Virtual reality technology has reached an exciting crossroads. Next year, the newly rebranded Meta (previously Facebook) will release a new VR headset with mixed reality and face tracking (albeit it will be more expensive), while Sony will release its PS5-connected PlayStation VR 2, which will have its own new controllers and perhaps have eye-tracking. Apple is also anticipated to release a VR/AR headset before the end of next year, although it's unclear how much it will cost or what it will do. In the meanwhile, phone-connected headsets such as the HTC Vive Flow may begin to appear.
All of this is to say that virtual reality does not yet have many practical business applications. While virtual reality technology is fast evolving, its strongest footing is currently in the gaming industry.
That's true, the best way to use this incredible technology right now is to play video games. In fact, one of my favorite locations to play games is on the Oculus Quest 2, which is a fantastic home VR system.
If you're a gamer seeking to get into VR, the Quest 2 remains our favorite recommendation, especially now that the storage on the $299 model has been increased to 128GB, despite the fact that you'll need a Facebook account to use it. The Quest 2 is also a good starting point into virtual reality that doesn't appear to be going out of style next year.
Even better, virtual reality games have never been better. Valve's VR masterwork Half-Life: Alyx, Star Wars: Squadrons on PC, and a slew of Oculus Quest and PlayStation VR games have all wowed us. However, you must still select between a headset that connects to your PC or console and a standalone option like the Quest (which can double as a PC headset, too).
More changes are on the way. Qualcomm (which makes the chips that go into most self-contained VR headsets, including the new Quest 2) is working on new chips that might lead to a wave of better stand-alone headsets at cheaper rates, including those that plug into your phone. The Vive Focus 3, which is more expensive and aimed at businesses, demonstrates where premium standalone VR headsets could go in the future.
Meanwhile, mobile phone-based VR headsets such as the Samsung Gear VR and Google Daydream are effectively obsolete. Many of the current iPhone, Android, and VR app options are incompatible with older mobile VR headsets. If smartphone-based VR returns, it will most likely take the shape of small headgear that connect to phones through USB-C to access VR content.
If you're a PC gamer, a good gaming PC-connected VR headset will give you the most software options for an immersive VR experience while also allowing you to utilize the headset for creative and professional purposes. A more powerful VR system will still be tied to a desktop or laptop, and a PC VR headset may require external sensors, so it may not be the ideal option for everyone.
What about gaming on a console? If you have a PS4 and the PlayStation VR is on sale, it's still a lot of fun, especially because there are a lot more amazing VR game alternatives for this device than you might imagine. However, keep in mind that, while the PlayStation 5 supports PSVR, it still requires the older PS4 controller.
In the meanwhile, since augmented- and mixed-reality headsets aren't ready for regular usage, a good VR headset is your best chance for escaping to other realms. Continue reading to find out which VR headset is ideal for you. This best VR headsets list is updated on a regular basis, however prices are subject to change.
Oculus Quest 2 is the best solo VR experience.
Good: Wireless and self-contained; excellent touch controllers; comfortable gaming design; doubles as a PC VR headset
Regrettably, it necessitates the use of a Facebook account.
The Oculus Quest 2 delivers virtual reality games and a realistic VR experience anywhere for $299 if you don't need anything else. This virtual reality headset is faster, smaller, less expensive, and more comfortable to wear than the original Quest, but it requires a Facebook login to use. After a voluntary recall of the foam face pieces earlier this year owing to facial irritation concerns with a limited fraction of users, a new version of the Quest 2 doubles the storage of the $299 model to 128GB and includes a silicone cover for the foam face piece. Existing Quest 2 owners can request a copy of the game.
The Quest 2 reminds me of the Nintendo Switch in terms of versatility and fun, as well as the fact that it starts up in seconds and fits perfectly over glasses. The standalone VR headset has self-contained motion tracking and a full-motion six degrees of freedom (or 6DoF) VR controller, as well as a surprisingly good high-resolution display and built-in speakers. Apps are downloaded directly to the onboard storage of the standalone headset. Its more limited mobile processor nonetheless performs admirably in games like Beat Saber, Moss, and SuperHot VR, and it can even connect to a PC through a single USB-C cable if desired.
Because the Oculus Rift S has been discontinued by Facebook, the Quest 2 is currently the best and only alternative to Oculus VR. PC VR users, on the other hand, have a plethora of headset alternatives. Read our Oculus Quest 2 review to learn more.
HP Reverb G2 is the highest-resolution PC VR headset available.
The good: Extremely sharp high-resolution display, excellent acoustics, and a relaxing design
The drawbacks include: mediocre controllers.
If you want the greatest image quality in consumer VR, HP's newest VR headset is the winner. This VR technology may be the greatest option for dedicated gamers (or VR racing sim lovers). The 2,160x2,160 per-eye resolution and 114-degree field of view are the greatest in this price range, and the lightweight, comfortable headset also comes with fantastic Valve-designed drop-down speakers. It's a Microsoft Windows Mixed Reality headset that prefers to launch into Microsoft's own Windows 10 VR ecosystem, but it also works with Steam VR games and apps.Built-in camera-based room tracking is easier to set up than the external base stations used by the Valve Index, but it is more prone to tracking errors. The bundled controllers are clunkier than the Oculus Touch or Valve Index controllers, as they are based on Microsoft's VR controller design. There is no headphone jack, thus the over-ear speakers are your only audio option. Read our evaluation of the HP Reverb G2.
Valve Index is the best PC VR to investigate the future of VR controllers.
Good: Fantastic futuristic controllers; excellent headset; compatible with Vive hardware
Bad: It's pricey, and it necessitates room setup and a tethering wire.
Just because of its beautiful new controls, Valve's headset might be the most fascinating PC virtual reality experience this year. The pressure-sensitive "knuckle" controllers from Valve can track all five fingers, making them almost like gloves. Although not many programs take advantage of them yet, Valve's hardware is compatible with the HTC Vive, which is likewise based on the Steam VR platform. The Index headset boasts great acoustics and a super-clear, wide-field-of-view display.
Because the Index relies on external "lighthouse" boxes, you must first place them up in a room. It isn't as self-contained as Oculus' Rift S, which can track the space with 360-degree tracking.HTC Vive Cosmos or in-headset cameras It's also not wireless, although if you already have some Vive hardware, you could mix and match components of the Index. Take a look at our Valve Index evaluation.
The games are still worth it: PlayStation VR is a virtual reality headset developed by Sony.
Good: Lots of titles; affordable pricing; compatible with a variety of PS4 controllers, including the DualShock and Move.
Bad: The resolution isn't cutting-edge, and Sony hasn't yet produced decent VR controllers to match the competition, though a new version could be released next year.
Sony's PSVR headset, which has been around for years, is still the only head-mounted display for game consoles, and its screen provides a remarkable level of immersion. If you want to wait, Sony has revealed that it is working on a next-gen PSVR headset for the PS5, as well as a new set of controllers, which might be released in 2022. In the interim, Sony has released a slew of outstanding virtual reality games, many of which are exclusives, and continues to do so. You only need the PSVR and a PlayStation 4 to get started.
playing. (Here are a few decent games to start with.) However, when compared to the alternatives, this VR system is showing its age. And, while the new PS5 will function with the old PSVR, it will require your old PS4 controllers and camera, as well as a camera adaptor.
It's worth noting that this PlayStation VR headset is becoming increasingly difficult to come by, so expect to pay a premium if you can find one. Read our review of the Sony PlayStation VR.
Should I put off purchasing a virtual reality headset until 2022?
As I mentioned earlier, a lot of headsets are expected next year, including Meta's Project Cambria, PlayStation VR 2, and Apple's mystery device. There will undoubtedly be more. VR is still a developing technology, with companies looking for products that are smaller and more capable of being connected to devices such as phones. To avoid investing in outdated equipment, it's probably best to spend as little as possible. As long as you're okay with living under Meta's metaverse umbrella and Facebook's data policies, the Quest 2 is by far the best value, and it also happens to be the best-designed headset with the most upside at the moment.
What features should I look for in a virtual reality headset?
The PlayStation VR is the only option for a game console, although if you have a PS5, you'll probably want to wait until 2022 for the PSVR 2. Consider the following app libraries: Oculus has a large number of exclusive games, Windows-connected headsets have a lot of connectivity with professional apps and experimental tools, and Sony's PlayStation library also has unique VR titles.
How do I take care of my virtual reality headset?
VR headsets can become filthy and dirty over time. Extra care should be taken with the lenses, which should be gently wiped with microfiber cloths in the same manner as glasses (no liquids). To protect the face plate from sweat and dirt, invest in a silicone cover or look for multiple face covers to replace out over time. When not in use, it's a good idea to keep your headset covered. Take extra precautions not to expose your virtual reality headset to direct sunlight: If the sun's rays strike the headset's lenses, they can damage the display. (I keep mine in cases or turn the lenses away from windows to be safe.)
