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What is the Best All in One VR Headset

Oculus Quest 2
4.7
4.7/5
Value
Immersion
Comfort
Control
Ease of Use
Oculus Quest 2
VIVE Focus 3
2.9
2.9/5
Value
Immersion
Comfort
Control
Ease of Use
VIVE Focus 3
Oculus GO
2.5
2.5/5
Value
Immersion
Comfort
Control
Ease of Use
Oculus GO

Table of Contents

While virtual reality technology has been around for a while now, it’s only recently that VR headsets have been making their way into homes for recreational use. If you’re contemplating buying a stand-alone VR headset, there are a number of things you should take into consideration. This includes price, features, design, the equipment you need, the VR experience that is best for you and ease of use.

Are you ready to get started with our VR headset buying guide? We’re going to cover everything that you need to know to make the smartest purchase possible. We’re even going to look at the five VR systems that I think are the best ones for sale right now.

Top 5 Standalone Virtual Reality Headsets

1. Oculus Quest 2 All in One VR Gaming Headset

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

This all-in-one advanced virtual reality headset contains 256 GB of storage. It has a very smooth and seamless design, providing you with high speed action thanks to an incredibly fast processor, ultra-fast refresh rate and high-resolution display. Hand tracking, haptic feedback and 3D position audio will turn your home gaming setup into an arcade-like experience in real life.

You have access to more than 250 game titles in the areas of fitness, gaming, multiplayer and much more. You can connect with your family, friends and even coworkers as you navigate through real-life live events. Roam in the virtual reality world with the wireless headset that provides you with the ability to move around freely with ease. A built-in battery is included that will last approximately three hours before needing to be recharged. You can set up the size of the area where you’ll be playing. Your headset will alert you if you move outside of that area for safety.

Pros:

  • Wireless design provides you with a wide range of movement while the measurement safety feature allows you to set your boundaries so you stay safe while playing
  • You can use your Oculus Quest 2 for many different purposes including gaming, fitness programs, entertainment and more
  • You only need a Wi-Fi connection, the Oculus app and a Facebook connection to get started. Setup of the unit is very simple and straightforward
  • Includes a Snapdragon XR2 processor and an ultra-high definition display that provides crystal clear images
  • Comes with up to 256 GB of storage

Cons:

  • Controllers use AA batteries. They are not rechargeable
  • Carrying case is sold separately
  • Requires you to use your real name in order to connect and play
Amazon
GameStop

2. VIVE Focus 3

2.9
2.9/5
Value
Immersion
Comfort
Control
Ease of Use
  • Resolution: 2448x2448
  • Refresh Rate: 90Hz
  • FOV: 120°

The premium HTC Vive Focus 3 Enterprise Virtual Reality Headset provides you with crystal-clear images by way of 5K resolution. You get a 12-degree field of vision as well as a 90Hz refresh rate. An ultra-wide inter-pupillary distance can be adjusted between 57 mm and 72 mm. It’s really easy to change using the provided dial. This is one of the best quality headsets you’ll find in regard to clarity of images.

A really cool feature of the Vive Focus 3 is that it comes with an active cooling mechanism and thermal-optimized battery. You’ll experience longer playing times and enhanced performance thanks to this design. You also get to enjoy 3D spatial audio with dual-drive speakers that have an open-back design. You can plug into the 3.5mm audio jack if necessary.

Pros:

  • There is a quick release button that allows you to quickly get in and out of your headset
  • Comfortable for a wide variety of face shapes and vision types
  • Fits over glasses very comfortably
  • Offers advanced business applications
  • All-in-one design prevents you from having to be tethered to a workspace or base station
  • No sensors are required

Cons:

  • Your 5K resolution is subject to processing compatibility
  • Moderate reviews regarding the quality of the firmware included
VIVE Focus 3

3. Oculus GO

2.5
2.5/5
Value
Immersion
Comfort
Control
Ease of Use
  • Resolution: 1280x1440
  • Refresh Rate: 60
  • FOV: 101°

The Oculus Go Standalone Virtual Reality Headset comes with 32 GB of storage. Incredibly clear optics are provided thanks to precise 3D graphics. You feel like you’re in your very own personal theatre when you strap on your Oculus Go. View alone or with friends to experience games, sporting events, concerts and television shows.

This unit utilizes the Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 mobile platform. This platform has a low power draw, exceptional audio quality and fast interactions speeds. It’s a completely wireless design, so it’s quick to strap on and comfortable to use. Download the Melody VR app to access live music performances on your headset. You can also use Hulu and Showtime with your device.

Pros:

  • There is no need for a PC connection, smartphone, base station, etc.
  • The controller provides fast reactions with just a small move of your hand
  • Comes with built-in surround sound audio that provides an immersive and clear experience
  • Also included is a 3.5 mm audio jack
  • Apps download right onto your Oculus device
  • You can insert prescription lenses into your unit if you require them
  • Requires iOS 10 or higher, or 6.0 Marshmallow or higher

Cons:

  • You are required to use your Facebook account to log in, so you’re using your real contact information and name
Oculus GO

4. HTC VIVE PRO 2 + VIVE Wireless Adapter

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

The Vive Pro 2 HTC Virtual Reality System provides graphics in 5K clarity with a 4896 x 2448 resolution. You get a 120-degree field of view that expands your VR viewing experience whether you’re using your product for games, documentaries, health & Fitness or concerts. This unit comes with an increased angle design that comfortably fits the human eyes so you see everything more naturally for longer periods of times. You can participate in a play area of 20ft x 20ft.

The HTC Vive Wireless Adapter for Vive Pro/ Cosmos Series provides the opportunity for a multi-player virtual reality experience in the same space. You can connect up to three people in a single room. It provides a 2448 x 1224 resolution and 90Hz refresh rate when used with a VIVE Pro 2 unit. You have the freedom to move around without getting tangled in cords and such while reaping the benefits of long battery life.

Pros:

  • Features a 120Hz refresh rate
  • Comfortable headset design works with different head sizes and even people wearing glasses
  • Minimize eye strain with the interpupillary distance dial
  • Provides sub-millimeter tracking accuracy
  • The Vive Wireless Adapter provides battery life for up to 2.5 hours of play

Cons:

  • Your 5K clarity is subject to processing compatibility
VIVE Pro 2
Wireless Adapter

5. HTC VIVE Cosmos Elite + VIVE Wireless Adapter

3.3
3.3/5
Value
Immersion
Comfort
Control
Ease of Use
  • Resolution: 1440x1700
  • Refresh Rate: 90Hz
  • FOV: 110°

The HTC Vive Cosmos Elite Virtual Reality System features lighthouse tracking. The base station allows for 160 square feet of play space for those that desire an immersive virtual reality experience. Crystal clear graphics makes you feel like you’re part of the action. This unit has a 2880 x 1700 combined pixel resolution rate. LCD panels reduce the amount of distance that exists between pixels.

The physical design of the wireless unit has a flip-up feature. You can change between what’s going on in the room and your virtual reality experience with just a quick flip of the viewing area. You can connect the Vive Wireless adapter to your headset for multi-player use.

Pros:

  • VR Infinity provides you with access to hundreds of VR games, videos and apps
  • Use your wireless goggles to comfortably browse the internet, play a video, watch a movie or experience a concert
  • Steam VR Tracking along with updated controllers allows for precise movements
  • Provides an 88 percent improved resolution increase over the original Vive
  • Comes with everything that you need to get started

Cons:

  • Has a slightly blurry viewpoint around the edges of the screen
VIVE Cosmos Elite
Wireless Adapter

Buying Guide: What to Look for in a Good Wireless Virtual Reality Headset

It’s easy to find a VR headset online that fits into your budget, but there are some things that you should be keeping in mind before making a purchase. Depending on what you are going to be using the unit for, this will determine the features that you need. Here are some of the things to look for in a Virtual Reality headset.

Wireless or Wired

Wired VR headsets provided you with a lot more graphical power because you’re connected to a PC. However, you’re limited with your playing field because you’re connected by wires. If you want to be able to move around a lot without having to worry about disconnecting your goggles or hitting something, a wireless unit might be a better option.

Screen Resolution

Virtual reality goggles come with displays that have a set resolution. The highest resolution you can find is going to provide you with the best graphics. The better the graphic experience, the better your immersion experience is going to be. If you don’t want to see pixels in your display, look for a resolution that is a minimum of 1832×1920 per eye. The OLED screen type offers exceptional clarity, but you’re going to pay more money for this feature.

Field of View (FOV)

The size of your field of view will determine how much you can see around you while you have your headset on. You may feel restricted with a smaller field of view. Look for something that has at least 100 degrees of FOV, but higher is optimal.

Tracking

A headset will track your movements while you’re playing. This is done at the point of the headset or at the base station. An onboard tracker will be more affordable but still plenty accurate. They don’t require a lot of setup time. If you have a tracker on your base station, you get a lot more accuracy. The price point does go up though.

Standalone VR vs PC VR

You have the option to choose between a standalone virtual reality gaming headset or something that tethers to a PC. A lot of people prefer the wireless design, especially if you’re going to be doing something like gaming. You have a wide range of movement that you can utilize without bumping your PC or becoming unhooked from your computer. 

However, plugging into your PC can provide you with better resolution and faster response time. If you’re going to be sitting in place and watching a show or concert, you’re more interested in those features. Sometimes people with a wireless unit will complain of the screen appearing jolty or freezing in place for a second or so. You’ll really need to take into consideration what you want to do with your Virtual Reality headset primarily.

In regard to price, a wireless unit is going to be less expensive. Because of the lower graphics quality and decreased features, you’re not going to be paying thousands of dollars for your headset and accessories.

Choosing wireless doesn’t depend on you having a powerful PC that will provide you with the connection needed for a great tethered VR experience. Though, tethered systems often have a larger library of content that you can use.

Standalone VR vs Mobile VR

A mobile virtual reality system is ultimately an empty case that you will put your smart (or mobile) device into. A pair of lenses and a little bit of cushioning provides a basic VR experience for this type of system. You can use this mobile VR device with any VR app that you can find on your phone. Of course, the quality of the graphics will be lacking a bit because you’re limited to what your phone can do.

If you have a teen that is interested in a VR system but you don’t want to invest a lot of money in one and they already have access to a smartphone, a mobile VR unit is a nice place to start with their Virtual Reality collection.

The standalone virtual reality option is much more convenient and comes with improved features all around. The resolution rate is better, graphics look better, and you have more opportunities to play and experience different virtual reality games, movies, etc. You will pay more for this option, but you get what you pay for in this regard.

It’s also nice to have access to a wireless standalone unit that doesn’t have to be connected to a base station or PC. You can move from your living room to your bedroom and everywhere in between without having to worry about all kinds of connectivity challenges.

TL;DR: All-in-One VR Headset Review

If you’re ready to purchase a virtual reality headset, there are some key features that you’ll want to pay attention to at first glance. Determine first and foremost what you want your connectivity to be like. Weigh the pros and cons of something wireless versus something that tethers you. The lightweight nature of your unit is also important. You want your VR glasses to be simple to use but also feel lightweight and comfortable on your face.

User friendly controls make it easy to play and navigate anything you want to view. If you can try out a unit ahead of time, look at how the buttons are situated, how they feel and how comfortable the controllers feel in your hands. If little ones are going to be playing, oversized controllers probably aren’t the way to go.

Lastly, your storage space is important. You want to secure a minimum of 32 GB in order to properly install applications and keep up with any updates that come along.

Frequently Asked Questions

A standalone VR headset is an all-in-one device that does not require any connection to a computer or smartphone. It’s a device all on its own that you use without the need for any other equipment.

The cost of a wireless virtual reality headset will really vary depending on the brand you choose and the different features that are included. You can spend anywhere from $250 to over $1000 on a headset.

An all-in-one headset refers to a unit that has everything you need in the way of a screen, connectivity and accessories. You don’t have to tether your unit or use any kind of additional electronics to have a virtual reality experience.