TOP 5 BEST BEST VR HEADSETS IN 2024

The greatest VR headsets are an enthralling way to enter a completely new game world, especially if this is your first time experimenting with this immersive technology. We’ve already whittled down our best choices specifically for you guys to make your purchase as easy and uncomplicated as feasible.

Console gamers may now access virtual reality thanks to PSVR 2 and, consequently, the greatest PSVR 2 accessories. For those looking for a PC VR headset that is a workhorse or a more versatile, independent VR experience, Meta Quest 3 is a great option. It’s enough to state that there are several excellent VR headset alternatives available right now.

We won’t sugarcoat it, though; even for gamers, virtual reality (VR) is a somewhat pricey pastime, with individual headgear costing as much as high-end PC systems and home consoles. Therefore, we’ve made an effort to compile a variety of goods that cover a wide range of price points and platform types, including options for those who wish to completely abandon wires and go wireless.

Our Top Tested Picks

Without a doubt, the greatest VR headset we’ve ever examined is the Meta Quest 3. The first and most significant lesson from our time spent long-term testing it is that.

Pancake optics allow for a significantly smaller headset that is notably more pleasant to use. The Quest 3 has a higher display resolution than any previous Quest headset thanks to its pancake optics. Though it’s still not quite up to PC VR visuals, it’s getting there. Without a doubt, the display is not to blame.

The improvements don’t end there, either. The Touch Plus controllers are incredibly comfortable in the hand, offer remarkable full-color video passthrough, and offer a plethora of apps and games that beyond what is already available on Apple Vision Pro.

The unfulfilled expectations of a mixed reality headset left us feeling a little let down when we began examining this headset back in October 2023. However, this feature has significantly improved over the course of several software upgrades, including the much appreciated Travel Mode.

Because it is a next-generation system in comparison to its predecessors, the Valve Index is among the top VR headsets. Its sharp display, which functions well even with older GPUs, broader field of vision, faster refresh rate, and Valve’s ‘knuckle’ controllers—which can follow every finger movement—are among its other notable features.

While the Valve Index appears to be a high-end headset, its complexity necessitates a sophisticated setup and a robust PC. The setup procedure for Valve’s headgear, which necessitates many connections and a dual camera configuration in order to function correctly, is really our least favorite feature. To guarantee a flawless experience, make sure you have adequate area for your workstation and other necessities, such as a few spare power outlets. Nevertheless, the procedure is worthwhile since you’ll be rewarded with an amazing wide field of vision and complete Steam integration, which make virtual reality library browsing a breeze.

Comparing the Valve Index to the HTC Vive and HTC Vive Pro, there is a noticeable improvement. Additionally, the Index has a screen with significantly greater resolution and a better refresh rate, all of which reduce the possibility of discomfort or motion sickness. We really adore the Index controllers, since their knuckle-shaped architecture makes for an excellent VR gaming experience.

For those seeking an easy-to-assemble headset at a price somewhat less than the HTC Vive Pro 2 or Valve Index, the HP Reverb G2 is a great option. It’s not as realistic as the somewhat more expensive choices, but it’s still a great substitute that keeps the immersive visual experience of VR gaming. If anything, the HP Reverb G2 undercuts the price of its competitors while surpassing visual expectations and offering a completely new experience.

The HP Reverb G2 is a really well-designed headset that offers amazing value for the money. It’s quite simple to set up straight out of the box and does not suffer from the’screen door’ effect that many VR headsets do. The Reverb G2 does require a PC, unlike Meta’s products, and the abundance of cords is the only truly annoying thing about it. A reasonably powerful PC is also required because of the headset’s high-resolution output. You won’t run out of games to play when you get this headset because it works with Steam VR.

A staggeringly high resolution of 2160 x 2160 (4K) per lens is available on the HP Reverb G2. For a reasonably inexpensive headset, it’s fairly amazing, and the image clarity ensures that you won’t have image ghosting or smeary sights while playing. The motion tracking quality of the headset is a little disappointing because it isn’t as precise as other, more expensive choices. Even yet, it’s astonishing how much the Reverb G2 does well given its reduced entry-level cost.

Apple’s Vision Pro is the most advanced mixed reality and virtual reality headset available. Though it’s the priciest consumer VR headset in recent memory and makes even the Valve Index seem like a great deal, we can say that it’s worth every cutting edge dollar after using the headset and exploring Apple’s new visionOS platform for a while (sorry, readers outside of the US, the Vision Pro isn’t currently available outside of the US).

Magnificent materials like carbon fiber and aluminum were used in its construction. It’s stylish and resembles pricey snowboarding goggles more than an AR/VR headset. All other headsets, such as the Meta Quest 3, which is now our top pick overall, appear cumbersome in contrast. Even with the battery placed outside the gadget and connected by a lengthy cable, it weighs more than a pound. It can be difficult to get the perfect fit, but wearing Vision Pro for hours was made simple once we started using the supplied Dual Loop Band.

Vision Pro is distinguished by more than just its appearance. In this shopping advice, the stereoscopic visuals outperform all competitors. 23 million pixels of incredibly crisp picture are delivered via dual micro-OLED, 4K screens, whether you’re seeing a completely immersive experience or a mix of applications and other experiences into your everyday surroundings. And because of the combination of M2 and R1 chips, it’s a very responsive platform. When it comes to spatial computing, Vision Pro is among the best mixed reality headsets available (yep, we said it). It comprehends your environment and remembers where you left apps in different rooms of your house so you may return to them at a later time.

While there were some issues with the first PSVR back in 2016, the majority of them were masterfully fixed with PSVR 2 last year. Since Sony has raised the bar so high for console-based VR headsets in the future, we heartily suggest it if you possess a PS5.

The PSVR 2’s aesthetically attractive, rounded form complements the design of the PS5 system. It’s remarkably simpler to assemble than its PS4 equivalent, requiring only one wire to link it to your PS5. With capabilities like eye-tracking, room area visualization, and the new passthrough feature—which allows you to monitor your surroundings at any moment with the touch of a button—the setup phase also serves as a tutorial.

Horizon: Call of the Mountain, one of the PSVR 2 exclusive titles, is quite impressive in terms of visual quality. As this is going on, some excellent PSVR versions, such as Tetris Effect, Rez Infinite, and Moss: Book II, are returning with improved graphics and responsive gameplay. The device’s 2,000 x 2,040 display resolution, which enables significantly higher image quality, is a huge assist. However, you could find it difficult to discover and stay in the “sweet spot” of the headset, so you can find yourself changing it during sessions.

Do you need a PC to use VR?

VR technology doesn’t necessarily require a PC, especially with the variety of console-specific devices available today. We have made an effort to include VR headsets that are compatible with all platforms in our list of the finest ones, such as the PSVR 2 and the Meta Quest Pro. This means that you may discover a VR headset that works well for your setup or gaming area that isn’t limited to PC models.

Why does VR result in motion sickness?

Wide field of vision, poor resolution, and motion blur in some games are among the many variables that might cause motion sickness when using virtual reality. Features like vignetting, which tightens the camera angle when in motion, and restricted movement can counteract this. We advise taking a little pause if you start to feel motion sickness coming on.

Should I buy a VR headset?

Deciding whether to buy a VR headset depends on several factors related to your interests, budget, and expectations. Here are some points to consider:

Reasons to Buy a VR Headset:

1. Gaming: If you’re an avid gamer, VR can offer an immersive experience with a growing library of games across different genres.
2. Fitness: VR fitness apps and games can make exercising more enjoyable and engaging.
3. Entertainment: VR provides unique experiences for watching movies, exploring virtual worlds, and attending virtual events.
4. Education and Training: VR can be used for educational purposes, offering interactive learning experiences and realistic simulations for training in various fields.
5. Social Interaction: VR enables social interactions in virtual environments, allowing you to meet and interact with people from around the world.

Factors to Consider:

1. Cost: VR headsets can range from affordable options like the Meta Quest 2 to more expensive setups like the Valve Index. Consider your budget and what you’re willing to spend.
2. Space Requirements: VR often requires a dedicated play area for movement. Ensure you have enough space to use the headset comfortably.
3. Hardware Requirements: Some VR headsets, particularly PC-based ones, require powerful hardware. Check if your existing PC or console meets the necessary specifications.
4. Content Availability: Research the available content and ensure there are enough games, apps, and experiences that interest you.
5. Comfort and Health: Some people experience motion sickness or discomfort when using VR. Try a demo if possible to see if you’re comfortable with the experience.