For gaming or to watch 3D movies, here are the best VR headsets to buy today, for PC, smartphone or standalone and which one to choose according to your needs.
With a VR headset or VR glasses , we can experience virtual reality to play our favorite video games or watch 3D movies. The gaming sector is the one that most of all has contributed to developing the technologies of the viewers, with the aim of mentally and physically involving the player and interacting in a much more realistic way with the game.
Viewing other 3D media such as films, documentaries, demonstrations, educational paths, museum areas and project simulations, is another great application for using VR viewers.
The VR glasses on the market therefore satisfy a series of needs for different types of public and to choose the best viewer we must consider a series of factors.
Types of VR headsets
Depending on the hardware supplied, we can divide the VR viewers into three large groups.
- Simple VR viewers , equipped with the viewer only, suitable for watching 3D movies. They are VR glasses also suitable for video games, but only with the use of other peripherals.
- VR viewers with motion sensor . They are the ones that allow you to move, walk, bend down, turn your head and find the same movements in the game in real time.
- VR headsets with touch controllers for the hands . With the right tools to make every game even more exciting, the controllers integrate our hands and arms into the game. We can grab objects, throw them, use weapons and touch other elements in the environment.
Depending on the necessary peripherals, we can make a further subdivision.
- VR viewers for PCs . They are designed to be connected to the PC, with or without wires, to exploit the resources inside them. They require compatibility with operating systems and specific hardware requirements are required.
- VR viewers for consoles . They are the viewers designed to complete and extend the use of game consoles, such as Playstation and Nintendo. These viewers are used exclusively for this purpose and it is difficult to use them with other peripherals.
- VR viewers for smartphones . They are designed to be connected to the smartphone, which can be physically inserted into the viewer or be connected via bluetooth. In this regard, we have viewers designed exclusively for a smartphone brand or universal VR viewers that adapt to multiple models and operating systems.
- Standalone VR viewers . They are completely independent viewers designed to be used without the need for other peripherals and without wires. They are equipped with internal memory and all functions are integrated. Bluetooth or smartphone connection may be required for configuration.
The best 2022 VR headsets to buy
Let’s see now what are the best VR viewers to buy on the market today, from top-of-the-range to the cheapest models.
1. Oculus Rift S
The best VR headset for PC
- Equipped with joypad controller
- Cameras integrated into the body
- High price
- Requires adequate hardware
The best VR for PC is the Oculus Rift S , suitable for those who want to experience a total virtual reality without impediments, but at the same time without difficulty in the technical installation.
Those who know the world of virtual reality and have already had the opportunity to test the previous Oculus Rift model, will find interesting improvements that further distinguish this product from its competitors. One of these is the OLED display resolution , currently at 2,560 x 1,440 versus the previous 2160 x 1200, which offers unprecedented image clarity.
Using Oculus Rift S means moving around the room at 360 °, in fact it is equipped with cameras integrated into the body for real-time tracking without the need for PC sensors. Thanks to the Oculus touch controllers you can move your arms in any direction , grab and throw objects, for an even more realistic VR experience and a feeling of total immersion in the game environment.
The visor has been designed to be worn by everyone with optimal comfort, in fact thanks to the adjustable wheel it adapts easily and does not move during the movements of the head.
The minimum requirements to use the headset are an Intel i3-6100 / AMD Ryzen 3 1200, FX4350 or higher processor, NVIDIA GTX 1050 Ti / AMD Radeon RX 470 or higher graphics card, at least 8 GB of RAM and Windows 10 operating system.
2. Oculus Quest 2
The best standalone VR headset
- Design and light weight
- Intuitive controls
- Good video resolution
- You need a Facebook account
The best standalone VR headset is Facebook’s Oculus Quest 2, it is an all-in-one headset that does not require a PC or other peripherals, and is great for those who want to experience virtual reality without using a computer. In addition, it is an excellent solution for those who want complete freedom of movement, want to use it on the road or take it to a friend’s house.
Compared to the previous model, the Quest 2 offers better performance and higher video resolution , in a light gray design (against the black of the first Quest) and 10% less overall weight. The few buttons and ports on the chassis are well positioned, and for a virtual reality gaming session, it’s comfortable and intuitive.
When using it, the Passthrough + function (which takes advantage of the headset’s external cameras) is useful to avoid injury. Just configure the game space according to the real surrounding environment, to make the viewer activate this function when we move away from the pre-established boundaries.
With this viewer it is therefore possible to move freely in the game space , for a more real experience. If, on the other hand, we want to use it while sitting or stationary, it is still possible to do so.
For listening to audio during a session, the Quest 2 offers integrated 3D speakers for an immersive experience , and it is also possible to connect headphones via the jack on the side of the headset.
Its strength is independence, but if you want to experiment with games only on a computer, you can also connect it to the PC, you will need to buy the Oculus Link cable separately, it is a high-speed fiber optic cable that allows you to associate the headset with a gaming computer with high-level specifications.
3. Playstation VR
The best VR headset for PS4
- 3D audio
- Specific for Playstation
- Ergonomic and very light design
- The PS camera is required to be purchased separately
The Playstation VR is the only choice for playing on PS4 and PS4 Pro . Designed specifically for the Sony console, it is the perfect complement to take your gaming experience to the next level. In fact, it is part of a series of peripherals that transform the normal console into a virtual reality console.
The headset must be connected to the console via cable and must be used in conjunction with the PlayStation Camera, which must be purchased separately. Once this is done, you will have a great 5.7-inch OLED display with Full HD resolution at 120 fps for smooth gaming sessions and clear images.
3D audio adds realism to every scene, thanks to directional sounds and different distances, plus, the built-in microphone allows you to communicate with other players online.
Among the strengths of these VR glasses for Playstation , we also find comfort, mainly due to the general lightness of the support and the padding that surrounds the head and keeps the viewer in position. A detail that should not be underestimated if you usually play for many hours in a row.
4. HP Reverb G2
VR glasses for PC with excellent video resolution
- Invisible pixels
- Ease of configuration with Windows
One of the best 3D viewers for PC for video resolution is the HP Reverb G2, which adopts a special technology that offers a definition of 2160 x 2160 pixels per eye. With this viewer, it will be impossible to notice the pixels, for a truly immersive 3D experience. The Reverb G2 is highly recommended for gamers who have a powerful gaming computer with a dedicated graphics card at their disposal.
It is a virtual viewer to be used with a PC, connected via cable . The cable that connects to the viewer, on the other side has a small box, which works to connect the power supply and the cable that goes to the PC (displayport and USB-C). The wire of the viewer is 6 meters long, one of the longest in the sector, and therefore allows you to move quite freely.
The design is appreciable, the headphones are integrated into the sides of the viewer, and the viewer itself is built in such a way as not to let the ambient light through, while remaining light and comfortable for long sessions.
Once the viewer and the connecting cables have been installed, the software installation must be done through Windows Mixed Reality , the Windows portal for virtual reality that allows you to configure the game space. Setup is quick and easy, works well with Windows 10, and there’s no need to install any other software.
The controllers supplied are the standard Windows Mixed Reality ones, good for ergonomics and functions, but less precise than models of VR viewers that adopt the base station.
5. Nintendo Labo Kit VR
The best VR headset for kids and teens
- It combines technology and creativity
- Affordable price
- Packed with expansions and variations
- For Nintendo Switch console only
Nintendo Labo Kit VR is a complete set for making technological products with cardboard supports . If you already have the Nintendo Switch console you can extend its activities to immerse yourself in virtual reality.
Just insert the Nintendo Switch into the holder and start the 3D VR experience. The kit is suitable for the whole family , bearing in mind that the VR mode is suitable for ages 7 and up, while younger children can still play and experiment with 2D images.
The great thing about the kit is that the cardboard tools, called Toy-Con, need to be assembled. The kit includes the VR viewer, the camera, the blaster, a wind pedal and the shapes of the bird and elephant.
Nintendo had a great idea to combine technology with a creative activity that develops the natural aptitudes of children to design and build. The cardboard, in addition to significantly reducing the price of the final product, recalls the games of the past, simple and intuitive.
Nintendo’s is a great way to introduce children to virtual reality , without detaching themselves from the outside world. We know how easy it is for youngsters to immerse themselves completely in a video game by leaving out other activities and to isolate themselves from everyone. On the contrary, this game is designed to involve adults and more children together, who will be able to share their experiences.
In addition to the assorted Nintendo Labo Kit, several expansion sets and videogames are available to match each Lab, the most popular being the Vehicles kit, the Robot kit and the Super Mario Odyssey kit.
6. Lenovo Mirage Solo
Real motion tracking and use without external hardware
- Comfortable
- Worldsense technology
- MicroSD slot
- Limited game space
- To be perfected
The Lenovo Mirage Solo is one of the standalone VR headsets available on the market right now. This product is the result of the collaboration between Google and Lenovo , and offers integration with WorldSense technology, which allows you to make real movements such as getting down, getting up, jumping and avoiding obstacles.
Worldsense (developed by Google) is able to understand the user’s movements without the need to set up external sensors, a very advanced technology that will surely see many applications in the future.
At the moment, the gaming space that the headset offers is not very large, only one step in each direction , this to maintain a certain security. The tracking is still very effective, no matter what playing space we are in, the viewer’s sensors allow us to exactly replicate the movements and in a natural way, so when we bend down to dodge a bullet, the feeling is real.
Coupled with the Daydream platform , the Lenovo Mirago Solo offers access to various applications for traveling in virtual reality and visiting remote places, for making virtual online encounters, and for playing games made available by Daydream.
At the hardware level, the Solo offers a Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 VR processor and 4GB of RAM , features that make it possible to have a good video resolution (2560 x 1440) and a 110-degree field of view, for an immersive and real experience.
Thanks to the Micro SD card slot positioned on the viewer, we will also be able to expand the storage space of the device, so as a standalone viewer there is a good possibility of expansion.
7. VR Shinecon
A good VR headset for watching movies
- Economical price
- Discreet comfort
- Good insulation from the external environment
- Absence of remote control / manual control
- Only useful for stationary use
- Not suitable for gaming
The VR Shinecon is among the best VR for smartphones on the market in the economic range, suitable for many models of Android and iOS smartphones , perfect for trying virtual reality even if you have a low budget, to see films and videos in 3D.
These virtual reality glasses are compatible with phones from 4.7 to 6.5 inches , and are suitable for watching 3D movies and experimenting with applications and games with a good level of immersion.
To use, just download dedicated applications from the Android and iOS stores , which offer different options for viewing 3D content. It must be said that, lacking a remote control for control, and software for accessing the VR world, these glasses offer a very basic use, without many possibilities for interaction.
The field of view is around 100 degrees , which is good enough for an entry level headset like this. It can be worn even if you wear glasses and weighs 0.4 kg, with a comfortable padding to wear and a lightweight frame. To adjust the focus of the image it is possible to use the relative control on the sides of the viewer, while to adjust the distance between the pupils it is possible to do it using the central wheel.
8. Samsung Gear VR
The best VR headset for Samsung Galaxy
- Sharp and lifelike images
- It can be recharged during use
- Not compatible with Galaxy Note 7
Compatible with Samsung Galaxy S6, S6 and S6 Edge and above, the Samsung Gear VR is a lightweight and handy headset to use even for long sessions. It is the perfect headset for those who already own a Samsung Galaxy and want to enhance functionality without buying other more expensive smartphone viewers.
Its weight of just over 300 grams which counts it among the viewers considered “cardboard”, will amaze you with the sharpness of the image and the 360 ​​° 3D VR experience . The tracking is precise and performing with low levels of latency that allow you to follow the movements of the head and offer you a view as if you were in the game.
Among the integrated sensors we find Accelerometer, Gyroscope and Proximity sensor. Thanks to the HD resolution of 1,920 x 1,080 pixels, you can enjoy excellent quality 2D and 3D movies, cartoons and reproductions. The lenses offer a glare-free view with low light scattering.
The controller is integrated into the viewer , with a practical home button to call up the main page, a back button to return to the previous menu and a high-precision touchpad on which to slide your fingers to explore the different functions and virtual space.
Among the advantages of the Samsung Gear VR, a micro USB for charging that can also be done during use to avoid interrupting the game. Conversely, some users report general overheating after prolonged use, especially when using the Galaxy 6.
Among the VR viewers for smartphones it is undoubtedly among those with the best value for money .
9. Bnext3D VR Headset
The best VR glasses for smartphone compatibility
- Compatible with most smartphones
- Excellent level of comfort
- Headphones to be purchased separately
- Without controller
If your smartphone is left out of a series of headsets, Bnext VR has designed a headset that is compatible with most devices . Not only iPhone and Samsung, but Motorola, Huawei, HTC Nexus and other microsoft and android smartphones up to 6 inches are widely compatible.
With over 300 games and apps, the Bnext 3D VR is great for gaming , but it’s just as good at watching movies of any kind in HD, 3D, 720p, 1080p resolution, plus it’s great with drones.
The headset has been designed to be worn with a high level of comfort , starting with the adjustable straps, interpupillary distance and focus to allow use by anyone, including those who wear glasses.
As for the audio, the headphone jack output is available, to be purchased separately to complete the effectiveness of the viewer. It is a simple viewer without a controller, it means that you have to remove the smartphone from the viewer to change activities and to manage the apps.
10. Fiyapoo V4
The best budget VR headset
- Wide compatibility with smartphones
- Integrated Hi-Fi headphones
- Not rechargeable, it runs on battery
- Without controller
The Fiyapoo V4 is among the best 3D viewers, with wide compatibility with many smartphone models . Built with quality materials and equipped with integrated headphones, it is suitable for those who want to experience virtual reality without having to add anything and exploiting the potential of your mobile phone. For this we can define the Fiyapoo V4 a universal VR viewer.
As for the video quality, the images are clear thanks to the HD resolution and the anti-glare and anti-blue light lenses that protect the eyes.
The presence of high fidelity stereo headphones is a feature not just considered the economic product. The sound quality is very good and you can clearly perceive the direction and different intensities to immerse yourself 100% in the game or the movies. In addition, the headphones offer good sound insulation, thanks to which you will not have distractions and disturbances from the outside.
To make use as pleasant as possible, the Fiyapoo V4 has been designed with great attention to comfort . The soft T-straps fit anyone, including children, loosely and without oppressing. The visor is covered in soft, breathable, easy-to-clean leather for maximum comfort.
The lenses can be adjusted and adjusted for interpupillary distance and myopia, plus they are anti-reflective. The front bezel of the visor can finally be removed to improve heat dissipation and prevent overheating.
For those looking for an entry level model to enter the world of virtual reality, the Fiyapoo V4 is the best and most recommended budget VR headset to buy.
