# Reality Augmented (VR) vs Google Cardboard

The clearest difference is rating: Reality Augmented (VR) at 4.3 against Google Cardboard's 2.8. Reality Augmented (VR) also leads on review sentiment (60% vs 27%). Google Cardboard's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 9). On price, ratings volume, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Reality Augmented (VR) sells 9 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per month. Google Cardboard asks for nothing beyond the download.

Reality Augmented (VR) holds the better App Store score, 4.3 against 2.8. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 446 and 598 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 60% of Reality Augmented (VR)'s written reviews are positive against 27% of Google Cardboard's.

Reality Augmented (VR) ships an update every 4 months, Google Cardboard every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on October 12, 2026 and October 17, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Reality Augmented (VR) | Google Cardboard |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.3 (446 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/reality-augmented-vr/id954501500/reviews)** | [2.8 (598 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/google-cardboard/id987962261/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 446 | **598** |
| Positive reviews | **59.7% of reviews** | 26.6% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | **Every 3 months** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 20 MB | 60 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | **15.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Magnitude LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/703754875) | [Google](https://appshunter.io/developer/281956209) |

## What reviewers say

### Reality Augmented (VR)

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/reality-augmented-vr/id954501500)

Transform your surroundings into a stereoscopic augmented reality experience. Apply immersive filters and view your world through an iOS device and VR headset. Record and play back filtered videos in VR.

**Highlights:** Stereoscopic augmented reality filters, Adjustable stereoscopic ratio, Customizable camera resolutions and frame rates, Audio-reactive and custom color filters, Record and play back VR videos, Flashlight for night vision

**In-app purchases (9)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Filters - Monthly Access | $0.99 | per month |
| Video Player - Monthly Access | $0.99 | per month |
| Filters - Yearly Access | $9.99 | per year |
| Video Player - Yearly Access | $9.99 | per year |
| 12-Pack(#1) | $0.99 | one-time |
| 12-Pack(#2) | $0.99 | one-time |
| 12-Pack(#3) | $0.99 | one-time |
| 12-Pack(#4) | $0.99 | one-time |
| Bonus Pack (Unlock Everything) | $2.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Amazing AR experience
- 🚀 Great filters and effects
- 💡 Lets you film from VR headset
- 🔒 Robust security features

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Glitchy in-app purchases
- 🔋 Drains battery quickly
- 💸 Paywall for many features
- 🤖 Unreliable playback

**Reported bugs**

- Purchased filters not unlocking
- Playback feature not working
- Crashing and freezing issues
- Upside down video recordings

**Requested features**

- Add normal camera lens
- Improve video quality and frame rate
- Implement VR video recording and playback
- Add more free filter options


### Google Cardboard

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/google-cardboard/id987962261)

Experience virtual reality on your iPhone. This app guides you through setting up a compatible viewer and offers initial immersive experiences to explore.

**Highlights:** VR viewer setup, Introductory VR experiences, iPhone compatibility, Cardboard viewer integration

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Great VR experience
- 🎉 Fun and immersive
- 👍 Simulates VR headset well
- 🌟 Awesome for the price

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Spinning/glitching issues on newer iPhones
- 🤕 Can cause motion sickness
- 📺 Limited content/demos
- 🔍 Difficult to navigate/interact

**Reported bugs**

- Constant spinning/shaking on some devices
- Crashes and freezes on launch
- Incompatibility with certain VR headsets

**Requested features**

- More VR games and interactive experiences
- Ability to view own photos/videos in VR
- Support for newer iOS versions
- Improved navigation and controls


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Reality Augmented (VR) free?

Reality Augmented (VR) is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Google Cardboard free?

Google Cardboard is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Reality Augmented (VR) or Google Cardboard?

Reality Augmented (VR) is rated higher. Reality Augmented (VR) averages 4.3 out of 5 from 446 ratings, while Google Cardboard averages 2.8 from 598 ratings.

### Do Reality Augmented (VR) or Google Cardboard have ads?

Neither Reality Augmented (VR) nor Google Cardboard shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Reality Augmented (VR) or Google Cardboard?

Reality Augmented (VR) ships an update every 4 months, and Google Cardboard every 3 months. Most recently, Reality Augmented (VR) was updated on October 12, 2026 and Google Cardboard on October 17, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*