You can enter the virtual world with the best headsets. Whether you are looking for the latest in virtual reality experiences, or you want to check out the latest fitness and meditation apps, there is a perfect device for you.
The field has really advanced from the early days of bulky headsets that needed a supercomputer to run them. You can dive in for a relatively low entry price with the Standalone devices like the Meta Quest 2.
At the same time, there are still high-end headsets like the Valve Index that require a beast of a gaming PC to run them, but the rewards are well worth the investment, as VR gaming is really starting to come into its own with titles like Half Life Alyx and Beatsaber
Tracking your movements, and showing your interactions play out on a screen right in front of your eyes are some of the most realistic moments that modern technology can offer. It's hard to describe the sensation of stepping inside a virtual environment, and the best virtual reality headsets enhance the experience.
It's important to know what you're looking to get out of the headsets. If you want to watch movies on a virtual cinema, and play games, but also want more cutting edge tech and graphics, then you should look at other options, such as HP, Valve, and HTC. The Vive Flow is a travel virtual reality headset that plugs into your phone and lets you escape the hustle and bustle of your commute.
Our guide to the best virtual reality headsets walks you through the tech specifications, design, comfort, and price of each headset to help you make the right choice. You can head over to our deals page to find out if the headset you want is available anywhere.
The perfect introduction to virtual reality, the Oculus Quest 2 is free and self-contained. The wireless headset has everything you need to get started in virtual reality. It's powerful enough to run some of the most exciting virtual reality experiences without breaking the bank, and it taps into the ever-growing library of exclusive virtual reality titles.
The screen isn't the best, but it is one of the easiest to use and most comfortable to wear. It will work with titles that were originally designed for PC players. This is thanks to the flexible support for additional wired and wireless gaming through a PC, and wireless PC streaming for those with powerful wi-fi connections.
If you're after the most luxurious of virtual reality experiences, you're going to want to invest in a Valve Index headset. It's one of the pricier devices on this list, not just because of its high specifications, which include a super-sharp screen and additional tracking stations that need to be dotted around the room, but also because of the expectation. There is no wireless option with the Valve Index kit.
What you get instead is arguably the most realistic experience to date, thanks to the Valve Index's wider field of view, high-resolution display, and style controllers which allow you to use each of your fingers and thumbs individually. Half-Life: Alyx, which was made in conjunction with the Valve Index headset, is the perfect companion to the best virtual reality experience yet. We are expecting a refreshed model to turn up before long, because it can be hard to come by and sell out regularly. If you can afford its price tag and room requirements, it is the best virtual reality experience money can currently buy.
The PS4 console is tied to the PSVR headset, so it offers a good time for gaming. Sony has a great library of exclusive titles to play, including the delightful Astro Bot Rescue Mission, terrifying Resident Evil 7, and James Bond-baiting Blood & Truth.
The gear is starting to look a little long in the tooth. Its screen resolution is low, its controllers are behind the pack, and its cable-laden box is difficult to set up.
The new PS5 console is compatible with the hardware and software of the PSVR 2. If you haven't already bought into the idea of virtual reality on your PS, it may be worth holding out for the sequel, which promises better controller ergonomics and more detailed displays. We are expecting to find out more later this year, but there is no release date for it yet.
If you're looking for a better headset than the Vive Pro 2, you're in luck. It is about as sharp as a virtual reality headset can be before entering a niche enthusiast territory. With a fast refresh rate and wide field of view, you will be able to see every detail from your time in virtual reality, to the point where you begin to approach photo-real quality in some high-end apps.
This clarity comes at a high price, and we're not just talking about the cost of the Vive Pro 2 kit. You're going to need a very high-specification PC and graphics card to be able to power this headset at any sort of stable framerate.
Other elements of the package feel a little bit dated considering the spec sheet of the actual display technology in here. A tethered unit and the power-hungry base stations that track your movement can be difficult to set up. It's unsurprising that the screen can run hot. It is an incredibly premium experience from a visual perspective, but be aware of its limitations elsewhere.
The cheaper, less flashy sibling of the Vive Pro 2 is theHTC Cosmos Elite, which is a bit older than the Vive Pro 2.
It still has a lot going for it, even though it doesn't have the show stopping specs of the newer Vive Pro 2 model. Its base stations track movement well, its field of view is relatively wide, and its library of games is deep and entertaining.
The Vive Pro 2 has the same unwieldy controllers, and you're still going to need to find places to put its base stations around a room. It's still a solid choice, especially if you can get it for a bargain.
The HP Reverb G2 is on this list. Its high-resolution screens make it a strong competitor for the Valve Index and the Vive Pro 2, but its low refresh rate makes it hard to match the feel of those devices.
It's in the same ballpark of affordability as the PSVR and the Oculus Quest 2. It doesn't come with controllers in the box, so you're going to need a powerful PC to pair it with. It has a physical IPD button, which lets it match the distance between your pupils more accurately.
The whole package doesn't come together when you add some tracking issues and a tight field of view. If you really must have a high-resolution display in your PC virtual reality headset, and don't want to break the bank, it's a good option. There are more complete and satisfying set ups on this list.
The Vive Flow looks like something a supervillain would wear, but these clever virtual reality glasses make it 888-282-0465 888-282-0465 888-282-0465 888-282-0465 888-282-0465 888-282-0465.
Vive Flow connects to your phone to use it as a controller, while also giving you content like yoga classes and nature treks. The glasses don't get too steamy because of an active cooling system.
It's also ideal for creating a distraction-free workspace, complete with coffee shop vibes and relaxing music, or you can go the opposite way and enjoy virtual reality live concerts from the comfort of your own home. You can use the Flow as a virtual cinema, so you can watch a show on a big screen no matter where you are.
If you're looking for gaming potential, you won't find it here, as the Vive Flow is more for business and relaxation. We recommend the Meta Quest 2 for Beat Saber or Pistol Whip.
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