Soar to:
Greatest PC VR headsets | Greatest standalone VR headsets | Greatest console VR headsets
PC VR is the place you’ll discover the very best high quality visuals and essentially the most bold VR video games like Half-Life: Alyx. In fact, you’ll want a fairly highly effective gaming PC to plug your headset into. See this text for the specs your PC must deal with VR headsets.
The Greatest Total: Valve Index – $1,000
If you happen to’re in search of the easiest total PC VR headset, Valve Index is our choose. It’s dear in comparison with the remaining, however has a wonderful steadiness of high quality, efficiency, and luxury. That’s why we known as it “the fanatic’s alternative” in our full assessment of the headset.
Execs
Issues to like about Index are its wonderful monitoring efficiency, extensive subject of view, high quality controllers, nice audio, and vary of ergonomic changes that make it simple to dial in a cushty and clear match.
Index is among the solely headsets that provides an eye-relief adjustment. This let’s you convey the lenses as near your eyes as comfy, permitting you to maximise your subject of view; it additionally makes the headset simpler to regulate for glasses. Index has a bodily IPD adjustment which ranges from 58mm to 70mm, making it simple to align the lenses with the width of your eyes for the sharpest visuals.
Cons
However Index isn’t good. In comparison with different headsets in the marketplace, the exterior monitoring system is extra work to arrange, usually requiring two monitoring beacons mounted on reverse corners of a room, caught on a tripod, positioned up excessive on a shelf, or screwed into your wall. In addition they must be plugged into their very own energy shops. And whereas Index has cameras on the entrance for a pass-through view, it isn’t as fast or helpful as we’ve seen on different headsets. Its decision is on the low-end in comparison with the newest headsets, and did we point out the value tag of $1,000? You may get it cheaper although if you have already got SteamVR Monitoring base stations from an previous Vive headset.
Valve Index Specs
| Decision | 1,440 x 1,600 (2.3MP) per-eye, LCD (2x) |
| Refresh Price | 80Hz, 90Hz, 120Hz, 144Hz |
| Lenses | Double ingredient Fresnel |
| Area-of-view | ~130° diagonal |
| Optical Changes | IPD, eye-relief |
| IPD Adjustment Vary | 58–70mm |
| Connectors | USB 3.0, DisplayPort 1.2, 12V energy |
| Cable Size | 5m + 1m breakaway |
| Monitoring | SteamVR Monitoring 1.0 or 2.0 (exterior beacons) |
| On-board cameras | 2x RGB |
| Enter | Valve Index controllers (rechargable battery) |
| Audio | Off-ear headphones, 3.5mm aux output |
| Microphone | Twin microphone |
| Go-through view | Sure |
Content material Compatibility
Valve Index is formally appropriate with the SteamVR library the place the overwhelming majority of VR content material is accessible. If you happen to’re seeking to play content material that’s unique to the Oculus PC library (like Lon Echo II) you need to use the free however unofficial Revive mod to play Oculus PC content material on Valve Index. It could take some tweaking for efficiency and controller inputs, however for essentially the most half Oculus content material will play fairly nicely on Index.
Additionally Take into account: HP Reverb G2 – $500
Whereas Valve’s Index has nice all-around efficiency, HP’s newest Reverb G2 is the headset you need if decision is your most vital consideration. Reverb G2 needs to be in your radar particularly if you happen to’re considering of choosing up a VR headset for seated PC VR video games like driving and flight simulators—discover out why in our full assessment.
ℹ HP has additionally launched a barely up to date model of the headset (which we name the Reverb G2.1) that makes some small however noticeable enhancements. Learn extra about Reverb G2.1 right here.
Execs
When it comes proper all the way down to it, G2’s defining characteristic is its class-leading decision of two,160 × 2,160, which may look downright superb with the fitting content material. Because of a collaboration between Valve and HP, G2 additionally borrows the wonderful headphones of Valve’s Index headset and brings improved controllers in comparison with earlier WMR headsets. To not point out the headset has inside-out monitoring which makes it simpler to make use of because of no exterior trackers. And who can argue with it being practically half the value of the complete Valve Index package?
Cons
Though it boasts improved controller ergonomics in comparison with prior WMR headsets, Reverb G2’s controller monitoring nonetheless has extra latency and fewer reliability than its friends, together with much less detailed (and considerably noisy) haptics. The controllers will get you thru most video games simply fantastic, however if you happen to plan to primarily play aggressive or fast-paced video games, the controllers on different headsets are inclined to ship higher outcomes. As for subject of view, G2 is just like most of its friends however loses out in comparison with Index. The pass-through view additionally isn’t as helpful as another headsets due to its odd ‘flashlight’ implementation.
HP Reverb G2 Specs
| Decision | 2,160 x 2,160 (4.7MP) per-eye, LCD (2x) |
| Refresh Price | 90Hz |
| Lenses | Single ingredient Fresnel |
| Area-of-view (claimed) | 114° diagonal |
| Optical Changes | IPD (two-stage eye-relief with Reverb G2.1) |
| IPD Adjustment Vary | 60–68mm |
| Connectors | USB-C, DisplayPort, Energy |
| Cable Size | 6m |
| Monitoring | Inside-out (no exterior beacons) |
| On-board cameras | 4x IR |
| Enter | Reverb G2 controllers (AA battery 2x), voice |
| Audio | Off-ear headphones |
| Microphone | Sure |
| Go-through view | Sure |
Content material Compatibility
HP Reverb G2 works natively with the Home windows Blended Actuality retailer, however only a few VR functions can be found there. Luckily a free and official plugin from Microsoft additionally makes it appropriate with SteamVR content material. If you happen to’re seeking to play content material that’s unique to the Oculus PC library (like Lone Echo II) you need to use the free however unofficial Revive mod to play Oculus PC content material on Reverb G2.
For the Extremely Fanatic: Varjo Aero – $2,000+
If in case you have money to spare, and particularly if you happen to’re in search of the final word VR sim setup, Varjo Aero could possibly be an amazing match. It has essentially the most spectacular visible readability we’ve seen from any consumer-available headset, because of a really excessive decision show and distinctive lenses. It additionally has another nice-to-have options not discovered on most different headsets. Nevertheless it’ll price you way over different headsets. For a deep dive, take a look at our full Varjo Aero assessment.
Execs
If you happen to may even put a headset that’s this costly in the identical class as different shopper VR headsets, Varjo Aero simply has the sharpest, most immersive picture because of its 2,880 x 2,720 (7.8MP) per-eye decision. On prime of that, the headset makes use of aspheric (reasonably than Fresnel) lenses, which suggests it doesn’t endure from the glare and god-rays that plague most different headsets. Aero additionally has two options that aren’t obtainable on most headsets: computerized IPD adjustment and eye-tracking. The latter can be used for foveated rendering and another helpful stuff, however most functions as we speak don’t assist it.
Cons
Aero’s largest downsides are its value, lack of built-in audio, and a few picture distortion. The headset alone prices $2,000, and if you happen to don’t have already got SteamVR Monitoring base stations and controllers, you’ll must shell out a further $580 to get them. And let’s not neglect… so as to actually get essentially the most from the headset, you’ll want a PC able to pushing all these pixels at excessive framerates; if you happen to don’t have already got a beast of a PC, this one won’t be your best option (Varjo recommends no less than an RTX 3070 or RTX 2080 and Aero doesn’t assist AMD GPUs).
As for the shortage of built-in audio—you’ll must plug headphones or earbuds into the headset’s 3.5mm aux port, which suggests one other wire to cope with and one other factor to placed on and take off each time you utilize the headset. And whereas the Aero’s picture is extremely sharp, it does endure from distortion close to the sides of the lens which may hassle some folks greater than others.
Varjo Aero Specs
| Decision | 2,880 x 2,720 (7.8MP) per-eye, mini-LED LCD (2x) |
| Refresh Price | 90Hz |
| Lenses | Aspheric |
| Area-of-view (claimed) | 134° diagonal, 115° horizontal (at 12mm eye-relief) |
| Optical Changes | IPD (computerized motor pushed) |
| IPD Adjustment Vary | 57–73mm |
| Connectors | USB-C → breakout field (USB-A 3.0, DisplayPort 1.4) |
| Cable Size | 5m |
| Monitoring | SteamVR Monitoring 1.0 or 2.0 (exterior beacons) |
| On-board cameras | 2x eye-tracking |
| Enter | None included (helps SteamVR controllers) |
| Audio | 3.5mm aux port |
| Microphone | None (helps exterior mic via aux port) |
| Go-through view | No |
| Weight | 487g + 230g headstrap with counterweight |
Content material Compatibility
Varjo Aero is formally appropriate with the SteamVR library the place the overwhelming majority of VR content material is accessible. If you happen to’re seeking to play content material that’s unique to the Oculus PC library (like Lone Echo II) you need to use the free however unofficial Revive mod to play Oculus PC content material on Varjo Aero. It could take some tweaking for efficiency and controller inputs, however for essentially the most half Oculus content material ought to work on Aero.
Worth Choose: Meta Quest 2 with Hyperlink (and Elite Strap) – $460
Though Quest 2 is a standalone headset (which suggests video games run straight within the headset with out plugging right into a PC) it additionally has a characteristic known as Oculus Hyperlink which supplies you the choice to run PC VR video games by plugging right into a PC. And you probably have a contemporary router (Wi-Fi 5 or Wi-Fi 6), you’ll be able to even do that wirelessly with Air Hyperlink characteristic.
Execs
Together with the helpful passthrough characteristic, excessive decision show, and nice controllers, Quest 2 is a reasonably nice all-around headset. The hard-to-beat value makes it an amazing worth, particularly contemplating the truth that the headset additionally runs standalone VR video games from the Meta Quest retailer. Meta has additionally constantly launched software program updates to enhance the headset’s efficiency and options.
Cons
Sadly the cable that comes with Quest 2 isn’t lengthy sufficient to work nicely for Oculus Hyperlink, and we will’t advocate the official cable due to its loopy $80 price ticket. Fortunately you may get 26 ft price of Oculus Hyperlink cable for $34. Or you probably have a Wi-Fi 5 or Wi-Fi 6 router you need to use Air Hyperlink to play PC VR video games wirelessly.
And, as we present in our full assessment, we weren’t huge followers of Quest 2’s delicate headstrap, so we’d advocate dropping the additional $50 for the Elite Strap accent [Amazon] if you happen to’re severe about enjoying PC VR video games. The inbuilt audio is handy, however we want it was larger high quality.
Meta Quest 2 Specs
| Decision | 1,832 x 1,920 (3.5MP) per-eye, LCD (1x) |
| Refresh Price | 60Hz, 72Hz, 90Hz, 120Hz |
| Lenses | Single ingredient Fresnel |
| Area-of-view | ~90° diagonal |
| Optical Changes | IPD, eye-relief (through included spacer) |
| IPD Adjustment Vary | 58mm, 63mm, 68mm |
| Processor | Snapdragon XR2 |
| RAM | 6GB |
| Storage | 128GB / 256GB |
| Connectors | USB-C |
| Battery Life | 2-3 hours |
| Monitoring | Inside-out (no exterior beacons) |
| On-board cameras | 4x IR |
| Enter |
Oculus Contact v3 (AA battery 1x), hand-tracking, voice |
| Audio | In-headstrap audio system, 3.5mm aux output |
| Microphone | Sure |
| Go-through view | Sure |
Content material Compatibility
With out being plugged into a pc, Quest 2 can solely play video games from the Meta Quest library. If you happen to plug into a pc through Oculus Hyperlink, you’ll have entry to every thing within the Oculus PC and SteamVR libraries as nicely. That implies that Quest 2 is appropriate with the overwhelming majority of prime VR content material on the market, so long as you’ve acquired a robust PC to plug the headset into.
Standalone VR headsets are absolutely self-contained and don’t must plug into something. They often supply excessive ease-of-use because of their all-in-one nature and lack of tether. With their low total price (because of not needing a high-end PC) standalone headsets are a good way to take your first step into VR.
The Greatest Total: Meta Quest 2 with Elite Strap – $460
Quest 2 is an improve over its predecessor in nearly each approach, although it’s price noting that you simply want a Fb account to make use of the headset. It is available in a 128GB and 256GB model.
Execs
With a formidable decision, highly effective Snapdragon XR2 processor, helpful ‘passthrough’ view characteristic, and nice controllers, there’s lots to love about Quest 2. What’s extra, if you happen to ever resolve to improve to PC-powered VR, Quest 2 can plug into your pc and be used like a PC VR headset. In terms of total worth, no different standalone headset is in the identical ballpark proper now. And one other good factor in regards to the headset: it retains getting higher with every replace.
Cons
There’s a couple of issues we want had been higher although. As we present in our full Quest 2 assessment, the included delicate headstrap simply isn’t that comfy, which is why we advocate the Elite Strap ($60 on Amazon) or Elite Battery Strap ($120 on Amazon) equipment if you happen to’re a severe VR person.
The hidden built-in audio system are handy however we want they had been extra highly effective for higher immersion (fortunately there’s a 3.5mm headphone jack if you wish to use your personal headphones). And whereas Quest 2 has a reasonably robust recreation library, because it’s a standalone headset you gained’t be capable of play any of the large PC VR video games like Half-Life: Alyx or Asgard’s Wrath except you’ve a robust PC to plug into.
Meta Quest 2 Specs
| Decision | 1,832 x 1,920 (3.5MP) per-eye, LCD (1x) |
| Refresh Price | 60Hz, 72Hz, 90Hz, 120Hz |
| Lenses | Single ingredient Fresnel |
| Area-of-view | ~90° diagonal |
| Optical Changes | IPD, eye-relief (through included spacer) |
| IPD Adjustment Vary | 58mm, 63mm, 68mm |
| Processor | Snapdragon XR2 |
| RAM | 6GB |
| Storage | 128GB / 256GB |
| Connectors | USB-C |
| Battery Life | 2-3 hours |
| Monitoring | Inside-out (no exterior beacons) |
| On-board cameras | 4x IR |
| Enter |
Oculus Contact v3 (AA battery 1x), hand-tracking, voice |
| Audio | In-headstrap audio system, 3.5mm aux output |
| Microphone | Sure |
| Go-through view | Sure |
Content material Compatibility
Meta Quest 2 is appropriate with all content material within the Meta Quest library. If in case you have a gaming PC (or get one sooner or later), you’ll be able to plug it into your PC to play content material within the Oculus PC library and the SteamVR library.
For the Extremely Fanatic: Meta Quest Professional – $1,500
Though Meta is closely advertising Quest Professional as a ‘combined actuality’ headset, Quest Professional can be basically a greater Quest 2 in nearly each approach. Whereas the upgrades are good, they gained’t justify the additional $1,000 in price for anybody however hardcore VR customers; we clarify why in our full Quest Professional assessment.
Execs
You possibly can consider Quest Professional as a extra compact Quest 2 with higher visible readability, higher controllers, a greater passthrough view, and a few neat new options like face-tracking. Though the decision is identical as Quest 2, the lenses are higher which makes the picture a bit sharper and improves readability by eliminating glare brought on by Quest 2’s much less refined lenses. The brand new controllers are self-tracking, which suggests they gained’t lose monitoring after they’re out of sight of the headset and so they’re extra compact. An included charging dock for each the headset and the controllers can be a pleasant contact which suggests your headset will all the time be charged and up to date once you’re able to play.
Cons
On condition that Quest Professional is being pushed as a combined actuality headset, Meta opted for an open-front design which suggests you’ll be capable of see the surface world extra simply. That is good for once you’re utilizing the passthrough view, however for VR functions it may be much less immersive. The headset contains some snap-on blinders that shut off a few of that outdoors view for extra immersion, however you’ll must drop an additional $50 for the ‘full gentle blocker‘ if you’d like most immersion from the headset.
Moreover, Quest Professional’s lack of top-strap makes the headset much less comfy for some than it could possibly be and its battery life is fairly brief at 1–2 hours. And eventually, the headset’s most unusual options, like full face-tracking and higher passthrough for AR functions, are reasonably underutilized at this stage within the headset’s life.
Quest Professional Specs
| Decision | 1800 × 1920 (3.5MP) per-eye, LCD (2x) |
| Refresh Price | 72Hz, 90Hz |
| Optics | Pancake non-Fresnel |
| Area-of-view (claimed) | 106°H × 96°V |
| Optical Changes | Steady IPD, steady eye-relief |
| IPD Adjustment Vary | 55–75mm |
| Processor | Snapdragon XR2+ |
| RAM | 12GB |
| Storage | 256GB |
| Connectors | USB-C |
| Weight | 722g |
| Battery Life | 1–2 hours |
| Headset Monitoring | Inside-out (no exterior beacons) |
| Controller Monitoring | Inside-out (headset line-of-sight not wanted) |
| Expression Monitoring | Sure (eyes, face) |
| On-board cameras | 5x exterior, 5x inside |
| Enter | Contact Professional controllers (rechargeable), hand-tracking, voice |
| Audio | In-headstrap audio system, twin 3.5mm aux output |
| Microphone | Sure |
| Go-through view | Sure (colour) |
| MSRP | $1,500 |
Content material Compatibility
Meta Quest Professional is appropriate with all content material within the Meta Quest library. If in case you have a gaming PC (or get one sooner or later), you’ll be able to plug it into your PC to play content material within the Oculus PC library and the SteamVR library.
Worth Choose: Meta Quest 2 – $400
Yup, our worth choose for standalone headset is identical as our ‘Greatest Total’ choose: Quest 2! However if you happen to’re model new to VR and are simply in search of a style, you’ll be able to in all probability maintain off on the Elite Strap accent and save your self $60 within the meantime. If you end up utilizing the headset usually you’ll be able to all the time add the strap later.
See the Quest 2 part above for ideas and particulars on Quest 2.
If you understand something about VR, you’ll already know what we’re going to say! PlayStation is the solely console maker that at the moment helps a VR headset (sorry Xbox followers). And sadly solely Sony’s personal headsets work with its consoles.
However no less than that makes issues simple. If you happen to’re utilizing PS4, the unique PSVR is the most effective (and solely) headset that can work with the console.
If you happen to’re utilizing PS5, the soon-to-launch PSVR 2 is the plain alternative. Although the unique PSVR is technically appropriate with PS5 (if you happen to get a particular adapter), PSVR 2 is a giant enchancment throughout the board and would be the solely headset to assist the newest era of VR video games and content material on PS5.
Our Take
PSVR launched in late 2016 and was an amazing headset for its period, together with a handful of fantastic unique VR video games that you simply gained’t discover anyplace else. Nevertheless, the headset is formally previous its prime in 2023 and feels ‘final era’ in decision, monitoring, and controllers in comparison with what’s obtainable elsewhere within the VR panorama.
It’s arduous to advocate shopping for the six yr previous PSVR as we speak. It’s turning into more and more troublesome to seek out new models at cheap costs. Bundles are usually priced at $350, however good luck discovering these in-store or on-line anymore. Ebay has numerous pre-owned choices alongside unreasonably costly new in-the-box models, so select properly.
That’s definitely as a result of Sony is planning to launch its next-gen PSVR 2 on February twenty second.
PSVR Specs
| Decision | 960 x 1,080 (1.0MP) per-eye, RGB OLED (1x) |
| Refresh Price | 90Hz, 120Hz |
| Lenses | Single ingredient non-Fresnel |
| Area-of-view | 100° diagonal |
| Optical Changes | Eye-relief |
| Connectors | USB, HDMI |
| Cable Size | 4.4m (breakout field) |
| Monitoring | Exterior-in (exterior digicam) |
| On-board cameras | None |
| Enter |
DualShock 4 (rechargeable), PS Transfer (rechargeable), PS Goal (rechargeable), voice |
| Audio | Earbuds, 3.5mm aux output |
| Microphone | Sure |
| Go-through view | No |
Content material Compatibility
PlayStation VR is barely appropriate with choose VR content material within the PlayStation retailer and doesn’t assist PSVR 2 video games. Nevertheless, its back-catalog features a handful of fantastic exclusives not obtainable on PSVR 2 like Astro Bot Rescue Mission and Blood & Reality. You may also use the headset to play non-VR PS4 or PS5 content material in a ‘theater mode’ via the headset, however with comparatively low decision it’s not one thing you’re more likely to do usually. The overwhelming majority of PSVR titles are additionally backwards appropriate with PS5.
Upcoming: PlayStation VR 2 – $600
Launching in February, PlayStation VR 2 will lastly convey an improve to Sony’s VR platform, however it’ll solely be appropriate with PS5. Priced at $600, it’s costlier than one thing like Quest 2, however if you happen to’ve already acquired a PS5 you’re more likely to get a higher-fidelity VR expertise because of the sport console being way more highly effective than the standalone Quest 2.
PSVR vs. PSVR 2 Specs
| Decision | 2,000 x 2,040 (4.1MP) per-eye, OLED, HDR | 960 x 1,080 (1.0MP) per-eye, RGB OLED |
| Refresh Price | 90Hz, 120Hz | 90Hz, 120Hz |
| Lenses | Fresnel | Single ingredient non-Fresnel |
| Area-of-view (claimed) | 110° (diagonal presumed) | 100° (diagonal presumed) |
| Optical Changes | IPD, eye-relief | Eye-relief |
| Connectors | USB-C (no breakout field) | USB, HDMI (breakout field) |
| Cable Size | unknown | 4.4m |
| Monitoring | Inside-out (no exterior beacons) | Exterior-in (exterior digicam) |
| On-board cameras | 4x IR (exterior), 2x IR (inside) | None |
| Enter | PSVR 2 Sense controllers (rechargable), eye-tracking | DualShock 4 (rechargeable), PS Transfer (rechargeable), PS Goal (rechargeable), voice |
| Audio | 3.5mm aux output | 3.5mm aux output |
| Microphone | Sure | Sure |
| Haptics | Controllers, headset | Controllers |
| Weight | unknown | 600g |
| Launch Date | 2023 | 2016 |
| Console Compatibility | PS5 | PS4, PS4 Professional, PS5 |
Content material Compatibility
PSVR 2 is sadly not backwards appropriate with PSVR video games. Meaning it solely helps video games within the PlayStation retailer which are particularly marked with PSVR 2 assist.