Which VR Headset Should I Buy?: A Guide to the Latest Models
There are four manufacturers battling to be crowned as the best VR to buy: PlayStation, Valve, Oculus, and HP. As more competition enters the market, consumers have more options as to which VR headset to buy the decision gets harder and harder. Everyone producing headsets is raising their game to exceed user expectations and to become the best. Each company makes a great VR headset, so deciding what virtual reality headset to buy will depend on what features you want most in your VR headset. Compare the details and decide which one is a good fit for you.
Sony PlayStation VR
PlayStation’s VR headset is one of the most affordable options out there. It can be bought on sale for between $200 and $300. They offer a huge selection of games and it’s compatible with a PS4 controller. It should be noted that you need a PS4 to use this headset.
Reasons to buy this headset:
- An affordable price tag.
- Great game selection.
- Compatible with dual shock controllers
- Plays your favorite PS games in VR.
Reasons to pass:
- The graphics aren’t as strong as other systems.
- It will become outdated when PlayStation launches its PS5 VR headset.
- The VR controllers aren’t as intuitive as other models.
Valve Index
Valve’s virtual reality headset is really unique. A few “lighthouses” need to be set up in your play space to create a safe movement area. The controllers are amazing, responding to knuckle pressure that allows you to simulate the movement of all ten fingers. This headset will require a PC with good memory and a graphics card to operate.
Reasons to buy this headset:
- The VR glove-like controller is cutting edge.
- Excellent audio and visual display.
- Compatible with your Vive hardware for mix and match options.
- Play Steam games using this headset.
Reasons to pass:
- This isn’t a wireless headset. It will be tethered to your PC.
- This is one of the most expensive headsets priced at around $1,500.00.
- You’ll need a strong PC to use the headset and the space to set up the required equipment
HP Reverb G2
This is another PC-compatible headset that runs on Windows. It’s got an extremely comfortable design and has the best graphics of all the other options out there. This is a great choice for PC gaming enthusiasts that want to experience high sound quality and the beauty of VR. It’s priced around $450.00.
Reasons to buy this headset:
- The best graphics on the market.
- A comfortable headset with great weight balance.
- The perfect choice for PC gamers.
Reasons to pass:
- The controller isn’t the best option out there.
- Doesn’t include a headphone jack.
- Prone to tracking errors.
Oculus Quest 2
The Oculus Quest is often listed as the best-selling VR headset. Priced at around $300.00, it’s super accessible with a wireless headset that doesn’t require a PC or video game console to run games. Play games through apps that download directly to the headset.
Reasons to buy this headset:
- A super-accessible wireless setup.
- High-resolution graphics and built-in audio speakers.
- Light and comfortable headset.
- Intuitive controllers with a big range of movement.
- Capable of connecting to your PC
Reasons to pass
- A Facebook account is required to use the Oculus Rift.
- The game selection isn’t as broad as other headsets.
More VR Resources:
- VR Headsets: The Ultimate Buying Guide
- The Best VR Headsets of 2021
- Pocket-Lint’s top VR Picks
- PCMag’s Top VR Headsets