The Head-Mounted Display Market is projected to register a strong CAGR during the forecast period (2026-2031).
Head-mounted displays (HMDs) are visual displays worn on the human head that provide an immersive experience for engaging with digital environments or overlaying information onto the real world. These devices incorporate various technologies, including micro-display solutions, optical modules, motion tracking sensors, and processing units. HMDs enable users to experience virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR) and mixed reality (MR). Public authorities view HMD technology as a core element of next generation digital infrastructure for a variety of applications (e.g. healthcare, defence and advanced training).
Government agencies are considering AR and VR systems (including HMDs used for medical purposes) to be classified as digital health technologies and supporting applications (e.g. surgical navigation, rehabilitation and clinical training), while the defence department is implementing national programme deployments of HMD-based systems to increase a pilot's visual acuity, improve battlefield awareness, and enhance simulations delivered through simulation-based training environments.
In addition, funding is being directed to the public sector to support research institutions and innovation programmes that focus on human-machine interaction, immersive simulation, and spatial computing, budgeting additional resources towards the development of HMDs. As public adoption grows within regulated sectors, the HMD market is transitioning from consumer electronics to a strategic technology area. As a result, policy initiatives, safety standards, and public R&D funding drive the continued deployment of HMDs for high-value use cases, improving digital transformation, operational efficiency, and real-time decision support across multiple industries.
LG Electronics reported consolidated revenue of KRW 89.2 trillion and operating profit of KRW 2.48 trillion for the full year 2025, reflecting strong financial capacity and sustained investment potential in advanced technologies. This scale of revenue indicates LG’s ability to allocate significant resources toward emerging segments such as extended reality, advanced displays, optics, and semiconductor components. For the head-mounted display market, this financial strength is important because HMD development requires high capital investment in R&D, microdisplays, sensors, and manufacturing capabilities. LG’s profitability supports long-term innovation in XR hardware and display technologies, strengthening the overall ecosystem and accelerating the commercialisation of next-generation head-mounted devices.
The head-mounted display (HMD) market is a rapidly evolving segment of the wearable technology landscape. The increasing demand for immersive virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) experiences drives the market growth. HMDs, often integrated into eyeglasses or headsets, project digital content directly into the user’s field of view. This technology enables applications in gaming, entertainment, healthcare, education, and industrial training, among others. These devices have transformed from bulky, niche products into sleek, user-friendly systems prioritizing comfort, functionality, and seamless integration with other technologies. As companies continue to innovate, the HMD market is set for significant growth, driven by advancements in display technology, sensor capabilities, and software ecosystems, although it faces challenges that could limit its expansion.
HMDs have evolved significantly since their introduction. Early models, such as the Oculus Rift, released in 2016, introduced consumers to VR gaming. Presently, modern HMDs from companies like Meta, Sony, and Apple feature advanced optics, high-resolution displays, and lightweight materials, designed to enhance the user experience. The development of micro-LED and OLED displays has led to sharper visuals, wider fields of view, and lower power consumption, effectively overcoming some of the limitations of earlier LCD-based systems. Moreover, ergonomic designs, including adjustable head straps and balanced weight distribution, have made HMDs more comfortable for prolonged use. This comfort is a crucial factor for their adoption in both consumer and enterprise settings.
One notable example is Google’s Glass AR, launched in February 2020, integrating augmented reality into lightweight eyeglasses. This device provides contextual information about objects in the user's environment, such as product details or navigation prompts, showcasing the potential of augmented reality (AR) in everyday situations. Unlike traditional VR headsets that completely immerse users in virtual environments, AR-enabled HMDs like Google Glass integrate digital content with the real world. This blending opens up new applications in retail, logistics, and remote assistance sectors. Similarly, devices like Microsoft’s HoloLens 2 have gained traction in industrial settings, enabling workers to access real-time data, such as schematics or instructions, without diverting their attention from physical tasks.
The HMD market is poised for further transformation as companies invest in next-generation technologies. One promising area is the development of brain-computer interfaces (BCIs), which could allow users to control HMDs using neural signals, reducing reliance on physical controllers. Moreover, advancements in haptic feedback are improving immersion by simulating touch and texture, especially in VR gaming and training simulations.
Sustainability is also emerging as a focus area, with manufacturers exploring eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient components to address environmental concerns. For instance, some companies are experimenting with recyclable plastics and low-power displays to reduce the ecological footprint of HMDs.
Market Drivers
Increasing adoption of HMD in gaming applications
The availability of affordable HMD devices and the need for a better gaming experience will lead to a rise in the use of head-mounted displays in gaming applications. The helmet-mounted display encourages improving user experience by enhancing game playability. As a result, the number of VR game releases has increased over time, propelling the HMD industry to rise.
Affordable HMDs can be utilized for 3D gaming and other leisure pursuits. A cutting-edge monitor can be created by coupling modern video and DSLR cameras to several video glasses. Filmmakers and photographers can view presentations of their live photos in enhanced clarity due to the glasses' ability to filter out ambient light. For instance, Sony launched a new generation of PlayStation VR for its PlayStation 5 platform in February 2021. This headset had upgrades such as a higher-resolution screen, a new head-mounted display, a new controller, and a single wire in place of the original cable box, among others. Further, these advancements have increased the revenue for the online gaming industry. For instance, as per the FICCI, the revenue of online gaming in India increased from INR 101 billion in 2021 to INR 119 billion in 2022.
Expanding VR/AR Applications
The versatility of HMDs has driven their adoption across various sectors. In gaming, devices such as Sony's PlayStation VR2 (2023) provide high-fidelity visuals and responsive controllers, creating immersive experiences for players. In healthcare, AR headsets assist surgeons by displaying critical data, such as 3D models of organs, during procedures. Similarly, VR HMDs enable virtual field trips and interactive simulations, enhancing learning outcomes in the education sector. Industrial applications, such as remote maintenance and training, are also growing, with companies like Boeing using AR headsets to guide technicians through complex assembly processes.
Technological Advancements
Continuous improvements in display technologies, such as micro-LED, OLED, and waveguide optics, have enhanced the visual quality and compactness of HMDs. For example, waveguide displays allow for thinner, lighter AR glasses, as seen in products like Xreal Air, resembling traditional sunglasses while delivering immersive AR experiences. Furthermore, advancements in sensors, including eye-tracking and spatial mapping, allow for more intuitive interactions like gaze-based controls and accurate hand tracking, thus enhancing user engagement.
Integration with 5G and Edge Computing
The integration of head-mounted displays with 5G networks and edge computing advances performance by overcoming many of the limitations of traditional, cloud-centric systems and building on the ongoing roll-out of digital infrastructure in India. Most of India is now covered by 5G networks, which have experienced explosive growth in data traffic due to the increasing adoption of advanced mobile broadband (AMBB). This technology is essential for delivering high-speed, low-latency connectivity, which is critical for immersive experiences, including augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR).
Through the use of edge computing, computing resources and data storage are placed in the vicinity of the data generation, rather than sending all data to the central data centre. Edge computing, therefore, provides additional avenues for lower latency and reduced network congestion, while also improving the ability to perform real-time processing. This is particularly evident in India’s telecom regulatory discussions regarding digital edge data centres, which will facilitate various new AR/VR and IoT services. For head-mounted displays, these capabilities are particularly important because rendering an immersive virtual environment and tracking user interactions requires responsiveness in the microsecond range. The low-latency and high-throughput capabilities of 5G, along with edge nodes, support processing of high-resolution graphics and sensing closer to the user. This helps minimise issues like motion sickness and frame drops caused by latencies in the system. Additionally, government policies for 5G use cases explicitly identifies AR and VR among the categories of beneficiaries of improved connectivity through 5G, thus supporting a strategic alignment between infrastructure deployment and next-generation applications.
The chart shows India’s internet subscriber base at 97.15 crore, with wireless users accounting for 92.78 crore, highlighting the dominance of mobile connectivity. This strong wireless penetration indicates that most digital consumption in India is mobile-first, supported by widespread 4G and rapid 5G rollout. For the head-mounted display market, this is a critical enabler because HMD devices increasingly rely on high-speed mobile networks for streaming immersive content, cloud-based rendering, and real-time interaction. A large wireless user base expands the addressable market for AR and VR applications, particularly in gaming, education, training, and remote collaboration.
High Costs
Advanced HMDs are expensive, particularly those with cutting-edge features like high-resolution displays and advanced sensors. For example, high-end devices like Apple’s Vision Pro (2024) are priced in a way that might discourage mainstream consumers, limiting their market expansion. Although more affordable options are available, such as standalone VR headsets like the Meta Quest 3, these often involve compromises in features or performance.
Health and Comfort Issues
Prolonged use of HMDs can cause physical discomfort, including eye strain, headaches, and motion sickness, particularly in VR applications with high latency or low refresh rates. Although ergonomic enhancements have addressed some concerns, user feedback indicates that prolonged sessions, typical in gaming or professional contexts, can still pose challenges. Ensuring comfort without sacrificing performance remains a key challenge for manufacturers.
Privacy and Data Security Concerns
AR-HMDs, such as Google Glass, collect real-time environmental data, including images and location information, raising significant privacy concerns. The potential for unauthorized data collection or hacking could undermine consumer trust. Regulatory scrutiny, particularly in regions with strict data protection laws like the EU, may impose additional compliance costs on manufacturers.
2025: Microsoft Corp. and Anduril Industries, a leader in defense technology, announced an expanded partnership to drive the next phase of the U.S. Army’s Integrated Visual Augmentation System (IVAS) program.
By technology, the VR segment is expected to grow significantly
VR HMDs create fully immersive digital environments, isolating users from the physical world to deliver experiences like gaming, simulations, and virtual tours. Unlike augmented reality, which adds digital content to the real world, VR HMDs utilize high-resolution displays, motion-tracking sensors, and spatial audio to create immersive 3D environments. Devices such as Sony’s PlayStation VR2 (2023) and Meta Quest 3 demonstrate the advancements in VR technology, offering 4K OLED displays and precise controllers for seamless interaction.
VR’s popularity stems from its ability to provide unparalleled immersion, particularly in gaming and entertainment. For instance, VR gaming allows players to enter virtual worlds and interact with characters and environments in real-time, as seen in Half-Life: Alyx.
VR is also used in training simulations, such as flight simulators for pilots or virtual labs for students, offering safe, controlled environments to practice complex tasks. The integration of 5G and cloud rendering has improved VR by reducing latency and allowing standalone devices that do not require external PCs or consoles, making them more accessible.
By product type, the head-mounted segment is rising considerably
To provide pilots with crucial information, helmet-mounted displays are classified as a specialised type of head-mounted display (HMD) that can be worn with a helmet in conjunction with regular HMDs. Instead of using traditional cockpit instruments, the helmet-mounted display system provides the pilot with an integrated visor display of flight and weapons data without having to look down at the instrument panel to maintain situational awareness. This functionality has been substantiated in official military and aviation government research as a primary capability of helmet-mounted displays used on military fighter aircraft, where the head orientation can serve as a weapon pointing device as well as the means to obtain pertinent tactical data. Air traffic control agencies such as the FAA have conducted research to demonstrate that helmet-mounted displays and similar advanced display technologies have been used in aviation for many years. They included human factors studies to evaluate how pilots observe and interpret symbols in both military and civilian environments.
In a product type-based market segment, the helmet-mounted display segment has the closest relationship to aerospace and defence applications. The rugged design of HMDs and their ability to integrate multiple data inputs into real-time display will be essential to mission-critical operations, since real-time images of navigation, targeting and decision making will support these mission-critical operations in dynamic environments.
Kopin Corporation reported total revenue of USD 12 million for the third quarter ended September 27, 2025, with cost of product revenues amounting to USD 8.4 million. This indicates that a significant portion of revenue is reinvested into manufacturing and component development, reflecting the capital-intensive nature of microdisplay and optical technologies. For the head-mounted display market, this financial profile highlights Kopin’s role as a core technology supplier rather than a mass consumer brand. Sustained revenue and controlled production costs support continued R&D in microdisplays and optics, which are critical components for next-generation AR and VR head-mounted devices.
By Display type, the integrated HMDs will witness robust market expansion
Integrated HMDs combine the display, processing unit, and sensors into a single, self-contained device, distinguishing them from slide-on HMDs (which use smartphones as displays) and discrete HMDs (which rely on external devices). Integrated HMDs, such as the Apple Vision Pro (2024), offer high-resolution displays (e.g., micro-OLED with 4K per eye) and advanced features like eye-tracking and gesture control, creating seamless VR and AR experiences. These devices are designed for consumer and professional use, blending aesthetics with functionality.
The strength of integrated HMDs lies in their capacity to deliver high-performance experiences independently. For instance, Apple Vision Pro supports spatial computing, allowing users to interact with digital content in 3D space using hand gestures and voice commands. Integrated head-mounted displays (HMDs) are perfect for applications such as virtual meetings, where users can interact with 3D models. They are also beneficial in creative industries, allowing designers to visualize prototypes in real-time. Additionally, their compact design improves portability, making them attractive to professionals who require AR solutions while on the move.
By industry vertical, the healthcare segment is experiencing substantial growth
In the healthcare sector, HMDs are transforming medical training, diagnostics, and patient care by providing immersive and interactive solutions. AR-enabled HMDs, such as Microsoft’s HoloLens 2, allow surgeons to overlay 3D anatomical models during procedures, improving precision and reducing errors. For instance, during complex surgeries, HMDs can show real-time data, such as MRI scans or vital signs, directly within the surgeon’s line of sight. This eliminates the need for the surgeon to glance at external monitors, ultimately enhancing focus and efficiency in high-stakes situations.
HMDs are also used in medical training, enabling students to practice procedures in virtual environments. VR simulations allow trainees to perform virtual surgeries, such as heart or brain operations, without risking patient safety. AR HMDs enhance telemedicine by allowing remote specialists to guide on-site staff through procedures with real-time annotations. For example, a doctor wearing an AR headset can project instructions directly into a nurse's field of view, even if they are in different locations. This technology improves access to expert guidance in underserved areas.
The United States stands at the forefront of technological advancements. With the country benefiting from a growing tech-savvy population, investments in virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) have gained traction. Head-mounted display forms an integral part of such innovations as it offers high-level immersion for simulation, gaming and training.
As a leading nation in defense spending, the United States constant effort to modernize its aircraft fleet has led to investments in fifth-generation aircraft programs. For instance, the “F-22 Program”, which involves enhancing interoperability of F-22 Raptors and in FY26, the program incorporated helmet-mounted cueing display system developments for further enhancing pilots’ situational awareness. According to the U.S Department of Defense “Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Request” report, the F-22 Raptor RDT&E cost stood at USD 852.3 million, while procurement cost reached USD 1,161.8 million.
Moreover, the growing emphasis on improving vision systems and safety during critical missions has further led to strategic collaboration between U.S air force and wearable AI suppliers like Vuzix for the development of augmented reality HMDs featuring waveguide technologies. Such strategic collaborations and investments in fifth generation aircrafts are projected to drive the market demand for head-mounted displays in the US defense sector.
Similarly, besides defence applications, the usage frequency of head-mounted displays is slowly gaining traction in gaming applications. With nearly 205.1 million Americans playing video games according to Entertainment Software Association, such large strength will positively impact the overall scope of adoption especially amongst Gen Alpha and Gen Z. According to the “EAS Essential Facts 2025”, nearly 14% of Gen Alpha and 13% of Gen Z & millennials aged 8 above used virtual reality (VR) platform for video games.
Emerging fields such as healthcare, education and commercial application is also acting as additional driving factors. With the growing consumer shift towards high-resolution displays followed by an expanding software ecosystem, the market is expected to witness an upward trajectory.
List of Companies
Kopin Corporation
Vuzix Corporation
Google LLC
Sony Group Corporation
Meta Platforms, Inc. (Oculus)
HTC Corporation
Seiko Epson Corporation
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
Microsoft Corporation
LG Electronics Inc.
Key players in the head-mounted displays include Meta Platforms, Inc. (Oculus), Sony Group Corporation, Microsoft Corporation, and HTC Corporation, among others. With their Quest range of products and a robust ecosystem surrounding immersive experiences and social interaction, Meta currently dominates the consumer virtual reality market. Sony has a strong presence in the gaming space through its PlayStation VR system, which includes HMDs as part of its overall strategy to deliver entertainment. Microsoft primarily targets enterprise and industrial uses for HoloLens mixed reality systems, with applications ranging from training to military applications. HTC's Vive series delivers high-end virtual reality systems targeted at both consumers and professional users, establishing itself as a key competitor in the market.