Let’s be honest: most employee training isn’t that great. You either get a rushed orientation, a stack of outdated manuals, or an online course you can sleep through. In a fast-moving work environment, that simply doesn’t cut it anymore.
But here’s what’s changing the game in 2025: virtual reality.
Companies, even the ones without giant budgets, are using VR to train people in ways that are actually useful. You’re not reading about how to handle a customer. You’re handling the customer. You’re not being told how to respond in a safety drill. You’re inside one.
More businesses are waking up to what this can do for their teams. And as someone who’s spent over 15 years working with marketing and learning tech, I can tell you this isn’t a trend. It’s the start of a shift.
If you’re curious what VR training tools are actually worth your time and money, here’s a short list that keeps showing up in real-world conversations, not just pitch decks.
1. Strivr
Best for: Large teams that need consistent, repeatable training
Some companies train a few people at a time. Others need to do it at scale. That’s where Strivr fits in. Walmart is using it, and for good reason. The tool throws employees into real-life scenarios that feel surprisingly close to the job. It’s not about watching a video or clicking through slides. You’re making choices, dealing with pressure, figuring it out.
One thing managers seem to like is that you can repeat those simulations as many times as needed. So if someone messes up, they just try again. No embarrassment, no extra sessions. If you’re bringing in a lot of new people every month, this keeps things tight and consistent.
2. Talespin
Best for: Teams focused on soft skills and leadership
Here’s where it gets tricky. Some mistakes at work don’t come from missing a step. They come from saying the wrong thing. Maybe someone over-promises to a client. Or maybe a team lead makes a mess of a feedback session. That’s where Talespin helps.
It’s not flashy. But the avatars feel real enough that people actually freeze up in conversation. And that’s the point. You get to practice tough talks without the pressure of messing up in front of your team or customers. For HR, sales, or leadership roles, it’s useful in a way most tools aren’t.
3. Virti
Best for: Healthcare, safety, and compliance
Virti started in hospitals, and it shows. You can build scenarios around emergencies, compliance checks, even patient interactions. But it’s not limited to healthcare. It’s showing up on construction sites and in safety briefings too.
If your people need to get something right the first time or else, it’s the kind of tool that helps prepare them. You can either use the ready-made modules or build your own. Either way, it gives structure to training that can’t be left to guesswork.
4. Meta Quest for Business
Best for: Hardware that plays well with most VR apps
Let’s talk hardware. The Quest 3 isn’t just for gaming anymore. It runs most training platforms right out of the box. No wires. No setup headaches. That alone makes it appealing if you’re not trying to set up a full IT lab just to run a simulation.
Most companies using it pair it with tools like Immerse or Strivr. Think of it as your entry ticket into VR. You don’t need to spend a fortune, and it’s simple enough that someone can pick it up and start learning the same day.
5. Immerse
Best for: Custom training content and detailed analytics
Sometimes off-the-shelf content doesn’t work. If your business has its own way of doing things, especially in manufacturing or technical roles, you want something you can shape. That’s what Immerse offers.
You can build your own VR training from scratch, down to the smallest detail. It’s great for teams that need to train together too. You can run a group session where everyone’s inside the same environment, reacting and learning together. It’s a different kind of experience.
Which One Makes Sense for You?
No single tool works for everyone. The right choice depends on what’s slowing you down right now.
Are new hires taking too long to get up to speed? Are customer mistakes costing you time and money? Do safety drills feel more like a formality than real prep?
Look at that problem first. Then look at the tools. The best VR training solutions don’t try to replace everything. They solve something specific and they do it well.
One Last Thought
You’ve probably heard about VR training before. Maybe it sounded cool but felt out of reach. But in 2025, that’s changed. Companies of all sizes are making it part of how they train. Not for the wow factor, but because it works.
And you don’t have to roll it out company wide on day one. Start small. Try one scenario with a few people. See how it works for your setup.
If you want help figuring out where to begin, feel free to contact us. We’ll help you look at options without the sales pressure.