3 Best VR Headsets (2022): Virtual Reality Accessories, Apps, and Games

Virtual reality was supposed to be the next big thing back in 2016 when the original Oculus Rift and HTC Vive launched. It was the tech whose time had finally arrived. Or so we thought. As it turned out, VR was still a little too expensive and perhaps too alienating to take over the gaming world. But now that everyone is talking about the metaverse, there's a spotlight on the VR scene. There are new apps and games, new hardware, and even new use cases. Our top pick, the Meta Quest 2 (née Oculus), is now just as useful as a work device as it is for recreation.

It's an exciting time to be getting into VR. But before we dive deep, there's one question you need to answer: Do you want a tethered or wireless headset?

Tethered or Wireless VR?

Tethered VR gives you more graphical detail because you're hooked up to a PC. The disadvantage is that you're, well, hooked up to a PC. There's no getting around the fact that cables are awkward to deal with, especially when you can't really see them. You'll likely trip on them at some point too. But if you're looking for absolutely top-of-the-line graphics, and you already shelled out for a great gaming PC or laptop, then you'll want to go tethered.

For most people, myself included, wirefree VR is a much better option. It's more comfortable, you don't have to worry about getting tangled up in your own cables, and it's totally portable. You can bring this kind of VR headset to any room in the house without having to lug around a PC. Plus, in the case of the Meta Quest 2, you can plug it into a PC if you want the extra graphical horsepower. Below, we feature both kinds of headsets. Take a look.

Updated February 2022: We've added the HTC Vive Flow, plus a section on headsets that are obsolete or that we don't recommend.

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The Best VR Headsets in 2022

To most people, virtual reality (VR) has been a far-flung science fiction concept until very recently. The technology became slightly more mainstream in the 2010s, with the introduction of more consumer-friendly products like the Oculus Rift and Playstation VR. Reviews for these early products were mixed, some marveling at the possibilities, while others derided the lack of usable software. Most people agreed on one thing: VR needs more time.

Fast-forward to the 2020s, and VR has had enough time to become fun and accessible. From VR using only your cell phone to robust systems like the Meta Quest, there are tons of high-quality, affordable, intuitive VR experiences to try. We’re here to break down the best of the best, and give you a rundown on the best VR headsets of 2022.

5 Best VR Headsets

Best Overall:

Best Premium:

Best for High Resolution:

Best for Playstation:

Best for Nintendo Switch:

What to Consider

When it comes to picking out the best VR headset for you, there are a few things you should keep in mind.

The most important is which platform you plan on using. Not all VR headsets connect to all your gear and gadgets. Note what platforms you most commonly use, and check that your favorite VR headset is compatible.

Keep an eye on whether a VR headset requires a physical connection to a game console or PC. While most do, some, like the Meta Quest 2, can be used all on their own, making them much more flexible.

Lastly, be sure to check what kinds of controllers a VR headset uses. Even if a headset has a great screen, the actual user experience will be terrible if the controllers are no good.

How We Selected

Many of these recommendations come from hundreds of hours of in-house use. For the products we couldn’t test ourselves, we perform intensive research, reviewing content from expert sources like PC Gamer, PC Mag, Wirecutter, The Verge, CNET, Tom’s Guide, Digital Trends, and others, as well as thousands of consumer reviews from online storefronts like Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart. As for the products themselves, we evaluated them on performance, design, software library, and price.

—BEST OVERALL—

Meta Quest 2

Key Specs

Display: LCD

LCD Resolution: 3664 x 1920

3664 x 1920 Refresh Rate: 120Hz

120Hz Field of View: 100 degrees

100 degrees Weight: 1.1 lbs

1.1 lbs Controllers: Oculus Touch

Oculus Touch Connections: USB-C, 3.5mm audio

Meta Quest 2 Meta Quest $299.00 SHOP NOW All-in-one, standalone design

Affordable

Can be connected to a PC via Oculus Link Requires a Facebook account

Controllers run on AA batteries

The Meta Quest 2, formerly known as the Oculus Quest 2, is the best VR headset for most people. It’s one of the only VR headsets that runs completely on its own, without needing a PC or gaming console. This wireless freedom, alongside an affordable price, make it an accessible entry point into VR as a whole.

Physically, the Meta Quest is simple, comfortable, and has good enough specs to provide a quality, but not stunning, all-around experience. Unlike more expensive VR headsets, the software in the Meta Quest is designed for simplicity. The Oculus’ Guardian system guides users through setup and creating a playspace wherever they are–no camera setup needed. Exiting the designated playspace turns on passthrough, meaning you see the real world, and any potential obstacles you might be about to bump into.

The Meta Quest is compatible with a ton of different software, from gaming platforms like Meta and SteamVR to other apps like Google VR, Oculus TV, and more.

—BEST PREMIUM—

Valve Index

Key Specs

Display: AMOLED

AMOLED Resolution: 2880 x 1600

2880 x 1600 Refresh Rate: 120Hz

120Hz Field of View: 130 degrees

130 degrees Weight: 1.78 lbs

1.78 lbs Controllers: Index

Index Connections: DisplayPort, USB 3.0, USB 2.0

Valve Index Valve $1,199.99 $1,075.00 (10% off) SHOP NOW Finger-tracking controllers

Excellent spatial audio

Great build quality Complicated setup

Expensive

The Valve Index is one of the best VR headsets money can buy. It delivers superior audio, tracking, and controls when compared to most other headsets, but is best for users familiar with gaming and technical gear.

The Valve Index controllers truly set the system apart from the competition. The controllers strap on to your hands, allowing for a full range of hand and finger motion. This is essential because the Valve Index can track individual finger movements, leading to a much more immersive, detailed experience while playing supported games like Half-Life: Alyx. Connected to a powerful PC, the Valve Index can play some truly stunning games like Elite: Dangerous and No Man’s Sky.

All of that precision leads to a complicated setup. The Valve Index has two base station sensors that need to be placed around your room to build the VR playspace. Other parts of the setup have to be done via your computer. But if you are more technically minded, the complicated setup is more than worth it.

—BEST FOR HIGH RESOLUTION—

HTC Vive Pro 2

Key Specs

Display: LCD

LCD Resolution: 4896 x 2448

4896 x 2448 Refresh Rate: 120Hz

120Hz Field of View: 120 degrees

120 degrees Weight: 1.77 lbs

1.77 lbs Controllers: HTC Vive

HTC Vive Connections: DisplayPort, USB 3.0

HTC Vive Pro 2 HTC $1,388.82 SHOP NOW Incredible picture quality

Very wide field of view Very expensive

The HTC Vive Pro 2 sets itself apart from the competition with sheer visual fidelity. It features a stunning display, with a much higher resolution and field of view than any of the competition. This makes the HTC Vive Pro 2 especially suited to gaming, as most non-gaming VR software cannot effectively leverage such detailed resolutions.

Like the Valve Index, setup is rather complicated, with two base station sensors, and plenty of PC steps to go through. But once everything is set up, tracking and controls are excellent, and HTC offers tons of games and software through its VivePort Infinity platform.

Predictably, such a powerful VR headset is expensive, and needs to be paired with a powerful PC. Anyone with one of the best graphics cards in their PC can feel confident connecting the HTC Vive Pro 2. Everyone else, however, is better off with one of our other recommendations.

—BEST FOR PLAYSTATION—

Sony Playstation VR

Key Specs

Display: OLED

OLED Resolution: 1920 x 1080

1920 x 1080 Refresh Rate: 120Hz

120Hz Field of View: 100 degrees

100 degrees Weight: 1.32 lbs (600g)

1.32 lbs (600g) Controllers: Playstation Move

Playstation Move Connections: HDMI, USB

Sony Playstation VR PlayStation $348.98 SHOP NOW Fun, accessible games

Affordable

Very comfortable Aging hardware

Lacking PS5 support

One of the oldest options on our list, PlayStation VR (or PS VR) strikes a great balance between cost, accessibility, and complexity. Like the Meta Quest 2, the PS VR is easy to use, easy to set up, and doesn’t require too much technical know-how to enjoy. It’s lightweight, comfortable, and doesn’t leave any marking on most faces, even after long play sessions.

As expected of a VR headset tied to a gaming console, the PS VR is all about games. There are dozens of excellent titles, including Batman: Arkham VR, Resident Evil 7, Beat Saber, Moss, Thumper, and Astro Bot Rescue Mission. Anyone who finds the apps, ecosystems, or account-syncing of other VR platforms annoying will appreciate the PS VR’s “just give me the games” approach.

It’s in the Move controllers and single-camera setup that the PS VR starts to show its age. And while the PS5 does support the PS VR, it doesn’t support the Move controllers, making this headset more for PS4 users than anyone else. Sony has announced a PS VR 2, which will succeed this model and likely fully support the PS5.

—BEST FOR SWITCH—

Nintendo Labo VR Kit

Key Specs

Display: LCD

LCD Resolution: 1280 x 720

1280 x 720 Refresh Rate: 60Hz

60Hz Field of View: Varies

Varies Weight: Varies

Varies Controllers: Varies

Varies Connections: N/A

Nintendo Labo VR Kit Nintendo $194.99 SHOP NOW Incredibly innovative

Great for kids Lacks long-term appeal

The Nintendo Labo VR kit isn’t exactly virtual reality, at least not in the same sense as every other headset on this list. It’s much more in the spirit of something like Google Cardboard, LEGOs, or even arcade games.

For starters, half of the experience of the Labo VR kit is in the assembly. The kit includes tons of cardboard that you assemble yourself into six different VR controllers, headsets, and oddities to play games with. Each creation takes hours to craft, but thankfully the Labo software includes detailed, 3D instructions you can touch through on your Nintendo Switch.

Also unique are the games—every game is designed to be played with two people. From controlling a bird looking for food to battling aliens with an oversized blaster, these games are short, fun, and kid-friendly. Some of the available 64 games aren’t exactly VR, but do utilize the unique controllers of the Labo Kit.

While it may not have the long-lasting appeal of a traditional VR headset, the Nintendo Labo Kit is truly innovative. It’s also one of the only kid-centric VR options around.

VR Player

You NEED to spend money on this GREAT App So this is the BEST app that is worth the money. It has the most functionalities and no lag at all!! Better than any YouTube VR or Video VR app. Ricardo Castillo

WoW Amazing Thanks so much for making this and for doing it so well. Far better than anything I have watched on oculus rift, really cannot say enough about it. Hugh Oneill

Really great. Best player on the market. Timothy A

Does exactly what it's supposed to do So far it's the one and only headset compatible 3D video player that's actually aware of already 3D videos Tomasz Kowal

Great VR Video Player Best VR video player on Play Store. Vlad Bramonth