XREAL Aura accessories: the charger and cable it doesn't include

The Aura's box is well stocked. You get a case, a belt clip, three sizes of nose pads and a frame for prescription lenses. But two things are missing, and most owners will want both: a wall charger, and a USB-C cable that carries video.

Here's what to get for each, plus XREAL's own add-ons and what you can skip.

Quick picks

You want to	Get	Price
Charge the puck	A USB-PD or PPS charger, 30 W or more	Varies
Show a laptop or Steam Deck through the puck	A USB-C cable that carries video	Varies
Play games	XREAL's controller, or one you own	$99
Type and work	XREAL's keyboard, or any Bluetooth keyboard	$79
Skip the contacts	Aura prescription lenses	From $49.90

A charger (not in the box)

XREAL's minimum is a USB-PD or PPS charger of 18 W. Go lower, and XREAL warns charging can crawl, or the battery can drop while you use the Aura plugged in. If you'll use it while it charges, XREAL suggests 30 W or more.

The puck accepts up to 57 W, but there's a catch in the fine print. XREAL lists regular USB-PD at up to 12 V and 3 A. That works out to 36 W. Reaching the full 57 W takes a PPS charger, which XREAL lists at up to 19 V. Any good PD charger still works fine. It just won't hit the top speed.

Charge with the USB-C cable from the box. If the puck gets hot or shows a warning while charging, unplug it and let it cool.

A video cable (not in the box)

You only need this for one thing: plugging a laptop, Steam Deck or other device into the puck, which XREAL calls Wired Mirroring. XREAL's manual says the charging cable in the box only charges. It can't carry video.

What to buy: a USB-C to USB-C cable that supports video, also called DisplayPort Alt Mode. Cables sold for USB-C monitors work, and so do USB4 and Thunderbolt cables. Skip anything sold only for charging.

You don't need it to use the glasses as a plain monitor. That route uses the glasses cable from the box. Here's how both setups work.

One cable you should never replace: the glasses cable. XREAL warns that third-party cables there can cause display glitches, tracking problems and camera issues.

XREAL Game Controller ($99)

Road to VR reports XREAL made it with GameSir. It has a Gemini button and comes with a charging dock.

You might not need it. XREAL says PlayStation, Xbox and other Bluetooth controllers work too. Pair one under Settings, then Connected devices, then Pair new device.

Skip it if you already own an Xbox or DualSense controller.

XREAL keyboard ($79)

It's a foldable wireless keyboard, built for working across several windows, per Road to VR. Standard Bluetooth keyboards and mice work as well.

Skip it if you already have a Bluetooth keyboard you like.

A note on bundles: XREAL sells the Aura with the keyboard, the controller or both. When we checked, the bundles simply added the full $79 and $99 to the Aura's price. There's no discount, so there's no rush to decide now.

Prescription lenses (from $49.90)

The Aura has no focus dials, but the empty lens frame comes in the box. XREAL's lenses for it cover -10.00 to +4.00, with astigmatism, and take about two weeks to arrive. Here's how to order Aura lenses.

Headphones (maybe)

The Aura has speakers near each ear, tuned by Bose. They leave your ears open, so you hear the room. On a plane or train, Bluetooth headphones keep your movie to yourself. XREAL says standard Bluetooth headphones work.

A power bank for long trips

XREAL rates the puck at 3 to 4 hours of typical use. For longer trips, a USB-C power bank that supports PD or PPS can top it up, just like a wall charger. Plug it into the puck, never into the glasses.

Flying? The FAA says power banks have to go in your carry-on, never your checked bag. Some airlines also limit how many you can bring. The puck's own battery is rated at 34.84 Wh, well under the FAA's 100 Wh limit for lithium-ion batteries.

What to skip

• XREAL Eye. It adds 6DoF to XREAL's One series. The Aura already has tracking cameras built in.
• A different glasses cable. Stick with XREAL's, for the reasons above.

Check your device

Compatibility checkerMacBook Air (M5) + XREAL AuraWorks Compatibility checkerSteam Deck OLED + XREAL AuraWorks

More help

• Just ordered? Our XREAL Aura setup checklist covers sizing, your Google account and day one.
• Prices and shipping: our XREAL Aura tracker
• Still deciding? See XREAL Aura vs URXR One.