The Best VR Headset

Virtual reality can be an arresting way to step into engaging virtual worlds, even if it’s still a new technology that remains far from being a “most people” purchase. We think the Meta (formerly Oculus) Quest 2 is the best headset for most people because it’s the easiest to use and offers access to the widest range of games and experiences. However, because Meta makes the Quest headsets, you’ll need a Facebook account to use a Quest 2.

You can spend thousands of dollars chasing the best specs in a VR headset, but we think comfort and ease of use are more important elements for most people who want to explore VR. With that in mind, the Meta Quest 2 is the clear winner. It combines good-enough specs with the ability to use it cord free, but you can also plug it into a computer, which opens up even more options for how and where you can use it. The controllers are intuitive and easy to hold. It can track you as you move around a room. And it doesn’t take much time to set up. Additionally, the Quest 2 has a wide selection of compatible content because you can download games, movies, and other experiences from both the Meta Quest Store and SteamVR libraries.

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For players searching for the latest and greatest VR headset, we think the HTC Vive Pro 2 headset paired with Valve Index Controllers and two HTC SteamVR Base Station 2.0 units is the best combination. The Vive Pro 2 has the crispest screen we’ve tried (though you’ll need a powerful computer to max out its abilities), while the Valve Index Controllers combine comfort with the best hand tracking we’ve experienced. Together, they provide an especially immersive VR experience.

Best VR headset in 2022

The future is now, or at least it feels like it when donning the best VR headset on the market today. Despite the infancy of the technology, games like Half-Life: Alyx, Beat Saber, and Rez Infinite are proving that virtual reality experiences can confident sit among the best PC games.

Choosing the best VR headset seems simple on the surface, but there are industry changes in motion that could complicate venturing into virtual reality. For starters, Meta (formerly known as Facebook) has ditched its iconic Oculus Quest branding in favour of a new Meta Quest label. This means upcoming devices like the Oculus Quest 3 will likely with a metaverse themed name, rather than the moniker we’ve come to love.

Of course, Meta isn’t the only player within the VR space, as HTC and Valve are also in the running. Each headset contributes to immersive gaming in its own way, so it’s important to consider the specs, price, and drawbacks of each device. To help you get on your virtual feet, we’ve tested a bunch of PC VR headsets in an attempt to make the murky waters of the metaverse a little clearer.

Here are the best VR headsets: Check prices

Valve Index

The best VR headset is the Valve Index.

The Valve Index makes the most compelling argument for high-fidelity, tethered PC VR – provided you’ve got the rig to deal with the workload. And it does so by breaking the mould in a few ways. The off-ear speakers – while one of its most questionable features pre-launch – turned out to be one of the Index’s strongest. They’re somehow both immersive and comfortably distant from the ear without any sound leakage… witchcraft.

Aside from glorious audio, the Index offers dual 1440 x 1600 RGB LCD screens, fitted with a greater number of subpixels than their AMOLED alternatives. They’re also a touch wider when it comes to field of view and capable of running at up to 144Hz, rivalling the best gaming monitor. The end result is a display with greater sharpness, clarity, and eye comfort for longer periods. And its controllers are seriously the best ones out there. The Index truly is the best VR headset for gaming.

What we like

Fantastic audio

Knuckles controller

Minimal screen door

Accurate tracking

Valve Index specs Screen Dual 1440 x 1600 LCD Refresh rate Up to 144Hz FoV 130° Tracking Steam VR base stations

Read the PCGamesN Valve Index review for our full verdict and score. Check prices

HTC Vive Pro 2

The best VR headset screen is the HTC Vive Pro 2

If you’re looking for a premium VR experience, HTC’s Vive Pro 2 should scratch your immersion itch. HTC’s latest VR headset has one of the most impressive screens on the market, with a native resolution of 2,448 x 2,448 pixels per eye, meaning it can provide a high fidelity viewing experience that puts even some gaming monitors to shame. The HTC Vive Pro 2’s screen also runs at 120Hz and features a 120-degree field of view, so you might need to routinely conduct a reality check while wearing this headset.

The Vive Pro 2 is admittedly pricey, especially compared to some of the other headsets on this list, but if you’re serious about VR gaming, this headset will likely tick all the boxes. If you already own HTC’s previous headset, you’ll be able to pick up the Vive Pro 2 on its own. However, if you’re new to the VR fold, you’ll need to pick up a pair of first-generation controllers and a set of Base Station 2.0’s.

What we like

High-fidelity screen

120-degree field of view

Easy setup

120Hz refresh rate

HTC Vive Pro 2 Screen Single LCD (2488×2488 per eye) Refresh rate 120Hz FoV 120° Tracking Inside-out

Oculus Quest 2

The best standalone VR headset is the Oculus Quest 2.

The Oculus Quest 2 might officially be called the Meta Quest 2, but it’s still one of the best VR headsets out there. Despite it being a standalone headset that doesn’t require a PC or mobile for VR experiences, it can be used for a true PC VR experience too, with the Oculus link software and a compatible USB-C cable. Pictures come from a single panel LCD display with a resolution of 1832 x 1920 per eye, and an improved refresh rate of 120Hz

Related: Here are the best Oculus Quest 2 games

In its standalone form, the Quest 2 is wireless, allowing you to move more freely than dedicated PC VR if you fancy a break – with a built-in Android-based OS, with many VR experiences playable through the headset itself – some of which also made our list of the best VR games, such as Beat Saber. With a battery life of up to three hours when unplugged, and a weight of just 0.5kg, this is probably the most comfortable VR headset for long sessions.

What we like

Wireless

Quality built-in speakers

Easy setup

Great resolution

Oculus Quest 2 specs Screen Single LCD (1832×1920 per eye) Refresh rate 120Hz FoV 90° Tracking Inside-out

HTC Vive Cosmos

The best VR headset for modding is the HTC Vive Cosmos.

The HTC Vive Cosmos fits snugly between the Oculus Rift S and the Valve Index. While costly, you receive the best that HTC, originators of the almighty Vive, is able to offer, truly completing the best gaming PC setup money can buy. That includes inside-out tracking, a whopping 2880 x 1700 resolution across new LCD panels, and new and improved ergonomics to keep the headset stable and comfortable.

The new controllers are a redesign of the original Vive’s, and many of the extra add-ons for the original kit can also be reused with the Cosmos. Wireless connectivity powered by Intel WiGig, Lighthouse tracking support, and Vive Tracker support is all set for imminent rollout on the new and improved Vive.

What we like

Modular

Inside-out tracking

High resolution

Compatible with Vive accessories

HTC Vive Cosmos specs Screen Dual 1440 x 1700 RGB LCD Refresh rate 90Hz FoV 110° Tracking Inside-out

HP Reverb G2

The best VR headset for comfort is HP Reverb G2.

Created in collaboration with Microsoft and Valve, the HP Reverb G2 is a VR headset with comfort at its core. Its flexible material adjusts to fit the user’s face, meaning you can stay within your favourite virtual world for longer. You can also adjust the headset’s lenses for different eye distances, which should help prevent eye strain.

The Reverb G2 also blows punches with some of the more lavish headsets on this list, with 2160 x 2160 resolution per eye that almost matches the HTC Vive Pro 2. It also serves as a good step up from the Oculus Quest 2, thanks to its 114-degree field of view.

What we like

Emphasis on comfort

Impressive resolution

90Hz refresh rate

HP Reverb G2 specs Screen Dual 2160 x 2160 LCD Refresh rate 90Hz FoV 114° Tracking Inside-out

Google Cardboard

The best cheap VR headset is Google Cardboard.

How could we forget Google Cardboard? Being one of the worst VR experiences we’ve had, it’s unlikely to replace a setup with the best gaming keyboard and best gaming mouse any time soon, but I’ll be damned if it isn’t just enough to get you thirsty for more virtual reality gaming. Since Cardboard relies on your mobile phone’s screen, gyroscope, and accelerometer, your experience may vary considerably. And, frankly, no matter how great your phone may be, there’s very much a hard limit on just how immersive Google Cardboard can be.

It is, however, free and open-source. Just about anyone can make their own cardboard headset, buy a cheap third-party design for tuppence, or even develop an app for the platform via the newly-public SDK. And, of course, you can buy a pre-built one on Amazon for pennies, making it the best budget VR headset. So while not technically PC VR in any way, shape, or form, Google Cardboard is more than convincing enough to newbies in a pinch. One go in this lovably slapdash excuse for VR and you’ll come out the other side wondering what the $1,000 Valve Index can do.

What we like

Basically free

Open-source

Can be recycled

Google Cardboard specs Screen Mobile Phone Refresh *coughs* FoV *coughs more loudly* Tracking Mobile gyro

VR headset buying guide

Just like with the best gaming monitors, it’s important to consider VR headset fidelity. Seeing is believing, and a higher resolution per eye will help boost immersion levels tenfold. However, to successfully trick your eyes into believing what they see, you’ll also need to check each device’s field of view and refresh rate.

What is a standalone VR headset?

Standalone VR headsets are effectively their own platform, as you don’t need to pair them with a console or gaming PC. While the Oculus Quest 2 is compatible with Steam, you can also play and download games directly to the device via the Meta Quest storefront. This also means some games are exclusive to the platform, like Resident Evil 4 VR.

Room-scale vs standing-only VR

As the name suggests, room-scale VR uses an entire room as a playspace, meaning you can physically translate distance-based actions to in-game movement. While headsets like the HTC Vive achieve this by using wall-mounted sensors, the Oculus Quest can map out your room without additional accessories. Standing-Only is exactly what it says on the tin, but you can still use tracked movement. While you won’t be able to jaunt across your living room as a controller substitute, you can still translate on the spot movement into your game.

Naturally, if you’d rather park yourself on a gaming chair, or you’ve not got a huge amount of free space, you’ll want to opt for Standing-Only. However, Room-scale VR will help you feel like you’re actually wandering around your favourite VR game if that’s your bag.

What is the metaverse?

The metaverse essentially means the same thing as cyberspace, as it’s a hypothetical network of digital 3D worlds. Rather than describing a specific service or product, the term relates to using a mix of VR and AR technology to integrate digital spaces with reality.

The best VR headsets aren’t solely designed with the metaverse in mind, but Meta is pushing to intrinsically link its devices with its virtual social media ambitions. While the Oculus Quest 3 (or Meta Quest) will cater to VR gaming, endeavours like Project Cambria aim to check all the boxes when it comes to full metaverse immersion. That said, if you’re not into the idea of uncanny avatars and maintaining a secondary virtual life, you should be able to use whatever VR headset you end up with to play some good old fashioned PC games.

The best all-in-one VR headsets of 2021 (wireless VR)

What’s the best standalone VR headset?

There are currently nowhere near as many untethered VR headsets available in the burgeoning virtual reality market, compared to PC VR (tethered VR) and smartphone VR.

Tethered VR/AR HMDs must be connected by cable to a PC, harnessing the powerful processing power of the hardware in the connected PC or console. However, mobile VR headsets use the more widely accessible and available smartphones to deliver less advanced VR.

Standalone virtual reality headsets (a.k.a. untethered, wireless, standalone VR) don’t require a PC or a smartphone to deliver a VR experience. The self-contained headsets (made popular by releases such as the Oculus Go) include built-in processors, GPU, sensors, battery, memory, displays, and more. In addition, as these VR goggles are uncabled, users don’t have to limit themselves to a restricted space. In general, they offer a more powerful VR experience than smartphone VR but less powerful than tethered VR.

Various high-profile tech companies such as Google, Facebook, HTC, and others are focusing more resources on developing additional and sophisticated HMD’s for standalone VR. At Aniwaa, we think the future of VR does exist in increasingly wireless yet powerful virtual reality experiences via standalone VR headsets.

We have provided a comprehensive overview of the virtual reality market to present the best all-in-one virtual reality headsets available.

For a comprehensive overview of the range of headsets available, read our types of VR headsets guide.

Best standalone VR headsets 2021

Overview of the best standalone VR headsets

All-in-one virtual reality HMDs generally offer a more affordable solution compared to tethered VR for users who want to experience virtual reality. However, the compromise in affordability is offset by having less powerful wireless VR, although newer headsets like the HTC VIVE Focus are an exception in terms of performance (see more information below).

Furthermore, most standalone VR headsets only offer 3DoF, hence a less immersive VR experience for the user. (See our glossary of terms for VR, AR, and MR).

The inclusion of controllers has become more standard for this VR category. Handheld controllers allow for users better interaction with the content and depending on the DoF (Degrees of Freedom), the better the immersion in the VR experience.

Selection This product is featured in a buyer’s guide. M2 PRO By DPVR Country China FOV Horizontal 96 Release date 2016 Price Approximate starting prices based on supplier-provided information and public data. Prices may vary by region, over time and do not include additional products or services (taxes, shipping, accessories, training, installation, …). $ 590 550 € 468 £ 75,925 ¥ DPVR (or Deepoon) has a few VR products available, however, this is the only standalone VR headset available from the manufacturer. One of the features is the ability to relatively quickly recharge the VR HMD. Although it has a high price point, it doesn’t offer the same high specs as other all-in-one headsets available. Furthermore, no controllers are available. Platform(s): Google Play Store Pros: Low latency

Quick battery recharge Cons: No controllers

Less affordable than most products in this VR category

3DoF Buy on GearBest Add to comparison

Selection This product is featured in a buyer’s guide. Quad HD By GenBasic Country United States FOV Horizontal 110 Release date 2016 Price Approximate starting prices based on supplier-provided information and public data. Prices may vary by region, over time and do not include additional products or services (taxes, shipping, accessories, training, installation, …). $ 199 185 € 158 £ 25,609 ¥ This untethered VR was one of the first HMDs in the category to be released, and it has good specs considering. With 110° FOV, a decent refresh rate of 75Hz, and the standalone VR is compatible with a variety of OS. However, due to the age of the device, it is the least future-proofed and user feedback was negative on the comfort and content available. Platform(s): Google Play Store Pros: Affordable price-point

Runs on multiple OS Cons: Dated technology

Poor comfort and wearability

Bad ventilation and can overheat

3DoF Buy on Amazon US Add to comparison

Selection This product is featured in a buyer’s guide. VIVE Focus By HTC Country Taiwan FOV Horizontal 110 Release date 2018 Price Approximate starting prices based on supplier-provided information and public data. Prices may vary by region, over time and do not include additional products or services (taxes, shipping, accessories, training, installation, …). $ 650 606 € 516 £ 83,647 ¥ The VIVE FOCUS is one of the few standalone VR headsets to have 6DoF (6 Degrees of Freedom), hence the much higher price-point. However, this HMD does offer a range of features such as adding 2TB storage, basic gesture tracking, and longer battery life compared to other devices in this category. Platform(s): SteamVR, HTC VIVEPORT Pros: Built-in microphone and speakers

Ongoing software updates for improvements

6DoF Cons: High price-point Buy on GearBest Add to comparison

Selection This product is featured in a buyer’s guide. Mirage Solo By Lenovo Country China FOV Horizontal 110 Release date 2018 Price Approximate starting prices based on supplier-provided information and public data. Prices may vary by region, over time and do not include additional products or services (taxes, shipping, accessories, training, installation, …). $ 400 373 € 317 £ 51,475 ¥ This standalone VR headset is not as affordable as other options on our list, but it has better specs compared to some of the other HMDs available. The Mirage Solo offers a more immersive VR experience than other VR headsets lacking 6DoF. On the downside is the heavy, large design making it less portable for users. Platform(s): SteamVR, HTC VIVEPORT Pros: Great storage and memory options

High accuracy of positional tracking

Long battery life

6DoF Cons: Bulky design, heavy and uncomfortable to wear & not ideal for portability

Lacks built-in speakers

A shortfall in great content Buy on Amazon US Add to comparison

Selection This product is featured in a buyer’s guide. Go By Oculus Country United States FOV Horizontal Release date 2018 Price Approximate starting prices based on supplier-provided information and public data. Prices may vary by region, over time and do not include additional products or services (taxes, shipping, accessories, training, installation, …). $ 199 185 € 158 £ 25,609 ¥ The Oculus Go is arguably the most well-known example of standalone VR, therefore it is credited with increasing the visibility of VR in the mass market. The HMD is very easy to use and the plug and play setup caters for beginners and experienced users. The Oculus Go provides accessible VR of very good quality at this price-point. Platform(s): Oculus Pros: Affordable all-in-one VR

Comfortable design and fit

Large range of content available Cons: Only 3DoF

Basic controller

Long recharge time Buy on Amazon US Add to comparison

Selection This product is featured in a buyer’s guide. Quest By Oculus Country United States FOV Horizontal 95 Release date 2019 Price Approximate starting prices based on supplier-provided information and public data. Prices may vary by region, over time and do not include additional products or services (taxes, shipping, accessories, training, installation, …). $ 399 372 € 317 £ 51,346 ¥ The Oculus Quest, previously known as the Project Santa Cruz, is a game-changer. Launched in Spring 2019, the Quest all-in-one VR headset provides immersive experiences with 6 degrees of freedom and controllers similar to those of the premium Oculus Rift PC VR headset. Platform(s): Oculus Pros: 6DoF with Oculus Touch controllers

Guardian system that maps the environment

Large range of content available Cons: No built-in earphones Buy on Amazon US Add to comparison

Selection This product is featured in a buyer’s guide. Tested This product has been reviewed by our team. Goblin By Pico Interactive Country China FOV Horizontal 92 Release date 2017 Price Approximate starting prices based on supplier-provided information and public data. Prices may vary by region, over time and do not include additional products or services (taxes, shipping, accessories, training, installation, …). $ 269 251 € 213 £ 34,617 ¥ The Pico Goblin (reviewed by Aniwaa here) also sits in the affordable bracket of standalone VR headsets and is a reasonably comfortable HMD to wear. However, it suffers from a lack of quality content. The device offers 3DoF and good memory options, however, the device is likely to be overtaken by new tech quickly. Platform(s): Pico Digital Store Pros: Affordable

Comfortable

Easy to use

Memory options Cons: Lack of content

3DoF Buy on Amazon US Add to comparison

Selection This product is featured in a buyer’s guide. Neo By Pico Interactive Country China FOV Horizontal Release date 2018 Price Approximate starting prices based on supplier-provided information and public data. Prices may vary by region, over time and do not include additional products or services (taxes, shipping, accessories, training, installation, …). upon request The 2nd all-in-one headset from Pico Interactive, this follow-up to the Pico Goblin, has a much higher price point compared to most products on our list. However, the VR headset features 6DoF for the HMD and controllers, therefore offering a more immersive VR experience. Platform(s): Pico Digital Store Pros: 6DoF for headset and controller

Hand-tracking enabled Cons: A high price point for the VR standalone category

Limited content for now Contact manufacturer Get a quote Add to comparison

Selection This product is featured in a buyer’s guide. Mi VR By Xiaomi Country China FOV Horizontal Release date 2018 Price Approximate starting prices based on supplier-provided information and public data. Prices may vary by region, over time and do not include additional products or services (taxes, shipping, accessories, training, installation, …). $ 235 219 € 186 £ 30,241 ¥ This popular standalone VR HMD is a partnered rebrand of the Oculus Go, but available only in China. The main changes are cosmetic on the exterior and different access to content, therefore due to localization, the Mi VR has access to popular Chinese content and apps. Furthermore, it is slightly more expensive than the Oculus Go. Platform(s): Oculus Pros: Same technical features as Oculus Go

Comfort design and fit Cons: Limited content

Only 3DoF

Long recharge time Buy on GearBest Add to comparison

Wireless adapters for PC VR

Thanks to developments in wireless technology, a number of manufacturers have released wireless adapters for tethered virtual reality HMD to offer an uncabled or untethered VR experience.

The aim is to offer more freedom in movement as well as a high-performance VR experience. Examples include WiGig (Intel’s Wireless gigabit), TPCAST Wireless Adapter (for the Oculus Rift or HTC VIVE), the HTC VIVE Wireless Adapter for their own devices, and the DisplayLink Wireless VR adapter.

All-in-one VR headset: pros and cons

Pros of all-in-one VR headsets

Portability

Standalone VR headsets are easy to carry around (wireless) and less space is required to use them.

Affordability

These VR HMDs are generally quite affordable in comparison with PC VR.

Ease of use

Standalone headsets are plug-and-play and, therefore, easy to use for all users.

Cons of all-in-one VR headsets

Less powerful VR

Doesn’t compete with most tethered PC VR headsets.

3DoF

Most standalone headsets only have 3DoF, offering a less

Battery life

This needs to be improved if users want to use the device extensively.

Standalone VR price

Most of the untethered VR headsets available are considerably more affordable ($200 to $300) than PC VR, however, some of the recently released VR HMD and future releases which deliver 6DoF, are far less affordable ($600+).

There is still the added benefit of not requiring an expensive PC to operate the HMD, regardless of which untethered VR headset a user buys.

How to choose the best all-in-one virtual reality headset?

In addition to a range of considerations such as comfort, processing power, memory, display and refresh rates, these are some of the key elements to consider when buying an all-in-one VR HMD.

Battery life

A key factor as it will impact how long users can operate the device (and if portable battery packs are available).

DoF

Currently, a limited number of untethered VR headsets have 6DoF, and the ones that do are much less affordable.

Controllers

Not all devices currently available have controllers, and again there are limitations with 3DoF.

FOV

Although standalone VR may not have as much processing power compared to tethered VR, the field of view is generally within a great range; the higher the FOV, the more immersive the experience.

Our VR headset buying guide dives deeper into technical considerations for choosing an HMD (also covers PC VR headsets and smartphone VR headsets).