The greatest VR headset will take your gaming PC setup to the following degree, particularly if you happen to’re trying to play video games like Half-Life: Alyx, Beat Saber, and Resident Evil 4. Certain, immediately’s digital actuality tech is extra Lawnmower Man than Prepared Participant One, however ideas just like the metaverse and augmented actuality (AR) are all seemingly part of what’s to return.
Selecting the very best VR headset isn’t essentially sophisticated, however corporations are repeatedly reinventing the idea of digital actuality. Every headset will present the greatest VR video games on PC with a unique taste of immersion, and the most costly possibility isn’t essentially the very best. So, that can assist you get in your digital toes, we’ve examined a bunch of VR headsets in an try and make the murky waters of the metaverse a bit clearer.
Listed below are the very best VR headset choices:
1. Greatest standalone headset
The greatest VR headset is the Meta Quest 3.
Anticipate to pay $499 USD / £479.99 GBP for the 128GB mannequin and $649.99 / £619.99 for the 512GB mannequin.
Professionals:
- Totally wi-fi headset and controllers
- High quality built-in audio system
- Simple setup
- Vastly improved decision over the earlier mannequin
Cons:
- Now dearer
- Requires a Meta account
Meta Quest 3 specs | |
Display | 2064×2208 per eye, pancake lenses |
Refresh price | 90Hz /120Hz |
FoV | 110-degree horizontal, 96-degree vertical |
Monitoring | Inside-out |
There have been excessive hopes for the Meta Quest 3 following massive guarantees made by the Actuality Labs workforce and Mark Zuckerberg, however in a pleasant shock, they’re delivered on just about all of them.
Regardless of an absence of native software program at launch, the Meta Quest 3 can take your present library of Meta video games and provides them a considerable efficiency enhance, even with out builders offering a full graphical overhaul.
An improve in each sense of the phrase, the Quest 3 is a tool that may attraction to the plenty given its ease of entry, and now it’s over to builders to supply the killer software program that persons are going to wish to purchase a headset to play.
Learn our Meta Quest 3 evaluation for extra.
2. Greatest standalone VR headset
The greatest standalone headset is the Pico 4.
Anticipate to pay round $460 USD / £380 GBP.
Pico 4 specs | |
Display | Single LCD (2160×2160 per eye) |
Refresh price | 90Hz |
FoV | 105° |
Monitoring | Inside-out |
Professionals:
- Wi-fi
- Simple to setup
- Snug design
- 4K display screen
Cons:
- Not formally out there within the US
- Lacks exclusives in comparison with Quest 2
- Decrease refresh price
It’s onerous to debate Pico 4 with out evaluating it to Meta Quest 2, although you may perceive why. Developed by ByteDance subsidiary Pico, this wi-fi VR headset is likely one of the extra highly effective shopper choices at the moment out there.
Using a Qualcomm XR2 processor and Adreno 650 GPU, the Pico 4 boasts 4K decision on an LCD display screen, 105°field-of-view, and 8GB of RAM. Sadly, Pico 4 solely has a 90Hz most refresh price, whereas many others can hit 120Hz. However in the case of standalone VR headsets, it nonetheless holds the efficiency benefit. For instance, Pink Matter 2 on Pico 4 has a 30% resolution boost over its Quest 2 version.
Sadly, what’s at the moment letting down Pico 4 is its software program library. If you happen to’re primarily right here for video games, virtually every thing you’ll discover is already on Quest 2. Meta has cultivated some high-quality exclusives that you simply gained’t discover right here, like The Climb 2 and Resident Evil 4 VR. Proper now, Pico 4 solely has one main unique, which incorporates Ubisoft’s upcoming Simply Dance VR.
Nonetheless, Pico 4 has different benefits. Due to a extra even weight distribution, it feels extra comfy than Quest 2’s front-heavy strategy. By using inside-out monitoring, setting this up proves simple and doesn’t require base stations, like many PC-only headsets. Higher nonetheless, if you happen to’ve received a spare USB-C cable going, Pico’s newest headset can play PC VR video games too, opening up your library additional.
3. Best cheap VR Headset
The best cheap VR headset is the Bnext VR headset.
Expect to pay $22 USD / £28 GBP.
Bnext specs | |
Screen | Single LCD (1832×1920 per eye) |
Refresh rate | 120Hz |
FoV | 90° |
Tracking | Inside-out |
Pros:
- Cheap and cheerful
- Great gateway VR device
- Doubles up as a drone accessory
Cons:
- A limited selection of games
- Relies on a smartphone
- Could do with nose padding
VR is expensive, but cheap headsets like the Bnext are a great place to start. Sure, the budget goggles won’t blow you away with immersive visuals, but they’ll act like a portal to the virtual realm when paired with your smartphone.
Sure, you could pick up a Google Cardboard for a bit less, but for $22 USD, you’ll get a relatively comfortable accessory that almost looks like an Oculus Quest 2. If you’ve got a Drone with virtual reality camera mode, you could also pair it with the Bnext and complete your setup.
Admittedly, the Bnext is more of a VR stepping stone than a headset you’ll use long-term. That said, if you’re looking for something to entertain younger players or a way to watch 3D videos on your smartphone, this headset should tick all the boxes.
The Bnext isn’t entirely uncomfortable, but its nose bridge could do with some additional padding. Not that you’ll be wearing the headset for an extended period, as it’s arguably more a novelty taster than a full-blown experience. Nevertheless, while it’s still a bargain, you might want to consider your schnozzle before sticking it on your face.
4. Best VR headset
The best Steam VR headset is the Valve Index.
Expect to pay $999 USD / £919 GBP.
Valve Index specs | |
Screen | Dual 1440 x 1600 LCD |
Refresh rate | Up to 144Hz |
FoV | 130° |
Tracking | Steam VR base stations |
Pros:
- Fantastic audio
- Knuckles controller
- Minimal screen door
- Accurate tracking
Cons:
The Valve Index makes the most compelling argument for high-fidelity, tethered PC VR – provided you’ve got the rig to deal with the workload. And it does so by breaking the mold in a few ways.
The Valve Index’s off-ear speakers – while one of its most questionable features pre-launch – turned out to be one of the headset’s strongest feats. They’re somehow both immersive and comfortably distant from the ear without any sound leakage… witchcraft.
Aside from glorious audio, the Index offers dual 1,440 x 1,600 RGB LCD screens, fitted with a greater number of subpixels than their AMOLED alternatives. They’re also a touch wider when it comes to field of view and capable of running at up to 144Hz, rivaling the best gaming monitor.
The end result is a display with greater sharpness, clarity, and eye comfort for longer periods. And its controllers are seriously the best ones out there. The Index truly is the definitive device for virtual reality on Steam.
Read the PCGamesN Valve Index review for our full verdict and score.
5. Best VR headset screen
The best VR headset screen is the HTC Vive Pro 2.
Expect to pay $1,250 USD / £1,400 GBP.
HTC Vive Pro 2 | |
Screen | Single LCD (2488×2488 per eye) |
Refresh rate | 120Hz |
FoV | 120° |
Tracking | Inside-out |
Pros:
- High-fidelity screen
- 120-degree field of view
- Easy setup
- 120Hz refresh rate
Cons:
- Premium price
- Requires additional base station
Looking for a premium VR experience? HTC’s Vive Pro 2 should scratch your immersion itch. HTC’s latest release has one of the most impressive screens on the market, with a native resolution of 2,448 x 2,448 pixels per eye, meaning it can provide a high-fidelity viewing experience that puts even some gaming monitors to shame.
The HTC Vive Pro 2’s screen also runs at 120Hz and features a 120-degree field of view, so you might need to routinely conduct a reality check while wearing this headset.
The Vive Pro 2 is admittedly pricey, especially compared to some of the other headsets on this list, but if you’re serious about VR gaming, this headset will likely tick all the boxes.
If you already own HTC’s previous headset, you’ll be able to pick up the Vive Pro 2 on its own. However, if you’re new to the VR fold, you’ll need to pick up a pair of first-generation controllers and a set of Base Station 2.0’s.
6. Best VR headset for modding
The best VR headset for modding is the HTC Vive Cosmos.
Expect to pay $749 USD / £699 GBP.
HTC Vive Cosmos specs | |
Screen | Dual 1440 x 1700 RGB LCD |
Refresh rate | 90Hz |
FoV | 110° |
Tracking | Inside-out |
Pros:
- Modular
- Inside-out tracking
- High resolution
- Compatible with Vive accessories
Cons:
- No standalone mode
- High price
The HTC Vive Cosmos fits snugly between the Oculus Rift S and the Valve Index. While costly, you receive the best that HTC, originators of the almighty Vive, is able to offer, truly completing the best gaming PC setup money can buy.
The Cosmos comes equipped with inside-out tracking, a whopping 2880 x 1700 resolution across new LCD panels, and new and improved ergonomics to keep the headset stable and comfortable. Undeniable heavy hitter headset specs, but a lack of standalone mode means you’ll need to pair it with a capable rig.
The new controllers are a redesign of the original Vive, and many of the extra add-ons for the original kit can also be reused with the Cosmos. Wireless connectivity powered by Intel WiGig, Lighthouse tracking support, and Vive Tracker support is all set for imminent rollout on the new and improved Vive.
Price isn’t on HTC’s side, and similar headsets could arrive with a more competitive MSRP in the future. That said, even lofty tags can’t strip the device of its strengths, and the Vive Cosmos is a fierce addition to this list.
7. Best VR headset for comfort
The best VR headset for comfort is HP Reverb G2.
Expect to pay $599 USD / £530 GBP.
HP Reverb G2 specs | |
Screen | Dual 2160 x 2160 LCD |
Refresh rate | 90Hz |
FoV | 114° |
Tracking | Inside-out |
Pros:
- Emphasis on comfort
- Impressive resolution
- 90Hz refresh rate
Cons:
- Controllers aren’t the best
- Messy cable setup
Created in collaboration with Microsoft and Valve, the HP Reverb G2 is a VR headset with comfort at its core. Its flexible material adjusts to fit the user’s face, meaning you can stay within your favourite virtual world for longer. You can also adjust the headset’s lenses for different eye distances, which should help prevent eye strain.
The Reverb G2 also blows punches with some of the more lavish headsets on this list, with 2160 x 2160 resolution per eye that almost matches the HTC Vive Pro 2. It also serves as a good step up from the Oculus Quest 2, thanks to its 114-degree field of view.
In terms of price, the Reverb G2 sits between the Quest 2 and HTC Vive Cosmos. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, especially since its specs are a force to be reckoned with. However, HP isn’t a brand intrinsically tied to virtual reality, so there’s a chance to-be enthusiasts won’t notice the tech giant’s offering.
If you’re looking for a reliable headset with neat specs and solid construction, the Reverb H2 won’t disappoint. Naturally, if you’re looking for ultra-precise tracking, you’ll need to invest in something like the Meta Quest Pro. Otherwise, HP’s face contraption should check most of your VR gaming boxes.
8. Best mixed reality headset
The best mixed reality headset is Meta Quest Pro.
Expect to pay $1,400 USD / £1,400 GBP.
Meta Quest Pro specs | |
Screen | Dual 1800 x 1920 |
Refresh rate | 90Hz |
FoV | 120° |
Tracking | SLAM |
Pros:
- Cutting edge specs
- Great AR capabilities
- Pancake lenses
Cons:
- Ridiculously expensive
- Isn’t specifically for gaming
Escaping to the virtual realm is one thing, but a mixed-reality headset like the Meta Quest Pro uses AR to change the visual fabric of real life. That might sound a bit whimsical, but the social media giant’s pricey goggles will change the way you engage with VR, whether you’re a fan of the metaverse or not.
At its core, the Meta Quest Pro is everything the Quest 2 is and more, which is great news if you’re a fan of the latter. The premium device wields better front cameras that can deliver color pass-through – an essential if you’re looking for the best augmented reality experience. Its pancake lenses are also 40%, providing much clearer visuals than its cheaper predecessor, and its screen packs more pixels too.
Tracking another Meta Quest Pro biggie, as its controllers are armed with three dedicated cameras. That alone frees up the camera on the headset itself and helps track full-body movement and location more efficiently. The result is a setup that steps well beyond the abilities of other VR headsets.
Would we recommend buying a Meta Quest Pro just to play VR games? Absolutely not, as it’ll set you back an astounding $1,499 USD. For that amount, you could probably invest in one of the best cheap gaming PC builds and an Oculus Quest 2 with change to spare, and it’s going to come with features you won’t necessarily use.
That said, the Quest Pro is still the best AR headset, offering a tremendous mixed-reality experience that could change the way you work and socially interact. If that sounds up your alley, Meta’s eye-watering price tag might seem like a reasonable investment, and at the end of the day, you’ll still be able to play BeatSaber and other VR bangers.
How we pick the best VR headsets
First and foremost, we want to draw on personal experiences with each headset that we select for this list. Where that isn’t possible we turn to the technical specs and freely available information pertaining to the ability of each headset.
VR is a niche hobby, but it’s getting much more popular, so we’ve tried to pick a headset for every type of player depending on how you choose to interact with VR. We consider budgets, but ultimately the hardware involved is always pricey.
Does VR cause sickness and headaches?
Yes, virtual realist gaming, if not approached with caution, can lead to nausea and headaches. If you’re new to the hobby, you’ll need to train your brain to adjust to how it feels to be fully immersed.
However, the quality of the headset can do a lot to negate these feelings. The hugely improved display and refresh rate in the Meta Quest 3 promote a smooth image quality at all times and prevents feelings of sickness.
Is VR bad for your eyes?
No, there is no proof that using a VR headset is going to do harm to your eyesight. While it cannot damage eyes, VR headsets will always come with an age restriction as they are not to be used by small children who are still developing.
Beyond this, the reality is that VR is likely no better or worse for your eyes than staring at a computer monitor for eight hours a day.