Haven’t you heard? Enjoying your entertainment in 2D is completely out. We’re all leveling up now, and strapping on a VR headset is your ticket to a fully immersive experience. Now, you can watch movies, play games, and do sweat-inducing workouts in 3D, all without ever having to leave your house. It’s a whole new frontier, and choosing the right VR headset is a mixture of personal preferences and the type of activities you want to engage in.
Best VR Headsets of 2022
Play games, travel the world, or work out with these popular virtual reality headsets
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5 Things to Consider Before Buying a VR Headset:
- Type: VR headsets can either be used as standalone devices or tethered to a computer (PC VR), game console, or smartphone.
- Price: The most basic VR headset costs about $50. However, expect to pay $300 and up for most headsets.
- Resolution per eye: The resolution per eye describes the number of pixels in width and height. VR headsets with higher resolutions have clearer, more detailed images to immerse users in virtual worlds.
- Field of view: The field of view or vision is everything you’re able to see through VR lenses. It is measured in degrees and is an important factor in having an immersive experience. We find that 95 to 105 degrees is ideal for most users.
- Tracking systems: Tracking systems measure how much you’re able to move by using a degree of freedom scale. Most VR kits are either 3DoF or 6DoF. 3DoF, or rotational tracking, is common in mobile VR headsets and limits movement to head rotations only. 6DoF, or positional tracking, is used in VR headsets for computers, game consoles, and standalone VRs. 6DoF headsets allow users to move their whole bodies and even walk around while playing.
We compiled a list of top-rated VR headsets and compared prices, features, and user reviews to determine the best. Our overall pick was the Oculus Quest 2, but we’ve selected several other VR headsets that you might like as well.
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Pros
- Game library included
- Comfortable, padded interior
- Doesn’t need a game console or computer to work
Cons
- Initial setup can be difficult
Product Snapshot
The Oculus Quest 2 is attractively priced, comfortable to wear, and features a better processor than the original Quest VR headset. It is a standalone device and doesn’t have to be plugged into a computer or game console to use. Once you get past the initial setup, you just need a Wi-Fi connection, the Oculus app, and a Facebook account to start playing.
The Oculus Quest 2 is great to use online with friends. Because the brand is owned by Facebook, you can use the platform to virtually meet friends who also own a set. You also can project games onto the TV or through the Oculus app for your friends to watch you live while you play.
The headset has built-in speakers to create a cinematic sound experience. It also comes with two touch controllers. This model has 256 GB storage, can hold up to 50 games, and can be used for three hours once it’s fully charged.
Specs
- Size
- 16.5 x
7.7 x
5.1 inches - Weight
- 1.83 pounds
- VR Type
- Standalone VR headset
Pros
- Comfortable headset
- Fantastic graphic resolution
- Immersive 120-degree field of view
Cons
- Expensive
Product Snapshot
Captivating and entrancing are terms that aptly describe the HTC VIVE Pro 2 experience. On the outside, this VR headset looks exactly like its predecessor and differs only in color, but the resolution on this device is nothing short of amazing. It comes with a 5K screen, featuring 2880 x 1600 pixels per eye. Plus, it has a 120-degree field of view. A high-resolution headset like the VIVE Pro makes fine details stand out and provides fans with an immersive VR experience like no other.
This VR headset comes with SteamVR tracking base stations and controllers that track body movements precisely. This model has outside-in tracking and doesn’t need external sensors to work.
Specs
- Size
- 22.32 x
15.04 x
9.13 inches - Weight
- 13 pounds
- VR Type
- PC VR headset
Where to Buy
Pros
- Lightweight
- Very comfortable
- Razor-sharp visuals
- Customizable headset
Cons
- Controllers do not have sensors
Product Snapshot
At 2160 x 2160 resolution per eye, there are few VR headsets that can unseat the HP Reverb G2 when it comes to delivering dazzlingly clear visuals. Known for its high-resolution graphics and audio, this headset is a top choice for VR players everywhere.
The HP Reverb headset has tons of features designed to enhance the virtual reality experience. It comes with four tracking cameras, built-in microphones, and dual 2.8-inch LCD screens. This VR headset is lightweight. It also comes with an adjustable face mask and is not front-heavy, which makes for a more comfortable user experience.
The speakers are not directly on the ear, which users like, especially for gaming. However, the controllers feel cheap and lack sensors on their buttons. The Reverb is compatible with Windows Mixed Reality and SteamVR.
Specs
- Size
- 7.32 x
3.31 x
2.95 inches - Weight
- 1.1 pounds
- VR Type
- PC VR headset
Pros
- Affordable
- Comfortable headset
Cons
- Natural light affects tracking
Product Snapshot
Launched in 2016, the PSVR is the longest-running virtual reality headset on the market. It is wildly popular and compatible with both PlayStation 4 and 5. It comes with hardware including a headset, camera, and two controllers. It features an Iron Man VR game and a VR demo disk featuring two demo game collections.
It may not be the most up-to-date headset, but it does pack in features such as a 100-degree field of view, built-in 3D speakers, and 1920 x 1080 resolution per eye, which is enough to impress even experienced VR users.
Some users complain that it doesn’t provide the most immersive experience due to an ever-present visible border. Also, light affects tracking on this device, so it is best to close the curtains and turn off lights while playing.
Specs
- Size
- 16 x
10 x
9 inches - Weight
- 7.81 pounds
- VR Type
- Game-console VR headset
Where to Buy
Pros
- Cheap
- Easy-to-follow instructions
Cons
- Low resolution
- Doesn’t come with a head strap
Product Snapshot
The Nintendo Labo is Nintendo’s basic twist on virtual reality. It provides an immersive VR experience for your whole family at a fraction of the cost. It works in conjunction with Nintendo Switch and requires users to piece cardboard together to build their own VR headset and controllers. Although it may take hours to put this kit together, many users say that building their own VR was a great experience. At its low cost, this headset has one of the lowest pixel resolutions for any VR headset. It also doesn’t come with a head strap, which could be a hindrance.
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Specs
- Size
- 2.83 x
17.72 x
13.7 inches - Weight
- 2.82 pounds
- VR Type
- Game-console VR headset
Compare
Best Overall VR Headset
Best VR Headset for PCs
Best Value VR Headset
Best VR Headset for Gaming
Best Budget VR Headset
Pros
Pros
Pros
Pros
Pros
Pros
- Game library included
- Comfortable, padded interior
- Doesn’t need a game console or computer to work
- Comfortable headset
- Fantastic graphic resolution
- Immersive 120-degree field of view
- Lightweight
- Very comfortable
- Razor-sharp visuals
- Customizable headset
- Affordable
- Comfortable headset
- Cheap
- Easy-to-follow instructions
Cons
Cons
Cons
Cons
Cons
Cons
- Initial setup can be difficult
- Expensive
- Controllers do not have sensors
- Natural light affects tracking
- Low resolution
- Doesn’t come with a head strap
Size
Size
Size
Size
Size
Size
16.5 x
7.7 x
5.1 inches
7.7 x
5.1 inches
22.32 x
15.04 x
9.13 inches
15.04 x
9.13 inches
7.32 x
3.31 x
2.95 inches
3.31 x
2.95 inches
16 x
10 x
9 inches
10 x
9 inches
2.83 x
17.72 x
13.7 inches
17.72 x
13.7 inches
Weight
Weight
Weight
Weight
Weight
Weight
1.83 pounds
13 pounds
1.1 pounds
7.81 pounds
2.82 pounds
VR Type
VR Type
VR Type
VR Type
VR Type
VR Type
Standalone VR headset
PC VR headset
PC VR headset
Game-console VR headset
Game-console VR headset
FAQs
Is VR good for working out?
With a VR headset, you can get a heart-pumping cardio workout, depending on the game, how long you are playing for, and the intensity.
How do I get games on my VR headset?
All VR systems have an app store where you can download games and apps. Some are free.
How do I reduce motion sickness when I use my VR headset?
Putting on a VR headset may cause motion sickness when you first get started. To reduce motion sickness, take frequent breaks and only play in short intervals.