Experience Virtual Reality at Home With the Best VR Headsets

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Choosing a High-Quality VR Headset: A Buyer’s Guide

When it comes to immersion, VR headsets are the perfect way to deliver immersive content. They simulate visual (and, to an extent, auditory) reality through technology and programming. You can turn your room into a dojo, a castle, a futuristic cityscape, and more with a touch of a button. And, with so many games and experiences you can try out these days, VR has become more popular than ever before. So whether you’re curious to try out VR for the first time or are looking for another headset to use on a daily basis, we’ve got you covered. From budget options to more premium devices, the top-rated VR headsets of 2023 will be sure to deliver the finest VR content available today.

The HTC Vive Cosmos Elite VR Headset has been one of the most popular VR headsets to date, and for good reason, too. It’s got great performance, delivers amazing graphics, and has superior tracking on both your head and hands. The HTC Vive works by connecting to your PC and, with VR-supported games or experiences, lets you dive right into any world of your choosing. You’ll need to invest in a good PC to make the most out of Vive’s specs, but if you have one, it’s definitely worth the investment. Because of its outstanding specs, amazing tracking, and sleek design, we’ve chosen this VR headset as the best on our list.

Pros

• 2880 x 1700 combined resolution for immersive graphics
• Superior tracking on all devices
• Works easily and seamlessly with PC

Cons

• Requires a beefy PC for optimal use

Previously named the Oculus Quest 2, the Meta Quest 2 VR Headset is said to have ushered a new generation of VR users. Why? Because of how affordable it is.  At $299, you’re getting a standalone, fully-operational, wireless VR headset that has plenty of support for games and apps. In fact, it’s so cheap that it’s seen as the perfect entry-level headset for those getting into the hobby. The Meta Quest 2 can also work off VR games on your PC with the right setup, so you don’t always have to rely on the device’s onboard software.

Pros

• Extremely affordable headset
• Plenty of games and apps to choose from
• Wireless and standalone — no PC connection required

Cons

• A Facebook/Meta account is required

The Oculus Quest VR Gaming Headset was the predecessor of the Meta Quest 2. It’s got plenty of similarities with the Quest 2, too. In terms of design and features, they’re nearly identical, and the standalone software allows you to use the device completely wirelessly. Like the Quest 2, this VR headset does require a Facebook or Meta account to log in, so keep that in mind before purchasing. There’s no real reason to buy the original Quest with the Quest 2 already out, but if you’re someone who likes collecting VR headsets, they’re still available.

Pros

• 64GB storage support for games and video
• Can be played either standing or sitting
• Comes with touch controllers

Cons

• Quest 2 makes the original Quest obsolete
• A Facebook/Meta account is required

One of the main problems with VR headsets today is that they can be pretty heavy to wear. This is especially true for higher-end VR headsets, as you’ll need to cram in more hardware inside for better performance and graphics quality. The Samsung Gear VR Headset, released in 2015, is a great example of a headset made with comfort in mind. Its small size and easy-to-use touchpad make it very convenient for anyone who uses the device. It may be discontinued, but if you’re looking for something usable on your Samsung smartphone devices, this is the headset for you.

Pros

• Light form and design
• Convenient touchpad interface
• Works with Samsung smartphones

Cons

• Discontinued by Samsung

Even with how affordable VR headsets can be these days, not everybody has the money to save up for one. Luckily, there’s an alternative that pretty much anyone can try out, and that’s smartphone VR headsets. These devices mount to your phone in such a way that both your eyes are looking at two parts of the screen. VR headsets of this type do not do anything on their own, but with the right device, you can enjoy games, movies, and more without having to shell out hundreds of dollars on a standalone device.

Pros

• Affordable entry-level VR headset
• Works with most modern smartphones
• Does not require any batteries

Cons

• Good smartphone necessary for proper VR emulation

Are VR headsets bad for my eyes?

Research has shown that prolonged exposure to VR headsets can lead to eye fatigue, so it’s best to limit your usage of VR headsets whenever possible.

Do VR headsets need batteries to run?

Not all of them. While some VR headsets run on batteries, most VR headsets work by plugging the device directly into an external power source.

Are VR headsets heavy?

VR headsets can get a little heavy, especially those with bulky frames. If you feel any discomfort when using the headset, consider limiting your usage of the headset to minimize neck and head stress.