Pimax is back in the spotlight with major updates to its upcoming Dream Air lineup of PC VR headsets—but not all of it is good news.
Dream Air Delayed, Now More Expensive
Initially announced five months ago, the Pimax Dream Air headset was expected to launch in May 2025 with a price tag of around $1900. That plan has now changed.
Pimax has officially delayed the Dream Air release, now targeting a launch window of August or early September 2025. In addition to the delay, the company has increased the price—the inside-out SLAM tracking version with controllers will now cost $2100. A more affordable alternative, priced at $1900, drops the controllers and SLAM tracking in favor of SteamVR base station tracking via photodiodes.
One notable upgrade: Dream Air will now feature Sony’s newer micro-OLED panels instead of the previously announced BOE panels. While the resolution remains the same, the switch to Sony tech promises a wider color gamut and potentially better image quality overall.
Introducing the Dream Air SE: A More Affordable Option
Alongside the delay and price increase, Pimax has revealed a brand-new headset: the Dream Air SE. This model aims to retain most of the high-end features of the Dream Air while cutting costs through compromises in display and lens quality.
The Dream Air SE shares the same body design and standout features, including:
- Eye tracking
- Motorized self-tightening head strap (a first in VR, similar to Nike’s self-lacing shoe technology)
- Integrated audio
- Automatic IPD adjustment
- Choice between inside-out SLAM or SteamVR base station tracking
However, the SE model uses 2.5K micro-OLED panels instead of 4K, and its pancake lenses offer a smaller field of view—though Pimax notes improved stereo overlap in return.
Pricing for the Dream Air SE is as follows:
- $1200 for the inside-out SLAM version with controllers
- $900 for the SteamVR-compatible version (no SLAM, no controllers)
Pimax currently expects to ship the Dream Air SE in Q3 2025.
Try Before You Buy – Pimax Prime Financing
Both models will be available under Pimax’s “Prime” financing program. This system allows customers to pay roughly two-thirds of the price upfront, try the headset for 14 days, and then decide whether to:
- Pay the remaining balance in full
- Enter a two-year subscription plan
A Word of Caution
While Pimax continues to innovate and push boundaries in the VR space, it’s important to approach these announcements with caution. The company has a track record of missing deadlines, launching hardware with incomplete features, and announcing new devices before delivering on previous promises.
For example, the Crystal’s eye tracking didn’t work until four months after release. And the Reality 12K QLED headset, unveiled in 2021 with ambitious specs like 6K per eye resolution and a 200° FOV, is still nowhere to be seen.
Additionally, it’s worth noting that Pimax has not yet shown a fully functional prototype of the Dream Air. All current images are renders, not real-world previews.
Final Thoughts
The Pimax Dream Air and Dream Air SE are undoubtedly intriguing, with futuristic features like automatic fit adjustment and high-end micro-OLED displays. However, given Pimax’s history, we strongly recommend waiting for real-world reviews and fully functioning demos before considering a preorder.
If Pimax can deliver on its promises, these headsets could be serious contenders in the next wave of PC VR gear. Until then, hopeful buyers should remain cautious and watch developments closely.
