Are You Using the Right XR Headset for Work?

This IDC Perspective explores the evolution and practical deployment of extended reality (XR) technologies, including augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), mixed reality (MR), and extended reality (ER) headsets. It outlines how advances in silicon, displays, and cameras have propelled XR devices into commercial popularity over the past decade, particularly for training applications across industries. This IDC Perspective clarifies distinctions between headsets and ideal use cases. VR offers immersive training in completely digital environments, MR enables users to interact with both real and virtual objects, ER provides heads-up content overlay for field service, and AR overlays interactive digital information onto real-world surroundings with advanced mapping features. Each type of headset has unique benefits and deployment considerations, recommended usage environments, mobility constraints, and interaction types. IDC aims to provide guidance for technology buyers on choosing and deploying appropriate XR solutions in the workplace."XR deployments in the commercial space are still relatively niche in 2025 compared with other hardware segments, but players in this market are actively designing and developing XR solutions for both frontline and knowledge/desk workers," said Bryan Bassett, research manager, Enterprise Mobility, IDC. "The latest generation of XR hardware has seen improvements in design and functionality, presenting an opportunity for expanded XR deployments in business. Collaboration, virtual design, and employee training are emerging as the front-runner use cases for enterprise workers.""Augmented reality and virtual reality have been around for decades, but it has only been within the past 10 years that they have gained popularity and acceptance among interested commercial users," said Ramon T. Llamas, research director with IDC's XR and 3D Interactive Software program. "Training has become one of the most popular use cases for XR, allowing users to safely understand a task and the steps involved with it. Training can change markedly from one product to another, each presenting benefits and limitations to the wearer."