The best VR headsets are intended to enhance your gaming experience by providing an entirely immersive experience without breaking the bank. So, whether you\’re primarily a PC gamer or want to get more out of your console, we\’ve compiled a list of the top picks in VR gaming for any first-time buyer, regardless of budget or preference.
With the release of the PSVR 2 in February, the world of VR gaming is about to meet its newest competitor, so there are bound to be some significant changes in the already fast-paced world of Virtual Reality. However, because the PSVR 2 is a PlayStation-exclusive release, PC and other console players will be eager to get their hands on their own VR experience, and we\’ve tailored our list to all setups.
The best VR headsets will allow you to fully immerse yourself in the best VR games currently available, and if you have a specific headset in mind, we have compiled a list of all the best PSVR games as well as the best Occulus Quest 2 games.
Best VR headsets in 2023
1. Valve Index
The Valve Index is our top pick for the best VR headset because it represents a next-generation system when compared to its predecessors. It has a crisp display that runs well even with older GPUs, a wider field of view, a higher refresh rate, and Valve\’s \’knuckle\’ controllers, which can track the movement of every finger.
It\’s a significant upgrade over the HTC Vive and runs much smoother than the Vive Pro, a powerful VR headset that struggled to deliver on the promise of high-end, room-scale VR. It is, however, not without flaws. During our testing, we discovered that setting it up can be difficult, that updates can cause connection problems, and that there are frequently errors.
You\’ll also need a location near a powerful PC or gaming laptop, as this isn\’t a standalone headset like the others on this list. If you can get past those flaws, this is an excellent VR headset. Its higher-resolution screen and faster refresh rate allowed us to use it for longer periods of time without discomfort, and the Index Controllers are a significant improvement over the Vive\’s stock controllers.
Although the Valve Index was difficult to find for the majority of 2023, we\’ve seen that availability has increased significantly towards the end of the year, similar to some of the company\’s other hardware, such as the Steam Deck. There\’s no getting around the fact that it\’s an expensive option, priced at $999 / £919 / AU$1,425, but we also consider it the best available for everything offered.
2. Meta Quest 2
For most people, the Meta Quest 2 (formerly the Oculus Quest 2) will be the ideal VR headset. It does not require wiring to an expensive PC, provides mobility and freedom, and is simple to set up and use. It\’s a significant improvement over the original Quest, with improved RAM and chip specs, as well as a higher resolution display that\’s 50% sharper than its predecessor.
Developers can choose to run their games at 90Hz (important for increased comfort and realism while playing), and we discovered that the headset itself is lighter than before. Hand tracking, which was added to the original Quest via a firmware update but is now standard on the Quest 2, is also impressive.
Nothing beats the rush of wire-free VR, we discovered. Games like Robo Recall and Beat Saber should continue to captivate, and transforming YouTube VR or BigScreen VR into your own personal cinema screen is a welcome diversion from the chaos of the outside world.
If you\’re looking for an untethered VR headset, the original Oculus Quest is still a great option. Although the Meta Quest 2 is a significant upgrade, the original still features an OLED display panel with 1440 x 1600 per eye resolution and is powered by a Snapdragon 835 processor.
3. HTC Vive Pro 2
The HTC Vive Pro 2 isn\’t cheap, but if you want the best visual fidelity in PC VR, it should be near the top of your list.
The HTC Vive Pro 2 is the latest evolution of the HTC Vive line, boasting a ridiculous \’5K\’ resolution (2448×2448 pixels per eye), a 120-degree field of view, and a 120Hz refresh rate. As long as you have a powerful gaming PC to back it up, this is the most clear and lifelike display available in the consumer VR space right now. Even after hours of testing, we were astounded by how good games looked on this device.
But the HTC Vive Pro 2 is not without flaws. During testing, we discovered that the screen can become hot after extended use, and the controllers haven\’t changed much since the first Vive headset was released. Furthermore, compared to standalone devices like the Oculus Quest 2, the external tracking stations and tethered cabling can be difficult to set up.
Still, if you want your VR gaming sessions to look their best and can afford the headset and a high-end PC, this is an enthusiast\’s dream.
4. PlayStation VR
Unlike many VR headsets, Sony\’s PlayStation VR requires a PS4 or PS5 console to function. That means that if you already have one and do not have a powerful gaming PC, this could be the best VR headset for you. It feels right at home in our living room.
Considering the significant power difference between the PS4 and PC, we found the PlayStation VR to be a surprisingly capable VR headset. Its refresh rate is quick, and we\’ve had no issues with its head-tracking reliability. The PlayStation VR game library is also impressive.
Sony has addressed one of our major criticisms of the PlayStation VR, that its accessories are sold separately, by offering a variety of packs and PlayStation VR bundles that include devices such as the PlayStation Camera. However, while PlayStation Move controllers are included in some bundles, they are not in all. While you should be aware of the additional costs that may apply depending on the bundle you choose, recent price cuts have made the PlayStation VR even more affordable.
According to Sony, the PSVR 2 model will be released in early 2023, but it will not support the PS4, so the original headset will remain the best VR headset until then if you do not own a PS5. If you want to get started right away and need some recommendations, check out our list of the best PSVR games. Otherwise, you might want to wait a few months.
5. HP Reverb G2
The HP Reverb G2 is an excellent headset for anyone looking for something slightly less expensive and easier to set up than the Valve Index or HTC Vive Pro. Although it is not as accurate as some of the more expensive options, it is a fantastic alternative that retains the visual enchantment of VR gaming. The HP Reverb G2 exceeds visual expectations and offers an entirely new experience without breaking the bank.
Furthermore, because it is compatible with Steam VR, the game library offers a wide variety of games to explore and immerse yourself in, which is only aided by the high-resolution 2160 x 2160 resolution per eye lens. The Screen Door effect from other VR headsets is completely depleted by this high-quality resolution, revealing the gaps between pixels and shattering the illusion, harming immersion and the overall experience. In terms of visuals and price, the HP Reverb G2 is among the best.
But that\’s not to say this headset is without flaws; the main one is the precision of its motion tracking. The accuracy of motion tracking can be critical in tense, high-stress, and time-sensitive VR gaming situations. This is where slightly more expensive models, such as the Valve Index, excel, but the HP Reverb G2 falls short.
A high-quality PC is required to run the high-quality gaming experience expected of the HP Reverb G2. Unfortunately, this also means that you\’ll have to deal with a lot of wires, which can interfere with the machine\’s immersive nature, especially since there\’s no wireless option. While its performance and setup are reflected in the slightly lower price, it\’s something to think about before purchasing.
Which are the best VR headsets for mobile?
A VR experience powered by your phone is referred to as mobile VR. In general, you install an app on your phone that displays VR content, and then you place your phone inside a mobile VR headset.
For many people, this is a quick, easy, and low-cost way to experiment with VR, and it can be a great first step in exploring what\’s possible. If you\’re not ready to commit to one of the best VR headsets – or aren\’t sure if you\’re even interested in VR – consider mobile VR, such as the Samsung Gear VR, or go ultra-low-fi with the Google Cardboard.
However, because these VR experiences are powered by your phone rather than a fantastic piece of high-end hardware, they cannot compete with the experience provided by any of the best VR headsets listed above. That means they\’re a good option if you want to try VR for cheap and easy. But don\’t be put off by the simple experience and – at times – grainy images.
Which augmented reality headsets are the best?
There are several augmented reality headsets on the market right now. However, very few are aimed at everyday consumers.
Many of the best augmented reality headsets are available for purchase, such as the Microsoft Hololens 2, but the emphasis appears to be on augmented reality for an enterprise or business setting, such as the Microsoft HoloLens 2 Industrial Edition, which is an untethered mixed reality device designed and tested for use in regulated industrial environments, and the Google Glass Enterprise Edition 2.
However, we predict that this will change soon and that you will be able to get one of the best augmented reality headsets for casual use in your home – just like the best VR headsets on our list above.
One of the reasons we\’re so confident in the future of augmented reality headsets is that major tech companies are currently investing a significant amount of time, energy, and resources into new AR offerings. Take Apple as an example; it\’s no secret that the company is developing an augmented reality and virtual reality product, currently known as Apple Glass and Apple VR.
