Top VR Headsets on 2023

Engage in Virtual Reality like never before.

You made a wise decision if you waited for VR hardware to advance. Since the release of the Oculus Rift and HTC Vive six years ago, headset technology has advanced significantly. While it has been available for two years, the Meta Quest 2 has established itself as a highly competent portable VR experience. However, high-end PC headsets are becoming more affordable if you're looking for a more immersive experience. There are a lot of VR experiences to try out, even though the overall VR market hasn't evolved all that much since last year.

How to Choose a Good VR Headset?

I typically evaluate virtual reality headsets based on three fundamental standards: controls, immersion, and ergonomics. Placing a mobile device inside a plastic headset and attaching some cheap elastic headbands to it is not difficult. But to create something that is well-balanced and doesn't leave you feeling uneasy after 30 minutes needs skill.

High resolution screens with quick refresh rates are what create immersion since they make everything appear clear and slick. Field of view is also a crucial feature, as it specifies how well VR screens can cover what you see. Low field of view reduces "presence" by giving the impression that you are looking through a pair of binoculars. With the best VR headsets, you can virtually soar over the world in Google Earth thanks to their expansive fields of view.

And when it comes to controllers, the best choices offer precise tracking and naturally fit in your hands. Although the industry has largely followed the fantastic touch controller design from Meta, there have been some interesting advancements, such as the finger tracking gamepads from Valve.

Best Budget VR Headset for PC: hp Reverb G2

HP's $599 Reverb G2 is the right choice for you if you don't care about wireless VR and want to spend a little more on a high-quality PC virtual reality headset. It was built in partnership with Valve and incorporates some of the greatest features from the costlier Index headset, such near-field speakers. With 2,160 by 2,160 pixels per eye, a refresh rate of 90 Hz, and a reasonably large field of view of 114 degrees, the Reverb G2 also features crisp panels.

It's also the first Windows Mixed Reality headset to have four sensors, which helps to assure more accurate VR tracking, especially during fast-paced games. In addition, HP deserves praise for creating a tethered VR headset with plush padding around the eyepiece and back strap that is really comfortable.

Although not my favorite, the Reverb G2's motion controllers are still a significant improvement over HP's prior design. It may also be upgraded to work with Valve's finger-tracking controllers, but it would need obtaining SteamVR sensors and requiring a lot more setup. Nonetheless, it's wonderful to have the upgrading route open.

Best VR Headset for PC Gamers: Valve Index

One of the top high-end VR systems for PC gaming is still Valve's Index kit. You can get the Index headset, finger tracking controllers from Valve, and two SteamVR base stations for $999. While we've seen higher-resolution headsets appear in the previous two years, it's still a pretty excellent option, with a 1,440 by 1,600 pixel resolution, an eye-watering 144Hz refresh rate and a wide 130-degree field of vision. I wouldn't mind giving up a few pixels for a smoother, larger screen that is still far superior to any other consumer headset.

The Index is a SteamVR product, therefore you must set up two sensors in different corners of your space. And of course, it's wired to your PC. The increased refresh rate and more precise tracking make up for the clunkiness, though. Granted, it's not as simple to use as the Quest 2, but for the price, we figure you're willing to put up with a little annoyance in exchange for a genuinely top-notch VR gaming experience.

The excellent finger tracking controllers from Valve have a handy strap that secures them to your hands. They give Half-Life: Alyx the impression of being a dream. It's terrible that other VR games haven't utilized finger tracking to its full potential.

Best VR Headset for Console: PlayStation VR2

The PlayStation VR2 is the greatest headset we've tried so far in many aspects. It has twin 2K OLED HDR panels, giving you the equivalent of 4K resolution. One of the most comfy headsets available is this one. Moreover, it offers some really novel and enlivening elements, like as eye tracking and headset haptics. (Yes, literally, it may rock your head.) And best of all, all you need to use the PS VR2 is a PlayStation 5 to experience high-quality virtual reality without the need for an expensive gaming Computer.

Now, there are a few limitations to our advice. The PS VR2 costs $550, which makes it more costly than the PS5. Also, it is uncertain how rapidly its game collection will expand (the initial run has only a few exclusives, like Horizon VR and Gran Turismo 7). But, it's the simplest method to enjoy high-end VR, and it's a significant improvement over the first PlayStation VR.

Best VR Headset for Most Users: Meta Quest 2

The Meta Quest 2 is still the top VR headset for the great majority of customers more than two years after its release. It's completely cordless, and it's comfortable to wear for long sessions. However, Meta had to raise the price of the Quest 2 this year by $100, making it a $400 headset as a result of supply chain constraints and a deteriorating economic environment. It's still a fantastic device, but oddly enough, it's now less of a bargain than it was the year before.

The good news is that you can still access a sizable selection of virtual reality games from virtually anywhere, along with excellent motion controllers from Meta. Also, the Quest 2 can stream more complicated VR experiences when connected to a gaming Computer.

The Quest 2 has fast-switching LCDs with the greatest resolution we've seen from Meta—1832x1920 per eye. For something that runs solely on mobile technology, it also sports a flawless 90Hz refresh rate, which is astounding. Although the field of view on the Quest 2 isn't the finest (it's been estimated to be only about 90 degrees), it's still sufficient to enjoy the majority of VR experiences. Also, you may utilize various face cushions to slightly widen its field of view. Moreover, the Elite headstrap is available for $49 (or $129 with a built-in battery and casing) if you want an even more snug fit.

To make the headset more comfortable, Meta has recalled the foam inserts from the original model and is now selling silicone coverings. Although we didn't encounter any problems when doing our study or using the service during the previous year, there have been enough complaints for Facebook to take action. In addition, the base $399 Quest 2 has 128GB of storage, which is twice as much as the previous model and gives you more room to install VR games and apps. The Quest 2 may not offer the best overall VR experience, but it's certainly the most accessible headset on the market.

Best Quality VR Headset: HTC Vive Pro 2

The most attractive PC VR I've seen is the HTC Vive Pro 2. It offers a remarkable 5K screen with a reliable 120Hz refresh rate. Nonetheless, be aware that the whole package, which includes the headset, two SteamVR sensors, and wand controllers, costs $1,399. In addition, you may upgrade from the Valve Index or the original Vive Pro by purchasing the headset separately for $799.

For the price you get a well-balanced and supremely comfortable VR headset. The Pro 2 is undeniable proof that Valve has virtually mastered the art of producing top-tier hardware. The huge wand controllers, which are identical to those that came with the 2016 HTC Vive, leave me less impressed. These do the job, but the Oculus Touch Controllers are far more ergonomic.

The Pro 2 is primarily recommended here due to the incredible quality of the headset. The finger-tracking controllers from Valve and the SteamVR base stations may be better purchased separately by true VR enthusiasts. You may make sure you play Pistol Whip to your fullest potential in this method.

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