If the weight of the world has been getting you down, escaping into the fantasy lands of VR may suddenly seem very appealing. Starting with Oculus' Kickstarter campaign in 2012, consumer VR has advanced immensely in recent years, and virtual reality entertainment is now more accessible than ever with a range of headsets available for game consoles, smartphone and PC.
In this article, we compare the best of the market leaders from the Rift S to the HTC Vive and Pimax 5K Plus, including models compatible with PlayStation, iPhone iOS and Samsung, as well as budget options, too. Whether for gaming, watching movies, or VR chat, stay tuned for the best VR headsets to buy online from Amazon, Argos and eBay!
Quick List - Top VR Headsets
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VR headsets have been gaining popularity in both the gaming world and for more general multimedia entertainment. In this buying guide, we'll go over the main features and functions of virtual reality headsets to help you find the right one to keep you entertained.
The term 'VR headset' encompasses a wider range of tech than you may expect, which can be pretty confusing to new users. If you've been itching to find out what all the fuss is about and how to choose a suitable model for your preferred device, read on to find out more!
Smartphone-compatible VR headsets can be relatively wide-ranging in terms of sophistication. The majority are positioned at the lower-end of the tech spectrum, simply using a pair of magnifying lenses to amplify your smartphone screen. However, more advanced models can be linked via Bluetooth for use with a controller.
These headsets are a good option if you’re looking to experiment with VR, but don’t want to spend a fortune. They are often the cheapest on the market and, aside from your smartphone, won’t require any additional gear to run.
Just make sure the headset you pick is compatible with your specific smartphone model and operating system.
If you're specifically wanting to try out VR for gaming, console headsets offer a more high-end user experience. These headsets are optimised specifically for VR-compatible games, so expect a much higher screen resolution and responsive tracking technology.
As these headsets are technically sold as a peripheral, they can only be used with their particular games console – something that's definitely a pro if you already own one, or are intending to buy one, as there won't be any hardware compatibility issues.
Unfortunately, these headsets are rarely wireless and can involve some quite elaborate tethering set-ups to run, which can both take up a lot of space and hinder your gameplay.
PC-compatible VR headsets are a fantastic choice for fully immersive virtual reality gaming. These are among some of the most innovative headsets on the market, offering the best specs in regards to tracking and screen resolution.
They are less restrictive when compared to console headsets, as they can be used with a greater number of applications. However, in most cases, you are likely to encounter many of the same tethering issues unless you purchase a wireless adapter.
Further, your PC will need to be powerful enough to actually support your desired headset. So, make sure to check it meets the specifications recommended by the manufacturer.
Standalone and all-in-one VR headsets don't require a smartphone, PC or console to use. These are the easiest to configure as they aren't reliant on any external tech, just put it on and off you go!
Although messy tethering cables won't be an issue, it does mean you are limited to whatever software comes bundled with the headset.
To avoid becoming overwhelmed by technical specifications, it's a good idea to know exactly what you should be looking for. Here are the top specs you should check for to get the most out of your VR experience.
Field of view, or FOV, is the degree to which we are able to observe our surrounding environment at any given time. To better understand how this concept relates to VR, let’s briefly go over the two types of FOV that form human vision.
Monocular FOV is the field of view of one of our eyes. The angle of our horizontal FOV is generally somewhere between 170° and 175°. Binocular FOV is the combination of both our monocular fields, which results in a viewable area around 200° to 220°.
Therefore, regarding VR headsets, the wider the angle of FOV, the more immersive the experience will be. This results in fewer blind spots which, in theory, should also allow for more accurate depth perception in virtual 3D environments.
When watching a movie or playing a video game, the moving image we see is comprised of a series of still frames shown in rapid progression. Refresh rate refers to the speed at which these images are shown.
Moving images shown at a minimum of 60 frames per second look smoother and are less likely to cause motion sickness. So, if your headset has an in-built screen, ensure it has a refresh rate of 60 Hz or higher for a more comfortable experience when playing.
Positional tracking is essential to detect and track your movement in relation to the visuals on screen. Tracking can be used to shift your viewpoint or register movements such as ducking, jumping, or the position of your hands and other objects in the 3D space.
Inside-out tracking uses cameras and sensors mounted on the headset to respond to the environment in real-time, which offers increased freedom and mobility. This is touted as the way forward for VR tech, and though for now its tracking is limited to the area in front of your gaze, the latest models are seen as the best out there.
Inversely, outside-in tracking requires peripheral cameras that detect sensors on the headset to determine your movement and location. They're known for having better accuracy and latency (so less nausea), but if you accidentally move beyond the camera's view, your immersive experience could instantly be broken.
Additionally, be aware that for outside-in headsets, you will need the requisite camera or base unit, such as the Oculus Lighthouse or PlayStation Camera.
Nothing will ruin your enjoyment faster than poor resolution images that are so dim and blurry, you can barely make them out! When choosing a VR headset with an inbuilt screen for gaming or viewing movies, check the screen resolution is up to scratch.
Screen resolution is measured in the number of pixels present by width and height. Generally, the more pixels, the better the graphic display will be and therefore, the higher the screen resolution. To guarantee high-quality graphics, look for a screen resolution of 960 x 1080 or above.
Peripherals are the extra pieces of hardware that can be used with your VR headset. Many VR headsets either come with, or can be paired with external controllers and headphones.
Before you buy, find out which peripherals your headset comes with and whether you will need to purchase anything extra.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | HTC VIVE Cosmos | ![]() | An Optimised VR Headset for PC Gaming | |
2 | Oculus Quest | ![]() | The Best Headset for Wireless Gaming | |
3 | Oculus Oculus Rift S | ![]() | An Improved Display to Prevent Screen Door Effect | |
4 | HTC Vive Pro | ![]() | Transform Your Living Room Into a Virtual Realm | |
5 | Bnext Universal Virtual Reality Goggles | ![]() | The Best Smartphone Headset for VR | |
6 | Pimax 5K Plus Virtual Reality Headset | ![]() | Immerse Yourself in VR With Ultra Wide 200° FOV | |
7 | Oculus Oculus Go | ![]() | Enjoy VR Entertainment on the Go | |
8 | OIVO VR Headset for Nintendo Switch | ![]() | Play All Your Favourite Switch Games in Virtual Reality | |
9 | HAMSWAN VR Headset | ![]() | A Fun Introduction to VR | |
10 | PlayStation PlayStation VR | ![]() | Play Virtual Reality Games on Your PS4 |
To clumsily paraphrase Isaac Newton, HTC have stood on the shoulders of giants, learning from their predecessors in an effort to optimise the VR gaming experience. Combining a powerful PC compatible build with inside-out tracking, unlike the Vive Pro, the Cosmos doesn't require base stations, instead mapping via six camera sensors.
The face plate is mounted via a hinge on the visor, a unique feature that allows you to flip up the display, rather than remove the headset entirely, when you need to take a break.
The Oculus Quest is a 'must try' for those interested in tetherless VR gaming. It comes equipped with with four wide-angle, inside-out tracking cameras allowing you to move freely sans console or PC.
For those wondering, it utilises the 2017 Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 chipset to prolong battery life and keep down the overall weight. And although it may not be quite as powerful as other gaming headsets, it does offer reassuringly high specs that rival even the Rift S in terms of screen resolution and FOV.
The Rift S is the updated version of Oculus' flagship VR headset. Expect improved optics boasting a sharper display, and next-generation lenses designed to reduce 'screen door' effect. This headset also features a comfortable halo-style head band, ideal for longer gaming sessions.
Best of all, the move to Inside-out tracking using passthrough cameras mounted on the headset itself lowers the likelihood of you bashing your shin on the coffee table or walking face first into the door frame.
From it's first iteration in 2016, the HTC Vive headset has stood out against the competition for its advanced hardware capabilities. The Vive Pro uses Chaperone Technology to re-create a virtual outline of your environment, mapping out a 15 x 15 foot virtual world you can traverse in your own home.
Despite looking bulky, it's surprisingly lightweight with cushioning on the back of the straps and headphones, as well as the face plate. Rumour has it, the Pro will soon be discontinued. So if you want to try it out, get in there quick!
Bnext's Universal virtual reality goggles offer an exciting new way to experience augmented reality games. Unlike many other smartphone-compatible headsets, the sliding drawer design ensures your device won't slip out even with more vigorous movement.
With this headset, as well as the myriad of smartphone-compatible apps, users can pick from Bnext's range of downloadable VR entertainment available for both iOS and Android.
The dark horse of the VR world, Pimax's 5K Plus certainly holds its own against other market leaders. This headset pushes the boundaries of VR with an ultra-wide 200° FOV and 120 Hz refresh rate, some of the highest specs to date.
The 5K Plus can be tracked using the HTC Base Station (formerly Lighthouse) and is compatible with both Steam VR and games from the Occulus store. Unfortunately, its lack of bundled peripherals, such as headphones or controllers, is somewhat disappointing for the high price.
The Oculus Go is an affordable, high-resolution standalone headset. Possibly the most accessible consumer-focused VR headset currently available, there is no device tethering required so you won't need a high-spec PC, console or smartphone to get started.
Serious gamers might want to give the Go a miss, as it's primarily designed for more stationary entertainment. However, if you've ever wanted to watch VR movies while relaxing in bed, or even soaking in the bath, this wireless headset will give you the freedom to use it wherever you wish.
Although there is no official VR console headset for the Nintendo Switch, you can enhance your game time with this option from OIVO. It's a great choice for kids, and while you may miss out on the fun of constructing it yourself, there's no denying that this headset provides a much sturdier alternative to the Nintendo Labo VR Kit.
To access the full range of VR features, make sure to turn on the Toy-Con VR goggles settings through the Switch's systems menu!
If you want to try out a VR headset without committing to a pricier PC or console option, smartphone VR may be the perfect place to start. The HAMSWAN VR headset is an affordable entryway, designed to fit a range of handsets. Simply open the compartment in the front to attach your phone and you're ready to enjoy a range of entertainment.
Despite the generously padded face plate, heavier phones may pull or drag the visor down. To avoid this, we recommend sitting in a reclined position with your head supported during sessions.
When it comes to console VR, Sony's PSVR has been a literal game changer. One of the most accessible VR gaming headsets. it comes with everything you need to play virtual reality games on your PS4.
While it's compatible with all PS4 models, PS4 Pro users will be able to enjoy enhanced visuals with a refresh rate of up to 120 Hz. Just be aware, it has one of the most elaborate tethering set-ups, so make sure to read the instructions carefully!
One of the downsides of VR is the possibility of motion sickness, especially during and after long sessions!
VR sickness is thought to occur due to conflicting signals between our senses and our brains. Even though you may be hacking and slashing your way through a fantasy dungeon, your body can sense that you aren't actually moving. These conflicting sensory signals get muddled up and can result in us feeling unwell.
Before you begin your VR adventure, check out this video from Virtual Reality Oasis for tips on how to prevent motion sickness.
Whether you're a PC gamer or a die-hard Playstation fan, you'll know much the right hardware can impact your experience. Follow the links below for more useful tips and product countdowns to make the most out of your virtual world!
With VR, the possibilities are endless. Right now, with so many options to choose from, there's never been a better time to give it a go. We hope this article has helped you decode the tech jargon in order to find the right VR headset for your adventures.
Author: Wren Mann
No. 1: HTC |VIVE Cosmos
No. 2: Oculus |Quest
No. 3: Oculus |Oculus Rift S
No. 4: HTC |Vive Pro
No. 5: Bnext|Universal Virtual Reality Goggles
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