The top VR headsets offer a new dimension in gaming

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This guide includes:

1ValveIndexCheck Price2Oculus (Meta)Quest 2Check Price3HTCVive Pro 2Check Price4SonyPlayStation VRCheck Price5OculusRift SCheck Price

(Image credit: Valve)

It is becoming harder to find the best VR headsets in 2018, due to increased competition among hardware manufacturers. Combine that with the new concept of the “metaverse” and you’ll see that developers and publishers are more interested in the VR craze than ever.

No matter if you’re playing on PC, HTML4, or HTML5 there is a VR headset that will work for you. Because of its affordability and ease-of-use, the Oculus Quest 2 (or Meta Quest 2), is undoubtedly one of the best PC headsets. It’s also the only wireless device on our current list.

Quest 2’s rivals tend to target the higher-spec PC crowd or consoles with PlayStationVR with lower-spec capabilities, so it’s likely that it will remain that way until Oculus Quest 2 Pro and Oculus Quest 3.

Although the Quest 2 is a great VR headset, its specs may not be right for you. The Valve Index is our first recommendation if you are looking for a high-end headset.

You have fewer options on consoles. Only PS4 and PS5 currently support VR via the dedicated PSVR headset. The PSVR2 is in development and will allow you to fully exploit the PS5’s capabilities.

We are here to help you make the best choice for your VR headset. It is important to understand what device you’ll be using to power your VR headset, and whether it will need to be wireless. You can feel confident buying a headset from this list after our expert testing.

You’ll love these top-rated games. Read on to find out why. While you’re here, don’t forget about our guides to the top VR games or the best Oculus Quest 2 gaming.

The Best VR Headsets for 2022

(Image credit: Valve)

1. Valve Index

Overall, the best VR headset

Specifications

Availability: Often out of stock Yes. Additional Equipment Required? : Yes Today’s Top Deals

View at Amazon

View at Amazon

There are many reasons to buy

+Great for tracking: Widest field of vision+Knuckle controllers

Avoidable reasons

-Requires high-end GPUs. Still expensive when compared to the competition

The Valve Index VR headset is a great choice. It’s a new-generation system. It has a sharp display that works well with older GPUs, a larger field of view and Valve’s “knuckle” controllers which can track every finger’s movement.

It’s a major upgrade to the HTC Vive and runs smoother than the Vive Pro. This powerful VR headset really struggled to deliver the promised high-end, immersive VR. It does have its problems. It can be difficult to set up, and updates can lead to connection problems. There are also frequent errors. Because this headset is not a standalone device like the others on this list, you will need to have access to a computer or a laptop.

This headset is great if you can overlook those problems. The headset’s high-resolution screen, better refresh rate and comfort level allowed us to use it for longer periods without feeling any discomfort. Also, the Index Controllers are a significant upgrade over the ones included with the Vive.

This headset is our top choice for PC owners and we believe it to be the best VR headset of 2022. However, the Valve Index can sometimes prove difficult to find as manufacturing was slowed during the pandemic.

• Read the Valve Index review

(Image credit: Oculus)

2. Oculus Quest 2

The most accessible VR headset

Specifications

Availability: Available nowPrice: PS299/ $299/ AU$479Wired : No Additional Equipment Required? No, it is a standalone Today’s Top Deals

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There are many reasons to buy

+Incredibly immersive experiences+Comfortable weight+Easy to use compared to other headsets

Avoidable reasons

Requires Facebook account link-Can still cause motion sickness

For most people, the Quest 2 VR headset will be the best. It doesn’t require a PC to connect to it. It offers freedom and movement, and is easy to set up and use.

This is a major improvement on the original Quest. We found it to be more responsive thanks to better RAM and chip specs. It also has a sharper display, which is 50% sharper than its predecessor.

Developers can choose to have their games run at 90Hz. This is important for greater comfort and realism when playing. We also found that the headset was lighter than it was before. The Quest 2 also features hand tracking, which was added to the original Quest via firmware updates.

Wirefree VR is a thrilling experience that we found to be unparalleled. Robo Recall and Beat Saber are still amazing, and you can turn YouTube VR and BigScreen VR into a personal cinema screen. This is a great distraction from the chaos of the outside world.

If you are looking for a untethered VR headset, the original Oculus Quest remains a great option. Although the Quest 2 may offer a more advanced experience, the original Oculus Quest still features an OLED panel with 1440x 1600 eye resolution. It is also powered by a Snapdragon835 processor.

• Read the OculusQuest 2 review

(Image credit: HTC)

3. HTC Vive Pro 2

High-resolution PC VR

Specifications

Availability: Available nowPrice: $1399 / PS1,299Wired Availability: Available nowPrice: $1,399 / PS1,299Wired? : Yes, high-spec PC Today’s Top Deals

View at Amazon

There are many reasons to buy

+High resolution+Wide view+Access to great gaming

Avoidable reasons

Cables that are expensive – Can get very hot-Lots

Although it is not cheap, the HTC Vive Pro 2 is a great choice if you want the best PC VR visual fidelity.

The HTC Vive Pro 2 is the latest version of the HTC Vive range. It boasts a stunning ‘5K’ resolution (248×2448 pixels per eyes), a 120-degree field, and a 120Hz refresh speed. This display is the most realistic and clear you can find in consumer VR. We were still stunned at how great the games looked on this device after hours of testing.

The HTC Vive Pro 2 also has its flaws. The screen can heat up after prolonged use. We also found that the controllers are the same as the original Vive headset. Additionally, it can be difficult to set up the external tracking stations and tethered cables, which can make the Vive Pro 2 more expensive than free-roaming devices such as the Oculus Quest 2.

This is the ultimate VR gaming experience for those who have the money and the desire to make your VR sessions look amazing.

• View the HTC Vive Pro2 review

(Image credit: PlayStation)

4. PlayStation VR

The best VR headsets for consoles

Specifications

Availability: Available nowPrice: $299/PS259/AU$655Wired : YesAdditional Equipment Required? : Yes Today’s Top Deals

View at Amazon

View at Amazon

View at Amazon

There are many reasons to buy

+Excellent selection of games+Affordable when compared to the rest+Near-PC-quality performance

Avoidable reasons

-Lack of required accessories in the box-Poor job sealing off light-Spotty controller tracking

Sony’s PlayStation VR is not compatible with other VR headsets. It requires a PS4/PS5 console. This means that if you have a PS4 or PS5 console, this headset may be the right one for you. It has found a home in our living area.

We found the PlayStation VR to have surprisingly high levels of competence considering the large difference in power between the PS4 & PC. The headset’s refresh rate is fast and the head-tracking has been reliable. It also has a large selection of PlayStation VR games.

Sony has resolved one of our major complaints about the PlayStation VR, that accessories are sold separately. They offer a variety pack and bundles of PlayStation VR with devices such as the PlayStation Camera. PlayStation Move controllers are not included in all bundles. However, they may be included in certain bundles. While you should be aware of the extra cost, the PlayStation VR is now more affordable depending on which bundle you choose.

According to Sony, the PSVR 2 model will be available sometime in 2022. However, it won’t support the PS4. This means that the original headset will still be the best VR headset for you until then. If you don’t have a PS5, then you might consider waiting for a while.

• View the PlayStationVR review

(Image credit: Oculus)

5. Oculus Rift S

An excellent older option for PC VR

Specifications

Availability: Available nowPrice: $399/PS399/AU$649Wired : YesAdditional Equipment Required? : Yes Today’s Top Deals

View at Amazon

There are many reasons to buy

+No external tracking stations+Improved visions

Avoidable reasons

-Reduced refresh rates-Prone for crashing

Since Palmer Luckey, Oculus founder and controversial VR poster boy, introduced the Oculus Rift to the world in 2012, virtual reality has advanced a lot. The Oculus RiftS, now owned by Facebook, should be the next step forward for Oculus’ high-end, PC-based VR experiences. It’s a small step, however.

The Rift S, like the Oculus Rift works with a computer to create virtual reality experiences. The Rift S connects to your computer via a DisplayPort and USB 3.0 ports. A long cable is used to connect to the machine. This is more than enough for the large-scale experiences Rift S can deliver. Although it is more restricted in terms of movement than the wireless Oculus Qest, the trade-off is that Rift S can be powered by your computer to deliver more dynamic and detailed experiences. You can also plug the Oculus Quest 2 into a PC using a USB-C cable, and you will get the exact same result as us.

Oculus has provided some relief for early adopters by making the Rift S fully compatible with all original Rift titles and making the Rift forward-compatible with most games for the Rift S or Oculus Quest, with a few exceptions.

Oculus announced in July 2021 that the Oculus S was no longer available for purchase. You can still purchase stock from some retailers, but the Oculus Rift S is no longer being sold.

• Read the Oculus Rifts S review

You might also be interested in other VR headsets

There aren’t many VR headset brands available, at least not currently.

There are only a handful of core brands that have the expertise and hardware knowledge to create amazing virtual reality experiences. This means that if you don’t want to choose one of these VR headsets, it is a good idea to consider previous headsets from the top VR brands.

These headsets are no longer available for purchase on the company’s website. Many of these headsets are still available for purchase at tech retailers and second-hand via sites such as Ebay.

(Image credit: oculus)

Oculus Quest

The Oculus Quest 2 is the successor to the Oculus Quest and one of the best VR headsets in 2022. The Oculus Quest 2 is still an option for those who want a standalone headset with a true mobile experience.

The Oculus Quest 2, while being the better headset, was not as impressive as you might think. The Quest is still a complete VR system. It works right out of the box, offers six degrees of freedom, and has a wide range of apps and games.

(Image credit: oculus/facebook)

Oculus Rift

The Oculus Rift was a game-changer upon its release. The first VR headset to demonstrate that VR can be an immersive, enjoyable experience that anyone with the right setup could enjoy at home.

This has changed since the Oculus Rift S was discontinued in 2005.

There have been many competing virtual reality headsets since the Oculus Rift’s launch. Oculus has also launched the Oculus Rift S and standalone Quest 2 but the original Oculus Rift remains a highly capable headset for gaming. Oculus is no longer selling the Oculus Rift, but you can still find some attractive deals.

(Image credit: htc)

HTC Vive

The HTC Vive VR headset was first launched in 2016. It was the king of consumer VR tech for a long period.

Now, fast forward to 2022 and you will see a lot of changes. There are many VR headsets you can buy now. HTC launched several new VR headsets since the original HTC Vive was released, including the HTC Vive Cosmos, HTC Vive Cosmos Elite, and the Vive Pro 2 we have highlighted in our top picks.

However, this doesn’t mean that the HTC Vive is no longer a viable option to start your VR journey. It’s worth noting that it’s several years older than the newer models.

What are the top mobile VR headsets for smartphones?

(Image credit: samsung)

Mobile VR refers to a virtual reality experience that is powered by your smartphone. You get an app for your phone that displays VR content. Then you place your phone in a VR headset.

This is an inexpensive, quick and easy way to experience VR. It can also be a great starting point for exploring the possibilities. You don’t have to buy the top VR headsets, or you may not be interested enough to try mobile VR.

These VR experiences can’t be compared to any VR headsets because they are powered by your smartphone. They’re an affordable and simple way to experience VR. Don’t let the basic experience and sometimes grainy photos put you off VR.

What are the top augmented reality headsets for you?

There are many augmented reality headsets currently on the market. However, very few of them are targeted at regular consumers.

There are many top augmented reality headsets available, such as the Microsoft Hololens 2. However, the focus seems to be on augmented realities for business or enterprise settings, such as the Microsoft HoloLens 2 industrial Edition which is an untethered mixed-reality device that has been tested in controlled industrial environments, and the Google Glass Enterprise Edition 2.

We predict that this will change in the near future and you’ll soon be able get an augmented reality headset for casual use at home, just like the top VR headsets on our list.

We are confident about the future of AR headsets because major tech companies are investing a lot in new AR products. Apple is an obvious example. It’s no secret that Apple is currently working on an augmented reality/virtual reality product, referred to as Apple Glass or Apple VR.

Best VR headset FAQ

Which VR headset is your favorite?

It all depends on your priorities. The Oculus Quest 2, which is the most current option, will give you maximum freedom and VR without any hassles.

However, wired headphones offer the best graphics and refresh rate, so if you have the computer to run them and the money to buy them, they would be the number one choice.

You should also consider the games that you are interested in. Some VR games can only be accessed on certain -powered devices. However, VR software libraries have a lot of overlap and wire-free headsets can be connected to a computer over a cable to increase the number of titles they have.

How to choose the right VR headset

The price, platform and personal preferences will all play a role in choosing the right VR headset. There are no headsets available for console gamers other than PlayStation VR. If you require a standalone headset, the Oculus Quest 2 or Quest 3 will do.

The four most popular VR headsets currently on the market, which include the Valve Index and HTC Vive, Oculus Qest 2, PlayStation VR, and Oculus Quest 2, are, unsurprisingly, the most expensive.

It’s important to remember that it may not always be this way. The Oculus Qest 2 saw a decrease in its price relative to its predecessor. This suggests that the Oculus Quest 2 will see a gradual decline in its price as VR audiences grow.

Each VR headset has its strengths and weaknesses. If you don’t know these, you could make a costly mistake. This guide is for you.

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