Best VR Headset can take your gaming PC to the next level, especially if you want to play games like Half-Life: Alyx, Beat Saber and Resident Evil 4. Of course, today's virtual reality technology is more Lawnmower Man than Ready Player One, but concepts like the metaverse and augmented reality (AR) seem to be part of things to come.
Choosing the best VR headset seems simple at first glance, but changes are happening in the industry that can make it harder to master virtual reality. For starters, Meta (formerly known as Facebook) has ditched its iconic Oculus brand in favor of a new label, Meta Quest. Although this means that Oculus Quest 3 is likely to come out under a different name, metaversive devices like the Meta Quest Pro are now a priority for the social media giant.
Of course, Meta isn't the only player in the VR space, as HTC, Valve, and Quest are also competitors like the Pico 4. Each headset promotes immersion differently, so it's important to consider the specs, price, and downsides of each device.
To help you get on your virtual feet, we've tested several PC VR headsets in an attempt to make the murky waters of the metaverse a little clearer.
Вот лучшие гарнитуры VR 2024:
1. Best VR Headset
The best VR headset is goal quest 2.
Expect to pay $499 USD / £399 GBP.
pros
- Беспроводной
- High quality built-in speakers
- Easy setup
- Excellent Resolution
Cons
- Now more expensive
- Meta account required
| Specifications MetaQuest 2 | |
| Screen | Single LCD (1832×1920 for each eye) |
| Update frequency | 120 Hz |
| FoV | 90° |
| Tracking | From inside out |
Oculus Quest 2 is now officially called Meta Quest 2, but it's still one of the best headsets in the world.
Unlike other popular VR devices, the device functions both as a standalone device and as a gaming PC peripheral. So you can stick to the Meta Quest store or learn how to play games Steam on Oculus Quest 2.
In its standalone form, Quest 2 is wireless, allowing you to move more freely than in dedicated VR PCs if you want to take a break - with a built-in Android-based OS, with many VR experiences played through the headset itself - some of which also hit to our list of the best VR games, like Beat Saber.
With a battery life of up to three hours on a single charge and a weight of only 0,5 kg, you can spend more time in your favorite virtual spaces. Just remember to come back to reality from time to time, because, quoting Ned Flanders, it may seem to you that you have nothing on at all.
In terms of price, Meta Points are affordable, but Meta Quest 2 is now more expensive than it was at launch. If you weren’t already thrilled about the headset’s connection to Facebook, then this could be another nuisance. However, the Quest 2 is still one of the cheapest VR devices out there, so if you can't afford the new price, you might have to wait for a worthy competitor to show up.
2. Best offline VR headset
The best standalone headset is pico 4.
Expect to pay around $460 USD / £380 GBP.
| Specifications Pico 4 | |
| Screen | Single LCD (2160×2160 for each eye) |
| Update frequency | 90 Hz |
| FoV | 105° |
| Tracking | From inside out |
pros
- Беспроводной
- Easy setup
- User friendly design
- 4K screen
Cons
- Not officially available in the US
- Not enough exclusives compared to Quest 2
- Low refresh rate
It's hard to discuss Pico 4 without comparing it to Meta Quest 2, although you can see why. Developed by ByteDance subsidiary Pico, this wireless VR headset is one of the more powerful consumer options currently available.
Using a Qualcomm XR2 processor and an Adreno 650 GPU, the Pico 4 boasts 4K resolution on an LCD screen, a 105° field of view, and 8GB of RAM. Unfortunately, the Pico 4's maximum refresh rate is only 90Hz, while many other models go as high as 120Hz. But when it comes to standalone VR headsets, it still has the performance edge. For example, Red Matter 2 on Pico 4 has a 30% increase in resolution compared to the Quest 2 edition.
Unfortunately, what currently lets the Pico 4 down is its software library. If you've come here mainly for the games, pretty much everything you'll find is already on Quest 2. Meta has created some great exclusives that you won't find here, like The Climb 2 and Resident Evil 4 VR. For now, Pico 4 has only one major exclusive, which includes Ubisoft's upcoming Just Dance VR.
However, the Pico 4 has other advantages. With more even weight distribution, it feels more comfortable than the front-mounted Quest 2. Using an inside-out tracking system, setup is simple and doesn't require base stations like many PC-only headsets. Plus, if you have a spare USB-C cable, the latest Pico headset can play VR games on PC too, expanding your library even further.
3. Best Cheap VR Headset
Best cheap VR headset This is a Bnext VR headset.
Expect to pay $22 USD / £28 GBP.
| Specifications | |
| Screen | Single LCD (1832×1920 for each eye) |
| Update frequency | 120 Hz |
| FoV | 90° |
| Tracking | From inside out |
pros
- Cheap and fun
- Great gateway for VR device
- Doubly suitable as a drone accessory
Cons
- Limited selection of games
- Relies on smartphone
- Could use a nose pad
VR is expensive, but cheap headsets like Bnext are a great place to start. Of course, budget glasses won't give you breathtaking images, but paired with your smartphone, they will act as a portal to virtual reality.
Sure, you can get a Google Cardboard for less, but for $22 you get a relatively handy accessory that almost looks like Oculus Quest 2. If you have a drone with a VR camera, you can also pair it with Bnext and complete your setup.
Admittedly, the Bnext is more of a stepping stone to VR than a headset you'll use for a long time. However, if you're looking for something to keep younger gamers entertained or a way to watch 3D videos on your smartphone, this headset should suit all your needs.
The Bnext headset isn't entirely uncomfortable, but the nose bridge could use some extra padding. It's not certain that you'll be wearing the headset for a long time, as it's more of a novelty taster than a full experience. However, while it's still a bargain, you might want to think about your schnobel before putting it on your face.
4. The best headset Steam VR
The best VR headset Steam this is the Valve index.
Expect to pay $999 / £919.
| Valve Index Characteristics | |
| Screen | Dual 1440 x 1600 LCD |
| Update frequency | Up to 144 Hz |
| FoV | 130° |
| Tracking | base stations Steam VR |
pros
- Fantastic Audio
- Knuckles controller
- door with minimal screen
- Accurate Tracking
Cons
The Valve Index makes the most compelling case for high-fidelity, PC-bound VR—provided you have the hardware to handle the load. And this happens through several ways to break the mold.
The Valve Index's over-the-ear speakers, one of the headset's most questionable features before its launch, turned out to be one of its strongest assets. They somehow simultaneously immerse you in the game and sit comfortably away from your ear without leaking sound... witchcraft.
In addition to great sound, the Index offers two 1 x 440 RGB LCD screens with more subpixels than their AMOLED alternatives. They also have a wider viewing angle and are capable of running at up to 1Hz, rivaling the best gaming monitors.
The end result is a display that is sharper, clearer and easier on the eyes over the long term. And its controllers are truly the best out there. Index truly is the ultimate virtual reality device on Steam.
5. Best screen for VR headset
Best screen for VR headset this is HTC Vive Pro 2.
Expect to pay $1 / £250.
| HTC Live Pro 2 | |
| Screen | Single LCD (2488×2488 for each eye) |
| Update frequency | 120 Hz |
| FoV | 120° |
| Tracking | Inside Outside |
pros
- High quality screen
- 120 degree field of view
- Easy setup
- 120 Hz refresh rate
Cons
- premium price
- Additional base station required
Looking for a premium VR experience? The HTC Vive Pro 2 should satisfy your diving itch. HTC's latest version features one of the most impressive screens on the market, with a native resolution of 2 x 448 pixels per eye, which means it can deliver a high-fidelity viewing experience that puts even some gaming monitors to shame.
The HTC Vive Pro 2's screen also runs at 120Hz and has a 120-degree field of view, so you may need to do a regular reality check while wearing this headset.
The Vive Pro 2 is certainly on the pricey side, especially compared to the other headsets on this list, but if you're serious about VR gaming, this headset will likely meet all your needs.
If you already own a previous HTC headset, you can purchase the Vive Pro 2 yourself. However, if you're new to the VR world, you'll need to purchase a pair of first generation controllers and the Base Station 2.0 kit.
6. Best VR headset for modding
The best VR headset for modding This is HTC Vive Cosmos.
Expect to pay $749 / £699.
| Specifications for HTC Vive Cosmos | |
| Screen | Dual 1440 x 1700 RGB LCD |
| Update frequency | 90 Hz |
| FoV | 110° |
| Tracking | From inside out |
pros
- Modular
- Tracking from the inside out
- A high resolution
- Compatible with Vive accessories
Cons
- No offline mode
- High price
The HTC Vive Cosmos sits snugly against the Oculus Rift S and Valve Index. Despite the hefty price tag, you're getting the best that HTC, the creator of the all-powerful Vive, has to offer, and you're truly bundled with the best gaming PC money can buy.
The Cosmos headset features in-screen motion tracking, a huge 2880 x 1700 resolution on new LCD panels, and new and improved ergonomics to keep the headset stable and comfortable. Sure, the headset is high-spec, but the lack of a standalone mode means you'll have to pair it with powerful hardware.
The new controllers are a redesign of the original Vive, and many of the additional accessories for the original kit can also be used in Cosmos. Wireless connectivity powered by Intel WiGig, Lighthouse tracking support and Vive Tracker are all ready to arrive soon on the new and improved Vive.
Price is not on HTC's side, and similar headsets may come out with a more competitive MSRP in the future. However, even high prices can't rob a device of its strengths, and the Vive Cosmos is a great addition to that list.
7. Best VR headset for comfort
The best VR headset for comfort this is the HP Reverb G2.
Expect to pay $599 USD / £530 GBP.
| Specifications HP Reverb G2 | |
| Screen | Dual 2160 x 2160 LCD |
| Update frequency | 90 Hz |
| FoV | 114° |
| Tracking | From inside out |
pros
- Emphasis on comfort
- Impressive Resolution
- 90 Hz refresh rate
Cons
- Controllers are not the best
- Poor cable setup
Created in collaboration with Microsoft and Valve, the HP Reverb G2 is a VR headset with comfort at its heart. Its flexible material adapts to the user's face, allowing you to stay longer in your favorite virtual world. You can also adjust the headset lenses for different distances between your eyes, which can help avoid eye strain.
The Reverb G2 also beats some of the more luxurious headsets on this list, with a resolution of 2160 x 2160 per eye, which almost matches the HTC Vive Pro 2. It's also a nice step up from Oculus Quest 2 thanks to its 114-degree field of view.
Price-wise, the Reverb G2 falls between the Quest 2 and the HTC Vive Cosmos. That's not necessarily a bad thing, especially since its technical specs are a force to be reckoned with. However, HP isn't a brand intrinsically associated with virtual reality, so there's a chance that future enthusiasts will overlook the tech giant's offering.
If you are looking for a reliable headset with good specifications and a solid construction, the Reverb H2 will not disappoint you. Naturally, if you're looking for ultra-accurate tracking, you'll have to invest in something like the Meta Quest Pro. Otherwise, the HP headset should meet most of your VR gaming needs.
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