10 Best VR Headsets in the UK 2024 (Oculus, HTC and 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.

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.