The Pico 4E and Pico 4 are two excellent high-end headsets from Pico. While they have a lot in common, there are also some key differences you’ll want to know about before making your decision.
In this ArborXR guide, we’ll break down the differences between the Pico 4E and Pico 4, so by the end, you’ll feel confident about which one is the best fit for you.
PICO 4E vs PICO 4: An Overview
The Pico 4 and Pico 4E (PICO 4 Enterprise) are both high-end VR headsets.Â
Both are powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 processor, ensuring smooth performance for both gaming and professional apps. Both offer a 5300mAh battery for around two hours of use. Both feature 4K+ resolution with pancake lenses for a crisp, immersive experience.
However, these headsets diverge significantly in terms of design and purpose. The Pico 4 targets consumers, while the Pico 4E is built for enterprise use.
Here’s a quick comparison:
| Feature | PICO 4 | PICO 4 Enterprise |
| App Stores | Consumer-focused apps (games, fitness) | Business-focused apps for productivity, training, collaboration |
| Face and Eye Tracking | Not Available | Included for enhanced user expression tracking |
| Sideloading | Not Supported | Supported for custom business apps |
| PICO Business Suite | Not Available | Available, includes tools for device management, streaming, and kiosk mode |
| Account Login Requirement | Personal login required | Company login, no individual accounts |
| Face Cover | Foam for comfort | PU leather for easy cleaning and hygiene |
| Price | Generally less expensive (depending on the seller) | Generally more expensive (depending on the seller) |
Now, let’s dive into the details and see what these differences mean for your overall experience.
Key Differences Between PICO 4 and PICO 4E
1. App Stores
One major difference between these two headsets is the apps and app stores they can access.
The PICO 4 only has access to the consumer PICO app store, which focuses on entertainment, fitness, and social experiences. Since the headset doesn’t support sideloading (more on that later), there’s no way to access other app stores.
In contrast, the PICO 4E provides access to the PICO Business Store, offering apps designed for productivity, training, and collaboration. This makes the 4E ideal for businesses, especially those using VR for professional purposes.
2. Face and Eye Tracking
The PICO 4E comes with both face tracking and eye tracking, while the PICO 4 does not.
The 4E’s eye tracking is valuable for gathering behavioral insights, like tracking where users focus during training, which can help optimize content and measure program effectiveness. Face tracking enhances avatars in virtual meetings, making interactions more lifelike.
For gaming and casual VR use, not having face or eye tracking isn’t a big deal. Most consumer apps don’t require these features—simple hand tracking and 6DoF (which both headsets offer) will do the job just fine.
3. Sideloading
Sideloading is the ability to install and run apps that are not available in the official app store. This is an important topic in enterprise (and consumer) XR since many XR developers prefer to distribute custom apps outside official app stores.
The PICO 4 doesn’t support sideloading. As we mentioned, that means you’re limited to apps on the official PICO Store—which isn’t an issue if your after standard, consumer apps. You’ll find thousands of options.
The PICO 4E does support sideloading, meaning you can upload apps directly onto the headset. This is especially useful in use cases where custom VR experiences are key. For example, VR onboarding apps and specialized training content.
Tip: A scalable workaround to this sideloading issue is using a third-party MDM like ArborXR. With ArborXR, you can install third-party apps on either the PICO 4E or 4—and the best part? You can do it at scale, across all your headsets, at once.
4. PICO Business Suite
PICO Business Suite is PICO’s lightweight device management (MDM) platform—and it’s exclusive to the PICO 4E. With PICO Business Suite, you can manage headsets from a central platform, push software updates, deploy new content, and even troubleshoot remotely.
On top of the basics, it has three standout features:
- Kiosk Mode: Lock the headset to a specific app or content.
- Synchronized Playback: Perfect for running simulations or presentations across multiple headsets at the same time.
- Streaming: Stream content from a computer or cloud service to the headsets, eliminating the need to install large apps directly on the devices.
However, for enterprise XR device management, the PICO Business Suite has limitations—like only supporting video kiosk mode, relying on LAN-based setups, and offering limited home screen customization. That’s where a full-featured MDM like ArborXR can help.
ArborXR is enterprise-focused and improves on PICO’s suite, addressing many of its shortcomings. Not only does ArborXR support both the PICO 4 and 4E (along with several other devices), but it also offers:
- Highly Customizable Home Environments: Use immersive 3D backgrounds or 360 visuals as your home environment.
- Multi and Single App Kiosk Modes: Lock users into one app or multiple apps with ArborXR Home.
- Direct Connection With Content Providers: If the content you need isn’t in the PICO Business store, our XR directory connects you directly with trusted content developers for licensed or custom content.
- Receive Third-Party Content: When you get content from ISV partners, it’s simple to receive it directly within ArborXR.
5. Account Login Requirement
The PICO 4 requires each user to create and log into their account, similar to consumer devices like smartphones. This setup is fine for personal use but can be cumbersome in shared environments. The PICO 4E simplifies this by using a company login system. Once the company account is set up, employees can share devices without needing individual logins.
6. Face Cover
While often overlooked, the face cushion impacts both comfort and hygiene.
The PICO 4 uses a foam face cushion, making it comfortable for extended personal use. However, foam absorbs sweat and is harder to clean, which can be problematic in shared environments.
The PICO 4E comes with a PU leather cushion, designed for easy cleaning and disinfection, making it ideal for businesses where multiple users share the same headset.
Choosing Between PICO 4 and PICO 4E
Both the PICO 4 and PICO 4E are powerful headsets, but their differences—particularly regarding app stores, sideloading, and tracking—set them apart for different audiences.
- The PICO 4 is perfect for individual consumers, particularly gamers and those looking for social or fitness experiences.
- The PICO 4E is optimized for businesses that need professional features, such as face and eye tracking, sideloading, and remote device management.
Whichever headset you choose, a solid management solution is essential. ArborXR provides the tools to track devices, install apps at scale, and create smooth VR experiences for your team. Want to try ArborXR for yourself?
Sign up for a free trial today.
