock additional growth:
- Affordable Hardware: Continued innovation and economies of scale are likely to reduce costs, making VR accessible to a broader audience.
- Expanding Enterprise Use: As businesses increasingly adopt VR for training and collaboration, demand for tailored solutions is expected to rise.
- Cross-Industry Integration: Partnerships between technology providers and industry leaders can drive innovation and create new use cases for VR.
The U.S. virtual reality market has come a long way since 2020, growing from 50.7 million users to a projected 91.3 million by 2028. While growth rates are gradually slowing, the steady increase in adoption highlights VR’s potential to become a mainstream technology.
With applications expanding beyond gaming into education, healthcare, eCommerce, and more, VR is poised to reshape how people interact with technology. As advancements in hardware, software, and connectivity continue, the possibilities for VR adoption are limitless.
For businesses and consumers alike, VR represents an exciting frontier with transformative potential across industries. Whether for work, learning, or entertainment, virtual reality is set to play an increasingly important role in shaping the digital future.
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