The Best Virtual Reality Sets
Video gaming technology has come a long way from the days of simple NES consoles and controllers, and nothing exemplifies this more than virtual reality headsets. A good VR headset utilizes multiple screens and speakers in a way that allows you to enter the world of your game or movie of choice, to a degree that traditional flat-screen entertainment can't hope to match. And since VR is becoming more affordable and mainstream by the day, there's never been a better time to jump on board and experience a whole new world of media.
What to Look For
We looked for three major things when selecting the headsets for this list: quality of the VR experience, affordability, and ease of setup and use. The Oculus Go is the best choice for VR enthusiasts on a budget, while HTC’s Vive Cosmos is great for those who want the most advanced and engrossing virtual reality experience available. No matter what your interest in VR is, there’s a headset for you on this list, so read on and plug in.
Oculus Rift S PC-Powered VR Gaming Headset
Ready player one
The Oculus Rift S is the most advanced model from the most advanced company in the business, so it’s no surprise that we picked it as one of our favorites. Thanks to its high resolution and ergonomic design, which includes a snug headband and lightweight motion controllers, it offers one of the most comfortable experiences out there, allowing users to play for hours on end without trouble. It’s a tethered model, which means you’ll need to be near your PC to play, but it doesn’t require any external sensors, making it extremely easy to set up and use. Plus, the Oculus Store is home to dozens of great VR games.
Pros:
- As one of the original VR headsets, many games and apps are already optimized for it.
- It’s incredibly simple to set up.
- Unlike many other headsets, no additional hardware is necessary to start enjoying Oculus Rift.
Cons:
- SteamVR games require software customization, so be prepared to do a little tinkering.
HTC Vive Cosmos – PC
For the pros
If cutting-edge technology is high on your VR priority list, the HTC Vive Cosmos is worth considering. It boasts a combined 2880 x 1700 resolution, representing one the highest of any tethered headsets. It also has built-in monitoring and motion-sensing, eliminating the need for additional hardware. Both of those things help enhance the user experience when playing games and apps on Viveport and SteamVR, both of which can be easily accessed through an intuitive interface. The only issue is its price, which is fairly high even for a tethered headset.
Pros:
- The ergonomic motion controllers ensure a comfy experience.
- It’s constantly expanding its roster of apps and games, allowing for more ways to experience your favorite media in amazingly high quality.
Cons:
- This is a pricey model, so it may not be a good entry point for VR newbies.
Oculus Go Standalone Virtual Reality Headset
Portable and affordable
The Oculus Go is one of the most popular options for users just beginning to explore the world VR, and for good reason. It represents a step up from mobile-powered options like the Google Daydream, since it works without a phone or even a console. It also offers a visual experience similar to more high-end tethered options like the Oculus Rift. Of course, it’s not for hardcore gaming, since it only comes with one controller and its app library is limited, but if you’re only looking to watch movies or play the occasional game, it’s perfect.
Pros:
- This is very affordably priced compared to other models.
- It stays cool and doesn’t overheat easily, which is a rarity for portable hardware of any kind.
Cons:
- The graphics aren’t hugely impressive compared with those of other VR headsets.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the differences between VR sets?
There are actually three major categories for VR sets today: mobile, tethered, and standalone. Tethered headsets tend to offer the most robust VR gaming experience, since they’re powered by a console or PC, but they also require more work to set up and use. Standalone headsets require little to no external hardware and have direct, wireless access to app libraries, making them extremely easy to use but also limited in what they can do. Mobile-powered sets work with your smartphone’s display, allowing you to expand your viewing screen when playing mobile games.
Why are there no mobile-powered sets on this list?
Since mobile-powered sets are essentially an extension of your smartphone’s display, they provide a substantially different VR experience. For that reason, we decided to stick to tethered and standalone models in this ranking.
About the Author
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With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.