Experiencing the fascinating concept of traveling in a virtual world with nothing but a computer. A headset and motion-tracking software creates a computer-generated environment that makes you feel like you are in it. This technology is called virtual reality (VR).
Advanced virtual reality headsets offer a wealth of entertainment, education, and work opportunities. However, manufacturers do not create all virtual reality headsets equally.
Do you prefer a headset that is compact and adaptable? Go with the Meta Quest 2. Do you want to play the most cutting-edge virtual reality games? We recommend choosing the Sony PSVR 2 over VR headsets for personal computers. The Meta Quest Pro headset is ideal for those who want to exercise, play video games, and increase their productivity at work.
In short, we recommend a virtual reality headset that will satisfy the needs of the vast majority of consumers, as there is no universally best option. After reading this guide, you may find that there are better options than our top recommendation. Choose the VR headset that best meets your needs from any of the top models we reviewed in this article.
Read on to discover our recommendations and a detailed guide to virtual reality that will assist you in making an informed purchase.
Top 10 Best VR Headsets to Buy Today
The current headset market comprises four main subsets:
- Standalone virtual reality headsets
- Mixed reality headsets
- Console virtual reality gaming headsets
- Personal computer virtual reality gaming headsets
1. Meta Quest 2
Meta Quest 2 (formerly known as Oculus Quest 2) significantly upgraded both specifications and price compared to the original Quest. Despite a minor drop in performance for the same price, the Meta Quest 2 remains the best VR headset on the market. If you’re looking for a virtual reality headset today, the Quest 2 still offers a lot to like. Getting it for a reasonable price is especially important.
The Quest 2 offers exceptional clarity at 1832 x 1920 per eye despite being priced like an entry-level headset. Wearing the headset properly and keeping your eyes in the center ensures that the picture on the Quest 2 is clear and crisp. The Snapdragon XR2 System-on-Chip (SoC) from Qualcomm powers the device, significantly improving the Snapdragon 835 SoC used in the previous-generation Quest. Additionally, the previous version’s RAM has been doubled, now totaling 6GB.
Reasons to Buy
- Oculus Link tethering
- Improved graphics
- Great price
- Steady updates
Reasons to Avoid
- Fiddly strap
- Now $100 more expensive
- Next-gen Quest is coming this year
Cost: $550
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2. PlayStation VR2
The PSVR 2 from Sony boasts a plethora of high-end specs, including a brilliant OLED display, which arguably makes it the best wired VR headset. Its only real drawback is that it ranks lower than Quest 2 because it is PS5-exclusive.Â
However, it is perfect. The headset’s slim but sturdy cable connects it to the PS5, providing a comfortable experience. Additionally, the screen boasts impressive passthrough capabilities and 4K resolution. Furthermore, it supports 3D sound, and the controls are simple.
The Sense controllers truly are the real deal. These VR goggles excel in comfort, tracking accuracy, and haptic feedback compared to other VR goggles.
Reasons to Buy
- Easy to set up
- Great controls with haptic feedback
- Gorgeous display
- Overall excellent VR experience
Reasons to Avoid
- Costs more than a PS5
- Controller straps are awkward
Cost: $530
3. Valve Index
Some of the most impressive visuals of any popular, consumer-available VR headset are possible with the Valve Index‘s RGB LCD screens. While developers push the subpixel layout down the resolution ladder, it still produces a remarkably crisp and detailed picture.Â
The Index boasts a 130-degree field of view (FOV), which is best-in-class, and has an almost invisible screen door effect. In its experimental mode, it reaches a maximum frequency of 144 Hz, while in its regular setting, it achieves 120 Hz.
Doesn’t it sound good? The Valve Index truly deserves the title of the OG of virtual reality goggles.
Reasons to Buy
- Best in class hardware
- Comfortable to wear
- Virtually no SDE
Reasons to Avoid
- Setup is awkward
Cost: $749
4. HTC Vive Pro 2
HTC made numerous improvements to the display of the Vive Pro 2, making it one of the most impressive mainstream options. The device achieves outstanding visuals with a native resolution of 2448 x 2448 pixels per eye, a 120 Hz refresh rate, and a 120 field of view.
The Vive Pro 2 offers one of the highest-resolution mainstream headsets, surpassing the Quest 2’s maximum resolution of 3664 x 1920. High-fidelity games are best suited for this headset as they require high-resolution textures and models to appreciate its benefits fully.
Reasons to Buy
- Awesome display
- Precise tracking
- Mature tracking
Reasons to Avoid
- Ridiculously expensive
- Takes time to setup
- Gets hot in use
Cost: $1490
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5. HP Reverb G2
The HP Reverb G2 earned a spot among the top virtual reality headsets in this roundup due to its superior resolution. If you prioritize ensuring the highest possible image quality in the years to come, this product will not disappoint you. The Reverb G2’s 2160p per eye resolution will eliminate the screen door effect that plagues lower-resolution headsets if your graphics card is up to the task.
If your hardware cannot handle the full resolution for both eyes, you can easily reduce the detail each eye sees. The physical IPD toggle on the underside of the headset offers a wide range compared to other options on the market and proves useful even when playing at lower resolutions.
Reasons to Buy
- Easy setup and long cable
- Accessible physical IPD Toggle
- No screen door effect
Reasons to Avoid
- FOV below average
- Limited tracking volume
Cost: $990
6. Meta Quest Pro
One can think of the upgraded version of the original Quest as the Meta Quest Pro. Professionals in design, engineering, science, and the arts, who frequently work together online, can use the Quest Pro. It also can be used for gaming. Regardless of whether or not one believes in the viability of the metaverse, the Quest Pro impresses as a piece of technology.
It might not be useful for even the most dedicated virtual reality fans, let alone those who want to jump into the mixed reality experience. Virtual reality gamers have better and cheaper options because game designers didn’t design its features for gaming.
Reasons to Buy
- Comfortable to wear
- Doesn’t isolate you from the real world
- Convincing spatial audio
Reasons to Avoid
- Very expensive
- Short battery life
- Working in VR is still unintuitive
Cost: $1499
7. PlayStation VR
PlayStation VR is a good option if you want to play virtual reality games on a console without breaking the bank. Reviewer Sherri L. Smith states that PlayStation VR provides compelling games in a comfortable, easy-to-use headset that will not break your budget.
The headset looks futuristic and surprisingly comfortable, enabling a wide variety of top-tier virtual reality (VR) titles. Such games include Hitman 3, Stride, and Star Wars: Squadrons.
If you already own a PS4 or PS4 Pro, PlayStation VR offers a cost-effective way to enjoy virtual reality games with good visuals. Despite the Move controllers not being great and the graphics not quite matching those of high-end PC graphics, you can still experience high-quality virtual reality.
Reasons to Buy
- Good gaming library
- Fairly easy setup
- Relatively affordable
Reasons to Avoid
- Camera can be very exacting
- Could be visually sharper
- No new games
Cost: $299
Also Read: Difference between oculus quest 2 and meta quest 2
8. HTC Vive XR Elite
The HTC Vive XR Elite may seem like a step into an impossible future when we consider the next generation of virtual and augmented reality. These bug-eyed goggles can achieve mixed reality on a smaller, standalone scale. But many obstacles hinder that small portable dream.
The foldable goggles only play a part in the story. The package includes a battery pack strap. The VR grips should be mentioned. And if you have glasses, you can use an adapter to fit these miniature goggles over them. The XR Elite and the Meta Quest Pro are similar in their kit. You can also choose a more compact design that a portable battery pack or a laptop computer can power.
Reasons to Buy
- Compact design
- Works with PCs or alone
- High-res, clear displays
- Can run mixed-reality apps
- Adjustable prescription lenses
Reasons to Avoid
- Expensive
- Modular design gets clunky
- The adjustable prescription didn’t work with my vision
- Not many mixed-reality apps
Cost: $1300
9. Microsoft HoloLens
Users can move freely while immersed in virtual reality (VR) with the Microsoft HoloLens, as it doesn’t require a cable. It rests on the bridge of the nose rather than floating off to the side. It provides pleasant wear as a result. The device has built-in stereo speakers; you can control it with your gaze, hands, or voice. The headset doesn’t wrap around your head like traditional headsets. Instead, it dangles the display screen in front of your face. It uses optics and sensors to create three-dimensional holograms that can be “pinned” to the user’s surrounding environment. When you tilt the visor up or down, you can access the integrated sensors and screens while wearing the glasses.
Reasons to Buy
- Comfortable to wear.
- Lightweight.
- High potential for the system.
Reasons to Avoid
- The screen is too small.
Cost: $3,500.00
10. Samsung Gear VR
The smartphone’s top virtual reality headset is the Samsung Gear VR, which supports the Galaxy S8, S8 Plus, S9, and S9 Plus. You can navigate and interact with the virtual reality environments using the motion controller, touchpad, and trigger button.
Reasons to Buy
- Light in weight.
- It supports several phones.
Reasons to Avoid
- Controller batteries cannot be recharged.
Cost: $130
Conclusion
Finally, you can choose from many different kinds of virtual reality headsets. Today, manufacturers offer several different types of virtual reality headsets. Some devices function independently of a smartphone or computer, while others require a computer connection or a smartphone insertion.
The world’s best VR headset is subjective and can vary based on individual preferences and needs. However, some popular options known for their quality and performance include the Meta Quest 2, Valve Index, and HTC Vive Pro.
Currently, the Meta Quest 2 is one of the most popular VR headsets. It offers a wireless and standalone VR experience with impressive visuals and a vast library of games and applications. Its affordability and versatility have contributed to its widespread popularity.
Several reputable brands offer high-quality VR devices. Like: Meta Quest series, HTC with their Vive series and Valve with the Valve Index.
Determining the “best” VR system depends on various factors such as budget, intended use, and personal preferences. The Meta Quest 2 is often regarded as one of the best overall VR devices due to its combination of affordability, performance, and versatility.
