If you’ve ever tried a VR headset (list of 10 VR headset) and felt, “It isn’t as immersive as I thought” — it happens. The reason behind this is ‘field of view.’ It is a crucial aspect that creates immersion in the virtual world.
Different headsets have different fields of view. Therefore, some headsets show a completely immersive view while others offer a restricted view. In this article, we will explore the field of view, how it works, and which headsets offer the best experience.
What is the Field of View in VR and AR?
Field of View (FoV) in a VR headset refers to the extent of the virtual world visible through the headset. A headset’s FoV determines whether the virtual view will be completely immersive or like a theatre.
A larger FoV can create a more comprehensive and engaging user experience than a limited one. In VR, the Field of View is typically higher than in AR. While FoV can range anywhere from 90-120 degrees in VR, it stays only in the 30-50 degree range in AR.
Augmented reality mainly deals with overlays of digital images and navigation assistance. Thus, it doesn’t require a wide scope. On the other hand, it’s easier to achieve a broad view in virtual reality. The con is that it leads to bulky headsets, which reduces comfort.
How Does Field of View Affect User Experience?
Field of view affects a virtual experience’s realism, content interface, and user comfort. Here are some more factors that a headset’s FoV may affect:
- Immersion & Realism: A wide FoV fills the user’s natural field of vision, making the experience nearly realistic. On the other hand, a narrow or a limited FoV creates a “tunnel vision” effect. Thus, the user feels like looking at a theater screen rather than living an immersive experience.
- Comfort: An optimal field of view is necessary for user comfort. For instance, an extremely wide FoV can cause neck strain or motion sickness as the user will have to move around a lot. In contrast, a narrow one might cause eye strain.
- User Interface: The field of view affects the way content and interfaces are designed for VR. In a narrow FoV, the elements must be placed in the center while in a wider FoV, elements can be more spread out.
- Accessibility: A wider field of vision can be more inclusive as it provides users with a broad selection of visual capabilities and preferences. However, it must be balanced with other factors such as weight for a truly immersive experience.
Factors That Affect Field of View in VR Headsets
A VR headset’s field of view depends on various factors, such as the lens used, the headset’s screen, and more. Here are 5 factors that may affect a headset’s FoV:
1. Lens Type
Lenses play a crucial role in creating an immersive experience for the user. Different types of lenses affect clarity, distortion, and a user’s field of vision. Here are 2 common types of lenses used in VR headsets:
- Fresnel Lens: These are thinner, lighter, and more compact than traditional lenses, making headsets compact. However, they reduce clarity around the edges.
- Pancake Lens: They are thin and compact, offering higher clarity and reduced distortion than fresnel lenses. In addition, pancake lenses also create a wide FoV.
Pancake lenses are costlier than fresnel lenses. Therefore, they are used in higher-end headsets such as Meta Quest 3. Other headsets like the Quest 3S settle with fresnel ones.
2. Screen Size & Position
The screen size, its placement, and lenses must align together for a perfect immersive experience. For example, a big screen can allow for a wide FoV if the lenses are placed correctly.
In addition to the screen size, the aspect ratio matters just as much. An aspect ratio of 16:9 or 21:9 can create a wide horizontal view. On the opposite side, a square-like aspect ratio creates a narrower horizontal FoV.
3. Eye Relief & IPD Adjustment
Eye relief is the distance between your eyes and the headset’s lenses. This distance affects how a user sees the virtual world. For instance, the closer the lenses are to your eyes, the wider the FoV will be. Similarly, lenses too far create a narrow view.
Moreover, IPD is the distance between your eyes, typically ranging from 50 mm to 75 mm. To achieve a clear and distortion-free view, VR lenses must be aligned with the user’s IPD. Headsets such as HTC Vive Pro 2 allow users to precisely set the IPD to get the sharpest visuals.
4. Display Resolution
The headset’s display resolution affects the clarity, colors, and sharpness of the view. High-resolution displays offer sharp visuals, clearer peripheral vision, and reduce the screen-door effect. On the other hand, low-resolution displays create a pixelated, blurry view.
5. Headset's Design
A headset’s physical design is the last and most important factor in its FoV. Factors such as face padding, lens and display positioning, and overall design affect the visuals. Here are some examples:
- Thick face padding pushes the distance between the user’s eyes and the headset’s lenses. Thus, affecting the view.
- The placement of lenses and screens can either create a natural view or a restricted view.
- The headset’s ergonomics such as weight, padding, and battery can affect the user’s comfort and overall experience.
All these factors help achieve the close-to-perfect virtual experience. Therefore, only a few headsets are able to hit the sweet spot.
6 VR Headsets With an Optimal Field of View
Whether a headset’s field of view is too wide or too narrow, it leads to an unpleasant VR experience. Here are 6 VR headsets that hit the perfect sweet spot:
You may also read: – How to Choose The Right VR Headset?
1. HTC Vive Pro 2
The Vive Pro 2 is a high-end wired headset that features one of the highest-resolution displays. With an excellent refresh rate and field of view, it offers a realistic virtual experience.
At $699, the headset doesn’t include any external base stations or controllers. However, you can use the Valve Index Controllers with it. The headset is easily good for professionals and tech enthusiasts.
Type | Tethered |
Resolution | 2448 by 2448 pixels (per eye) |
Field of View | 116 degrees (horizontal) |
Refresh Rate | 120 Hz |
Motion Detection | 6DoF |
Controls | Vive Pro Controllers |
Hardware Platform | PC |
Software Platform | Steam VR, Viveport |
2. Meta Quest 3
Meta Quest 3 is the best budget-friendly headset in 2025, starting at $499.99. Unlike the Quest 2 and Quest 3S, the headset uses pancake lenses. In addition, the 110-degree horizontal field of view hits the sweet spot.
The standalone headset has excellent resolution, refresh rate, and color passthrough. Hence, turning it into our best pick for new VR explorers.
Type | Standalone |
Resolution | 2448 by 2448 pixels (per eye) |
Field of View | 110 degrees (horizontal) |
Refresh Rate | 120 Hz |
Motion Detection | 6DoF |
Controls | Meta Quest Touch Controllers |
Hardware Platform | Standalone |
Software Platform | Meta |
3. HTC Vive Focus Vision
The HTC Vive Focus Vision is the standalone version of the Vive Pro 2. Similar to the wired headset, this one offers a vibrant experience. However, what makes it different than other standalone headsets is its ‘swappable battery’. Simply, users can replace the battery after 2 hours without interrupting their session.
With hand-tracking, eye-tracking, and color passthrough cameras, the Vive Focus Vision creates a sweet spot for mixed reality experiences. In addition, an inclusive depth sensor ensures an accurate, low-light performance.
Type | Standalone |
Resolution | 2448 by 2448 pixels (per eye) |
Field of View | 116 degrees (horizontal) |
Refresh Rate | 90 Hz |
Motion Detection | 6DoF |
Controls | Vive Controllers |
Hardware Platform | Standalone |
Software Platform | Viveport |
4. PlayStation VR2
Sony’s PlayStation VR2 is made for all the PlayStation 5 gamers. The headset features eye tracking and intuitive motion control which creates a truly immersive gaming experience.
PlayStation VR2 is perfect for those who want to explore a high level of virtual gaming. The $549.99 headset features a strong launch library for gaming. However, it isn’t compatible with the original PlayStation VR games.
Type | Console-powered VR |
Resolution | 2000 by 2040 pixels (per eye) |
Field of View | 110 degrees (horizontal) |
Refresh Rate | 120 Hz |
Motion Detection | 6DoF |
Controls | PlayStation VR2 Sense |
Hardware Platform | PlayStation 5 |
Software Platform | PlayStation 5 |
5. Pico 4 Ultra
The Pico 4 Ultra is an advanced virtual reality headset featuring an excellent resolution of 2,160 by 2,160 pixels per eye. It uses pancake lenses and a 105-degree field of view, creating a perfect wide view for users.
To make it even more fun, the headset offers some mixed reality features as well. The dual color passthrough cameras and an iToF depth-sensing camera help bring virtual elements to the real world. Hence, making the headset a perfect pick at $699.
Type | Standalone |
Resolution | 2160 by 2160 pixels (per eye) |
Field of View | 104 degrees (horizontal) |
Refresh Rate | 90 Hz |
Motion Detection | 6DoF |
Controls | Pico 4 Ultra Controllers |
Hardware Platform | Standalone |
Software Platform | Pico Store |
6. Apple Vision Pro
Even at a hefty price tag of $3,499, Apple Vision Pro is said to have some of the best virtual reality experiences. Apple hasn’t revealed the exact FoV, however, users suggest it could be around 100 degrees.
Since the headset relies mainly on eye, face, and hand tracking, it provides an intuitive user experience. It also has outstanding visuals and video passthrough. Thus, making the Vision Pro one of the best!
Type | Standalone |
Resolution | 3660 by 3200 pixels (per eye) |
Field of View | 100 degrees (approx.) |
Refresh Rate | 100 Hz |
Motion Detection | 6DoF |
Controls | Eye, face, and hand tracking |
Hardware Platform | Apple M2 |
Software Platform | visionOS |
Conclusion
Field of view is just one factor that makes an immersive virtual experience. Similar to this, many others help create one beautiful view. When combined, these factors must align together for the headset to work.
Moreover, a virtual experience is more than a field of view. It is also about clarity, comfort, and complete immersion. Hence, choose a headset that offers you comfort with clarity.
You may also read: How Does Eye Tracking Technology Work With VR?
