Virtual reality is no longer confined to science fiction. Today, you may join a new world of interactive entertainment by strapping on a headset that costs less than the price of a smartphone. Right now, gaming is the major feature, but there are also terrific fitness applications and virtual meeting software that makes it feel like you’re there in person, even if you’re working from home.
If you wish to participate in virtual reality, you must first select the appropriate VR headset. We suggest the Meta Quest 2 as the finest pick for practically everyone after studying and testing all of the top models. The Quest 2 is a standalone device that does not require a gaming PC and offers an outstanding balance of simplicity of use, ecosystem, and pricing. Consider the HP Reverb G2 or the HTC Vive Pro 2 if you want to invest in a more expensive, higher-resolution gadget.
Best overall VR headset
1- META Quest 2 :
Pros
- Stand-alone headset doesn’t require additional hardware or wires
- Lightweight
- Strong ecosystem of games and apps
- Can also operate together with a PC
- Priced lower than the competition
Cons
- Lower resolution compared with the competition
- A tight fit for those with glasses
- Relatively short battery life
Nothing compares to the full package provided by Meta Quest 2. The standalone headset is light and adaptable, and it links to Meta’s large software ecosystem. (Prior to mid-2022, this headset was known as the Oculus Quest 2. Oculus was a virtual reality firm bought by Meta in 2014, when it was still known as Facebook; the Oculus name has since been abandoned.)
The Quest 2 can function without a desktop or laptop computer. That means you only need the Headset, a Wi-Fi connection, and some open area to start exploring the metaverse. Because it is self-contained, you will get two to 212 hours of entertainment before needing to recharge via USB-C connection. While you can use a USB-C cable to connect the Quest 2 to a PC to run additional software from Valve’s Steam store—a completely optional setup—the headset can also connect to a computer over Wi-Fi, which means you won’t be tangled up in cables in the real world while exploring a digital one.
Because the headset contains four exterior cameras to track where you’re looking, you don’t need to install any more sensors around your room. It also tracks the location of the bundled Oculus Touch controllers or your own hands if the controllers aren’t available.
Meta has thrown its weight and fortune behind virtual reality (for better or worse). This has resulted in a more robust ecology than the rest of its competitors. The Oculus Quest Store is similar to the Apple App Store or Google Play for VR, offering a large range of free and paid apps. If you want to have some fun, games like Beat Saber, Among Us VR, and Lucky’s Tale are available. If you’re searching for some VR fitness, applications like Supernatural and Holofit are available. If you merely want to look at photographs or watch videos, VR versions of popular applications such as Instagram, YouTube, Netflix, and ESPN are available.
Read also : Meta Quest 3 vs Meta Quest 2
When compared to its competitors, the Meta Quest 2 costs around $300 with 128 gigabytes of storage, including the controllers (you can upgrade to 256GB for roughly $100 extra). Almost every other headset costs at least $1,000, and although they may have superior specs on paper, none of them provide a better first impression.
Meta’s headset falls short in a few ways. The device’s typical head mount is simply a pair of soft elastic bands. It’s excellent enough to keep the Quest 2 in place most of the time, although it can slip a little while you’re ducking and weaving in a furious match of Beat Saber. Other headsets, such as the Meta Quest Pro (detailed below), include an adjustable clamp to hold the headset in place. The provided strap may be replaced with Meta’s Elite Strap, which has an adjustable clasp and ergonomic support. The audio quality is subpar, but the Quest 2 lets you to connect your own headphones by 3.5 millimeter socket or Bluetooth for better sound.
Best midrange VR headset
2- HP Reverb G2
Pros
- Slightly lighter than the Quest
- Comfortable fit and weight distribution
- Great visual clarity for games and apps
- Superior audio quality
Cons
- Requires a separate computer
- Windows Mixed Reality needs improvement
- Twitchy controller tracking
If you’re prepared to forego the versatility of the Quest 2 in exchange for something more powerful that must be physically connected to a PC, the HP Reverb G2 is an excellent alternative. It exceeds our top overall recommendation in technical metrics like as screen resolution, pixel density, and field of vision, but it also costs substantially more. The games accessible for this headset are spectacular when compared to the Quest 2’s exclusive titles, but they are also available at a lesser quality than the Quest 2.
Choosing this model, or the HTC Vive Pro 2 we’ll talk about later, is akin to an audiophile looking for the greatest sound system: Most of us are OK with ordinary earbuds for listening to Spotify, but those who appreciate features like high-resolution audio and noise cancellation will want to invest in better gear. Choose HP’s VR gear if you want your games to look and sound better.
We found this to be the most comfy headset we tried. The Reverb G2 headset is actually a few grams lighter than the Quest 2, and its straps are cushioned and ergonomic; once adjusted, they feel tight and comfy. The headset’s face mask is cushioned as well.
Because the Reverb G2 has a better visual resolution than the Quest 2, the visuals will be clear and crisp. It also includes a pair of strong built-in speakers that can be tuned to provide audio quality that rivals our top VR headset. In terms of technological specifications, it falls in between the entry-level Quest 2 and our high-end choice.
The headset must be connected to a desktop PC via a single connection. The headset connector is at one end, while the PC side splits into two tails, with USB-C for power and DisplayPort for video. When opposed to certain systems that require a Medusa’s head, having only one wire connecting to the headset is an advantage, although you can still get tangled up during intense gaming sessions.
In terms of overall functionality, the Reverb G2 ranks with more pricey alternatives, offering excellent performance for games and applications. Because HP and Microsoft collaborated on the Reverb G2, setting up the headset will take you to Windows Mixed Reality, Microsoft’s virtual reality gateway, but the most of your VR experiences will be through SteamVR. For more casual users, this is where the Reverb experience falls apart. In our experiments, starting SteamVR after the Windows Mixed Reality portal was already open resulted in a slower and more prone to crashing experience. We discovered that it is ideal to launch Steam first, followed by a beta application, Windows Mixed Reality and SteamVR simply don’t play well together 100% of the time.
While the Reverb G2, like the Quest 2, employs four external cameras to detect its controllers, the tracking isn’t as exact. When the controllers are down by your sides or someplace behind you, out of sight of the front-facing cameras, the headset can lose track of their position. It’s a case of fantastic hardware and a reasonable price marred slightly by the software experience.
Best high-end VR headset
3- HTC Vive Pro 2 Full Kit
Pros
- Highest resolution for gaming
- Precise motion and controller tracking
- Great app support
Cons
- Higher-price
- Lots of cords to deal with
- Requires installing included sensors for tracking
There are a variety of more expensive headsets available that will offer you with the greatest VR experience available. If you’re looking to spend $1,000 or more on VR, the HTC Vive Pro 2 is the best option. While the Vive Pro 2 base model costs around $800, it lacks the controllers and other sensors required to make the headset operate. At the time of writing, the whole bundle costs around $1,400. For that price, it’s the ideal option for the VR enthusiast, enhancing the appearance and sound of every game and app.
The resolution of the headset is 2448 by 2448 pixels per eye, which is greater than the previously introduced Meta Quest Pro. It boasts a broad field of vision as well as a fast refresh rate. It also features built-in headphones that are high-resolution audio certified and sound excellent. Controller tracking is precise thanks to the extra sensors, with virtual controllers nearly identical to their real-world counterparts.
HTC and game developer Valve collaborated on the first Vive headset. While they finally split up, some of their DNA is still there in the Vive Pro 2. The Headset is designed to function in tandem with HTC’s Viveport app store and SteamVR. In reality, the first setup procedure begins with HTC’s software but swiftly switches to SteamVR for the remainder. The software selections from Viveport appear to be a good combination of what’s available on the Quest Store and SteamVR. Viveport Infinity is a subscription service offered by the retailer. The subscription, which is akin to Xbox Game Pass or PlayStation Plus, costs $13 per month or $108 per year and allows customers access to over a thousand titles.
Unlike the HP Reverb G2, the HTC Vive Pro 2 has outstanding SteamVR integration. Playing games like Hitman III VR, Pavlov VR, and others was a breeze after we had everything setup. We also browsed across the world on Google Earth VR, soaking in the intricacy of Yosemite and the streets of Hong Kong with the added clarity of the Vive Pro 2. The Viveport and SteamVR catalogs lack some of the Oculus Quest Store’s extra entertainment apps, but there’s still plenty to enjoy.
In comparison to the Quest 2’s wire-free design or the HP Reverb G2’s single DisplayPort/USB-C connection, the Vive Pro 2 is riddled with them. Three wires connect to the device’s connection box, while another connects to the headset itself. We got caught up while playing, and the link box did fall off its perch a few times.
At least two extra sensors are required throughout the setup procedure. The two BaseStation sensors must be installed at opposite ends of the room, so they can both see the headset. The sensors come with mounting brackets for installation to a wall, but they may also be attached to an optional third-party stand because they include standard threaded mounting holes. When you consider that each BaseStation must be near a wall outlet to provide power, it takes some time to get everything set up.
Others you should know about
The Meta Quest Pro is a high-end productivity Quest. It supports all existing Quest apps, including games, although Meta is targeting the tablet more towards businesses than casual living room consumers. The Quest Pro has a total of ten tracking sensors on the headset, with three more on each controller. It also has full-color pass-through, allowing you to view the world around you while wearing the headset. Given all of the technology behind the hood, the Quest Pro also comes with a $1,000 “Pro” price tag.
Sony’s PlayStation VR2 requires a PlayStation 5, which costs at least $400 if you can find one; more than two years after its introduction, the system is still not widely accessible from shops. Most people would be better suited with a standalone headset, but if you already own the system and want to play Sony’s catalog of titles, including exclusives like Horizon Call of the Mountain, it’s worth considering.
While the resolution of the HTC Vive XR Elite is lesser than that of the Vive Pro 2, the newer model is lighter and functions as a standalone device. The XR Elite is designed to compete with the Meta Quest Pro, and it has a high-resolution RGB color camera for capturing the scene outside the headset for augmented reality.
The Valve Index is a fantastic alternative to the HTC Vive Pro 2. The HTC Vive Pro 2 boasts a higher resolution, greater visual clarity, and a more comfortable design, but the Valve Index has a broader field of view, better audio, and a price tag that is roughly $400 cheaper than the Vive Pro 2. The Index is bordered on either side by the HP Reverb G2 or the HTC Vive Pro 2; you can go cheaper and yet come near to the Index, or you can go more costly and get the whole market top-end.
The Pico 4 from TikTok parent firm ByteDance appears to be a great improvement of the same stand-alone Headset concept seen in the Meta Quest 2. It’s a small all-in-one that can be connected to a desktop PC, but it has a better resolution than the HP Reverb G2, an upgraded processor, and a larger battery. The main reason it isn’t included in our roundup is that it isn’t offered directly in North America.
VR headsets coming in 2023 and beyond
The world of virtual reality headsets moves quickly, so there are a number of headsets coming in the future that could also stand out.
Apple’s Vision Pro headset has been anticipated for years and will be unveiled in June 2023. Apple claims the gadget, set to be introduced in 2024 for $3,500, is for “spatial computing,” allowing you to run the apps you’re used to on your phone, tablet, or computer overlay into the actual environment for a new, immersive experience. The ski goggle-like Headset includes super-high resolution screens—Apple claims that each of the two monitors in front of your eyes has more pixels than a 4K TV. Instead of an opaque exterior, the front is a screen that allows people to see a digital projection of your eyes; the business says that this allows you to connect more naturally without having to remove your Vision Pro. There are numerous unanswered uncertainties concerning this technology, and its exorbitant price will undoubtedly dissuade many individuals, especially when compared to the competition’s high-quality, lower-cost solutions. However, we will continue to watch the device’s progress and will share our impressions whenever we are able to test it.
Meta claims that their Quest 3 will be available for $500 in the fall of 2023. A faster processor with double the graphics performance is promised, as well as color cameras that provide a passthrough view so you can see what’s around you and engage in augmented reality, a 40% thinner design, and updated controllers.
How we picked
Trust us
I’ve been writing about virtual reality since 2012, when I had the opportunity to see a prototype of the first Oculus Rift, a forerunner to the Quest 2, alongside former Meta programmer John Carmack at the E3 gaming convention. It was an early version of the Headset held together with duct tape, but I could see the future possibilities right away. I’ve evaluated a number of virtual reality headsets for videogame websites since then, including the Oculus Rift, Oculus Quest, Oculus Quest 2, and PlayStation VR. I’ve also evaluated a number of electronic devices, such as gaming consoles and PC gear. I spoke with three other virtual reality experts for this article: Tetiana Dhimolea, Ph.D., community manager at SideQuest and digital VR content creator at YouTube channel Disco-VR; Mathew Olson, creator of VirtualVector, a newsletter about mixed reality; and David Jagneaux, strategic communications manager at VR game developer First Contact Entertainment.
We tested
Finding the best virtual reality headset requires more than just technical specifications. Our top pick isn’t the most powerful headset available. The top models stand out because to their mix of comfort, pricing, ecosystem, and general adaptability. In our testing, we were looking for the following traits.
- Comfort and weight: For hours on end, you’ll wear a VR Headset on your face. To avoid neck discomfort, the gadgets must be lightweight. They must also be comfy so that you can focus on the digital environment you’re engaging with rather than the face plate biting into your skin. “Of course, comfort is important because putting too much pressure on your face—specifically, your nose and forehead—can result in headaches.” “Physical discomfort may cause users to remove the headset, even if it has the best visual quality,” Dhimolea explains.
- Ecosystem: A headset is just as good as the content you can play or view on it. Spending hundreds of dollars or more to gain access to a tiny library of games is not beneficial. You should have a good selection of information to choose from. “If you only want to get into VR for one or two games or apps, it’s worth looking around to see if those apps are exclusive to a given platform (Meta has quite a few) or if there are specific headsets, particularly for PC VR, that others highly recommend for that software,” says Olson.
- Ease of use and overall experience: A lot of existing VR headsets are excellent pieces of gear, but they are difficult to use for the average individual. Setting up the technology is prohibitively complex, and maintaining it after it’s up and running necessitates a wealth of technical knowledge. A VR headset should function similarly to a smartphone, guiding you through the process of using it.
- Extras: Is it possible to set your interpupillary distance (IPD) via the headset’s hardware or software? How simple is it to set up and take down? What is the battery life like if it’s stand-alone?
We set up each headset in our room-scale testing environment to put them through their paces. We connected the headsets that required a PC to our gaming PC. We tested out a range of material after setting up the headsets, including games on the headset’s native platform and those on SteamVR. Hubris, Hitman III VR, Pavlov VR, After the Fall, BoneLab, Beat Saber, and Superhot VR were among the titles available. We also tried non-gaming programs such as Google Earth VR on SteamVR, YouTube VR on Oculus Store, and Viveport Video on HTC Viveport when they were available. Light bleed around the borders of each headset’s faceplate was tested in a well-lit room.
