The best VR headsets can be your introduction to a very different and immersive gaming experience, especially if you’re checking out the tech for the first time and wondering which is the best headset to shop for. So, we’ve gone ahead and selected our top picks to help you make an informed purchasing decision. VR can be an expensive hobby, after all, so knowing you’re buying with confidence is paramount to us.
Although virtual reality is primarily focused on PCs, PSVR 2 and its finest accessories have made virtual reality accessible to console players. This is especially true considering that PSVR 2 is compatible with the top PS5 controllers. Even better, the PSVR 2 PC adaptor has made Sony’s headset compatible with SteamVR. For those seeking a more flexible, stand-alone VR experience, there is also the Meta Quest 3. Let’s just say that there are many choices for the top VR headsets available right now.
Table of Contents
- No 1 PS VR2
- No 2 Meta Quest 3
- No 3 HTC Vive Focus Vision
No 1 PS VR2
Accessing high-end VR without purchasing a gaming PC is made possible by the PSVR 2. “A very impressive virtual reality system lies behind its simple setup,” and that conclusion is still very relevant today. The PSVR 2 is a seriously nice piece of engineering.
I also can’t say enough good things about its laser-sharp tracking, which is a huge improvement over the original PSVR’s light-based tracking, which I found to be pretty unreliable. Its OLED display delivers an impressive per eye resolution of 2000 x 2040, making in-game visuals look sharp and crisp. I’m also a huge fan of the PSVR 2 Sense controllers, which are shaped like an orb and feel much more sturdy than the Quest 3’s thin paddles despite only looking the part.
Sturdiness might not sound like an especially key feature, but trust me when you’re flinging your arms around during an intense session of Beat Saber, you want controllers that won’t slip out of your grip. A few additional features of PSVR 2 include haptic feedback on the controllers and headgear. Although these are little changes overall, they significantly increase the level of immersion you experience when playing some of the top PSVR 2 titles.
Pros
- Incredible immersion and detail
- Sony exclusive (Horizon) makes it a must-play
- Actually good value against the PC competition
- Inside-out tracking works well, eye-tracking is awesome
Cons
- Costs more than a PS5 console
- Limited first-party titles at launch
- PSVR2 Sense controllers’ battery life
- VR motion sickness is real for many people
No 2 Meta Quest 3
The Quest 3 weighs only little more than the Quest 2 (17.7 ounces), but it is notably lighter. The headset is only 2.2 inches deep from the front to the top of the face mask padding (reduced from 2.6 inches), excluding the headband. The white-gray chassis’s more rounded sides give the impression that it is even smaller than the Quest 2’s flat walls.
It feels and looks a lot more compact and sleek. Four cameras are arranged in two vertical stacks on the curved face of the Quest 3, with an infrared emitter in between.
The main functions of the two cameras are spatial tracking, identifying the limits of your play area, and searching your surroundings for augmented reality material. You can see your surroundings in color thanks to the other two RGB pass-through cameras. At the bottom of the headset are two more spatial tracking cameras.
Wide elastic straps that wrap both horizontally and vertically over the back of your head make up the headband, which is a three-point adjustable harness.
When the horizontal strap, which has two overlapping portions for altering the size, reaches the top strap, it splits off into a Y form. By pulling the Y broader or pushing it narrower, you may easily adjust the headset’s fit. It’s a wonderful touch that you can independently adjust the top strap to further stabilize the headset.
Pros
- Color pass-through cameras allow you to clearly see your surroundings
- High-resolution picture
- Powerful processor
- Comfortable design
Cons
- Short battery life
- Lacks eye-tracking tech
No 3 HTC Vive Focus Vision
The Vive Focus Vision. The high-end, independent PCVR headset has a versatility that sets it apart from its competitors and will be ideal for a variety of work-related demands. Additionally, a use case where multiple users (with varying VR experience levels) will be jumping in and out of the headset’s experiences—and who might not have their own dedicated machine—would benefit from its eye-tracking for automated lens adjustments, easy-to-clean material, and intuitive controls.
The two primary types of VR headsets are standalone headsets, which are all-in-one devices with screens and their own computing power, and PCVR headsets, which link to a PC and function as wearable displays as the processing is done by a computer.
Although most standalone headsets can be used for PCVR, they aren’t as effective as specialized PCVR headsets for this purpose because of their often less spectacular displays. While the Streaming Kit adds a cable and converter that are compatible with DisplayPort, the headset itself comes with a battery, straps, controllers, a 30W power adapter, a charging cable, and a lens-cleaning cloth.
The Vive Focus Vision makes some great design decisions right away. The headset’s adjustable plastic strap keeps it firmly in place on your head, its detachable battery lets you quickly replace it if you want to play for longer periods of time without having to wait for a recharge, and its easily cleaned PU leather padding make it ideal for working out in virtual reality or sharing with friends and family.
Pros
- DisplayPort connectivity
- Effective 5K resolution
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Not the comfiest
- Expensive
- Last-gen chipset
Do you need a PC to use VR?
With the variety of console-specific versions available now, you don’t always need a PC to use VR technology. There are many options to discover a VR headset that fits your setup or gaming area outside of PC-specific models because we have attempted to include items that are available on all platforms in our list of the top VR headsets, such as the PSVR 2 and the Meta Quest Pro.
Why can VR result in motion sickness?
Many elements, particularly a broad field of view, low resolution, and motion blur in some games, can cause motion sickness when using virtual reality. Features like vignetting, which tightens the camera angle when in motion, and limited movement can counteract this. We advise taking a little pause if you’re beginning to get motion sickness.
Are VR headsets bad for your eyes?
Wearing VR headsets for long periods of time can be a little uncomfortable because they work similarly to strapping TVs up close to your face. We advise taking breaks and finding a comfortable position to stand or sit. Take a break from the VR headset until you feel comfortable enough to resume using it if you begin to experience any discomfort or blurred vision.
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