Virtual reality is getting more mainstream by the day, especially when it comes to gaming. With a wide variety of VR headsets on the market, ranging from the most bleeding-edge technology to budget-friendly options, there is a headset out there that will please everyone.
Meta Quest 3
Meta Quest 2
Valve Index
Sony PlayStation VR2
HTC Vive Pro 2 VR Headset
Best VR Headset Overall:Meta Quest 3
TheMeta Quest 3is an upgrade over the Meta Quest 2 in every respect. The latest version of the mixed-reality headset boasts a higher-res display, improved haptics, smoother graphics, color pass-through cameras, and a faster, more powerful processor.
If you’re looking to experience virtual reality completely cable-free, this is an excellent option to consider. Untethered from cable clutter, you’re free to fully immerse yourself in wireless gameplay. And the beauty of this standalone unit is that it doesn’t require a high-end gaming PC or a gaming console to operate it, either.
With superb 3D audio thrown into the mix, too, this VR headset is a veritable feast for the senses. And with a huge library of Quest VR titles to explore, Meta has upped the ante for wireless virtual reality gaming.
With full-color passthrough cameras and room-scanning features, the Metas Quest 3 is the best standalone VR headset yet, providing immersive experiences anywhere and without the need for a high-end gaming PC.
Best Budget VR Headset:Meta Quest 2
As enticing as the VR world could be, you might want to dip your toe in to test it out first before spending hundreds of dollars on a headset. You can do so with theMeta Quest 2for a fraction of the price compared to newer, more expensive VR headsets.
It’s a versatile unit that allows for both wired and wireless gameplay, with the option of connecting it to a high-end gaming PC to experience some of the more demanding VR titles in the Quest library. Although it might lack some of the bells and whistles of its more sophisticated successor, it’s a great place to start if you’re new to VR and don’t want to go all-in from the outset.
The Quest 2 is lightweight and comfortable to wear and represents excellent value for money. It doesn’t require any sort of additional hardware to get started (other than pairing with a smartphone) and makes for an enticing entry-level prospect for the VR-curious.
The Meta Quest 2 is Meta’s all-in-one entry-level VR headset that lets you play games with or without a PC. It has a high-resolution screen, a large game library, and a 120Hz refresh rate. This VR headset is a great VR device for beginners and experts alike.
Best Premium VR Headset:Valve Index
TheValve Indexrepresents the best premium VR experience right now. Pushing the boundaries for the home VR experience, with features like individual finger-tracking perfectly complementing the crisp, smooth visuals, large-area mapping, and 130-degree FOV. Chuck its direct integration with Steam into the mix as well, and you have the perfect recipe for truly expansive VR gameplay.
The Index also offers a best-in-class audio experience. Near-field speakers sit on either side of the headset, just above the ears, pumping exquisite 3D audio and enveloping you in an arena of sound that delivers total immersion while still allowing you to hear ambient noise around you.
Although the Valve Index is very much a wired VR experience, there are few rivals out there that can compete with the scale of what it provides. It may cost a pretty penny and require a more comprehensive setup, but for high-end PC gamers, this is still one of the best VR headsets on offer.
The Valve Index is a high-performance PC VR headset with a high refresh rate, finger-tracking controllers, and off-ear speakers. It is compatible with Steam VR, meaning you can enjoy a huge library of VR games with this impressive kit.
Best VR Headset for Consoles:PlayStation VR2
ThePlayStation VR2is a remarkable piece of kit and is the very best way for console gamers to experience the thrills and spills of VR gameplay.
It takes mere seconds to set up, with a simple wired connection to your PS5 console. A quick orientation tutorial later, and you’re ready to go. An impressive passthrough feature allows you to check your IRL surroundings at any time with the press of a button, and the OLED panel inside the headset provides vastly improved visuals with greater resolution and an improved FOV. Plus, the haptics in both the headset and the controllers have received some love in this latest iteration, making for a much more immersive experience.
On the downside, you may well balk at the asking price, which is currently higher than the PS5 itself. But with many PSVR-exclusive titles currently available and on the horizon, it’s clear that Sony is investing heavily in this hardware. And with the promise of even bigger and better titles to come, the future looks bright for the PSVR2.
Boasting a simple, one-cable connection, 4K visuals, innovative passthrough cameras, and stunning 3D audio, the PlayStation VR2 is the best way to immerse yourself in VR gameplay on your PS5.
Best VR Headset for PC:HTC Vive Pro 2
TheHTC Vive Pro 2VR Headset impresses in part due to its phenomenal resolution rate. With 2,448 x 2,448 pixels per eye, you’ll struggle to find anything that delivers visuals in the same league as this headset. Merge this with a 120Hz refresh rate and a large 120-degree FOV, and you have a nigh-on unbeatable visual experience.
You’ll need a powerful high-end gaming PC to get the best out of the Hive Pro 2 and experience that level of visual fidelity. Not to mention a fair bit of disposable cash. But for those that do, your eyes are really in for a treat here.
Although this is primarily a wired VR headset, the HTC Vive Pro 2 does provide the option to go wireless, with the addition of a wireless adapter (which is sold separately). And being compatible with Steam VR means there’s no shortage of titles to enjoy here either.
The HTC Vive Pro 2 is a wired VR headset with a stunning 5K resolution and provides gorgeous and immersive visuals for high-end PC VR gameplay. With silky-smooth motion tracking and an ultra-wide field of view, it supplies an unrivaled visual experience for gamers.
Q: What does VR and AR stand for?
VR and AR stand for Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality, respectively.
Q: What’s the difference between a VR headset and VR glasses?
VR glasses tend to be slimmer and less bulky than VR headsets, making them more comfortable to wear for longer. However, they lack the processing power of VR headsets and are therefore less capable of rendering immersive VR environments.
Q: Will a VR headset make me motion sick?
Possibly. Some headset wearers may experience motion sickness during VR gameplay, but it varies from person to person, as well as the specifications of the hardware you are using.
Q: Can I use a VR headset if I have glasses?
Yes. Many VR headsets are adjustable and built to accommodate wearers in glasses.
Q: Do you need a console or PC to use a VR headset?
Not necessarily. There are some VR headsets, such as the Meta Quest 3, which allow for wireless VR gameplay without the need for a gaming PC.
Q: How do I keep the VR headset lenses dust-free?
You can keep your VR lenses clean between uses by dusting them with a microfiber cloth and moving them in a circular motion as you clean. This will ensure smooth, smudge-free cleaning.
Q: Can I play Meta Quest 2 games on my Meta Quest 3?
Yes. The Meta Quest 3 is backwards compatible with Meta Quest 2 titles.
Q: Can I play PSVR games on my PSVR2?
No. The PSVR2 does not have backwards compatibility with the PSVR headset.
