The best VR headsets can make you forget, even if just for a moment, you're wearing a big chunk of plastic and foam on your face. It will make you feel like you're a part of a game's world, if only until you walk into your sofa. We've tested dozens of models, from the most popular to the most obscure, and the best VR headset is the Meta Quest 3. It's not just that it's relatively affordable, it's one of few truly new-feeling VR headsets right now. It's older sibling, however, is the best budget VR headset, the Meta Quest 2.
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If money is no object and you're just looking for the most high-end, best resolution VR headset out there, the Valve Index is the closest thing to having a holodeck in your office. While we'd love to see an upgraded model out of Valve, the Index still holds up really well. If you can get it at a good discount, even better.
Once you've secured one of the best VR headsets, the next step is figuring out what games are worth playing on it. Half-Life: Alyx shows what VR is capable of, but it'll push your PC to the limits. There are plenty of other sci-fi titles to enjoy that aren't as intense, such as No Man's Sky. I recommend checking out the best VR games on PC if you want to build out your library in anticipation.
Curated by
Curated by
Jacob Ridley
Senior Hardware EditorJacob's been on a quest to find the perfect VR headset for an age, and despite both Meta and Valve releasing excellent goggles for PC gaming, there's still maybe some way to go before we find VR nirvana. But he's had his bonce strapped into as many headsets as anyone around and is best placed to explain the pros and cons of each set we're recommending here today.
The quick list
The best VR headset
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The best overall VR headset
Our expert review:
Display:
LCD Pancake
Resolution (per-eye):
x
Refresh rate:
Up to 120Hz
Field of view:
110 degrees
Controllers:
Oculus Touch Plus
Connections:
USB Type-C, 3.5mm, Wi-Fi 6E
View at AmazonView at WalmartView at Best Buy+
Easy setup
+
Compact, comfy design
+
Great display
+
An actual affordable VR headset
-
Unproven Mixed Reality content
-
Expensive accessories
-
Modest performance upgrades
Buy if...
&#; You just want to jump into great VR gaming: For sheer ease of access and all-round quality, there's nothing to touch the Quest 3 for the money.
Don't buy if...
&#; You don't have a Wi-Fi 6E router: If you want to enjoy VR gaming on your PC wirelessly, then your Wi-Fi needs to be top-notch. Otherwise, it will be a total lag fest.
The best overall VR headset is the Meta Quest 3, the follow-up to the hugely successful Quest 2, which still remains out best budget pick. However, this new model takes the top spot thanks to its new lenses, a more compact design, higher resolution panels, and more processing power.
Meta's latest headset uses slimmer pancake lenses, instead of the chunkier Fresnel ones, which help slim down the whole unit. It doesn't stick out from your face as much, so it's comfier to wear, though the included fabric strap is still poor and we recommend that you replace it for something better.
For tapping into your Steam library, you'll probably want to hook the Quest 3 up to your gaming PC via a high-quality USB Type-C cable but you can use it tether-free. That option works best over a good Wi-Fi connection, preferably Wi-Fi 6E or better, using Meta's Air Link. The built-in processor, Qualcomm's Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2, is decent enough for many of the VR games in the headset's own store but it's nowhere near as good as a dedicated graphics card.
Each eye is treated to a x resolution LCD panel and along with the better passthrough cameras, virtual images and mixed reality are both clearer and higher quality than in the Quest 2. A double tap on the side of the headset quickly provides a detailed view of your surroundings.
The Quest 3 also comes with a set of improved Touch Plus controllers, which no longer have the prominent ring around the hand like the older Quest 2 ones did. Controller tracking is as good as you'd expect it to be, despite the simpler design.
One of the greatest strengths of Meta's VR headset is how simple it is to set up, as there's no need to fiddle with base stations, and it only takes a couple of steps on the headset and app to get it up and running. You won't be using it all day long, though, as the Quest 3 only runs for around two hours, in wireless gaming and streaming video content. It takes roughly the same amount of time to fully recharge, but you can use the headset while it's charging via a USB cable.
Despite the controversies and eventual death of Mark Zuckerberg's metaverse, we really like the Quest 3 for PC VR gaming. It is a lot more expensive than its predecessor (even the cheapest 128 GB version will set you back $500/£480/AU$700) but it's ultimately the best overall VR headset money can buy.
Read our full Meta Quest 3 review.
The best budget VR headset
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Buy if...
&#; This is your first step into the world of VR: As immersive as it is, VR gaming is a niche hobby so you may want to keep the cost down for your first taste. The Quest 2 is superb value for money.
Don't buy if...
&#; You don't want a bulky headset: The Quest 2's lenses make the headset quite large and the standard strap does a poor job of distributing that mass over your head.
If you're after the best budget VR headset, then look no further than the Meta Quest 2. While it has been surpassed by the newer Quest 3 in terms of comfort and quality of life, you really can't beat this for the money. Not only is it a great way to try out VR for the first time, the Quest 2 offers a super virtual reality experience full stop.
Part of this is down to the x resolution LCD panels, which are exceptionally good for a budget headset, though you do need to spend time adjusting the Quest 2 so that your eyes line up with the dead center of the Fresnel lenses. These are a little on the chunky side, so the headset isn't as svelte as the Quest 3.
You can either play games purpose-built for the standalone headset, rendered by the onboard Snapdragon XR2 chip, or beamed from your PC using the official Oculus Link, a compatible USB Type-C cable, or a good Wi-Fi connection. The Oculus Link cable is very expensive but at least you know you'll get the best performance in your VR games.
There are two storage options to choose from, 128GB and 256GB, with the former priced at $250/£250/AU$440. The 256GB model is $50/£50/AU$60 more but if you're just using the headset to play games from your Steam library, then there's no need for the additional storage.
Just as with the Quest 3, the Meta Quest 2 is very quick to get up and running. All of the tracking is built-in and preconfigured, so it only takes a few steps and a couple of minutes to set it all up. That said, it is a little fiddly having to take the headset on and off, while you're using the app for the first time. Once done though, the Quest 2 is good for roughly two hours of gaming before its battery runs out, though you can still use it while it charges via a USB cable.
The standalone experience is somewhat hampered by the low-power silicon but there's nothing you can do about that, other than spend double the amount of money to get the Quest 3. But as an all-round, budget VR headset, the Quest 2 is simply the best.
Read our full Meta Quest 2 review.
The most immersive VR headset
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The most immersive VR headset
Our expert review:
Display:
RGB LCDs
Resolution (per-eye):
x
Refresh Rate:
120Hz, experimental 144Hz mode
Field of View:
~130 degrees
Controllers:
Index Controllers
Connections:
DisplayPort, USB 3.0, USB 2.0
View at GameStopView at AmazonView at Amazon+
Best in class hardware
+
Comfortable to wear
+
Virtually no SDE
-
Setup is awkward
Buy if...
&#; You want the best VR experience: Valve's Index system is peerless when it comes to visual and audio quality, and the finger tracking is superb.
Don't buy if...
&#; You don't have room for the base stations: The Index isn't wireless and uses fixed stations for tracking, which makes it a real hassle if you need to move your VR gaming set up into a different room.
The Valve Index is the granddaddy of virtual reality PC gaming and is still the most immersive VR headset. It boasts some of the best visuals of any mainstream system and its unparalleled comfort, audio, and controllers all combine to make the Index stand out in the market.
A lot of this is down to the RGB LCD screens Valve is using. The subpixel layout makes for a stunningly crisp picture, and while it's gradually being pushed down the ladder for resolution by newer headsets, it's deceivingly better in use than it looks on paper. Then there's the Index's 130° field of view, which is not only the best-in-class, but it also has almost no screen door effect inside the headset.
Those panels can run up to 144 Hz in an experimental mode, but you will need a seriously powerful gaming PC to use it in the latest games. Most users will be more than happy with the standard 120 Hz, though.
Although it's a little on the heavy side, the Valve Index feels great to wear, thanks to the head strap distributing that weight around your head. It's built from high-quality materials and feels very comfortable, even during extended play sessions.
A hallmark feature of the Index is its controllers, which double as both typical motion controllers and hand/finger trackers. The Index controllers strap to your hands&#;meaning you can release your grip entirely without worrying about dropping them. Proper finger tracking is one of the distinguishing features and where previous touch controllers could only articulate grip, the Index controllers let you give a thumbs-up, point with finger guns, or even offer a Vulcan salute.
But perhaps most importantly, it's the audio that stands out. Built-in near-field speakers hover just next to your ears, powered by speaker drivers instead of the ones usually found in headphones. What this means is the Index offers outstanding three-dimensional surround sound, along with a level of aural isolation that doesn't completely shut you off from external noises.
The Valve Index is a room-scale VR experience, which means it requires two base station sensors positioned around your play area. If you've already grown accustomed to the streamlined experience offered by the likes of the Quest 2, setting up sensors for the Index is a little frustrating, though it does deliver a more responsive experience.
All those premium features come at a price, though. At nearly a thousand dollars for the complete Index package, it costs as much as three Quest 2s. But if you want the best visual, aural, and haptic experience, for the ultimate level of immersion, then Valve's VR headset is second to none
Read our full Valve Index review.
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The best alternate VR headset
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The best alternate VR headset
Our expert review:
The company is the world’s best VR Arcade Machine supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.
Display:
LCD Pancake
Resolution (per-eye):
x
Refresh Rate:
Up to 90Hz
Field of View:
105 degrees
Controllers:
2x controllers included
Connections:
USB Type-C, Wi-Fi 6
View at WalmartView at West MarineView at Amazon+
Crisp visuals
+
Aces price to performance
+
Accurate tracking
+
Easy IPD and headset adjustment
+
Great colour passthrough
-
Difficult to buy in the US
-
A little front weighted
-
Struggles a bit streaming wirelessly
Buy if...
&#; You want great features without the high price: The Quest 2 might be cheaper but this headset is better all round, and it costs less than the Quest 3.
Don't buy if...
&#; You live in the US: It's not a question of don't buy it but rather if you can buy it, as you'll struggle to find the Pico 4 at any main US retailer.
If the Meta Quest 2 is too basic and the Quest 3 and Valve Index are too expensive, then the best alternate VR headset is the ByteDance Pico 4.
Like the Quest 3, it uses pancake lenses, which means it has a small form factor, for greater comfort. Coupled with the x LCD panels, you get high-fidelity images, though the field of view and refresh rate aren't quite as good as Meta's latest headset.
The Pico 4 comes with a full-colour passthrough, offers plenty of adjustability, and it's pretty comfy for users who wear glasses. Although it doesn't use base stations, it offers smooth tracking, especially for the controllers, and the overall setup process is very straightforward.
This all matters because, if you're lucky, you can find the Pico 4 going for less than the Quest 3, and in those instances where Meta's latest is just a little bit too expensive for your budget, the Pico 4 makes for a great stand-in. The Quest 2 still has it beat on price most of the time, however, though it's not quite as impressive as the Pico in terms of hardware.
Its biggest drawback is availability in the US. It's more widely sold elsewhere around the world and ByteDance, owners of TikTok, doesn't have much interest in pursuing the US market like it has elsewhere. There's no sign that this is going to change any time soon, either.
Still, as alternatives go, this is the best we've tested to date. Those availability concerns are a bit of a downer, but otherwise it's got specs that impress.
Read our full Pico 4 review.
Also tested
Pimax Crystal
The Pimax Crystal is the VR headset that a lot of people have been waiting for. The good news is you can buy one right now. The bad news is it's still a work in progress&#;some key features are only just operational or not working at all. Best to give this one a little more time in the oven before investing.
Read our full Pimax Crystal review.
Sony PS VR2
Of course, we can't recommend Sony's PS VR2 for PC gamers in good conscience when we know all their games are on Steam and unreachable with this headset. But Sony is looking to bring its excellent VR headset to the PC in the near future.
Read our full Sony PS VR2 review.
HTC Vive Pro 2
The HTC Vive Pro 2 stormed onto the market with stunning visuals that were unrivalled. Issue is, that was a long time ago, and this pricey headset just doesn't have what it takes to appeal in . Though, as ever, if you find one cheap enough it could still be a solid buy.
Read our full HTC Vive Pro 2 review.
HP Reverb G2
While HP isn't much of a name in VR right now, you can still buy one of its better headsets for relatively little cash these days. It's still not a headset we'd recommend to most, as it's been surpassed by a few others now, but a great deal on this device wouldn't be an instant no.
Read our full HP Reverb G2 review.
VR headset Q&A
To keep track of your movements, your VR headset needs to use some method of sensing both the headset itself as well as the controllers in your hands. The first VR headsets used base stations that are known as lighthouses, individually placed sensors, or positional trackers, which are plugged into your PC.
This is the most accurate method of tracking but is cumbersome, and unless they're permanently installed in a room, you'll need to set them up each time you want to play, and that includes calibrating them anew every time.
Inside-out tracking means you don't need external sensors as the headset can keep track of both itself and the controllers around it. Originally this method wasn't as effective, wasn't quite as responsive, and broke immersion in-game.
But with the best VR headset, the Meta Quest 3, the tech is almost on par with the lighthouse in terms of responsiveness now. And is certainly far more convenient.
Yes! Meta's Quest 2 and 3 are wireless headsets. Previously, you had to plug it into your gaming PC via a USB Type-C cable to enjoy the best VR headset experience with your rig.
But there are now easily accessible ways to do that wirelessly. However, you do need to have a Wi-Fi 6E router to deliver the level of throughput you require to not spend the entire time vomiting your guts up due to incessant lag.
The old HTC Vive did have a wireless module you could add to the system, which was almost effective. However, in our experience, the connection dropouts were not something we would put up with in the long term.
Valve's Index system could be due to get its own wireless module as some patents have emerged, indicating a wireless head strap has at least been considered for the company's stellar goggles.
Jargon buster
Field of view (FOV)
The field of view refers to the amount of an environment that's visible to an observer; in VR, it's the extent of the game world that's visible in the displays. A broader FOV in a headset is integral to a feeling of immersion.
Head-mounted display (HMD)
Broadly any wearable mounted on the head with graphical capabilities but often used to refer to VR headsets specifically.
Inside-out tracking
Systems used to track a user's movements in VR that originate in the headset, as opposed to outside-in tracking, where external sensors are used to track movement. Tracking, and the method used, is crucial to enable either three degrees of freedom (being able to look around in any direction in VR) or six degrees of freedom (being able to look around and move your body in any direction in VR).
Latency
The delay between an input and a response, in VR, the delay between user input through a controller, moving your head, or other methods, and the response on the headset displays. Low latency is vital to reducing nausea in VR, which is most intense when there's a delay or stuttering between moving or looking and the display reacting.
Resolution
Resolution is the measurement in pixels, horizontal and vertical, of an image or display. Higher resolution in VR is essential because the displays are so close to the user's eyes, which emphasizes jagged lines, pixelation, and the screen door effect.
Refresh rate
The number of images a display is capable of displaying per second, measured in hertz. The high refresh rate is essential for VR similarly to latency, as a low refresh rate can cause stuttering (or even the appearance of freezing), which can cause nausea.
Screen door effect (SDE)
The fine mesh-like effect of viewing an image rendered in pixels at close range, where the grid between pixels is visible. Higher resolutions (or proprietary solutions like that built into the Odyssey+) mitigate this effect.
The best VR headsets are so much more than devices that transport you to virtual worlds. They give you the best mixed reality experience with ever-improving passthrough technology, which unlocks new methods of getting things done like Spatial computing &#; overlaying your environments with augmented reality holographs.
As this industry is exploding with popularity, we have handpicked a small selection that offer the best bang for your buck. All of them can play most of the best VR games, and some can even serve as home gym replacements, productivity tools for work or even giant immersive screens to watch the best TV shows and movies.
Currently, the Meta Quest 3 tops the list for providing a great mixed reality experience and a dense app catalog &#; all at a reasonable price. Apple Vision Pro comes in a close second for it's superior tech, but is let down by that $3,500 price.
But each of the below VR headsets on this list stands out for a particular reason, typically related to its features. That being said, we do have a clear winner when it comes to the best VR headset you can buy right now.
The quick list
Here's a quick overview of the best VR headsets you can buy right now based on our testing and reviews.
Jason England
Managing Editor, ComputingJason brings a decade of tech and gaming journalism experience to his role as a Managing Editor of Computing at Tom's Guide. He has previously written for Laptop Mag, Tom's Hardware, Kotaku, Stuff and BBC Science Focus. In his spare time, you'll find Jason looking for good dogs to pet or thinking about eating pizza (if he isn't already).
Why you can trust Tom's Guide Our writers and editors spend hours analyzing and reviewing products, services, and apps to help find what's best for you. Find out more about how we test, analyze, and rate.
The best VR headset overall
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The Meta Quest 3 "is undoubtedly the best VR headset I've ever tested" is the first line of our review of Meta's latest VR headset. It improves on the Quest 2 in just about every way, including a brand-new Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 processor and twin LCD lenses that offer 2K resolution in each eye for a combined 4K resolution.
That said, it's still not perfect. The battery life did not impress us &#; we managed to kill the battery in just under two hours. And while the full-color passthrough thanks to the two RGB cameras and depth projector is impressive, for a headset billed as a mixed reality headset, there isn't a lot to try out in mixed reality yet.
Despite these shortcomings though, the Quest 3 is still the top choice. Its improvements over the Quest 2 make choosing the older Quest headset a poor choice unless you're looking for something truly entry-level. And while the PSVR 2 is more powerful and has eye-tracking features, the resolution upgrade on the Quest 3 really bridges the gap. Plus, as with the Quest 2, you can still play PC VR games thanks to the Link cable or Air Bridge (sold separately), something the PSVR 2 cannot manage.
See our full Meta Quest 3 review.
The best premium VR headset
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Best premium VR headset
Our expert review:
Check AmazonVisit Site
+
Amazing eye- and hand-tracking interface
+
Jaw-dropping 3D movies and Apple Immersive Video
+
Impressive Spatial video and photos
+
Works magically with MacBooks
+
Great AR apps and experiences
-
Super expensive
-
Big apps missing like Netflix and YouTube
-
Personas need work
-
Tethered battery can be annoying
Yes, the Apple Vision Pro is more mixed reality than truly VR, but that's the direction this whole category is heading in right now. And if you're looking out for the absolute best implementation of VR and AR technology (and cost is no obstacle), Cupertino's new headset is the best way to go.
Apple has tackled a lot of the common challenges for headsets with some truly great ingenuity in both hardware and software. For example, the microOLED displays with pixels smaller than red blood cells make for super sharp pass-through (with the lowest response time in the industry right now at just 12 milliseconds). On top of that, the futuristic eye and hand-tracking experience is head and shoulders above the tracking you can find in the competition.
And sure, there are some issues with it. Beyond that massive $3,500 asking price, the tethered battery can get in the way sometimes, personas during FaceTime calls are pretty weird to look at, and its missing some big apps like Netflix and YouTube (though the latter is coming soon).
But you're looking at the most innovative product to come out of Apple since the iPhone. This is a revolution in the making, and it's certainly the technically superior VR/AR system of the bunch.
See our full Apple Vision Pro review.
The best gaming VR headset
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Sony's new PSVR 2 is arguably the best wired VR headset, given it has a plethora of high-end specs, including a brilliant OLED display. But it sits behind the Quest 3 because it requires a PS5 to work and is limited to the PlayStation ecosystem. Plus the gap between the Quest 3 and PSVR 2 is much smaller than the gap between the Quest 2 and the PSVR 2 thanks to a new processor and display on the Quest 3.
Still, the PSVR 2 is excellent, especially for gaming. The headset is comfortable with just a relatively slim but sturdy cable that connects it to the PS5, the screen is excellent with impressive passthrough capabilities and 4K resolution. Plus, there's 3D audio support and easy buttons for adjustment.
But the real ace-in-the-hole is the Sense controllers. These are not only rather comfortable and good at tracking, but they also have excellent haptic feedback; an area where other VR headsets are lacking.
And thanks to being in the PlayStation ecosystem there are exclusive games like Horizon Call of the Mountain and the ability to play Gran Turismo 7 in VR. Combined with the VR tech, the PSVR 2 is one of the very best virtual reality systems you can buy today.
See our full PlayStation VR2 review.
The best budget VR headset
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The Meta Quest 2 is a masterclass in incremental improvements over its predecessor, the Oculus Quest. As reviewer Michael Andronico concluded: "The Meta Quest 2&#;s price, game library and overall ease of use make it the best entry point into virtual reality yet."
The Quest 2 sports a slicker design, better display resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate in some games and apps, and faster overall performance than the original Oculus Quest. It also just feels like a well-made headset. There's a large market for Meta Quest 2 accessories too, from Logitech speakers that can be attached to the Quest 2's strap to provide a premium sound experience without taking you fully out of the real world to charging docks and more.
Plus, the Quest 2 does all this without any cables, which is one of the reasons why it still holds our top spot for the best VR headset. But you can still connect it to a PC via the Meta Quest Link cable to play the best PC VR games. One own Mike Prospero did just that with Microsoft Flight Simulator on the Quest 2.
Starting at $299, it's also the most affordable headset out there, making its quality and versatility all the more impressive. That's why remains our pick for the best way to get started with the world of virtual reality if you don't want to spend up for the Quest 3.
See our full Meta Quest 2 review.
The best VR headset for work
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The Meta Quest Pro is effectively the grown-up version of the Quest 2. Though the Quest Pro can play games, it&#;s aimed at designers, engineers, scientists and creatives who frequently collaborate online. This is another step toward Meta&#;s goal of making the metaverse a reality and, questions about the metaverse&#;s viability aside, the Quest Pro is itself an impressive piece of tech.
The issue is that it may not be practical for most VR enthusiasts, let alone anyone looking to just get started experiencing mixed reality. Its features aren't aimed toward gaming, meaning that there are better &#; and certainly less expensive &#; options for VR gamers.
At $999, you would be better off with a PS5 and PS VR or a gaming PC with a VR headset if all you want to do is play games. And the Quest 3 performs just as well when it comes to games but at half the price.
Given that the Quest 3 can probably do most things you'll need, most people will probably pass on the Quest Pro. But if money is no object, there's no denying that the Meta Quest Pro is a great VR headset.
See our full Meta Quest Pro review.
The best cheap gaming VR headset
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If you want to play VR games on a console then the PlayStation VR system is a decent option given its lower price point. As reviewer Sherri L. Smith noted: "PlayStation VR delivers compelling games in a comfortable, easy-to-use headset that won't break your budget."
The semi-futuristic-looking headset is surprisingly comfortable, with a superb range of some of the best VR games. This includes games like Hitman 3, Stride and Star Wars: Squadrons among others.
If you have a PS4 or PS4 Pro, then PlayStation VR is definitely one of the more affordable ways to play VR games with decent-quality graphics since you don&#;t need an expensive gaming PC. Plus, even with the less-than-stellar Move controllers and graphics that fall a bit short of high-end PC graphics, you still get a relatively high-end VR experience.
One thing to also bear in mind is that the PlayStation 5 also has support for PlayStation VR but it has some issues. It doesn't play as nicely with the Move controllers as its PS4 counterparts. Additionally, with the release of the PSVR 2, there won't be new games coming to the PS VR headset. But if you want to just play VR games for the first time and you already have a PS4, the PS VR headset could be a perfect entry point.
See our full PlayStation VR review.
How to choose the best VR headset for you
Our picks for the best VR headsets are rather few, due to the fact that a lot of the top VR headsets of the past few years have been discontinued and replaced with one or two models. Yet, that's not to say the choice is a completely easy one. The first thing to consider is what type of VR experiences you want and what hardware you already have.
Will VR work with PS5 and Xbox Series X?
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As it stands, if you want some virtual reality action on the PS5 or Xbox Series X you need to go with Sony. Only the PS5 supports VR in the form of the PS VR headset, and the PS VR2 is on its way, designed specifically for the PS5. Xbox Series X and Series S lack VR support entirely and there's no hint that VR support will come in the near future. We hope this will eventually change given Windows 10 has baked-in VR support, but right now things don't look too hopeful.
For those with powerful PCs and a dedicated virtual reality space, then headsets like the Valve Index, which we have not reviewed, are worth considering. You can also do PC passthrough with the Quest headsets, but they won't be as powerful gaming rigs as a high-end gaming PC combined with an Index headset.
People with less space and less powerful hardware should go for the Meta Quest 3. It offers an all-in-one VR experience and can be connected to a PC using a cable or wirelessly, though that can be a pricey extra.
For owners of the PS4 or PS4 Pro, the choice is a lot easier as your best option is probably the PS VR headset, though at $499 the Quest 3's superior performance and platform are worth considering. If you have a PS5 you should probably still get the PSVR 2 if all you're concerned about is playing VR games. The gaming headsets utilize the console's power to provide graphics above what standalone headsets can manage with their mobile chipsets for a cheaper price than PC VR gaming rigs. Unless you want to experience mixed reality or prefer VR apps and experiences to VR games, the PlayStation VR ecosystem is a great way to experience VR using some of your existing hardware.
How we test VR headsets
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Identifying the best VR headsets takes a suite of things to consider, from the hardware itself to the software the headsets will work with. We test and consider how easy it is to set up a VR headset and system, how well-designed and comfortable the headset is, how well its interface works, and take a look at the accessories the VR headset can use.
We also take a look at how specific VR headsets work such and how easy the interface to use, as well as how head tracking performs and the quality of the controllers with the headsets.
A major part of initial testing involves evaluating how much space is needed to set up one of our picks for the best VR headsets to get the most out of them.
A product can look great but still be uncomfortable to use. Aside from testing out all the various content, we spend at least 30 minutes wearing each headset. We test to make sure any embedded air vents are keeping things cool. And if it does get sweaty, we see how well the face guard wicks away moisture. We also weigh the headsets, because even the lightest gadget can feel heavy after long periods of use. Finally, we test how adjustable the head straps are and how secure they feel.
As the de facto face of your virtual experience, the interface is vitally important. We test how responsive and intuitive the home page and subsequent menus are, as well as test special features, like voice commands and gesture control.
Whether it's a traditional gamepad or something more elaborate, like Meta's controllers, we're checking to see if the input devices are ergonomically designed; after all, no one wants hand cramps. We also test tracking and responsiveness in a number of games.
Hardware without great software is just an expensive paperweight. We not only examine the size of a device's library but also scour the listings and test out some of the higher-end apps and titles. At this point, a good library should feature a number of games, apps, movies and other experiences.
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