What to Look for in a VR Headset
VR headsets all offer a unique experience, so it's important to find the one that's right for you. Depending on your needs, there are a few factors you should consider before making a final decision.
- Technology: The current VR technology comes in two basic varieties: tethered and untethered. Tethered headsets connect to a computer (or console) via a cord, while untethered models use built-in sensors to track your movement. The difference? Untethered headsets are completely wireless and have a longer battery life, while tethered models are wired, but often offer higher-quality graphics.
- Comfort: Since you'll be wearing your VR headset for hours on end, it's important to find a model that's both comfortable and lightweight. Heavier headsets, especially those that use a lot of metal, can cause neck strain, so try to find a lighter model if possible. On top of that, you'll want to make sure your VR headset is designed for your face shape and head size.
- Display: When it comes to display, it's important to find a VR headset with a high refresh rate. A lower refresh rate can cause motion blurring and make the visuals look choppy, which can break the immersive experience. A high refresh rate will minimize these issues and create a smoother, more realistic experience.
- Field of View: A VR headset's field of view (FOV) determines how much you can see while wearing the headset. A higher FOV will give you a larger view, while a lower FOV will show you less at once. While an increased FOV can be great, it can also cause your eyes to strain more over time, so keep this in mind when selecting a VR headset.
The Top VR Headsets for Gamers
Oculus Quest 2 – The Best All-Around VR Headset The latest and greatest from the folks at Oculus, the Quest 2 may just be the best VR headset for gamers. It features everything you'd expect from a high-end VR headset, including a high-resolution OLED display that creates stunning visuals and lifelike audio. It also features a built-in sensor that lets you move around in your environment, making it possible to interact with your surroundings and other players in multiplayer games. This makes it the perfect choice for people who want a high-quality VR experience but don't have the space for a PC. The Quest 2 will work with the entire Oculus ecosystem, so you can expand your library of games with the click of a button. On top of all this, it's also one of the most comfortable VR headsets on the market, making it the perfect choice for gamers of all skill levels.
HTC Vive Pro – The Premium VR Headset for Professional Gamers
If you're a serious gamer with a serious setup, the Vive Pro might be the best VR headset for you. This high-end VR headset is designed for serious gaming and brings top-notch VR to your living room (or wherever you choose to set it up). It features two OLED displays with a combined resolution of 2880 x 1600, which means stunning visuals and lifelike graphics. It also comes with a built-in audio system that lets you hear all the sounds in the game, from the roar of dragons to the buzz of insects in the distance. The Vive Pro is designed for serious gamers, so it isn't an inexpensive model, but it does offer the best VR experience around.
PlayStation VR – The Best Console-Based VR Headset
If you're a console gamer, the PS VR may be the best VR headset for you. This VR headset is designed to work with the PlayStation 4 console, so you can enjoy all your favorite games in VR. It features a high-resolution OLED display, which means stunning visuals and lifelike graphics. It also comes with built-in headphones that let you hear all the sounds in the game, so you can truly feel like you're part of the story. The PS VR is designed for console gamers, so it isn't an expensive model, and it's easy to set up and use. In fact, it's designed to work with the PlayStation Move motion controllers, making it easy to interact with your surroundings and other players in multiplayer games.
Oculus Rift S – The Best Value for Money
If you're looking for a quality VR headset without breaking the bank, the Rift S might be the best VR headset for you. Unlike other high-end VR headsets, the Rift S is designed to work with your PC, so you don't have to purchase a new console or computer to play games in VR. It features a high-resolution OLED display that delivers stunning visuals and lifelike graphics. It also comes with built-in audio that lets you hear all the sounds in the game, so you can truly feel like you're part of the story. The Rift S is designed for PC gamers and is easy to set up and use, making it an excellent choice for beginners.
Samsung Odyssey+ – The Best Windows Mixed Reality Headset
If you're more interested in Windows Mixed Reality, the Odyssey+ might be the best VR headset for you. This VR headset is designed for the Windows Mixed Reality platform and features a high-resolution LCD display that delivers stunning visuals and lifelike graphics. It also comes with built-in audio that lets you hear all the sounds in the game, so you can truly feel like you're part of the story. The Odyssey+ also comes with a spacer system and adjustable straps, making it easy to customize the fit to your face shape and head size. On top of all this, it's also one of the most comfortable VR headsets on the market, making it the perfect choice for gamers of all skill levels.
