VR Headsets Buyers Guide
What is VR?
VR (short for virtual reality) is an innovative piece of gaming technology that fully immerses the player into a computer-generated environment, tracking their actions and movements through an intricate piece of hardware worn on the head.
VR headsets usually consist of a video screen attached to a frame that fits snugly over your head. This headset has the incredible ability to track the way you move and replicates it on the screen in front of your eyes.
Usually, the VR headset will come with controllers so you can use your hands in the fabricated world. Some VR controllers will actually act as your hands in-game, meaning you can grab, slap, and punch much like you would in real life.
Things to consider before buying a VR headset
Brand
Like most other gaming consoles and technology, the first question many gamers must ask themselves is, “Which VR company am I going to back?” If you’ve owned a PlayStation or an Xbox, you’ll be well aware of the rivalry between the die-hard fans of each console. This level of tribalism hasn’t reached VR technology just yet, but you may want to consider which brand offers the most to you right now.
Currently, there are four big names in the VR market: Oculus, PlayStation, HTC, and Valve. Each of these brings something slightly different to the table. For example, if you’re already a PlayStation fan, you’ll be drawn to the PSVR headset due to its compatibility with the PS5.
Exclusive games
One of the most important things to consider is how much you'll enjoy the games available to a particular VR headset. If you opt for the Oculus Quest 2 or PSVR you will get a different collection of games than you would if you were to choose a PC-based VR headset like the Valve models.
That being said, there is a fair amount of crossover between games. While some of the PlayStation exclusives are a lot of fun, you may find the non-exclusive titles run better on a piece of kit devoted to VR, such as the Oculus Quest.
Do you need a console or a PC?
As we have already mentioned, certain VR headsets will only work if you have the relevant console or gaming system to accompany them. The PSVR will only work if you hook it up to a PlayStation console. Similarly, some headsets like the Valve will only work if you connect them to a PC.
If you don’t have a high-end gaming PC or console but still want to enjoy a VR gaming experience, we suggest shelling out for the Oculus Quest 2, which has the VR technology built into the headset itself.
Wire-free
Do you remember when the Nintendo Wii first hit the shelves and people were smashing their TVs because their controller would fly out of their hand during a particularly aggressive game of Wii Sports? You definitely don’t want a repeat of those antics when playing with your VR headset.
So, you may want to buy a wire-free headset. This will allow for greater mobility and stop you from breaking anything valuable when you’re flailing around, blind as a bat in your living room.
VR headset price range
Hold onto your hats, folks, because we are about to shock you with the ridiculous price range when it comes to VR headsets. For example, the most expensive VR headset currently on the market is the Valve Index, which will cost you around $1,000. However, you can purchase Oculus Quest 2 systems for as little as $350.
How we choose our VR headsets
The worst part of this job is the amount of research we have to undertake to bring you the best VR headset suggestions. We spend hours playing video games and exploring different VR features while our friends get to go to their super-fun office jobs. It’s truly a horrendous experience.
You’re not buying it, huh? Rest assured, we have also done the leg work and pored over customer reviews, spec details, and price lists to ensure our list is indicative of the very best VR headsets on today’s market.
VR Headset FAQ
Q: Are VR headsets bad for your eyes?
A: Any visual medium is strenuous for your eyes if you stare at it for too long. Because doctors have warned that virtual reality can cause significant eye strain, developers have innovated new technologies (such as anti-blue light lenses) which help decrease eye strain. However, we still recommend you take regular breaks every half hour to give your eyes a chance to recover.
Q: Do I need a lot of room for VR?
A: Not at all. If you plan on using the HTC VIVE room-scale VR tech, you only need 6.5x5 feet of free space. The base stations should also be 16 feet apart. However, many VR headsets allow you to play games and watch videos when seated or standing, letting the controllers do most of the hard work!