Personal computers and console gaming provide entertainment value. Virtual reality (VR) headsets take gaming to the next level with immersive, realistic simulations.
Gamers aren’t the only ones using VR headsets. Educators and trainers use them to replicate real-life places and events. Consumers shopping around for VR headsets want to ensure the device they buy meets their requirements.
Some headsets are more feature-laden than others, but they all have qualities that distinguish them from the competition. There’s a VR headset available to meet any user’s requirements.
1. PlayStation VR 2
One of the higher-end VR headsets is the PlayStation VR2. There’s a lot to like about this console VR system, especially for PlayStation 5 (PS5) owners.
The PlayStation VR 2 must be connected to a PS5 system to work. Its vivid graphics are highly advanced, come with quality controllers, and fit comfortably, even over eyeglasses. One caveat: it doesn’t work with older PlayStation VR games.
2. Meta Quest 2
If the name sounds familiar, it’s because Meta headsets are made by the same company that owns Facebook, Instagram, and Threads. A smartphone is required to set up the device but doesn’t require a connection to a gaming console or personal computer (PC), although users can play on a PC.
Meta Quest 2 works with various games and fitness apps, and the high-resolution display provides an incredibly immersive experience. The biggest drawback is the short two-to-three hours of battery life.
3. Meta Quest Pro
An upgrade from the Meta Quest 2, the Meta Quest Pro’s sharp display makes this VR headset a keeper. Unlike other VR devices, this one doesn’t require a separate pair of earbuds; the audio components are built into the headband for a better sound experience.
Multitasking is possible with the Meta Quest Pro, and its backward compatibility means older games can still be used with this newer VR headset. One of the best features of this device is the intuitive hand controllers that feel like an extension of the user.
4. Meta Quest 3
Meta’s most recent upgrade from the Meta Quest 2 is evident in several ways. Instead of being a strictly VR headset, it includes augmented reality (AR) elements, making it a mixed reality (MR) device. It’s a little smaller than its predecessor, but it makes the headset less bulky.
While it only has two to three hours of battery life, the Meta Quest 3 features compensate for that. The high-resolution displays and improved color cameras provide a more immersive experience that combines the real and virtual worlds. It also fits well over eyeglasses.
5. The Apple Vision Pro
For a relatively new entry into the VR/AR universe, the Apple Vision Pro is an impressive headset. Apple’s model can access over a million apps from the iOS store. Working, playing, and creating are seamless experiences with this headgear.
It’s incompatible with eyeglasses but comes with optional reading or prescription optical inserts and has a magnetically attached light seal to keep out extraneous light. Users can stream content from as many as five on-demand or live broadcasts.
6. Valve Index Headset Plus Controllers
VR users with HTC’s Vive hardware will rejoice in the Valve Index being compatible with both the Vive and Steam VR platforms. Besides the clear, off-the-ear audio and optics, the headset’s controllers are intuitive, tracking the motion of the entire hand.
Its wired headset can be modified to meet the user’s specifications. The Valve Index and controllers can also be purchased separately. Its technology lags a bit behind its competitors but is a good VR system.
7. HTC Vive XR Elite
Despite its resemblance to a pair of foldable futuristic-looking binoculars, this mixed-reality headset offers a nice blend of AR and VR. What distinguishes HTC’s Vive XR Elite from other mixed reality gear is how it adapts to meet the user’s needs, with plenty of optional equipment available.
The headset was created for wireless PC streaming. It’s also light, making it more versatile than others. Users are also granted access to HTC’s VIVERSE virtual universe.
8. PICO 4
For anyone looking to begin exploring VR and wants a starter headset, the PICO 4 is a good choice. It’s relatively lightweight and has a comfortable fit for easy wear.
It offers sharp visuals with pancake lenses and a 4K+ LCD. The PICO 4 headset is PC-compatible and can be used as a standalone device. As of this writing, it’s also available for sale in the U.S.
9. Pimax Crystal
The Pimax Crystal VR headset provides gorgeous visuals, two QLED + Mini LED displays, and exceptional sound with its off-the-ear speakers. It also works as a standalone or PC-connected device.
At two pounds, it’s slightly heavier than most VR headgear but is still a comfortable fit. The widened design provides an immersive experience that keeps external light from shining through.
10. HTC Vive Pro 2
HTC’s Vive Pro 2 has all the features you could want in a VR headset. It has exceptional 5K resolution visuals, a wide field of view, and an ergonomic design for a comfortable fit. This device is hard to top.
With the Vive Pro 2, users don’t have to worry about compatibility with future versions, a versatility not always found in VR devices. It’s a wired headset, but the VIVE Wireless Adapter is available separately for purchase.
11. HTC Vive Cosmos Elite
An advanced VR headset is the Vive Cosmos Elite, which has earned its place in the high-end market. It provides an immersive experience and is easy for VR novices to use.
The Vive system seamlessly transitions from one VR experience to the next and between the virtual and real worlds with the headset’s flip-up design feature. Its sharp graphics, courtesy of LCD panels, make the virtual experience immersive.
12. BNEXT VR Headset
BNEXT’s VR wireless headset stands out because of its compatibility with Android and iPhones. It has a wide field of vision to give users a more immersive visual experience and has a slide on the front of each lens for augmented reality (AR) games.
Users can access VR games in the iOS App and Google Play stores and 360 videos on YouTube. The comfortable headset also comes in two colors and is a great VR and AR set for kids and beginners.
13. HTC Vive Flow
Android phone users uninterested in gaming but want to explore the VR experience for movies and activities will appreciate the simplicity of HTC’s Vive Flow. The headset is user-friendly, and multiple users can have separate accounts.
The Vive Flow is especially ideal for users interested in meditation and mindfulness apps or who want to watch movies. The headset is lightweight and compact, making it comfortable to wear and easy to carry when traveling.
14. Varjo XR-4
Professionals looking for a VR headset for work-related projects would appreciate the construction and features of the Varjo XR-4. The extended reality (XR) device combines mixed reality (MR), VR, and AR to replicate human sight for a realistic experience.
It’s ready to use right out of the box and is specifically made as a collaborative tool with high-performance capabilities. Varjo also makes other XR-4 models, including a government-grade compliant headset.
15. HP Reverb G2 Omnicept Edition
Another available professional-grade VR device is HP’s Reverb G2 Omnicept Edition. The headset can collaborate among teams, train, and monitor the user’s well-being.
It has a face camera, heart rate sensor, and motion tracking supported by internal sensors and four cameras. The headset collects user data to craft an individualized experience.