email

What is the Best VR Headset

Oculus Quest 2
4.7
4.7/5
Value
Immersion
Comfort
Control
Ease of Use
Amazon
HP Reverb G2 (V2)
4.2
4.2/5
Value
Immersion
Comfort
Control
Ease of Use
Amazon
Valve Index
4.5
4.5/5
Value
Immersion
Comfort
Control
Ease of Use
Amazon

Table of Contents

Looking at VR headsets for the first time can be both exhilarating and overwhelming. There are several new technical terms to master, fresh concepts to explore, and new worlds to discover. The right VR headset for you depends on your needs and your priorities.

The first step in this journey is defining what you hope to get out of the virtual reality experience. Will you be playing flight or racing simulators or combat-centric first-person-shooter games? Maybe you plan on taking your movie-watching experience to a whole new level.

As you look through the VR headsets below, think about where you will find the most value. If you are looking for an unparalleled visual experience, choose a VR headset that prioritizes high resolution and stunning visuals. Alternatively, if you want to avoid the safety hazard of a fragile tether cable, limit yourself to headsets with wireless capabilities.

Best Budget VR Glasses- Oculus Quest 2

4.7
4.7/5
Value
Immersion
Comfort
Control
Ease of Use
  • Resolution: 1832x1920
  • Refresh Rate: 120Hz
  • FOV: 90°

With inside-out tracking, an attractive price, and everything you need to explore virtual reality, the Oculus Quest 2 is the best VR headset for those on a budget. With tracking cameras installed within the headset, there are no external tracking beacons to purchase. While there is no physical external tracking, this headset is manufactured by Facebook – now Meta – which means that it will track your data.

Because the Oculus Quest 2 includes an integrated graphics card, you can play several games without a gaming computer. Graphically intense games will still require a robust computer, but this, too, can be wireless via AirLink. If you do not have an expensive VR-ready computer, the Oculus Quest 2 is simply the way to go.

As far as graphics go, this headset offers a respectable resolution and a 120-Hertz refresh rate. Although some textures and small details were missing, the Oculus Quest 2 was a great way to experience the core gameplay. An additional item we found worth noting was that, depending on your comfort preferences, the standard head strap can be uncomfortable.

Pros:

  • Budget-friendly price
  • Integrated graphics card
  • No need for an expensive gaming computer
  • Untethered
  • No external tracking beacons
  • Adjustable interpupillary distance (IPD)

Cons:

  • Quickly drains battery life
  • Privacy concerns
  • Facebook account required
  • Standard strap can be uncomfortable for some users
GameStop
Amazon

Best Resolution VR Headset - HP Reverb G2 (V2)

4.2
4.2/5
Value
Immersion
Comfort
Control
Ease of Use
  • Resolution: 2160x2160
  • Refresh Rate: 90Hz
  • FOV: 114°

If you want a virtual reality experience that will blow you away visually, The HP Reverb G2 is the headset for you. Equipped with 2160×2160 per-eye resolution, you will find yourself noticing new details even in games and movies that you have enjoyed for years. This is one of the first VR headsets with no perceptible “screen door” effect.

Although it does need to be connected to a computer, there are no external tracking beacons to install. This makes the HP Reverb G2 well-suited for sitting down while playing, especially for simulator-based games. While the controllers are perfectly serviceable, they seem clumsy and lack the finesse offered by other controllers.

The HP Reverb G2 provides an immersive movie experience, although not all users are able to comfortably watch an entire film with this headset. With an off-ear audio design, it is notably more comfortable than other headsets. However, if you are an audiophile, you may prefer to use your own audio setup.

Pros:

  • Best-in-class resolution
  • No discernable screen door effect
  • Comfortable and immersive audio
  • No external tracking beacons
  • Adjustable interpupillary distance
  • Ideal for sitting-down play

Cons:

  • Clumsy controllers
  • Tether cable required
  • Very few applications on the Windows Mixed Reality platform
Amazon

Best Standalone Goggles - Oculus Quest 2

4.7
4.7/5
Value
Immersion
Comfort
Control
Ease of Use
  • Resolution: 1832x1920
  • Refresh Rate: 120Hz
  • FOV: 90°

With no need for a gaming computer, Oculus Quest 2 headsets are the best standalone goggles. If you are looking for a plug-and-play virtual reality experience, this headset provides great visuals for the price. No external tracking beacons and no tether cable also mean that this headset is great for traveling.

As a Meta product, the Oculus Quest 2 now requires you to log in with a Facebook account. This is a dealbreaker for some, but if you can live with a VR headset connected to your social media account, the Oculus Quest 2 provides some outstanding standalone games.

Out of the box, our team found that it was not very comfortable. However, there are a wide variety of aftermarket upgrades – and some from Meta themselves – to help personalize this headset to your comfort preferences. It does eat through batteries pretty quickly, but this can be mitigated with rechargeable batteries.

Pros:

  • Untethered
  • No external tracking beacons
  • Easy to set up and start playing
  • Large standalone game library via the Oculus store
  • Plenty of aftermarket accessories
  • Attractive price
  • Respectable visuals

Cons:

  • Clunky IPD adjustment
  • Quickly drains battery life
  • Face pads can get hot
  • Potential privacy concerns
GameStop
Amazon

Most Comfortable Headset - HTC VIVE Pro 2

3.5
3.5/5
Value
Immersion
Comfort
Control
Ease of Use
  • Resolution: 2448x2448
  • Refresh Rate: 120Hz
  • FOV: 120°

The VIVE Pro 2 includes lots of adjustable options making it the most comfortable headset for the widest range of users. Some of these features include a ratcheting strap adjuster, adjustable IPD, and the ability to change the distance between the lenses and your eyes – a feature particularly useful for anyone who wears glasses while enjoying virtual reality.

Beyond ergonomic comfort, the VIVE Pro 2 offers a large field of view and high-resolution LCD lenses which bring games and movies to life. As well as providing an excellent gaming experience, a 120 Hz refresh rate is helpful for those prone to motion sickness.

Although external tracking beacons take extra time, effort, and cost to set up, they mean that the VIVE Pro 2 offers exceptional tracking. You will also be able to enjoy increased flexibility because the VIVE Pro 2 is compatible with the Valve Index’s autonomous finger controllers. For those wanting to take virtual reality to the next level, the tracking beacons are also compatible with tracking pucks which open the door to full-body tracking.

Pros:

  • Compatible with Valve Index “knuckle-style” controllers
  • Excellent hand controller tracking
  • Compatible with additional tracking pucks
  • Adjustable IPD
  • Adjustable lens distance from eyes

Cons:

  • External tracking beacons
  • Tethered to a gaming computer
  • Poor quality microphone
Amazon

Best Gaming System - Valve Index

4.5
4.5/5
Value
Immersion
Comfort
Control
Ease of Use
  • Resolution: 1440x1600
  • Refresh Rate: 144Hz
  • FOV: 130°

For those entering virtual reality exclusively for gaming, the Valve Index pairs excellent resolution and refresh rate with immersive audio and intuitive controllers. To take full advantage of all these features without dropping frames, you will need a powerful gaming computer.

Although the high price can be prohibitive for some users, the Valve Index has the best balance of features for gaming in virtual reality. The only drawbacks to this headset are external tracking beacons – which do provide superior tracking – as well as a tether cable.

A lightning-fast 144 Hz refresh rate is especially important in gaming as this means that your surroundings will feel more solid and that you will be able to react rapidly. Because success in combat-oriented games is often linked to peripheral vision and audio clues, a 120-130-degree field of view and spectacular speakers will give you a definite advantage. The final field of view you will be able to enjoy depends on your head shape, whether or not you wear glasses, and how close you prefer the screens to your eyes.

Pros:

  • Excellent tracking
  • Adjustable IPD
  • Ergonomic adjustments
  • Best-in-class 144Hz refresh rate
  • Impressive audio
  • Expansive visuals and field of view

Cons:

  • Expensive
  • External tracking beacons
  • Tethered to a powerful gaming computer
  • Headset can get hot during long sessions
Amazon

Buying Guide: Which VR Headset to Buy

With so many options on the market, it’s hard to know which one is best for you. There are a lot of factors to consider when choosing a virtual reality headset and not all headsets are created equal.

The first thing to consider when shopping for a VR headset is what type of experience you want. Do you want to play video games, go on virtual tours or watch movies? Different headsets are ideal for different activities, so choose one that works best with your preferred activities.

Here are some of the most common reasons people around the world are jumping into VR today:

Popular Platforms

Picking a headset is about more than just the specs and the comfort – you will also need to consider its native platform. The most popular are SteamVR, the Oculus Store, Viveport, and, to a lesser degree, Windows Mixed Reality Games. Each headset has a different level of compatibility with the other platforms, so being aware of which games and apps you want to enjoy is also part of this decision.

SteamVR and Viveport are generally accessible through any headset. While games exclusive to the Oculus store are accessible to non-Oculus-native headsets via a third-party mod, support for this mod could be shut down at any time.

Popular Games & Apps

Before making a final decision on which VR headset to purchase, consider which games and apps you plan on playing. Purchasing a headset with a best-in-class field of view might be useful for combat-centric games, but can be overwhelming and uncomfortable if you plan only to watch movies.

Losing your (virtual) hands through tracking blindspots can be detrimental in first-person-shooter-style games, but might not be a big issue for those who plan on enjoying puzzles. The apps and games you think you will use might not make the decision for you, but they can help guide you to the headset that will best fit your needs.

Popular Simulations

Virtual reality headsets make simulators more lifelike than ever – if you have the right headset. If your primary purpose in exploring virtual reality is simulating racing or flying, you will want to prioritize headsets with a wider field of view and sharper resolution. Because simulators are usually played when seated, you will want to test the comfort of different headsets while seated to find the best ergonomic match.

To make the experience as lifelike as possible, you will also want to invest in good-quality accessories. It might take a little research to determine which accessories are compatible with which headsets, but this can prevent disappointments down the road.

What to Look for in Good VR Headset

Tethered or Wireless

To operate a tethered headset, you must connect the headset to an expensive gaming computer. While this often means a higher-quality virtual reality experience, it also means that you will have a tether cable to avoid tripping over or tangling. Since this can break you out of the immersive world of virtual reality, tethered headsets can be a dealbreaker.

The other alternative is a headset that can be upgraded for wireless play. Often, this requires better Wi-Fi capabilities and can lead to a downgrade in visual quality. Which is right for you depends on your preferences and what your intended uses are.

Intended Use

Which headset is right for you depends on what you plan to enjoy with it. If you plan on playing combat-intense games, you will want to prioritize features like refresh rate, audio quality, and field of view.

For those who are excited about a stunning graphic experience as you explore new worlds, pick a headset that places a priority on outstanding visuals. Because watching movies in virtual reality can be an ergonomic challenge, comfort is one of the most important considerations for this use.

Gaming Space & Portability

Unlike other forms of gaming, virtual reality requires a good amount of dedicated space that is free of obstacles. Some headsets are more finicky about lighting than others, so this is something else to consider as you choose the right VR headset for you.

Another factor to consider is the external tracking beacon issue. While these often provide a smoother play experience, they will need to be installed either in the walls, ceiling, or on tripods. If you do not have a space set aside specifically for virtual reality, external tracking beacons can be a pain to set up for every session. Headsets with tracking cameras located within the headset do not have this requirement and can be more portable.

Comfort

Gaming or watching movies in virtual reality often means hours of wearing a headset. It can be challenging to stay comfortable with all that weight on your head. Because each person has a different head shape, interpupillary distance, and preferences, no headset is universally comfortable.

The best way to find out if you find a headset comfortable for you is to test it. If comfort is one of your top priorities, look for a headset that offers a wide range of adjustable options. Something else you can do before making a final decision is to explore which aftermarket straps, pads, and other comfort accessories are compatible with your final choices.

Price

Enjoying virtual reality can be an expensive hobby, so it is important to consider your priorities and how they line up with different headsets’ prices. Except for the Oculus Quest 2, the headsets on this list all require a computer outfitted with premium components. The initial investment and upkeep of these computers can be costly.

If you are the sort of person who pursues the best possible experience with ultra-premium graphics, you will need to shell out more cash. However, for most users, the budget-friendly options offer an experience that is far above satisfactory.

What is a VR Headset

VR headsets are a portal to the future of gaming. With intuitive hand controls and a screen designed to be right next to your eyes, this is the closest technology can come to making users feel like they are living within the game or app. This immersion can be broken by distractions like tangled tether cables, poor audio quality, poor video quality, or an uncomfortable headset.

There is more to VR headsets than just the headset, however. With the exception of the Oculus Quest 2, all the VR headsets in this list require a VR-ready gaming computer to operate. These headsets must then be connected either via a physical cable or a wireless link.

In order to see yourself in virtual reality, the headset needs a method to track your motions. This is either done via external tracking cameras that must be installed around your gaming space or “inside-out” cameras integrated within the headset itself. Because there are benefits and drawbacks to both systems, which is right for you depends on your needs, your space, and, of course, your preferences.

Each VR headset approaches the visuals a little differently. A few visual qualities to look for are screen type, refresh rate, resolution, and field of view. All of the headsets on this list feature LCD screens boasting increased sharpness and resolution, but notoriously grayish blacks.

While a faster refresh rate can be likened to more frames per second, it makes virtual reality feel more solid. A faster refresh rate can also help those with motion sickness acclimate to virtual reality. However, it is important to remember that running a faster refresh rate requires a bigger, better computer.

Resolution and field of view are the final components in the visual considerations. While the higher resolution does not necessarily mean a better visual image, it certainly helps. Field of view is how far into your peripheral vision the screen stretches. Generally, a VR headset cannot run ultra-high-resolution, ultra-wide field of view, and ultra-fast refresh rates at the same time, so you will have some decisions to make.

Is Virtual Reality Worth It

Whether investing in a VR headset is worth the money or not depends on who you are and what you plan to do with this technology. If you have always wanted to feel like you are actually in the games you are playing, virtual reality can make that happen. Beyond unlocking new levels of immersion, VR headsets offer lifelike gaming, realistic simulators, and an unforgettable movie experience.

Because VR headsets often require the user to be up and moving, these headsets also encourage a healthier lifestyle than sedentary gaming. While there is absolutely nothing wrong with seated gaming – and you can enjoy some virtual reality games while seated – there are several games available that can encourage active calorie-burning behavior. What could be a more fun way to work out than while playing in whichever virtual reality you desire?

However, investing in a VR headset also means that you must either own or purchase a high-end gaming computer capable of providing a satisfying gaming experience. Those can be expensive to build and maintain. Of course, if you are already a gaming enthusiast, this may not be a barrier to entering virtual reality at all as you probably already own a VR-ready computer.

If you do not already possess a VR-ready computer, a good strategy is to invest in a system like the Oculus Quest 2 which can be used as a standalone device. In this way, you can test out the new technology and enjoy hours of captivating gameplay without the hefty price tag associated with a high-performance computer.

Virtual reality is now well-established enough that it is not just for early adopters. While there are plenty of great games exclusive to virtual reality like Half-Life: Alyx, you can also revisit old favorites like Skyrim and the Doom franchise to achieve a whole new level of immersion.

The possibilities of virtual reality go beyond gaming – movies in virtual reality can be a breathtaking experience. With a comfortable VR headset and impressive audio setup, it might feel like you are in the movie.

Minimum PC Requirements for Virtual Reality

Because these headsets come from different manufacturers, each has different needs when it comes to gaming computers. Here are the minimum requirements for the VR headsets on this list:


Processor: Intel i5-4590 or AMD Ryzen 5 1500X (Valve Index requires dual-core with hyper-threading)
Memory: 8 GB
Graphics: GeForce GTX 970 or AMD Radeon RX 400 Series

Recommended PC Requirements for Virtual Reality

To run your VR headset at its highest potential, the recommended computer specs are listed below. Again, because each headset has unique needs, it is best to look specifically at each headset before making a purchase.


Processor: Intel i5-4590 or AMD Ryzen 1500 (Valve Index recommends Quad Core+)
Memory: 16 GB
Graphics: GeForce RTX 20 Series or AMD Radeon 5000 series

TL;DR: Which VR System is the Best

While there is no single best headset for everyone, this list includes some of the best for a wide range of purposes. An excellent way to begin is to eliminate the headsets that are incompatible with your lifestyle or your preferences.

Pick one of the wireless options if you want to avoid tether cables. For those who do not have dedicated gaming space, choose a headset that does not require external tracking. If cables and external tracking are not dealbreakers, any of the headsets above will make an excellent portal to the new world of virtual reality.

Frequently Asked Questions

The answer to this question depends on what you hope to gain from virtual reality. While the Oculus Quest 2 offers excellent specs, it is not able to provide the same breathtaking visuals as some of the other headsets on this list.

Because Oculus is owned by Meta, some users have privacy concerns. However, as the most affordable option, this VR headset allows the average person to experiment with virtual reality before making a major investment or building a behemoth gaming computer.

Buying a VR headset usually goes beyond the list price of the headset and often includes external tracking beacons, hand controllers, tether cables, accessories, and, if desired, upgrades to components like speakers and head straps. You will also need a robust computer outfitted with equipment capable of supporting your virtual-reality adventures.

All that being said, a good VR headset will usually cost you somewhere around $400 to $1,000.

Unlike other platforms, virtual reality is able to help you feel fully immersed in a world that is not there. To make that happen to its fullest potential, developing a virtual reality application requires lots of layers including haptics, hand tracking, audio, and, of course, visuals. In addition to this cost, a computer needs to be outfitted with components robust enough to render all of this quickly and flawlessly.

If you want the best possible performance, graphics, and immersion, you will need to be prepared to spend a lot of money. However, if you can accept the privacy concerns and drawbacks of the Oculus Quest 2, entering virtual reality does not need to be a budget buster.

The best VR headset for a beginner depends on how comfortable with technology that person already is. For those new to virtual reality technology, seeing lots of settings can be overwhelming. The Oculus Quest 2 offers a plug-and-play approach with very few settings to get in your way.

Of course, if you are a beginner to virtual reality but already an avid gamer, all those options might not be confusing. You may be comfortable enough with graphics and performance settings to be unfazed with a more intense startup process like the one offered by the Valve Index.

There are tons of possibilities for what you could use a virtual reality device to do. Many people like to play immersive games, while others might enjoy exploring new places and immersing themselves in digital art or video content. The only limit is your imagination!

A VR headset creates an illusion for your senses so you can watch the Red Sox win the world series while being on vacation in Hawaii. Or attend a meeting from hundreds of miles away while sitting on your couch at home. Whatever travel plans you have, a VR headset is a perfect way to make everyday life feel more exciting and new.