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What is the Best VR Headset for Sim Racing

HP Reverb G2 (V2)
4.2
4.2/5
Value
Immersion
Comfort
Control
Ease of Use
Amazon
Pimax VISION 8K X
4.5
4/5
Value
Immersion
Comfort
Control
Ease of Use
Amazon
Oculus Quest 2
4.7
4.7/5
Value
Immersion
Comfort
Control
Ease of Use
Amazon

Table of Contents

A sim(simulated) racing game is a video game that recreates the experience of driving where the player controls a vehicle from a first-person perspective. You can customize your car, race other drivers, and go on virtual road trips in a virtual world.

Sim racing is one of the most popular applications for virtual reality (VR) technology. Whether you use a PC, console, or phone, VR allows you to race against your friends or anyone in the world. But what are the best VR headsets for sim racing?

A VR headset is a head-mounted display that allows you to view a 360-degree virtual environment. It comes with a tracking device that senses your location and movements, allowing you to explore the virtual world from any angle as if it were real.

Top 8 VR Racing Simulator Headsets

The VR market is moving fast, and it’s not always easy to figure out which headset is best for you. But one thing is certain, there are many options for racing simulators on the market at the moment.

There are three key factors to consider when deciding on a VR headset: display quality, motion controls, and comfort. The higher the resolution of your VR headset’s display, the clearer your vision will be when racing in a simulated environment.

Secondly, motion controls also help simulate realistic driving movements by feeling like you’re actually in the driver’s seat of your vehicle.

Lastly, comfort is a big factor as well; if you don’t feel comfortable wearing your VR headset for long periods of time it defeats the purpose of using it altogether.

Some of the best picks that we recommend are listed below:

1. HP Reverb G2 (V2)

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

The HP Reverb G2 V2 is one of the most immersive VR headsets to play sim racing games. The unit features an LCD display of 2160*2160 resolution per eye, 114°FOV, and a 90Hz refresh rate.

It’s compatible with Stream VR and Windows MR. It has a headband design that reduces pressure on the top of your head and is the lightest headset in the HP Reverb line. It comes with built-in headphones and a mic that provide realistic 3D audio for an amazing virtual experience.

The headset also provides an adjustable lens system that allows you to customize your focus, reducing eye strain and fatigue. It’s compatible with Windows PC. This VR headset costs $639.99.

Pros:

  • 360° spatial sound
  • Easily adjustable lens system for customized focus
  • Headband design reduces pressure on top of the head
  • The lightest HP Reverb headset

Cons:

  • Motion tracking is below industry standard
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2. Pimax Vision 8K X

4.0
4/5
Value
Immersion
Comfort
Control
Ease of Use
  • Resolution: 3840x2160
  • Refresh Rate: 90Hz
  • FOV: 200°

Pimax is one of the most popular VR headsets for sim racing. This headset features 200° FOV and a high resolution of up to 3840*2160 per eye. It has a refresh rate of 90Hz, 6 DOF, and 16ms latency.

It has built-in earphones with binaural 3D audio and a dual-lens design to reduce the screen door effect. It’s compatible with Windows 10 and Oculus platform. This VR headset weighs 1.04 pounds and costs $995.

Pros:

  • This headset has low persistence and motion blur, allowing for comfortable VR for long periods of time.
  • The dual-lens design reduces the screen door effect and makes text clearer, so you can read instructions without straining your eyes.

Cons:

  • Some people complain about the headset being heavy.
  • Quite expensive
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3. Oculus Quest 2 - Best Budget Option

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

The Oculus Quest 2 is a standalone VR headset from a Facebook-owned company. It comes with Oculus Touch controllers, LCD display resolution of 1832*1920 per eye, a refresh rate of 90Hz, and 100°FOV.

Additionally, it has 6DOF, and a storage capacity of 128/256GB. This VR headset weighs 1.1 pounds and costs $299.

Pros:

  • Wireless
  • Comes with great touch controllers
  • Six degrees of freedom tracking
  • Excellent refresh rate
  • Crisp display

Cons:

  • It is not as powerful as other headsets
  • Short battery life
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4. Valve Index

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

The Valve Index is one of the best VR headsets for playing Sim racing games. It features a new lighthouse tracking system that’s faster and more accurate than its competitors, as well as two controllers with haptic feedback so you can feel like you’re actually controlling the car.

The headset has an exceptional display resolution of 1440*1600 per eye, 6 DOF, 120° FOV, and a refresh rate of up to 144 HZ. This means it is able to produce sharper images than other virtual reality headsets.

Additionally, it comes with built-in headphones for a more immersive audio experience. It’s compatible with steam VR and PC. This VR headset weighs 1.72 pounds and costs $1569.99.

Pros:

  • High resolution and refresh rate for an immersive experience
  • The fastest and most accurate tracking system
  • Brand new controllers with haptic feedback
  • Built-in headphones provide an immersive audio experience

Cons:

  • Requires a high powered PC
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5. HTC VIVE PRO 2

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

The HTC Vive Pro 2 is one of the newer headsets in the VR market. One of the key features that sets the HTC Vive Pro 2 apart from other headsets is its resolution.
This headset comes with a resolution of 2448*2448 resolution per eye, a refresh rate of 120Hz, 120° FOV, and 6 DOF that makes gameplay feel more intense and immersive than ever before.

It also makes it easier to read text during gameplay, which is helpful for those who wear glasses. The HTC Vive Pro 2 includes built-in audio and a microphone for easy communication. The headset is compatible with windows and steam VR. This VR headset cost $780.

Pros:

  • Higher resolution
  • It has an ergonomic design that is comfortable to wear for extended periods of time.
  • Better sound quality than other devices

Cons:

  • The price is quite high compared to other VR headsets on the market.
  • There have been some complaints about the quality of the built-in headphones.
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6. Pimax 5K XR

3.8
3.8/5
Value
Immersion
Comfort
Control
Ease of Use
  • Resolution: 2560x1440
  • Refresh Rate: 180Hz
  • FOV: 200°

The Pimax 5K XR is one of the best virtual reality headsets for sim racing. The headset has a display resolution of 2560*1440 per eye, 6 DOF, up to 180Hz refresh rate, and 200 FOV.
The headset is designed with your comfort in mind, and also has built-in noise cancellation and a modular design that allows you to customize the headset to suit your needs. It’s compatible with Windows 10, Steam VR, and Oculus. This VR headset weighs 1.04 pounds and costs $765.44.

Pros:

  • Great display and sound
  • An impressive field of view
  • The headset is easy to use

Cons:

  • Doesn’t come with controllers
  • The screen is rather close to the eyes
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7. Oculus Rift S

3.0
3/5
Value
Immersion
Comfort
Control
Ease of Use
  • Resolution: 1280x1440
  • Refresh Rate: 80Hz
  • FOV: 115°

The Oculus Rift S is a virtual reality headset developed by Oculus VR. It’s primarily geared towards video gaming, but it can also be used for other applications, such as immersive journalism or social networking.

The Rift provides an immersive stereoscopic 3D perspective, 1280×1440 resolution per eye, an 80 Hz refresh rate, and a 115-degree field of view. It has improved tracking to allow you to use your hands and play games more naturally and has a slimmer design.

It also has built-in speakers and a microphone to deliver spatial audio across games. It’s compatible with PC, Xbox One X, and PS4 Pro consoles. This VR headset weighs 2.2 pounds and costs $599.

Pros:

  • Comfortable to wear
  • Good tracking and performance
  • No need for external sensors

Cons:

  • Lower resolution
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8. HMD Samsung Odyssey+

3.2
3.2/5
Value
Immersion
Comfort
Control
Ease of Use
  • Resolution: 1440x1600
  • Refresh Rate: 90Hz
  • FOV: 110°

Samsung Odyssey+ is a high-end VR headset that features vibrant graphics resolution of 1440*1600 resolution per eye, a 110-degree field of view, and built-in headphones.
It also has inside-out tracking capabilities, a 90Hz refresh rate, and four microphones to reduce noise interference and comes with a wireless controller. It’s compatible with Windows 10 PC and Steam VR. This VR headset weighs 1.42 pounds and costs $899.

Pros:

  • Immersive experience
  • Positional tracking with 6DoF controller
  • Compatible with Steam VR platforms

Cons:

  • It’s expensive, making it out of reach for many gamers.
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Buying Guide: What to Look for in a Good PC Racing Sim Headset

The most import things that you will want to keep in mind when buying a Virtual Reality headset for racing simulations are:

Compatibility

There are headsets that are compatible with only some devices, while others are compatible with almost anything. This also extends to the games that you want to play.

Connection Type

There are two main connection types when it comes to headsets, wired and wireless. Wired headsets provide better latency but they’re heavier and require an extra power source while wireless headsets are light and rely on a data signal.

Resolution

You want to make sure that the VR headset has a high-quality screen resolution so you can see everything in detail.

Field of View (FOV)

A VR headset with a large field of view makes things feel more realistic in the game, and you don’t have to turn your head as much to check where other racers are.

Refresh Rate

The best VR headset should have a high refresh rate for smooth visuals. Otherwise, a lower refresh rate causes motion sickness.

Size/Weight

You want a headset that is light and comfortable so you can wear it for long periods of time. Tethered Headsets are your best bet.

Comfort

One way to make sure that you have a comfortable VR headset is by considering the weight and size before buying it.

Sound Quality

A great VR headset should have a built-in mic and audio system to hear the engine sounds as well as tire screeches for the best immersive experience in the game.

Position Tracking

A VR headset should be able to emulate your movements in the game for an immersive experience, otherwise you may experience VR sickness due to lagging.

Range of Motion

The range of motion is usually360°. This allows the player to look all around while playing.

Degree of Freedom (DOF)

This is referring to the types of movements that you are free to make while either standing or sitting. Good VR headsets, at this particular moment in the evolution of the tech, offer six DoF which allows you to move freely in physical (virtual) space.

Price

The budget that you have will be a major factor in what VR headset you buy. The VR headsets range in price from around $40 to $400.

Is Virtual Reality Better for Sim Racing?

Virtual Reality is a growing trend in the gaming industry and it is quickly becoming a big part of racing games. Gaming headsets are becoming more advanced, with some offering up to 1080p resolution and immersive visuals. There are many things that you should consider before purchasing a headset for your virtual reality sim racing needs. Things like resolution, field of view, refresh rate, game compatibility can make or break your experience when trying out VR for racing simulations.

One such device that has been creating a lot of buzz recently is the Oculus Rift. This device was launched on Kickstarter and went on to be one of the biggest gaming crowdfunding campaigns in history. The hype surrounding this system is primarily due to its compatibility with modern-day racing titles like rFactor 2, iRacing, and Assetto Corsa. One of the best things about this headset is that it can be used with other Steam titles, which means that users will not have to buy an extra piece of software to get their games working.

There are many other advantages to using headsets like the Oculus Rift when playing virtual racing games. The design of the faceplate allows for six degrees of freedom (6DoF), which means that you can walk around and explore your surroundings, just like in real-life. The front of the headset also has a camera, so there is no longer a need for external sensors to detect where you are moving. This allows players to have more freedom when playing driving games.

Add to this the fact that headsets like the Oculus Rift come with integrated headphones and you have yourself a very immersive experience. Racing games take on a whole new life when played in VR, as you are no longer just sitting in front of a screen, but are instead placed right in the middle of the action.

Some people may be put off by the cost of headsets like the Oculus Rift, but the truth is that they will soon become a normal commodity in households around the world. Virtual reality is going to be a big part of our future and there’s no reason to ignore it when playing racing games. In fact, we feel so strongly about this that we have decided to develop a virtual reality app for our site. We encourage our readers to follow this trend and purchase a headset if they are serious about racing sims.

VR is here to stay, so you might as well get on board now!

VR Headset or Triple Screens for Sim Racing

There are two major contenders when it comes to VR sim racing. The first is a VR headset and the second is triple-screens. The first option will allow you to drive from a virtual cockpit, where your head movements control the car’s acceleration, braking, and steering.

You can also look around your car with 180-degree views and see other cars coming up behind you as you compete in an online race against others from around the world. With this type of setup, it feels like you’re driving a real car. It’s also a safer way to drive because there is no need to wear glasses that would give you a headache after long periods of time.


The second option requires more space but provides a more realistic experience. Driving with triple screens allows you to see an entire 360-degree view of your surroundings while wearing glasses that provide stereoscopic images which create depth perception and make it feel like you are actually inside the car. This type of setup makes it feel like you’re sitting behind the wheel of the car, which means hands on the wheel, looking at mirrors, etc., just like in real life.

Ultimately, both are solid options for sim racing as long as you have enough space in your house and enough money to buy them.

Everything You Need for the Complete Racing Experience in VR

Drivers have been racing against one another for centuries. Technology has changed what it means to compete, but the feelings of victory and defeat are timeless. Now, virtual reality is changing everything again. Racing simulators are not just games- they can be used as tools to train drivers in real life. But there’s a lot more you need before you’re ready to step behind the wheel without physically being there. So what do you need? What goes into making a VR racing simulator? Let’s take a look at some of the essential equipment needed for this setup:

  1. The first thing that people will need is an immersive headset like Oculus Rift or HTC Vive Pro with external sensors so that movement detection is possible within your space (6DoF).
  2. You will also need a racing wheel and pedals. This is the most important piece of equipment for a VR simulator, as it gives you the closest experience to sitting in a real car. There are many different racing wheels on the market to choose from, so make sure to do your research and find one that fits your budget and needs.
  3. A racing seat is an absolute must for a realistic experience. The chair you sit in can affect how well you perform, so get one that fits your body type and has comfortable padding for long gaming sessions. You can get a really good racing seat for anywhere between $300 to $500, or less if you find a lesser-known brand.
  4. A good sound system is also crucial for a complete VR racing simulator. You will likely be using your own headphones or earbuds already, so just make sure that the speaker you are buying has an audio cable long enough to reach where you are sitting. If your speaker does not have this option, you can also get a 3.5 mm splitter to use two headphones at the same time.
  5. Last but not least, you will need a racing desk or cockpit to complete your setup. This is an optional purchase, as not everyone has the space for it in their home. But if you can find the room, a racing desk will give you an incredible advantage when playing. You can sit much closer to the wheel and pedals this way, reducing the chance of injury while maximizing your performance.

Minimum PC Requirements for SimRacing in Virtual Reality

The minimum specification for a PC to run a racing simulator in VR is:

• Intel Core i5-4590
• NVidia GTX 970 or AMD Radeon R9 290
• 8GB RAM
• Windows 7 SP1 or newer

Recommended PC Requirements for SimRacing in Virtual Reality

The recommended PC specs required to run a racing simulator in VR are as follows:

• Intel Core i7 processor
• NVIDIA GTX 1080 or AMD Radeon RX 480 GPU
• 16GB of RAM
• Windows 10

TL;DR: Which VR Headset for Sim Racing

If you’re looking for the best VR headset for sim racing, there are a few factors to consider.

• The VR headset needs to be compatible with your gaming system.
• You should look for a device that has at least 90Hz of refresh rate to reduce lag and stutter.
• It’s important to find a device that lets you adjust the distance between your eyes for comfort and can accommodate glasses, if necessary.
• The VR headset should come with two motion controllers or two handheld controllers in order to allow you to play games with other people.

The best VR headsets for sim racing depend on your budget, the type of race you’re playing, and the video quality.

The Oculus Rift S is one of the best VR headsets for virtual reality (VR) racing games due to its compatibility with PC, Xbox One X, and PS4 Pro consoles. This headset offers a high-quality screen and a built-in camera that lets you see what’s happening in the virtual world around you.

The HTC Vive is another excellent option for PC players as it comes with motion controllers to allow for more immersive gameplay.

For console gamers looking to get into sim racing, Sony PlayStation VR offers an affordable option with good graphics and decent motion tracking.

If you have a phone and are looking for a less expensive alternative, Google Daydream focuses on mobile phones that offer a high-quality experience at a cheaper price than most other VR headsets.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Oculus Rift is the best headset for sim racing. It offers a wide variety of games, all compatible with its specifications.

The Oculus Rift is designed to provide players not only 360 degrees of vision but also offer an immersive experience that allows you to play driving games from inside the car as if you were really there – without having to actually be present at all!

This makes the Oculus Rift the perfect choice for those who are looking for something more than just head-tracking experiences. This VR headset will allow you to play driving games from inside the car as if you were really there – without having to actually be present at all!

It is up to the developers of the game to decide whether or not it supports VR. Some games have been strictly designed for VR, whereas others were only partially adopted.

Somewhat recently many racing games have also jumped on board with virtual reality, having parts of their game specifically made for it. Others are still being heavily adapted based on feedback from gamers making them more fitting for this new form of gaming. As the technology continues to evolve and expand its reach, more and more racing games will likely follow suit in an effort to make themselves known as a “virtual reality racers.”

It changes sim racing by allowing the player to be in the car with 360 degrees of vision.

Controls are often specifically designed for VR, with motion controllers giving you a fully realized virtual experience.

Some players wear the headset, some players use their existing gaming monitors, and some even set up their own custom rigs that a
llow them to sit in an environment that most closely resembles what is shown on screen.
Personally, I found it easier for me after long periods of gameplay when using my monitor rather than wearing headsets directly on my head because there wasn’t as much strain on my neck muscles over time. But this is just personal preference! Others may prefer to play more regularly throughout their day while wearing the device regularly so they don’t have to take any breaks. It all just depends on the person’s comfort level.

There is no one perfect answer to this question because everyone’s setup will be different. However, some popular choices include the Thrustmaster TX, the Fanatec Clubsport V2, and the Logitech G29.

One of the most important decisions you’ll need to make when constructing your VR racing sim setup is what type of wheel and pedals to use.

There are a variety of different wheels and pedals on the market that range in price, quality, and features, so it can be difficult to decide which one is best for you.

Some popular choices include the Thrustmaster TX, the Fanatec Clubsport V2, and the Logitech G29.

For example, some people may prefer using a wheel that has 900 degrees of rotation while others may be okay with fewer degrees. Some people may need force feedback to feel like they are actually present in the car and others may not care about this at all.

A popular choice for pedals is the Fanatec Clubsport V2 which offers a variety of metal pedals that can be purchased separately depending on your preference and needs or they can come paired to provide consistency within your setup. Though if you are only using the base version of this wheel, you may need to invest in a separate set of pedals.