Looking to buy the best VR Headset? Here is a quick list of some of the best headsets that can act as a portal for you to explore the virtual world.
The best VR headsets are not always the most expensive. The best headsets offer a wide range of different immersive experiences attached to their associated ecosystems. This year saw the release of a wide range of products catering to enthusiasts, gamers, casual fans, and pro-users alike.
It’s important that the headset not only has solid internals and tech under the hood, but will also allow you to enjoy your favorite games, apps, content, and more. Our list includes budget VR headsets and some more premium products, too.
Even though it’s getting older, the Meta Quest 2 is the best, and also one of the cheapest ways to get into VR. Meanwhile, Sony’s new and improved PS VR2 also deserves a mention. We’ve also included the Valve Index and HTC’s Vive Pro 2, which takes care of gaming as well as fitness.
Right now, we won’t recommend the HTC Vive XR Elite, as its ecosystem simply is not mature enough to warrant a spot on our list.
Regardless of which VR headset you should buy, be sure to check out some of our favourite VR games like Beat Saber and Half- Life: Alyx.
Oculus Quest 2
- Max Resolution – 1832 x 1920 per eye | Field of View – 100° | Screen Type – Fast Twitch LCD | Max Refresh Rate – 120Hz| Weight – 503g | Tracking Type – Inside-out
- Weight – 503g
- Release Date: October 13, 2020
- Price: 128GB Model – $399/£399, 256GB Model – $499/£499
- What Else Do I Need?: Nothing
The Meta Quest 2 is a great standalone VR headset. Even though Meta has increased its price, Quest 2 is still among the most popular, and accessible headsets that money can buy.
It is easy to set up and requires no additional hardware required, making it a fantastic value-for-money device. Quest 2 also has a rich library of exclusive applications and games to stick your teeth into. This means that even a first-time VR noob can settle in with some stellar titles.
This versatile headset can also be connected to a PC or a console using a cable or wirelessly. The Meta Quest 2 is an entry-level VR headset, but it’s also a no-brainer for VR enthusiasts, young gamers, and hobbyists.
Valve Index
Key Specs
- Max Resolution – 1600 x 1440 per eye | Field of View – 130° | Screen Type – LCD | Max Refresh Rate – 144Hz| Weight – 809g | Tracking Type – SteamVR Base Stations
- Release Date: 28 June 2019
- Price: $999/£919
- What Else Do I Need?: High-End PC
Following Valve’s work on the original HTC Vive, it wasn’t long before they delivered on their own headset, and Index certainly delivered. Offering another wired PC VR experience, Index remains one of the more powerful experiences currently available, providing up to 144Hz refresh rate for incredibly smooth gameplay. Valve’s brought us a high-quality headset, delivering great sound quality through the quality off-ear speakers and some excellent controllers.
Our only real issue is that this could use a price drop. It’s been three years since the Index’s first launch and while we’re not denying the strong specs or performance, this isn’t the same high-end experience found in 2019. All the other listed headsets here (PSVR excluded) have Index beat when it comes to visual resolution, but that doesn’t make it a slouch. If money’s no object, you can’t really go wrong here for a PC VR headset.
HTC Vive Pro 2
Key Specs
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- Max Resolution – 2448 × 2448 per eye | Field of View – 120° | Screen Type – LCD | Max Refresh Rate – 120Hz| Weight – 850g | Tracking Type – SteamVR Base Stations
- Release Date: 23 September 2021
- Price: $1399/£1299
- What Else Do I Need?: High-End PC
If you’re a PC player after the highest performance, Vive Pro 2 is a worthy Valve Index rival. Offering a wired PC VR headset – you can buy a Vive Wireless Adapter but that’ll cost an extra $349/£359 – HTC’s latest option houses a comfortable design, 120Hz refresh rate to help ease potential motion sickness, and, perhaps most impressively, 5K resolution. If you’ve got the right PC for it, Vive Pro 2 is a high point that runs VR games beautifully.
Unfortunately, there’s one massive caveat here. Vive Pro 2 is easily the most expensive option on this list. Vive’s wand controllers also feel outdated in 2022, though these can be swapped for Valve Index controllers. It’s a good choice if you’re looking to futureproof yourself for PC VR and while it likely won’t appeal to many outside the hardcore VR faithful, you’ll certainly get your money’s worth from this.
PlayStation VR 2
Key Specs
- Max Resolution – 2000 × 2040 per eye | Field of View – 110° | Screen Type – LCD | Max Refresh Rate – 120Hz| Weight – 650g | Tracking Type – Inside-out with PS Camera
- Release Date: 22 February 2023
- Price: From $549/£529.99
The PS VR 2 is designed to enhance your console gaming experience. While it is way more potent than Meta Quest 2 and requires a PlayStation 5 to power it, the PSVR 2 offers AAA VR gaming experiences that you just can’t get on some other VR platforms.
With the PSVR 2, you get 4K OLED panels, a 120Hz refresh rate, and 110-degree FOV for some super smooth, gorgeous images to immerse you in the virtual world.
Priced at $550, the PSVR 2 is way pricier than Meta Quest 2 and lacks backward compatibility. However, the flawless VR experience with a robust library of games pushes the envelope for PSVR 2.
HP Reverb G2
Key Specs
- Max Resolution – 2160 x 2160 per eye| Field of View – 130° | Screen Type – LCD | Max Refresh Rate – 90Hz| Weight – 550g | Tracking Type – Inside-out
- Release Date: 1 November 2020
- Price: $599/£610
- What Else Do I Need?: High-end PC
Rounding off this list is the HP Reverb G2, another wired PC VR headset that is a mid-range option. Priced between the Oculus Quest 2 and Valve Index, there are several perks the Reverb G2 offers over these competitors. This is a 4K headset, so there’s a noticeably higher visual quality that just falls short of the Vive Pro 2 but at half the cost, and HP Reverb G2 also makes use of the Index’s audio speakers.
It’s a fine option if you don’t mind a tethered setup but if you’re not that worried about the resolution boost, this may prove a tougher sell against the Quest 2. Unlike Meta’s latest, HP Reverb G2 can’t be used as a standalone unit. It’s worth noting that original models had reported tracking issues but thankfully, HP issued a revision that resolved this. There are no obvious indicators that separate the two though, so we’d suggest buying new to avoid picking up the older model.
What’s the best VR Headset for you?
As with most major hardware purchases, the best VR headset ultimately comes down to your own personal preferences and circumstances. There are plenty of choices but not everyone can afford a high-end PC after all, never mind an often-expensive VR headset to go alongside it.
If nothing but the absolute best will do and you’ve got the funds to back it up, then the Vive Pro 2 is your strongest choice on PC right now, providing a strong 5K experience. If you’re working within a budget, want minimal fuss in setting it up or you’re relatively new to VR, the Oculus Quest 2 is a solid all-rounder. It doesn’t require extra hardware, has numerous exclusives, and Meta’s investing heavily in this platform.
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