The Best VR Headsets For 2023

VR gaming is now more popular than ever, and it’s not just because of the amazing games that these devices are getting. In fact, that’s only the beginning. Thanks to the ever-changing technology of VR headsets, we’re finding more and more room for better VR headsets in 2023.

There’s no better time to be engaged in VR gaming than now.

When buying a VR headset, there are a lot of factors that you need to consider first. There’s the price, the available library of games, and even the comfortability features. Not everyone has the time to do an in-depth reading on these qualifications. That’s why we’ve compiled the six best VR headsets that you should get in 2023.

A few years back, Facebook revealed its plans to focus more on metaverse development and part of that means they’re going to have better VR devices. Over 2 years after its release, the Meta Quest 2 remains to be the best VR headset right now.

The Meta Quest 2 is the love child between Facebook and Oculus Rift – the former king of the VR space. Facebook bought out the company behind Oculus Rift, and they have since started to phase out the name of the company’s headset in their system. Now, they’re using the name Meta Quest. The Meta Quest 2 is the best VR headset right now for a selection of reasons. It’s not the most expensive VR headset on the market, but you’re still getting more bang for your buck with the device. Here’s why it’s still the king of headsets even after all these years.

One of the best features of the headset is its LCDs. The Meta Quest 2 features fast-switching LCDs that have a resolution of 1932 by 1920 per eye. It’s the highest out of Facebook’s line of VR headsets. Additionally, the screens have a refresh rate of 60 Hz which means you can play VR games in a smooth resolution. The device is compatible with many VR games,  so you’re getting the most out of the technologies that the headset has. Partner all that with the fact that the headset has a wide range of titles to play with, and you’ve got a good combo waiting for you already.

There are comfy pads within the headset too so you can play for extended periods without feeling any strain or pressure around your eyes.

Because of demand problems and supply issues, the price of the Meta Quest 2 is $100 more than what was originally intended. If you want to get the most out of your money, you might want to wait for the price to return to the original. There’s also news of a new model launching this year, but that’s not set in stone yet.

Pros

• High quality LCDs
• Huge library of available games
• Can be cheaper once price normalizes

Cons

• Short battery life

Specification

• Price $349.99
• Display Quality 1932 x 1920 pixels
• Refresh Rate 60 Hz
• Field-of-View 89 degrees

Sony released the PSVR 2 a few weeks back as a follow-up to their first VR headset. It’s been years of waiting and we can say that the new model is well worth the wait.

The Sony PSVR 2 is a PlayStation 5-exclusive VR headset. Since launching, there has been nothing but praise for the headset with most of the talk being about the quality of the displays within it. Another thing that fans love about the headset is that it has an impressive launch library of titles which include Horizon: Call of the Mountain, Gran Turismo 7, No Man’s Sky, and more. The console borrows a lot from the PS5, but what you’re getting in return is an amazing VR headset that redefines what modern VR gaming is really about. Unfortunately, you’ll need the pricey PS5 to play with it, and the headset itself is expensive too.

The PSVR 2 serves as a huge upgrade over the original iteration of Sony’s headset. There’s new eye-tracking technology and even motion control technology. The upgrades given to both aspects result in more immersive ways to enjoy VR games. The device comes with an excellently designed controller, which is one of our personal favorites for the PSVR 2. As per reviewers, the PSVR 2 has the best display out of all headsets but that’s not surprising considering that the headset has a sharp OLED display and 2,000 by 2,040 pixels per eye.

What’s even better is the fact that there are more games coming to the PSVR 2. You’ll have an ever-growing library of games to look forward to in the future so it’s a good investment.

With its amazing specs and library of games, the PSVR 2 is undoubtedly one of the best VR headsets out there. The only limit to the headset is that it’s not compatible with any other console other than the PS5.

Pros

• Great video quality
• Amazing list of games
• Great build quality

Cons

• Only compatible with PS5

Specification

• Price $599.99
• Display Quality 2,000 by 2,040 pixels
• Refresh Rate 120 Hz
• Field-of-View 110 degrees

When it comes to VR headsets, you typically have a choice between wired and wireless headsets. Most people want the freedom that comes with going wireless, but there are wired options that are worth the trouble too.

One of the best quality-wired VR headsets right now is the HP Reverb G2. At around the same price as a PSVR 2, the HP Reverb G2 brings quality PC VR gaming in a wired package. Wired headsets aren’t always bad. In fact, being wired up means that there’s less lag input between the headset and your PC. A wired headset also doesn’t have to rely on batteries as it powers up directly. The HP Reverb G2 is a bit bulky along with the fact that it has a wire. Despite this, it’s still one of the best options for PC gaming as the overall package is great for both hardcore and casual gaming.

The HP Reverb G2 has amazingly sharp screens with both eyes being given a generous 2,160 by 2,160 output and a 90Hz refresh rate. It has one of the best-quality images you can get for a VR headset right now. To cap it all off, the device also features a 114-degree field of view which is one of the better options in the market right now.

The price of the HP Reverb G2 is great too as despite being less expensive than other options, it still has some of the best features from more expensive headsets. For example, it has the near-field speakers of the Index headset which costs relatively more than the HP Reverb G2.

One qualm that most users have with the Reverb G2 is the fact that its motion controllers aren’t exactly great. While they are a huge upgrade from the previous Reverb motion controllers, they still lack the oomph to make them compete with the leading brands. The good news is that the device is compatible with other controllers, so you aren’t stuck with them.

Pros

• Amazing video quality
• Superb features for price

Cons

• Poor motion controllers

Specification

• Price $448.83
• Display Quality 2,160 x 2,160 pixels
• Refresh Rate 90 Hz
• Field-of-View 114 degrees

If you want the best of the best and you don’t mind spending a lot of money, then you’re in luck. The HTC Vive Pro 2 VR system is the best on the market right now, but that’s only if you’re willing to invest a lot into it.

For starters, the HTC Vive Pro 2 VR looks amazing. It’s the best-looking PC VR set out there. The entire set comes with a headset, two SteamVR sensors, and motion controllers. The entire package costs over $1,200, but consider that to get the PSVR 2, you’ll also have to buy the PS5, which sums up the total to around the same price. The price might be too much for some, but bear in mind that you’re getting a full-blown VR experience with the HTC Vive Pro 2 VR, so it will be worth it. To play the HTC Vive Pro 2 VR, you’ll need a spacious play area to be safe.

The HTC Vive Pro 2 VR is a testament to how well the makers have developed the entire VR experience. The screen of the headset is astoundingly sharp. It features a 5K screen and a stable 120Hz refresh rate. What this means is that you’ll be able to play even the most action-packed titles on PC without feeling dizzy. The frame rate is very smooth and according to most gamers, there’s very little motion sickness with the HTC Vive Pro 2 VR compared to other VR headsets. The controllers are pretty amazing, too, so the experience becomes even more immersive.

If you want to expand the experience even further, you should get the SteamVR base stations, as well as the finger-tracking controllers from Valve. With those, you’ll have the best VR experience possible, but that means shelling out a ton of money for the entire setup.

Pros

• Very immersive VR experience
• Superb screen quality
• Great quality controllers

Cons

• Very expensive

Specification

• Price $1,399.00
• Display Quality 2448 x 2448 pixels
• Refresh Rate 120 Hz
• Field-of-View 120 degrees

While there are many options on the market right now, Valve’s Index remains to be the best high-end VR headset for those that want to focus on PC gaming. While the price is expensive, it’s hard to argue that every cent you spent isn’t worth it.

There are a lot of things that make the Valve Index one of the best VR headsets out there. To get the most out of your experience, you might want to buy the entire kit which includes the finger-tracking controllers from Valve, and at least two SteamVR base stations. As a VR headset from Valve, the Index is the best device to play Half-Life Alyx, which is the best VR game right now according to critics. The controllers from Valve are great, too, so it’s worth the buy for that alone.

The Valve Index’s screen is very impressive too. You’re getting 1,440 x 1,600 pixels only but the device also gives you a 144 Hz refresh rate and a 103-degree field of view. Many would argue that the lesser pixels are a good enough compromise for what the Index brings in regards to refresh rate and field of view. Bear in mind that if you’ve used high-pixel VRs like the PSVR 2 and the HTC Vive Pro 2, the difference is going to be very noticeable. But again, the refresh rate allows you to play without having to worry too much about motion blur.

The Valve Index is at its best when partnered with the rest of its kit like the controllers. If you love PC gaming, this might just be one of the best headsets around. This headset is made by Valve – the current king of PC gaming after all.

Pros

• Best for PC gaming
• Works best with Steam games
• Very immersive with partnered with entire kit

Cons

• Screen quality is sub-par

Specification

• Price $1,494.94
• Display Quality 1,440 x 1,600 pixels
• Refresh Rate 144 Hz
• Field-of-View 103 degrees