Immerse yourself in the world of virtual reality with the right setup
Few people might know that virtual reality headsets are much older than you would think. Oculus (now branded as “Meta” after a buyout) made the technology famous in the mid-2000s. But according to Forbes, the first augmented reality headset was created in 1968 by Ivan Sutherland.
However, it took several decades for commercial viability and technological advancements to produce the models we have today. The now-discontinued Oculus Rift, first launched in 2016, quickly captured the attention and admiration of many.
From there, several companies started to produce their own versions to work on different platforms. Game development companies also took note and launched a host of titles, with varying degrees of success. Below are some of the best VR headsets we’ve found on the market.
Best VR headsets to buy
Top VR headset
What you need to know: This is an all-in-one system that doesn’t require a dedicated platform.
What you’ll love: The Quest 3 is the latest VR headset from the company that arguably started the virtual reality trend. Where other VR headsets need a dedicated operating system or platform to run, the Quest 3 doesn’t. It is an entirely stand-alone system that anybody can use. The all-in-one headset features a super-fast processor built in, and its 4K display has nearly 30% more pixels than the previous model. Unlike earlier models of the Quest, you don’t need a Facebook account to use it.
What you should consider: Many customers have said that the battery life isn’t very long.
Top VR headset for the money
PlayStation VR2 Horizon Call of The Mountain Bundle
What you need to know: The perfect choice if you want a dedicated gaming VR experience.
What you’ll love: PlayStation’s VR2 headset is the only such device available for gaming consoles, which made it a lucrative purchase for many players. The bundle comes with the headset, two VR2 Sense controllers and a voucher for the “Horizon: Call of the Mountain” game. The headset features intelligent eye tracking, 3D audio and immersive vibrations. The controllers feature excellent haptic feedback, adaptive triggers and finger touch detection.
What you should consider: Some customers expressed that they wish there were more PlayStation VR games available.
Worth checking out
HTC VIVE Pro 2 Virtual Reality System
What you need to know: A complete system for the most immersive experience.
What you’ll love: One of the few VR headsets that is capable of 5K visuals, the display has a resolution of 4896 x 2448 pixels. This also allows for a wide field of view, which can stretch as far as 120 degrees. This has been done to bring it as close to the human eye as possible, nearly covering your peripheral vision. Most games and apps that are compatible with the Vive Pro 2 will allow for the 120-hertzz refresh rate. This means that visuals will be crisp and clear and motion blur shouldn’t be an issue. The headset also features an adjustable strap that can accommodate most head sizes and gamers with eyeglasses. To minimize the strain on your eyes, in addition to a focus wheel, it also has an IPD adjustment dial. The Interpupillary distance (IPD) is the measurement between the centers of the eye pupils.
What you should consider: It’s pretty expensive, which would make it a hard sell to most gamers. HTC has also fallen out of favor with most gamers, which could further impact after-market support and sales.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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