While there are many VR options out there, choosing a VR headset that you’re looking for isn’t easy. There are more factors that you have to go through than only the name of the headset. In this article, we will tell you about 5 factors that you need to consider before choosing a VR headset.
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5 Factors to Consider While Choosing A VR Headset
When choosing a VR headset, there are many factors you have to consider before you buy a VR headset. Here, we have listed 5 factors that you must consider while choosing a VR headset.
1. The Budget for a Headset
The first you want to consider is your budget. If you are new to virtual reality, you may want to go for an affordable VR headset. In case you want to work with advanced VR, the choice should be a high-end VR headset.
However, according to the budget of your headset, it will have its set of pros and cons. Here are some pros and cons of each type of headset, in terms of budget:
Pros and Cons of Affordable Headsets:
Pros | Cons |
Anyone can enjoy a virtual reality experience at an affordable price. | They have a low resolution, less responsive tracking, and may be uncomfortable to wear. |
Affordable headsets are easy to setup. | Very limited VR content is available. |
They are good for short-term VR experiences. | Affordable headsets aren’t too durable. |
Pros and Cons of High-End Headsets:
Pros | Cons |
High-end headsets are very responsive and thus, provide realistic VR experiences. | High-end headsets often require a high-end PC or console as well. |
You get to have incredible VR experiences with high-resolution displays, wide field of views, and smooth refresh rates. | Setting up a high-end VR headset may be more complex, involving software installation, hardware configuration, and potentially room tracking setup. |
Expensive VR headsets have a wider content library. | If your headset isn’t a standalone headset, it may bound you to your gaming desk. |
These headsets are comfortable to wear as they have adjustable straps, balanced weight distribution, and eye padding. | Prolonged use of VR headsets, including the expensive ones, can lead to eye strain, dizziness, and motion sickness. |
Some of the best affordable VR headsets you can look for include Meta Quest 2, Altasonix VR Headset, and Google Cardboard POP!. Other high-end VR headsets are Meta Quest 3 (good for everything), Valve Index and PlayStation VR2 (excellent for gaming).
You may also read: Affordable VR Headsets for Beginners
2. Your Purpose for the Headset
Ask yourself, “Why do I want to buy a VR headset?” Is to play games, do work, watch movies, or is it just to experience virtual reality? The purpose of buying a VR headset weighs a lot of importance.
For instance, let’s consider that you want to play VR games and you’re on a budget. In this case, you have to go for a mid-range headset such as Meta Quest 3, PlayStation VR2, or Valve Index. If you want to purchase a VR headset to try it out, a smartphone VR headset or affordable headsets such as Meta Quest 2 may work.
Therefore, the purpose of why you want to buy a VR headset matters a lot.
3. Ergonomics and Comfort
You should ensure that the headset you’re buying isn’t heavy and has adjustable straps to make it fit on your head. Moreover, look for eye padding in the headset. If your headset feels heavy with no eye padding, it can lead to motion sickness and eye straining and you won’t be able to have a prolonged VR use.
4. Platform Compatibility
Each VR headset works on a different platform. For example, the PlayStation VR2 is compatible with PS5 or a PC only. While you purchase a VR headset, look whether you have the compatible hardware platform for it to work on. Here are some headsets and their compatible platforms:
Meta Quest 2 | – |
Valve Index | PC |
Google Cardboard POP! | Android, iOS |
PlayStation VR2 | PlayStation 5 |
HTC Vive Pro 2 | PC |
In case you don’t have the platform available for your chosen headset, you will have to additionally purchase it.
5. Specs of Headset
Specs like the resolution of the headset’s display, field of view, battery, controls, refresh rate, and motion detections also play a role in how your VR experiences will be like. Each VR has different specs, and that makes every headset unique.
If you like very smooth, clear visuals, look for a headset with high resolution and refresh rate. You also need to choose the headset’s specs based on your purpose of buying the headset. For example, if you want to play realistic VR games, you may consider Valve Index for it’s finger-tracking technology.
Best Headsets You Can Consider in 2024
Below we have listed some of the best VR options for you in 2024. Once you have consider all the factors, you can have a look and then choose to buy a VR headset for yourself.
Meta Quest 2
Meta Quest 2 is a very affordable VR headset that costs only $199.99 in 2024. It’s a standalone headset, meaning it doesn’t require any PC, console or cables to work. However, you can make it a tethered headset with a link cable.
The headset is powered by mobile components such as the Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 chipset, which is enough to run entertaining VR experiences. If you want to explore VR, this is best budget-friendly option for you.
Type | Standalone |
Resolution | 1,832 x 1,920 (per eye) |
Refresh Rate | 120 Hz |
Motion Detection | 6DOF |
Controls | Oculus Touch |
Hardware Platform | Standalone |
Software Platform | Oculus |
PlayStation VR2
PlayStation VR2 is a huge upgrade from the original. It uses the power of eye-tracking and motion-tracking technologies that makes the games even more immersive. Plus, it’s a lightweight headset that offers amazing specs, including a high-resolution OLED display.
The headset costs nearly $600, however, it isn’t compatible with the original PlayStation VR games. Still, this new VR headset has an amazing VR content library with games such as Horizon: Call of the Mountain and the Jurassic World Aftermath Collection. If you are willing you invest into a high-end VR headset for immersive gaming, PS VR2 is for you.
Type | Tethered |
Resolution | 2,000 by 2,040 (per eye) |
Refresh Rate | 120 Hz |
Motion Detection | 6DOF |
Controls | PlayStation VR2 Sense |
Hardware Platform | PlayStation 5 |
Software Platform | PlayStation 5 |
Valve Index
Valve Index is like another gaming VR headset that requires a PC to work. However, what makes it stand out of other headsets is it’s controllers. The Valve Index Controllers feature finger tracking technology that makes VR games even more immersive than trigger grip controllers.
The headset offers smooth transitions with a normally high-resolution display. Additionally, you can find a huge content library through SteamVR. For all this, the VR gaming headset costs about $1,000.
Type | Tethered |
Resolution | 1,600 by 1,440 (per eye) |
Refresh Rate | 120 Hz |
Motion Detection | 6DOF |
Controls | Valve Index Controllers |
Hardware Platform | PC |
Software Platform | SteamVR |
Apple Vision Pro
Apple Vision Pro is combines both the AR and VR technologies to create what the company describes it as a “spatial computer”. It’s more of a mixed reality headset. It’s great for both work and to play games in virtual world.
The headset relies completely on eye-tracking and hand-tracking features, creating an intuitive and natural experience. However, it’s more expensive than any other headset in the market, costing about $3,500.
Type | Standalone |
Resolution | 22 million pixels |
Refresh Rate | 100 Hz |
Motion Detection | 6DOF |
Controls | Eye and hand tracking |
Hardware Platform | Apple M2 |
Software Platform | Apple VisionOS |
HTC Vive Pro 2
HTC Vive Pro 2 is the go-to choice for both gamers and professionals. It’s a PC-connected VR headset with the highest resolution of 2,440 by 2,440 pixels per eye. The headset works with SteamVR and has it’s own software store called Viveport. The store offers a subscription-based facility called Viveport Infinity where you can find unlimited VR content.
HTC Vive Pro 2 costs $799 for the headset alone. However, you can use Valve Index controllers with the headset for the best experience. If you include the cost of controllers and PC as well, the headset will cost you at least $1,300.
Type | Tethered |
Resolution | 2,440 by 2,440 (per eye) |
Refresh Rate | 120 Hz |
Motion Detection | 6DOF |
Controls | None Included |
Hardware Platform | PC |
Software Platform | SteamVR |
Conclusion
There are five factors to consider to buy a VR headset at most. The best consideration would be to prioritize your comfort, ergonomics, and purpose of the headset. It’s because in the long run, uncomfortable VR headsets can cause motion sickness.
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FAQs
The Meta Quest 2 is a standalone, and most importantly, pocket-friendly headset. It costs only $199 for its incredible VR experiences and so, most people buy it!
If you have a low budget, then you can go for a headset under $100. However, most of those headsets are built with either sturdy plastic or cardboard. So, they aren’t sturdy and uncomfortable to wear. In simple words, cheap headsets aren’t worth it.
Standalone headsets like Meta Quest 2 don’t need a PC to work. However, tethered headsets like PlayStation VR2 need a PC or console system to work.
There are three types of VR: non-immersive, semi-immersive, and fully-immersive.
Typically, most VR games are either free, or cost between $10-$40. Some premium games may cost up to $60.