List of Top 9 VR Headset In 2024

As virtual reality is becoming the topic of the Internet, more and more companies are releasing new VR headsets. However, it’s not easy to choose the best VR headset for yourself.

So, here we have a list of the best 9 VR headsets that you can consider in 2024.

1. Meta Quest 3

Meta Quest 3 and its controller
Source: https://assets-prd.ignimgs.com/

Meta Quest 3 is the best standalone VR headset, with positive reviews all around the Internet. The headset is compact and offers an immersive VR experience to its users — with no extra cables or cameras.

Quest 3 adds color pass-through cameras that make the virtual experiences feasible, along with a higher resolution and a faster processor. At $499, the headset is an impressive upgrade from Quest 2.

TypeStandalone
Resolution2,064 by 2,208 (per eye)
Refresh Rate120 Hz
Motion Detection6DOF
ControlsMeta Quest Touch Controllers
Hardware PlatformStandalone
Software PlatformMeta

2. Apple Vision Pro

Apple vision pro headset
Shutterstock

Apple Vision Pro has the best AR/VR interface. Although the company describes their headset as a ‘spatial computer’, it can be considered as an AR/VR headset too. 

One can say that Apple’s first step into virtual reality didn’t disappoint. The headset relies on eye-tracking and hand-tracking technologies for controls, creating an intuitive and natural control system. VisionOS is also full-featured with its head-mounted display. 

No matter how good VisionOS may be, its heavy hardware cannot be compromised. For the price tag of $3,500, the headset is really expensive as compared to other headsets out there. However, if you want to try it out, go for it!

Type

Standalone

Resolution

22 million pixels

Refresh Rate

100 Hz

Motion Detection

6DOF

Controls

Eye tracking and Hand tracking

Hardware Platform

Apple M2

Software Platform

Apple VisionOS

3. Meta Quest 2

a person using meta quest 2
https://st2.depositphotos.com/

If you are new to virtual reality and want to have a great experience at a budget, Meta Quest 2 is for you. It’s a standalone headset like Quest 3, and so, you don’t need any additional hardware.

Quest 2 is powered by mobile components such as the Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 chipset. Hence, it’s enough to run quality entertainment experiences for you. Additionally, you get an extensive library of entertaining experiences. 

In case you want to use it as a PC-powered headset, a Link Cable would do so for you. At $300, this is the best budget-friendly headset you could get

Type

Standalone

Resolution

1,832 by 1,920 (per eye)

Refresh Rate

120 Hz

Motion Detection

6DOF

Controls

Oculus Touch

Hardware Platform

Standalone

Software Platform

Oculus

4. Meta Quest Pro

The Meta Quest Pro is another headset by Meta, but for all the enthusiasts in the virtual reality industry. It features cool eye-tracking and face-tracking technology, color pass-through camera, and rechargeable controllers.

The best part about this headset is that it doesn’t require a PC to operate. However, at $999, it costs significantly more than Quest 3 and Quest 2. We’d recommend purchasing it if you need a capable headset for collaborations. 

Type

Standalone

Resolution

1,920 by 1,800 (per eye)

Refresh Rate

90 Hz

Motion Detection

6DOF

Controls

Motion Controllers

Hardware Platform

Standalone

Software Platform

Meta

5. HTC Vive Pro 2

Source: Cyphon

As advanced HTC Vive Pro 2 looks, it captures both enthusiasts and professionals with the sharpest visuals available. It easily offers the best visuals for gaming. The headset also offers a smooth motion tracking experience.

Just like the Index, it works with SteamVR and has its own VR software store in the form of Viveport. The store offers a subscription-based service called Viveport Infinity, where you can find unlimited access to VR experiences. It works as a nice bonus to SteamVR.

However, it’s expensive as the headset alone costs $799. Including the Valve Index controllers to use Vive Pro 2, it will cost you at least $1,300 in total.

Type

Tethered

Resolution

2,440 by 2,440 pixels (per eye)

Refresh Rate

120 Hz

Motion Detection

6DOF

Controls

None included

Hardware Platform

PC

Software Platform

SteamVR

6. Valve Index

Valve Index’s headset doesn’t stand out much from the competition, as it’s on the pricey side. However, it still offers crisp, smooth graphics with a high refresh rate.

One component that makes this headset end up on our is the Valve Index controllers. They are good at tracking individual finger movements, making VR games much more immersive and fun. Thus, Valve Index is perfect for gamers!

The headset and controllers blend well with Valve’s Steam store through SteamVR. So, you get a large library of VR games to play at your fingertips. Valve Index’s full VR kit comes at a cost of over $1,400 — which is quite expensive.

Type

Tethered

Resolution

1,600 by 1,400 (per eye)

Refresh Rate

120 Hz

Motion Detection

6DOF

Controls

Valve Index Controllers

Hardware Platform

PC

Software Platform

SteamVR

7. HP Reverb G2

HP Reverb G2 is a tethered VR headset with an amazingly high per-eye resolution rate, being 2,160 by 2,160. Thus, it can be the perfect choice for anyone looking for a headset slightly cheaper than Valve Index. 

For the price tag of $599 (with controllers), HP Reverb G2 offers great resolution. However, it is slightly inaccurate with its motion tracking precision. In addition, the VR system is also very easy to set up.

Type

Tethered

Resolution

2,160 by 2,160 pixels (per eye)

Refresh Rate

90 Hz

Motion Detection

6 DOF

Controls

Windows Mixed Reality Controllers

Hardware Platform

PC 

Software Platform

Windows Mixed Reality, SteamVR

8. PlayStation VR2

Sony’s PlayStation VR 2 is an incredible upgrade over the original and easily counts as one of the best VR headsets for gamers. It combines the PlayStation 5’s power with eye-tracking and motion-control technology that makes VR games even more immersive.

The headset is lightweight and comfortable, with a sharp OLED display — providing excellent graphics and sound. PS VR2 also has a strong launch library with games like Horizon: Call of the Mountain and the Jurassic World Aftermath Collection. 

However, you must note that the headset is not compatible with the original PlayStation VR games. At a price tag of nearly $500, PlayStation VR2 offers exactly what you’d expect.

Type

Tethered

Resolution

2,000 by 2,040 pixels (per eye)

Refresh Rate

120 Hz

Motion Detection

6DOF

Controls

PlayStation VR2 Sense

Hardware Platform

PlayStation 5

Software Platform

PlayStation 5

9. HTC Vive XR Elite

The HTC Vive XR Elite is a standalone, high-end lightweight virtual reality headset. Vive XR Elite takes a lot of features from HTC’s previous standalone headsets such as the Vive Flow & Vive Focus 3. Some of these include pancake optics, inside-out tracked controllers, and an actively cooled chipset.

The headset is very adjustable — with two types of straps being available to the users. Coming to the controllers, they have partial finger-tracking and thumb tracking technology used. As good as the Vive XR Elite is, it’s expensive with a price tag of $1,099.

Type

Standalone

Resolution

1,920 by 1,920 pixels (per eye)

Refresh Rate

90 Hz

Motion Detection

6DOF

Controls

Vive XR Controllers

Hardware Platform

Standalone

Software Platform

Viveport

FAQs

1. Which VR headsets are the best for Metaverse?

Meta Quest 2 is an affordable option to experience virtual reality if you’re new to it. However, Quest 3 offers much better graphics, higher resolution display, clearer lenses, and smaller controllers. Thus, making your virtual reality experience superior.

Read more Ultimate Guide on VR Headsets

2. What is the most affordable VR headset?

Google Cardboard POP! is the most affordable VR headset out there. Some other choices include PlayStation VR2, Meta Quest 2, Nintendo Labo Toy-Con, and the Atlasonix VR headset.

3. Is Meta Quest 3 better than Quest 2?

Yes, Meta Quest 3 is better than Quest 2 in every aspect possible. The headset has a higher resolution, a faster processor, and much more. However, it’s also $200 more expensive than Quest 2.

4. What is the best VR headset for gaming?

Some of the best VR headset picks for gaming include Valve Index, PlayStation VR2, and Meta Quest 3.

5. How do I choose a good VR headset for me?

To choose a VR headset that is personalized for you, decide on why you want a VR headset — whether it’s for gaming, work, or entertainment purposes or learning a new language . Then ensure that your device is compatible with the platform you are going to use it on. Lastly, consider specifications such as the headset’s weight, field of view, resolution, battery life, etc.

6. Are cheap VR headsets worth it?

Not really. Cheap VR headsets are often uncomfortable on the neck and therefore, you cannot use them for long hours. Instead, you should look for VR headsets that come with adjustable straps and ample padding around the eyes. In long-term use of VR, you will be safe from motion sickness.

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