This application discloses a method and an apparatus for sending a virtual reality image, to improve accuracy of an image compression ratio determined when a virtual reality image is sent. The method includes: receiving, by a virtual reality host, first motion information sent by a virtual reality device, where the first motion information is used to indicate a current motion status of the virtual reality device; determining, by the virtual reality host, a first image compression ratio based on the motion information; compressing, by the virtual reality host, a to-be-sent virtual reality image based on the first image compression ratio; and sending, by the virtual reality host, the compressed virtual reality image to the virtual reality device.