Buying guide for Best VR headsets
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Virtual reality has been around for almost a decade, but it's only in the last three or four years that the technology has advanced enough to make it nearly indistinguishable from real life.
That might seem like an exaggeration, but as soon as you strap on a VR headset and come face-to-face with a zombie horde, it’s hard to believe it’s not real. The headset, which often has adjustable straps for comfort and is compatible with eyeglasses, uses complex technology to project images to each eye independently. And with head-tracking hardware, your vision changes when you turn your head, literally placing you in the middle of the video game action.
After testing and researching VR headsets, we think the HTC Vive Pro 2 is the very best for its unmatched immersive experience. If you’re new to VR and not sure you want to invest too much, we found the Meta Quest 2 to be an affordable option that’s easy to use and a lot of fun.
Expert Tip
Avoid used or refurbished VR equipment. Virtual Reality setups all have moving parts, and there’s no way to know which parts are worn out, or what (if any) repairs have been performed.
BestReviews Electronics Expert
Editors' picks
PlayStation VR2 Bundle
Editors’ Favorite
Resolution: 2000 by 2040 pixels per eye | Refresh Rate: 90, 120 Hz | Field of view: 110 degrees | Tethered: yes | Motion Detection: Inside-out
The Sony Playstation VR2 is our favorite among VR headsets thanks to its high-end build and outstanding performance. If you have a PS5 console and you're interested in VR gaming, this is the headset for you.
The PSVR2 is a tethered VR headset with inside-out motion detection designed to work with PlayStation 5 consoles. It has a resolution of 2000 by 2040 pixels per eye with a refresh rate of either 90 or 120 hertz and a -110-degree field of vision. It uses OLED screens for high-quality images and connects to a PS5 with a single USB-C cable, simplifying setup and minimizing tangle.
The PSVR2 comes with two sleek, circular motion controllers and uses inside-out motion tracking to eliminate the need for a lighthouse. High-end haptics in both the headset and the controllers let you feel elements like rumbles, heartbeats, adaptive triggers and more. The PSVR2 bundle comes with the Call of the Mountain game designed to bring out the best in the PSVR2's technology. The only drawback to the PSVR2 is that it can only be used with a PlayStation 5.
Meta Quest 3S Bundle
Great Value
Resolution: 1832 x 1920 pixels per eye | Refresh Rate: 72, 90, 120 Hz | Field of view: 96 degrees | Tethered: No | Motion Detection: Inside-out
For the best overall value in a VR headset, we recommend the Meta Quest 3S. It's a full-fledged standalone VR headset that lets you play virtual games or interact in a mixed-reality environment without paying an arm and a leg.
The Quest 3S features a resolution of 1832 by 1920 pixels per eye at refresh rates of 72, 90 or 120 hertz, with a field of view of around 96 degrees horizontal. It's a standalone headset that can run VR apps on its own without needing to be connected to a separate device, but it can also connect to a computer to run PC-based VR including Steam games.
The 3S uses LCD panels rather than OLED to cut down on costs, and you don't get advanced features like eye tracking or detailed haptic feedback. But it's a versatile product with more than enough performance for beginners or casual users who don't want to drop a bundle on a VR headset.
Apple Vision Pro
Premium Model
Resolution: 3200 x 3600 pixels per eye | Refresh Rate: 90, 96, 100 Hz | Field of view: 100 degrees | Tethered: No | Motion Detection: Inside-out
The super-premium Apple Vision Pro is less a VR headset than a computer worn over the eyes. Apple positions it as a new way of interacting with information: "spatial computing." Is it worth 10 times the price of other VR headsets? That's up to the buyer.
Apple doesn't publish the same kind of specs for the Vision Pro as for more typical VR headsets, but it's got a resolution of 3200 by 3600 pixels per eye with refresh rates of 90, 96 or 100 hertz. Apple uses advanced micro-OLED displays, each the size of a postage stamp, for the Vision Pro, with around a 100-degree field of view. The Vision Pro's plethora of cameras and sensors allows it to match its users' interpupillary distance automatically. It also uses its sensors for advanced eye-tracking and motion tracking without need of any physical controls.
The Vision Pro runs its own OS and app store and doesn't require connection to a computer or other device. Its main objective is augmented reality, and its advanced cameras and systems allow essentially real-time perception and interaction with the world around you while adding virtual elements to work with. Though it's non-tethered to a computer, it does need a physical cable to keep it connected to its power source — an external wearable battery pack.
HTC Vive Cosmos Elite
Resolution: 2880 x 1700 pixels per eye | Refresh Rate: 120 Hz | Field of view: 110 degrees | Tethered: Yes | Motion Detection: Lighthouse
HTC’s virtual reality headsets were some of the first to be commercially successful, giving the company an excellent footing for further product development. We love this headset's visual clarity and overall immersive experience, making it ideal for gaming, social experiences like VRChat and using creative apps (though you do need a powerful PC to get the most out of it).
The headset’s LCD display has a maximum resolution of 2880 x 1700 pixels per eye, bringing 4K content up close and personal to easily make you believe you are in a different world. It also has a refresh rate of 120 hertz, eliminating stutters and visual lag.
For sound, the headset comes with removable high-resolution-certified headphones as well as support for high-impedance headphones through a USB-C analog signal. As you would expect, it uses G-sensors, gyroscopes, proximity and IPD sensors and works with SteamVR Tracking V2.0.
Meta Quest 2
Resolution: 1832 x 1920 pixels per eye | Refresh Rate: 60, 72, 90 Hz | Field of view: 97 degrees | Tethered: No | Motion Detection: Inside-out
You might know the Quest as an Oculus product, but after Facebook’s parent company Meta acquired it, it changed the branding of the VR products. That’s great for consumers, as we found the Quest 2 to be a marked improvement over the original in our testing process. While most will use it with a desktop computer, the Quest 2 also works with just a mobile phone, making it highly portable. It features a maximum resolution of 1832 pixels by 1920 pixels per eye and has a variable refresh rate of 60, 72 or 90 hertz.
It has 3D positional speakers built into the headset, but there is a 3.5-millimeter jack if you want to use your own. Apps and games are bought through the Meta Quest Store. It might not have the highest resolution display, but it’s a cinch to set up and is more affordable than others, making it a perfect entry point into VR.
Meta Quest Pro
Resolution: 1800 x 1920 pixels per eye | Refresh Rate: 90 Hz | Field of view: 106 degrees | Tethered: No | Motion Detection: Inside-out
Almost three times the price of the Quest 2, the Pro version of Meta’s Quest is packed with amazing technology and is its most advanced VR headset. It comes with two wireless controllers, and the headset itself is ultra-sleek with a glossy black finish. It has two LCD panels inside with a maximum resolution of 1800 by 1920 pixels per eye. But while that isn’t as much as others, the trick lies in the technology that controls 500 individual LED blocks independently for more contrast, sharpness and a larger color gamut. To see everything perfectly around you, the headset gives you a 106-degree horizontal and 96-degree vertical field of view. And if you want to use the Quest Pro in the Metaverse, the headset will accurately convey your facial expressions as there are five cameras inside for real-time expression tracking.
HTC Vive Cosmos
Resolution: 1440 x 1700 pixels per eye | Refresh Rate: 90 Hz | Field of view: 110 degrees | Tethered: Yes | Motion Detection: Inside-out
This VR headset has six tracking cameras and doesn't require any base stations. Right out of the box, you'll get accurate inside-out tracking and expansive movement coverage for an immersive experience. It's compatible with various systems and computer configurations, and the portable design lets you take it on the go.
The display renders a 2880 by 1700 pixel resolution (1440 x 1700 pixels per eye) and a fluid 90-hertz refresh rate for a smooth, lag-free experience, and it has a traditional flip-up display and removable on-ear headphones. Plus, you'll get a code for Viveport Infinity that offers two months of unlimited VR play of over 700 games.
How we tested
After researching the top VR headsets on the market, we tested a few ourselves, including the HTC Vive Cosmos Elite, HTC Vive Pro 2 and Meta Quest 2, to see how well they did in the following areas:
Ease of use
- Setup: We took note of how complex the unboxing of the VR headsets was, what is needed to set up and calibrate each system and how quickly you can jump into a game.
- Wireless controller: The wireless controllers are an essential piece of any VR headset. We tested how well they respond to movements and how comfortable they are when held.
- Interface: There is no mouse and keyboard for a VR headset, and all the actions are executed with the wireless controllers. We looked at how easy it is to navigate the menus and enable on-screen action.
Quality
- Visual quality: The display inside the headset is crucial, so comparing each headset’s maximum resolution, we evaluated the visual quality, refresh rate, color gamut and clarity.
- Content: Any VR headset must be connected to a mobile phone or computer to access VR-compatible content. We look at which stores or marketplaces each one requires, how many titles are available and the average cost of each game.
Advanced features
- Sound: Visual immersion is crucial, but so is the audio quality. We looked at which VR headsets had built-in speakers to evaluate the sound and which models were compatible with your existing headphones.
- Infrared tracking cameras: The headset must know where you are in relation to the world, and this is done through IR cameras on the outside. We measured the accuracy of these cameras to see how well they respond to directional movement.
Expert TIp
Do a few quick tests to make sure you can hear the real world around you. Being immersed in VR is great, but it’s still important to be able to hear things like sirens, alarms, or loved ones who need your attention. Make sure that you’re still able to hear important sounds around you while you play so you don’t miss anything urgent.
BestReviews Electronics Expert
What to know before buying a VR headset
What can you do with a VR headset?
The most significant drawcard for virtual reality headsets is that they allow you to experience things you would never have been able to. From scaling the highest mountains and exploring the vast wilderness to taking on a zombie horde or creating stunning 3D art, virtual reality places you in the middle of the action without leaving your living room.
- First-person action games are one of the most popular categories for VR entertainment. Depending on the game, you can go from a fast-paced rally driver to a military contractor and then an airplane pilot in one afternoon. Oh, and don’t forget to set some time aside to save the world from up-close monsters and mayhem.
- Crafting apps, including the ultra-popular Minecraft, have been so successful on VR platforms they’ve become their own category. Whether you’re into casually building your own virtual empire or designing objects that can be 3D-printed in the real world, there’s a VR app for that.
- Virtual tours allow you to browse locations from all over the world throughout history. You can stroll through Ancient Rome, downtown New York City or even visit your favorite museum without paying the admission fee.
- Multi-device co-op games take on a new twist with a VR headset. In these games, the player with the headset must use what they see and work with other players using their own devices. Classics like “Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes” are great for parties or gatherings — just so long as everyone gets a turn!
Augmented reality
Augmented reality allows you to interact with the world around you with added virtual data and interfaces. You can look at a real-world object and indicate you wish to learn more about it, or see something you want and find an online store to purchase it. Some VR headsets can be used as virtual monitors or displays for work or productivity. Interact with multiple windows, use your hands and fingers to interact with virtual interfaces, even type in mid-air on virtual keyboards.
Tethered or wireless
VR headsets are either wired, also called tethered, or wireless.
- Tethered VR headsets attach to a computer or a gaming console with a physical cable. Like a physical cable on a pair of headphones, the tether on a VR headset usually means higher-quality video, audio and performance, but you're restricted by the length and positioning of the tether.
- Wireless VR headsets connect to a source over Wi-Fi or another wireless connection. They offer the most freedom of movement, but may suffer from lags, glitches and other issues common to wireless connections of all types. Some users get dedicated high-speed routers to connect to their wireless VR headsets for the best possible wireless connections.
Mobile phone headsets
A mobile phone VR headset is an accessory that attaches to a smartphone and allows you to use it as a VR display. These are not true VR headsets and are limited by the nature of a smartphone screen, but can be useful for noninteractive viewing. One notable phone VR headset was the Google Cardboard, which was actually made of folded cardboard. While the Cardboard product is discontinued, its design and imitators can still be obtained.
Key VR headset specs to consider
Resolution
Resolution refers to the number of pixels offered by the headset's screens. VR headsets have two surprisingly small displays, one for each eye. The higher the number of pixels, the higher the resolution, and the sharper the image. Resolution is usually measured in pixels-per-eye.
Refresh rate
As with other displays, a VR headset's refresh rate refers to how often the image on the screens are updated. The faster the refresh rate, the smoother the image, and the less likely it will show blurring and lag. As with monitors and TVs, a VR headset's refresh rate is measured in hertz (Hz).
Field of vision
Field of vision refers to how wide the image is in a VR headset. Field of vision creates the illusion of being immersed or surrounded by the image displayed by the headset. Generally, the wider the field of vision, the more realistic the virtual reality. Field of vision is measured in degrees. Humans can see up to 200 degrees horizontally at best, but our eyes overlap at 120 degrees for depth perception, so VR headsets have a field of vision less than that range.
Interpupillary distance (IPD)
Interpupillary distance is the distance between the centers of the viewer's eyes. A VR headset needs to match the user's IPD to accurately show sharp, clear images. Interpupillary distance should be adjustable in a good VR headset. IPD is measured in millimeters (mm).
Motion tracking
Motion tracking in VR headsets refers to how a headset sees or detects your movements, including those of your eyes, hands, feet and body, as it moves through real space. There are two kinds of VR motion tracking:
- Lighthouse motion tracking uses a separate component outside the headset itself with sensors that track your movement. These VR lighthouses have offered the most accurate motion tracking, especially for full-body movements.
- Inside-out tracking depends solely on the sensors and cameras built into the headset and its controllers. Inside-out tracking eliminates the need for a VR lighthouse but has been less accurate, though improvements have closed the gap in many ways.
VR headset comfort
While the technical features of a VR headset are certainly important, you should give equal attention to how comfortable it is. A headset might have amazing visuals, but if it’s cumbersome and difficult to wear, it won’t be much fun to use.
Weight and balance
As a device meant to be worn, a VR headset can feel heavy on the head. The longer you wear it, the more fatiguing it can be. Look for the weight of the headset and consider how it will feel to wear it for any length of time. Some headsets are designed to balance their weight front and back so there's less stress on your face and eyes.
Straps
Another key factor in a VR headset is the comfort of the headset strap material. This is the part that wraps around the head to keep the VR headset in place.
- Fabric straps are generally more elastic and typically more comfortable overall. However, fabric straps will absorb sweat over time and can be a challenge to clean.
- Plastic, rubberized straps are more durable and simple to clean. Many VR headsets with plastic straps have extra comfort features, like padding near the forehead area.
- A headband that stretches across the top or crown of the head adds support but may need to be purchased as an additional accessory.
Expert Tip
If you’re just getting started, get a friend to show you around. Virtual reality is literally boundless, so it helps to have a guide your first few times! Get them to show you their favorite locations and activities!
BestReviews Electronics Expert
Tips for using a VR headset
- Before starting a VR session, learn what each button on the controller does. Most VR headsets include one or more hand-held controllers for navigating virtual environments.
- Virtual reality sickness can be very real: Some people get symptoms of motion sickness while using VR headsets, even when there is no motion. If you experience these symptoms while using a VR headset, discontinue use immediately and consult a physician.
- Periodically clean or deodorize any soft, padded parts of your headset to keep them smelling fresh.
- Most VR headsets don’t come with protective cases. Pick up a protective case for all your VR gear to keep your investment safe and ensure enjoyment for years to come.
FAQ
Q. How much do VR headsets cost?
A. VR headsets vary in price depending on their technology and capabilities. Smartphone VR headsets, which are really glorified goggles, may cost as little as $20, or can be made out of cardboard, but these are rudimentary at best. True VR headsets start at around $250 for less-than-4K LCD display technology, and go up to around $500 to $700 for high-end devices with eye tracking, OLED screens and other features. The Apple Vision Pro, intended as an all-in-one computing platform, is an outlier at more than $3,500 per unit.
Q. Can I wear a VR headset if I already wear glasses?
A. Yes, although your mileage may vary, depending on the VR headset you buy. Many, but not all, virtual reality headsets allow you to adjust the viewing depth to accommodate eyeglasses. Do a few quick searches before you buy — typically, other users will post complaints or warnings if a particular pair does not work well with normal glasses.
Q. Are virtual reality games multiplayer?
A. While most VR games are single-player, a growing number of games include multiplayer options. Be sure to read the fine print — some multiplayer games are designed for one player to be at a computer while the other wears the VR headset, while others support multi-headset functionality.
Q. How long can I play a VR game?
A. Every user has their own threshold for how long they can keep gaming without a break. With virtual reality headsets, breaks are very important especially for younger users. Regular pauses can prevent you from getting headaches or feeling dizzy, cramped or even dehydrated. While some people claim to prefer marathon, all-day, uninterrupted VR sessions, your best bet is to prioritize your health: take breaks when you need to, drink water frequently and get up to stretch regularly.
