Best VR Headsets in 2024: Which Model to Buy, 9 Recommendations for All Budgets

Best VR Headsets in 2024: Which Model to Buy, 9 Recommendations for All Budgets

It’s important to choose the right virtual reality headset or glasses model that fits our needs, expectations, and budget. With so many options available in the market, deciding which one to buy can be overwhelming.

Starting Point: the Equipment

The first step is to determine the complementary hardware you’ll be using with your VR headset: phone, PC, console, or as a standalone device. Based on this, we can classify the main options available in the market.

If relevant, we can consider the following:

• Screen: type of display, resolution, refresh rate, and field of view
• Sensors to record our activity
• Type of integrated sound
• Platform
• Ports and connections
• Minimum system requirements
• Price

VR Headsets for Phones

A few years ago, VR headsets for smartphones were introduced as an attractive way to experience virtual reality. These devices allow us to use our smartphone as a screen.

However, most of these headsets lack detection systems, and other important characteristics, such as audio or screen features, which depend solely on our phones. This means they're still less powerful and immersive than other alternatives. Thus, their low price is their main selling point.

Prominent manufacturers in this area include Samsung, Google, and OnePlus. Samsung sells proprietary glasses, while other VR headsets are compatible with most smartphones based on the size of their screen and port.

Users can download various games and apps through Google Play or the App Store.

Unfortunately, it seems that manufacturers have forgotten about initiatives such as Google DayDream View, Samsung Gear VR, FireFly VR, and ZEISS VR ONE Plus. These models have been on the market for several years but haven’t been updated for so long.

The Cheapest: the Cardboard (and Other Materials) Glasses

The concept of using cardboard glasses to integrate our phones is quite simple. Several cardboard kits are available on Amazon, which vary in design, finishes, and comfort since the experience depends on the terminal. Moreover, they’re the cheapest available, and it’s easy to find models that are compatible with your phone.

The most popular model on Amazon is the best-selling Google Cardboard ($8.99). These simple cardboard glasses are designed for 4 to 6-inch devices and are very easy to assemble. They come with an NFC tag and Velcro anchors to adjust them to your head.

VR Headsets for PC

VR headsets have become popular devices, especially for gaming. Thanks to the ambitious models available on the market, the PC is currently the best device for using VR headsets.

The market offering is divided into two categories: Valve, HTC, and Sony offer the most interesting gaming models, while Meta Quest is the main reference for versatile headsets for playing, working, and exploring.

Similarly, several manufacturers, such as Acer, Asus, Samsung, Dell, and HP, have developed models compatible with Windows Mixed Reality, an application used to implement mixed reality natively. It appeared in 2017 with Windows 10, but the company recently discontinued the project.

However, it’s important to note that a PC or laptop must support VR to use virtual reality on a computer. See the summary table below for the minimum specs required for each model.

HTC Vive Focus 3 and Vive Pro 2

HTC and Steam have joined forces to offer VR for PC users. They’ve launched the Vive series, which includes HTC Vive Pro 2 and HTC Vive Focus 3. These models are a significant upgrade from the previous Pro and Vive generations.

Both models offer a 2.5K resolution per eye, resulting in a combined 5K resolution. This is a significant leap over the previous generation, especially in the Focus model. These glasses provide an immersive experience and offer a wide range of games. Users can enjoy Valve’s SteamVR catalog and play Meta titles.

Valve Index

Valve has introduced a new VR project called Valve Index, which is available in different kits. The complete kit is the most interesting one, as it includes a viewer, controllers, and two base station stands.

To use this VR set, your computer needs to meet the following requirements:

• Processor: Dual Core with Hyper-Threading
• Graphics Card: NVIDIA GeForce 970, AMD RX480
• RAM: 8 GB
• Video Output: DisplayPort is required, HDMI is not supported
• USB: 3.0+ for viewfinder cameras
• OS: Windows 10, SteamOS, Linux

Valve has a tool to check your computer’s compatibility with this system.

VR Headsets for Console

Virtual reality is one of the most significant breakthroughs in the gaming business. Native access is only available on Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 5, but Microsoft’s xCloud service can also be accessed from the new Meta.

Nintendo Switch VR Labo

Nintendo’s virtual reality approach differs considerably from that of consoles and PCs. It mainly relies on using cardboard VR headsets, similar to the ones available for phones, which you can use with your Nintendo Switch.

To enjoy the Switch VR experience, you’ll need the Nintendo Labo Kit VR. The kit offers several playable VR titles, including The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Super Mario Odyssey, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, and Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker.

Sony PlayStation VR2

In early 2023, Sony officially announced the second generation of PlayStation VR for PS5, called the PlayStation VR2.

This VR headset offers a significant upgrade compared to its predecessors. Its resolution is 2000 x 2040 per eye, allowing games to be viewed in 4K resolution and HDR technology.

One of the major improvements of the PS VR2 is that it’s much easier to connect to the console, with only a single cable required. This is a significant improvement over the previous generation, where wiring was a major issue.

The first game to debut on PS VR2 was Horizon Call of the Mountain, set in the world of Horizon Zero Dawn and Horizon Forbidden West.

Standalone VR Headsets

Meta offers different VR headset options in the market, depending on the level of autonomy users have to enjoy virtual reality. These offerings differ significantly in terms of features, price, and target audience. Additionally, ByteDance is competing with Mark Zuckerberg’s empire with its PICO 4 headset.

Meta Quest 3 and Meta Quest Pro

The Meta Quest 3 is a mixed virtual reality system that provides maximum autonomy. It’s wireless, easy to set up, and doesn’t require any external equipment. The system includes a set of screens that improve resolution by almost 30% compared to the Meta Quest 2. It also incorporates some of the main technologies that are implemented in the expensive high-end Meta Quest Pro.

Thus, the Meta Quest 3 is great for those who don’t want to deal with complicated setups or want to take it on the go. It also supports Xbox Cloud Gaming and allows users to connect the official Microsoft console controller.

The Meta Quest Pro is designed for business users and enthusiasts. This model ensures high-resolution mixed reality, allowing users to interact effortlessly with the virtual world without losing their presence in the physical space in high-definition color. It’s targeted at professionals rather than gamers.

Note: Some of the links published in this article are affiliate links, which means Xataka On may earn a commission for purchases made using those links. Despite this, no brand or store has paid to have their products featured in this piece. All products are chosen independently by our writers and editors.

Related | The 18 Best Free Driving Games for PC