XREAL Aura drops to $1,099, and early buyers get money back
XREAL cut the Aura's price on launch day and promised refunds to people who paid more. Here's who qualifies, how much, when it arrives and what to do next.
The XREAL Aura went on sale on October 28, 2026, and it came with a surprise. XREAL cut the price the same day. If you'd already paid the old price, XREAL says you'll get the difference back.
The new prices
| Model | Was | Now | You save |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12GB RAM + 256GB | $1,279 | $1,099 | $180 |
| 16GB RAM + 512GB | $1,499 | $1,299 | $200 |
XREAL calls this a launch offer that runs through the end of the year. It hasn't said what happens to the price after December 31. MIXED describes it as a limited-time US offer.
Who gets a refund
According to MIXED, the refund covers buyers who paid the original price in full before October 28. XREAL's Aura page says existing owners get a price-difference refund: $180 on the 12GB model and $200 on the 16GB model.
Here's how it works, per MIXED:
- XREAL expects to start processing refunds within 30 days.
- The money goes back to the card or account you paid with.
- After that, your bank decides how long it takes to show up.
Neither XREAL's page nor MIXED says whether the refund happens on its own or whether you need to ask.
What this means for you
You paid in full before October 28. You should qualify. Keep your order confirmation handy and watch the account you paid with. Not sure your order counts? Email XREAL support at support@xreal.com with your order number.
You reserved but hadn't paid in full. The terms we've seen only mention orders paid in full. Check your order page, or ask XREAL support which price applies to you.
You're thinking about buying. The $1,099 price runs through the end of 2026. Shipping starts in mid-November, in batches. MIXED notes that priority fulfillment changes the order XREAL's warehouse ships in, but doesn't promise a delivery date. Per Road to VR, the first batch goes to the US, Canada, Japan and South Korea.
You just want a big screen. The Aura runs apps on its own pocket computer, and you pay for that. If you mostly want a giant screen for a laptop, a Steam Deck or a long flight, tethered glasses do the job for far less. Start with AR glasses for MacBook, the best AR glasses for Steam Deck or the best AR glasses for flights.
Does it work with your laptop?
It should, if your laptop sends video over USB-C. XREAL's FAQ lists MacBooks, Windows laptops whose USB-C port carries video, and Chromebooks. It also lists the Switch, Steam Deck and ROG Ally. They plug into the puck's charging port.
Compatibility checkerMacBook Air (M5) + XREAL AuraWorksMore on the Aura
Our XREAL Aura tracker has the full specs, what's in the box and what we're watching. Weighing it against Meta's puck-powered glasses, due in spring 2027? See our Meta VR Glasses tracker.