Augmented reality (AR) aims to enhance our natural world through technology. The interactive experience uses computer-generated information to enrich what we perceive in the natural world.
The AR market is growing fast as more companies and people embrace this technology. According to data by Statista, the AR market will top $62 billion in 2029. That implies a 9% compound annual growth rate over the next few years.
Many companies are working toward capturing a slice of the AR market. Here's a look at some of the top augmented reality stocks.
Best augmented reality stocks
Several companies are working on augmented reality technology. Here's a list of some of the best augmented reality stock picks:
| Name and ticker | Market cap | Industry |
|---|---|---|
| Meta Platforms (NASDAQ:META) | $1.6 trillion | Interactive Media and Services |
| Alphabet (NASDAQ:GOOG) | $3.8 trillion | Interactive Media and Services |
| Nvidia (NASDAQ:NVDA) | $4.6 trillion | Semiconductors and Semiconductor Equipment |
| Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) | $3.8 trillion | Technology Hardware, Storage and Peripherals |
| Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) | $2.8 trillion | Software |
| Qualcomm (NASDAQ:QCOM) | $136.6 billion | Semiconductors and Semiconductor Equipment |
| Unity Software (NYSE:U) | $9.4 billion | Software |
Here's a closer look at these top growth tech stocks focused on augmented reality.
1. Meta Platforms
NASDAQ: META
Key Data Points
Social media giant Meta Platforms (META +0.74%) has been investing heavily in building other technology platforms. The company's Reality Labs segment is developing augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and artificial intelligence (AI) tools and services, including Oculus, Spark AR, and AI Glasses.
Meta Platforms has partnered with Ray-Ban to develop smart glasses technology. The glasses can take photos and videos, make calls, and livestream. With Meta AI, it can, for example, translate text in real time or tell you the history of a building you are looking at.
The company sees a massive opportunity for AI-powered AR glasses. CEO Mark Zuckerberg commented on the company's opportunity in glasses on its fourth quarter earnings conference call in early 2026:
Billions of people wear glasses or contacts for vision correction. I think that we're at a moment similar to when smartphones arrived, and it was clearly only a matter of time until all those flip phones became smartphones. It's hard to imagine a world in several years where most glasses that people wear aren't AI glasses.
2. Alphabet
NASDAQ: GOOG
Key Data Points
Alphabet (GOOG +1.09%) is the corporate umbrella company that holds the iconic Google search engine and YouTube online entertainment channel. The company also has several "other bets," including cybersecurity company Chronicle and autonomous driving technology venture Waymo.
Google is using AR in various ways. For example, Live View on Google Maps allows users to quickly orient themselves to their surroundings and know which way to go via directions overlaid on the live view of their surroundings. Meanwhile, Google Lens allows users to search for what they see. They can scan and translate text, search for an item that caught their eye, or identify plants and animals. The company's AR technology is making it easier for people to discover the world around them.
Google is also developing AI-powered AR glasses. The company plans to launch its first AI-powered glasses in 2026. They will initially be audio-only glasses with Google's Gemini AI assistant, featuring an in-lens display.
3. Apple
NASDAQ: AAPL
Key Data Points
Apple (AAPL -0.50%) is a leader in developing technology with the goal of making life easier. It's increasingly using AR to enhance the physical world. Apple has the world's largest AR platform, with hundreds of millions of AR-enabled devices, as well as thousands of AR apps available on its App Store. Users can download AR-enabled apps such as Snapchat (SNAP +6.85%), IKEA Kreativ, iScape, and others that enhance the physical world through an iPhone or iPad.
In addition, the company is exploring many ways to use virtual reality with AR. Apple is developing wearable computing technology. The company launched its first AR/VR product, Apple Vision Pro, in early 2024. The spatial computing product blends digital content with your physical space.
Apple is also joining its fellow tech titans in trying to tap the massive potential market opportunity for smart glasses. It aims to launch its smart glasses by the end of 2026.
4. Microsoft
NASDAQ: MSFT
Key Data Points
Microsoft (MSFT +3.64%) is investing in leading-edge technologies like cloud computing, AI, and AR/VR. The company launched its first mixed-reality product, HoloLens, which overlays digital images in the physical world. The updated HoloLens 2 is a holographic device designed to help businesses improve accuracy and output. However, it has since discontinued those products. It also handed over its $22 billion U.S. Army AR headset program based on HoloLens to Anduril Industries in 2025, though it will provide cloud and AI capabilities for the program.
Microsoft is working on other aspects of AR, including AI, AR software, processing, lenses, and sensors to create even more immersive experiences for users. For example, it's also working on AR smart glasses featuring its co-pilot AI technology. The company sees lots of business uses for the technology, including training, support, and customer service across a range of industries.
5. Qualcomm
NASDAQ: QCOM
Key Data Points
Qualcomm (QCOM +2.49%) is working to build the foundational technology needed to make AR a reality. This technological base includes immersive 3D graphics, computer vision, machine learning, intuitive security, and 5G technologies. The company's Snapdragon XR Platform is an end-to-end computing solution that can power the AR world.
In addition to developing AR technology, Qualcomm is investing in innovative AR startups. Qualcomm launched its $100 million Snapdragon Metaverse Fund to invest in extended reality (XR) technologies.
These investments are starting to pay some dividends. The company unveiled its Snapdragon AR1+ Gen 1 processor in 2025. The technology enables companies to install on-glass generative AI (Gen AI), creating what it calls the world's most advanced solution for AI smart glasses.
6. Nvidia
NASDAQ: NVDA
Key Data Points
Nvidia (NVDA +0.29%) is also working on the technology needed to make VR a reality. For example, Nvidia CloudXR delivers VR and AR across 5G and Wi-Fi networks. It allows users to stream AR through devices without using wires.
Nvidia is also developing technology that incorporates AR into cars. The Nvidia Drive AR processor gathers information and displays it for a driver using AR. The system will show driving stats, points of interest, alerts, and other information.
7. Unity Software
NYSE: U
Key Data Points
Unity Software (U +5.34%) develops a game engine for creating video games. Developers can use its platform to create 2D, 3D, VR, and AR video games and other applications for smartphones, PCs, tablets, and other devices.
The company has created an integrated platform that enables developers to bring immersive AR projects to life. Unity's solution combines a leading software development platform with purpose-built tools that allow creators to bring their vision to life.
Unity Software's solutions go beyond gaming. For example, its technology can help transform healthcare systems by enhancing medical training and patient care through immersive XR technology.
How to invest in augmented reality stocks
Here's a step-by-step guide to adding augmented reality stocks to your portfolio:
- Open your brokerage app: Log in to your brokerage account where you handle your investments.
- Search for the stock: Enter the ticker or company name into the search bar to bring up the stock's trading page.
- Decide how many shares to buy: Consider your investment goals and how much of your portfolio you want to allocate to this stock.
- Select order type: Choose between a market order to buy at the current price or a limit order to specify the maximum price you're willing to pay.
- Submit your order: Confirm the details and submit your buy order.
- Review your purchase: Check your portfolio to ensure your order was filled as expected and adjust your investment strategy accordingly.
Key Trends in the Augmented Reality Industry
AR is increasingly becoming a vital part of our lives. Here are a few key AR trends:
- It's helping revolutionize retail by increasing consumer purchase intent and giving buyers the confidence to pay more for a product if they can view it through AR.
- The technology is also driving robust growth in the gaming market. IMARC Group expects a compound annual growth rate of more than 25% in the global AR gaming market through 2033, reaching nearly $142 billion.
- AI-driven AR solutions are making the technology even more immersive and accessible, further increasing engagement and conversion for companies that use it.
Pros and cons of investing in augmented reality stocks
Augmented reality has both benefits and risks that investors should consider before buying stocks focused on the sector. Some of the pros of investing in augmented reality stocks include:
- Growth potential: AR is a large, growing market opportunity.
- Enhances other technologies: Increased AR usage could drive additional growth for technologies such as video games, smart glasses, and e-commerce.
On the other hand, there are some cons to investing in AR stocks:
- Few pure plays: Most of the early AR leaders are large technology companies with diversified businesses. As a result, there are limited AR investment opportunities.
- A smaller market opportunity: While AR is a potentially multi-billion-dollar market opportunity, it's not as big as other major tech megatrends, such as cybersecurity, cloud computing, and AI.
Factors to Consider Before Choosing Augmented Reality Stocks
Here are some key factors investors should consider when selecting augmented reality stocks:
- The size of the company's AR business compared to its other businesses.
- The level of its AR investment.
- The potential impact of AR on the company's long-term growth.
Related investing topics
Augmented reality stocks FAQ
About the Author
Matt DiLallo has positions in Alphabet, Apple, and Meta Platforms and has the following options: short May 2026 $280 calls on Apple. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Alphabet, Apple, Meta Platforms, Microsoft, Nvidia, Qualcomm, and Unity Software. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
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