A intriguing method to travel with just technology is through virtual reality. You may play a game or explore a virtual environment as if you were truly there with the help of a headset and motion tracking. Thanks to engaging games and experiences, virtual reality (VR) has gained popularity recently. However, the technology still seems to be in a state of flux, with headsets appearing and leaving pretty quickly. Here, we’re keeping tabs on the top products that are currently available.
The finest VR headsets industry is booming right now. With businesses like Meta and Sony putting significant investments on the future of the tumultuous technology, virtual reality appears to be finally finding its way into the public. Since the market is already packed with outdated versions, many people are eager to invest in their first VR headset. However, how can you determine whether you’re picking up the appropriate specs at the right time?
Right now, a wide spectrum of headgear—from inexpensive smartphone purchases to high-end, wallet-busting systems—is vying for the title of greatest VR headset. A lot of the technology they use to sell themselves appears spanking new to those who are not familiar with it, in addition to the fact that new brands and model names are appearing left and right. To help you obtain the greatest experience possible, we’ve compiled all the specs you should be concerned about, explained everything here, and shown you all the top VR headsets currently available.
Which VR Headset Is the Best?
There are presently just two types of modern VR headsets: tethered and standalone. A PC (or, in the case of the PS VR, a PlayStation 4 or PlayStation 5) is physically linked to tethered headsets such the HTC Vive Pro 2, PlayStation VR, and Valve Index. The cord makes them a little cumbersome, but since the whole video processing is housed in a box rather than being directly strapped to your face, your VR experience may be much more involved. Motion-sensing controllers provide comprehensive 6DOF (six degrees of freedom) movement tracking for both your head and your hands using either external sensors or outward-facing cameras.
The least priced tethered choices are presently approximately $400, and it doesn’t even take into account the processing difficulties; the PS VR requires a PlayStation 4, while the Valve Index, Vive Cosmos, and Vive Pro 2 require rather strong PCs.
The most physical flexibility is provided by standalone headsets since they don’t have any cords and don’t need an additional device for processing. The Oculus Quest 2 offers 6DOF motion tracking and controls using comparable outward-facing cameras as the now-discontinued Oculus Rift S. The Quest 2’s high-end mobile processor can nonetheless deliver detailed, fluid visuals while lacking the processing capability of a dedicated gaming PC.
Oculus Quest 2
In the current wave of VR, the Oculus Rift was the first well-known brand, and Oculus is still a significant participant in the market. However, the business has decided to abandon the tethered, dedicated Rift S in favor of concentrating solely on the standalone Quest 2. You may still use the new headset from the firm to experience PC VR; you simply need to purchase an auxiliary cord.
The Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 processor powers the $300 Oculus Quest 2, a far more powerful standalone VR headset than the first Quest’s Snapdragon 835 chipset. With the exception of charging the headset, it offers a complete VR experience in a single box and has the greatest per-eye resolution of any consumer VR headset at 1,920 by 1,832. For full 6DOF head-and-hand motion tracking, it features two motion controllers, and its onboard shop has a surprisingly large selection of VR apps.
This does not exclude you from using the Quest 2 with tethered VR, though. Play PC-specific VR games like Half-Life: Alyx with the Quest 2 by connecting it to your computer via the $79 Oculus Link cable, which is a five-meter USB-C cord. Even after adding the attachment, the Quest 2 still offers a better value because it costs $100 less than the original Quest. The cable is pricey.
