The top VR headsets now do more than just take you to virtual worlds. They provide the greatest mixed reality experience by allowing you to engage with the actual world in new and exciting ways, such as spatial computing and overlaying your environs with augmented reality holograms.
As this business grows in prominence, we have identified a limited selection that provide the best value for your money. All of them can play the majority of the top VR games, and some can even be used as home gyms, productivity tools at work, or large immersive displays to view the finest TV series and movies.
Each of the VR headsets on this list stands out for a certain reason, usually due to its features. That being said, there is a clear winner for the finest VR headset available right now.
The best VR headsets you can buy today
THE BEST VR HEADSET OVERALL
1. Meta Quest 3
REASONS TO BUY
+ Vibrant LCD display
+ Excellent Touch Plus controllers
+ Impressive full-color passthrough
REASONS TO AVOID
-Short battery life
–Hand tracking isn’t quite useful yet
THE BEST PREMIUM VR HEADSET
2. Apple Vision Pro
REASONS TO BUY
+Jaw-dropping 3D movies and Apple Immersive Video
+Impressive Spatial video and photos
+Works magically with MacBooks
+Great AR apps and experiences
REASONS TO AVOID
-Big apps missing like Netflix and YouTube
-Personas need work
–Tethered battery can be annoying
Yes, the Apple Vision Pro is more mixed reality than true VR, but that is the current trend in the category. And if you’re searching for the greatest application of VR and AR technologies (with no pricing constraints), Cupertino’s new headset is the way to go.
Apple has addressed many of the typical difficulties for headsets with genuinely remarkable inventiveness in both hardware and software. For example, microOLED displays with pixels smaller than red blood cells provide extremely clear pass-through (with the industry’s lowest reaction time of under 12 milliseconds). Furthermore, the futuristic eye and hand-tracking experience is head and shoulders above the tracking that is available.
Yes, there are some concerns with it. Aside from the enormous $3,500 asking price, the connected battery may get in the way at times, personalities during FaceTime talks are strange to look at, and it lacks key major applications like Netflix and YouTube (though the latter will be included shortly).
But you’re looking at the most inventive device from Apple since the iPhone. This is a revolution in the making, and it is undoubtedly the most technically advanced VR/AR device of the group.
THE BEST GAMING VR HEADSET
REASONS TO BUY
+Great controls with haptic feedback
+Gorgeous display
+Overall excellent VR experience
REASONS TO AVOID
–Controller straps are awkward
Sony’s new PSVR 2 is undoubtedly the greatest wired VR headset, with a wealth of high-end features, including a stunning OLED display. However, it behind the Quest 3 since it requires a PS5 to function and is exclusive to the PlayStation ecosystem. Furthermore, the Quest 3 and PSVR 2 have a lot smaller difference than the Quest 2 and PSVR 2 due to the Quest 3’s upgraded CPU and display.
Still, the PSVR 2 is amazing, particularly for gaming. The headset is comfy, with only a slender but durable wire connecting it to the PS5. The screen is superb, with remarkable passthrough capabilities and 4K quality. Furthermore, there’s 3D audio support and simple buttons for adjustment.
The Sense controllers, however, are the true game changer. These are not only comfy and track well, but they also provide superb haptic feedback, something other VR headsets lack.
Furthermore, because you are part of the PlayStation ecosystem, you can play unique titles like Horizon Call of the Mountain and Gran Turismo 7 in VR. Combined with VR technology, the PSVR 2 is one of the greatest virtual reality systems available today.
THE BEST BUDGET VR HEADSET
4. Meta Quest 2
REASONS TO BUY
+Can connect to PCs
+Capable of room-scale VR
+Large library of apps
REASONS TO AVOID
–Requires Facebook account
The Quest 2 has a sleeker appearance, higher display resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate in some games and apps, and quicker overall performance than the original Oculus Quest. It also feels like a well-built headset. There is also a big market for Meta Quest 2 accessories, such as Logitech speakers that can be added to the Quest 2’s strap to give a great sound experience without completely removing you from reality, as well as charging stations.
Starting at $299, it is also the most cheap headset available, making its quality and adaptability even more amazing. That is why it remains our top choice for the best method to get started in the realm of virtual reality if you do not want to spend the money on the Quest 3.
REASONS TO BUY
+Doesn’t isolate you from the real world
+Convincing spatial audio
REASONS TO AVOID
-Short battery life
–Working in VR is still unintuitive
The problem is that it may not be realistic for most VR fans, much alone those wishing to get started with mixed reality. Its features aren’t designed for gaming, so there are better — and less expensive — choices for VR gamers.
Given that the Quest 3 can certainly handle the most of your needs, most individuals will probably skip the Quest Pro. But, if money is no problem, there’s no doubting that the Meta Quest Pro is an excellent VR headset.
THE BEST CHEAP GAMING VR HEADSET
6. PlayStation VR
REASONS TO BUY
+Fairly easy setup
+Relatively affordable
REASONS TO AVOID
-Could be visually sharper
–No new games
The semi-futuristic-looking headgear is surprisingly comfy, and it has a fantastic selection of some of the top VR games. This contains titles like Hitman 3, Stride, and Star Wars: Squadrons, among others.
If you own a PS4 or PS4 Pro, PlayStation VR is one of the more economical methods to play VR games with high-quality visuals because it does not require an expensive gaming PC. Plus, despite the less-than-stellar Move controllers and visuals that fall a little short of high-end PC graphics, you still get a relatively high-end VR experience.
One thing to also bear in mind is that the PlayStation 5 also has support for PlayStation VR but it has some issues. It doesn’t play as nicely with the Move controllers as its PS4 counterparts. Additionally, with the release of the PSVR 2, there won’t be new games coming to the PS VR headset. But if you want to just play VR games for the first time and you already have a PS4, the PS VR headset could be a perfect entry point.
