Training simulator vs entertainment — what are you looking for?
Before comparing specific titles, it helps to be clear about what you need. VR cricket games in 2026 broadly fall into two categories:
Training simulators
Built for players who want to improve. Measure performance. Configurable bowlers. Analytics. Physical bat accessories. The goal is to make you a better cricketer.
Entertainment titles
Built for fun. Licensed teams, atmosphere, multiplayer. Good for people who have never held a bat. Less useful for serious players who want data and improvement.
At a glance
| Game | Focus | Price | Analytics | Bat accessory | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CricketX | Training | $20 | ✓ Full analytics | ✓ Smart bats from $60 | Serious training |
| iB Cricket | Entertainment | Free + IAP | ✗ None | ✗ Not available | Casual / fans |
| RunMaka VR | Arcade | Free | ✗ None | ✗ Not available | Introduction to VR |
VR cricket games reviewed
CricketX
Meta Quest 2, 3, 3s, Pro · $20 + optional Pro subscription
CricketX is the most technically advanced VR cricket experience on Meta Quest. It is built for players who want to measurably improve — not just play. If you train for real cricket, this is the one.
Pros
- Custom AI bowlers — configure pace, spin, swing, line, length
- Real swing-path analytics and shot maps every session
- Full match simulation with fielding setups
- Physical bat accessory for authentic swing feel
- Runs standalone — no PC required
Cons
- Training focus means less casual fun than arcade titles
- Full analytics require CricketX Pro subscription ($15/month)
iB Cricket
Meta Quest, PC VR (SteamVR) · Free to play (in-app purchases)
iB Cricket is the most polished cricket entertainment experience in VR — big licensed stadiums, IPL teams, and multiplayer. If you want the atmosphere of a live match and don't need training data, it's excellent. It is not a training tool.
Pros
- IPL and ICC licensed teams and stadiums
- Free base game — no upfront cost
- Multiplayer modes and online leagues
- High production value: crowd, commentary, atmosphere
Cons
- No personalised analytics or shot data
- Bowling is automated — no configurable delivery setup
- In-app purchases required for full content access
- Training transfer to real cricket is limited without data
RunMaka VR
Meta Quest · Free / paid
RunMaka is a casual batting arcade. Good for a quick pick-up-and-play session or introducing the sport to someone who has never held a bat. Not suitable for serious training.
Pros
- Free entry point — no cost to try
- Simple controls — easy to pick up
- Good for introducing cricket to non-players
Cons
- Arcade-style physics — not realistic enough for training
- No analytics or performance tracking
- Limited bowling variety and no customisation
CricketX vs iB Cricket: head to head
These two titles attract the most comparison questions — so here is the direct comparison. They are built for very different purposes, and the right choice depends on what you are trying to get out of VR.
| Feature | CricketX | iB Cricket |
|---|---|---|
| Primary purpose | Training & technique improvement | Entertainment & atmosphere |
| Shot analytics | ✓ Full swing path, shot map, pitch map | ✗ Not available |
| Configurable bowlers | ✓ Pace, spin, swing, line, length | ✗ Automated only |
| Licensed content | Real training scenarios | ✓ IPL, ICC teams & stadiums |
| Physical bat accessory | ✓ Smart bats from $60 | ✗ Not available |
| Multiplayer | Field placement vs AI (match mode) | ✓ Online leagues & social modes |
| Price | $20 one-time + optional Pro | Free + in-app purchases |
| Platform | Meta Quest standalone only | Meta Quest + PC VR (Steam) |
| Best for | Players training for real cricket | Fans & casual entertainment |
The honest answer
If you play club cricket or above and want VR practice that transfers to match situations, CricketX is the only serious option. If you're a cricket fan who wants to experience IPL stadium atmosphere in VR, iB Cricket is excellent entertainment. They are not really competing for the same use case.
Which VR cricket game should you get?
If you play real cricket and want VR training that transfers to the crease, CricketX is the only option with analytics, configurable bowling, and a physical bat accessory that bridges VR technique and real-world feel. The Meta Quest headset you already own will run it — any Quest 2, 3s, 3, or Pro.
If you want something free and fun to try VR cricket for the first time — without serious training ambitions — iB Cricket or RunMaka work well as entry points. Most players who start there and get serious about improvement end up on CricketX within a few months.
Not sure about the full cost of getting started with VR cricket? We have a full breakdown with every number.
Frequently asked questions
Is CricketX the best VR cricket game for real training?
Yes — it is currently the only VR cricket experience on Meta Quest built around training analytics. Every other title is entertainment-first. CricketX tracks swing path, shot placement, and delivery response every session.
Does iB Cricket help improve your real cricket?
iB Cricket is entertainment software — it reproduces the look and feel of big-match cricket but has no analytics, no configurable training, and no data you can act on. It won't measurably improve your batting technique the way a training simulator does.
Can I play both CricketX and iB Cricket?
Yes — they serve completely different purposes. CricketX for training, iB Cricket for entertainment. Many serious players use both: structured batting sessions in CricketX, relaxed IPL match atmosphere in iB Cricket.
What Meta Quest headset do I need for VR cricket?
Any Meta Quest headset works — Quest 2, Quest 3s, Quest 3, or Quest Pro. All are standalone (no PC required). CricketX runs on all four.
Try CricketX on Meta Quest
$20 on the Meta Quest Store. No subscription required to start. Smart bat accessories from $60.