Top 5 Best VR Headsets Reviews In 2024

The virtual reality (VR) industry is experiencing steady growth, with constant advancements in the best VR headsets. In the past, there were limited choices for VR systems, but now there are numerous options available. When searching for VR headsets, you will come across a wide range of choices, making it easy to feel overwhelmed by the various hardware and ecosystems.

Whether you prefer a PC-based experience, a standalone setup, or a budget-friendly system that still offers exceptional VR, we have curated a selection of the top VR headsets. Additionally, we provide guidance to help you choose the system that will bring you the utmost joy.

Best VR Headsets Reviews

1. Meta Quest 2 VR Headset

If you are currently considering purchasing a VR headset, chances are that you are already aware of the Meta Quest 2 (previously known as the Oculus Quest 2). In terms of standalone hardware, it currently holds a dominant position in the market with little to no significant competition. Moreover, it offers an exceptional VR experience that further enhances the groundwork established by the Oculus Rift.

After using the Quest 2 extensively and exploring its wide range of software options, we have developed a comprehensive understanding of its target audience, drawbacks, and key considerations for potential buyers.

Upon unboxing, the Quest 2 immediately impresses with its high-quality construction and durability. However, setting it up correctly is essential, and users should be prepared for the process. Personally, as someone with poor vision and long eyelashes who is not particularly fond of Facebook, I faced some challenges.

Throughout the evaluation, we were highly impressed by the selection of apps and games available, particularly enjoying experiences like Beat Saber and Superhot VR. The Meta Quest 2 may struggle to run more complex games like Skyrim VR without being connected to a PC, but the convenience and enjoyment of wireless play make it a worthwhile compromise.

We identified the primary drawback of the Meta Quest 2 to be its battery life, lasting only 2 hours during gaming and 3 hours for video content in our testing. However, frequent breaks are likely necessary due to the immersive nature of VR experiences.

2. Meta Quest 3 VR Headset

Meta has emerged as the dominant player in the VR market, surpassing all other companies. With a range of exceptional VR headsets available, the Meta Quest 3 stands out as the ultimate choice, providing the finest overall experience for the majority of users.

The Quest 3 faced a challenging task of living up to its predecessor, but Meta successfully enhanced the strengths of the Quest 2 by improving performance overall and implementing necessary quality of life adjustments.

The majority of the enhancements in Quest 3 can be attributed to the latest Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chipset, resulting in significantly faster operations and delivering exceptional performance in both VR and AR applications.

Regarding AR, the Quest 3 has made significant progress. With a greatly enhanced passthrough mode, the Meta Quest 3 can now seamlessly engage with your environment and provide support for the newest selection of augmented reality applications and games.

Additionally, the Quest 3 features a new Depth Sensor that enhances its ability to define a boundary around you with greater precision, ensuring your safety during gameplay and reducing the occurrence of unnecessary warnings as you navigate within your designated area.

In addition to all of these features, the Quest 3 boasts even higher resolution 4K+ screens, resulting in a visually enhanced experience with crystal-clear text that is easy to read without any blurring. Moreover, it also supports Wi-Fi 6E, enabling faster downloading and streaming when used with a compatible router.

However, the main drawback of the Quest 3 is its significantly higher cost compared to the Quest 2, making the latter a more suitable choice for VR enthusiasts who are on a budget. Nevertheless, if you have the means to afford the additional expense, you will undoubtedly be amazed by the remarkable accomplishments Meta has achieved with this device.

3. Valve Index VR Full Kit

The Valve Index was introduced to the market a couple of years ago as a top-tier competitor, and it continues to stand out among the finest VR headsets currently available. Despite no longer having the highest screen resolution, it remains the top choice overall. This is due to its exceptional tracking, lower GPU requirements, and user-friendly design offered at a reasonable price point.

The Index has revolutionized our Beat Saber experiences with flawless tracking and seamless visual performance, crucial aspects for such activities. While its screen resolution may not be the highest, this becomes a minor concern once you are fully immersed in the incredibly smooth VR experience that the Index delivers, even with less powerful PC hardware.

This is a worthwhile investment for a high-performance experience with minimal discomfort. You will enjoy frame rates of 90 fps or above, immersive audio, and a minimum of four comfort adjustment options.

The Valve Index includes wall-mountable base stations for room-scale tracking, user-friendly documentation, and the most impressive VR controllers I have experienced so far. Each Index controller features 87 sensors for precise gesture-based input, as well as comfortable fabric straps to keep them securely in place—particularly useful when wearing a large head-mounted display that obstructs your view. Moreover, this headset did not feel as bulky and cumbersome as other tethered headsets I have tested, making it a significant advantage for long-term comfort.

If you plan on spending extended periods in VR playing demanding games and do not require a standalone headset, you will be highly satisfied with the Valve Index and its extensive software library, which includes Valve’s Half-Life: Alyx. Just ensure that your PC has sufficient power to handle it.

4. HTC VIVE Pro 2 VR Headset

The Vive Pro 2 offers the most exceptional virtual reality experience among all the headsets listed here. It boasts a remarkably sharp 5K resolution, flawless tracking performance, and a wide range of immersive VR games and apps. However, it’s important to note that the Vive Pro 2 requires external tracking sensors, which means you’ll need a dedicated space to fully enjoy it. Additionally, you’ll need a high-powered PC to connect the headset.

If you’re a VR enthusiast and can overlook these obstacles, you’ll be rewarded with one of the finest VR experiences currently available. Our testing revealed impressive performance with games like Half-Life Alyx and Paper Beast.

Furthermore, the 120Hz refresh rate and 5K resolution ensure that you’ll enjoy the best possible visuals from a VR headset, even without an OLED screen. If you’re looking for a top-of-the-line VR headset and cost is not a concern, the Vive Pro 2 is an excellent choice.

Several drawbacks hinder its performance. Primarily, the setup process is arduous, involving a prolonged and frustrating series of update downloads and troubleshooting. While PC-gaming enthusiasts accustomed to a do-it-yourself approach may not be deterred, it presents a tedious obstacle when compared to headsets like the Quest 2.

Moreover, it is excessively heavy, with numerous cables connecting to and from your head, the Link Box adapter, your PC, and the power source—let alone the cords from the two base stations. The overall setup feels somewhat chaotic.

Although the concept of the metaverse remains imperfect, it does not negate the fact that you can still derive immense enjoyment from this undoubtedly powerful hardware.

5. HP Reverb G2 VR Headset

The HP Reverb G2 boasts numerous appealing features. Despite its relatively low profile in the VR gaming market, we believe it outperforms competitors in its price range. With its impressive display, ergonomic controllers, and reasonable price point, it delivers excellent value. However, it falls short of excelling in any particular area.

The VR headset, HP Reverb G2, boasts an elegant design with a subtle appearance. Its body is made of matte black plastic, complemented by gray fabric material for the internal padding. The device features four external cameras, with two facing forwards and one on each side.

Adjacent to the side cameras, you’ll discover the built-in directional speakers, which can be raised when not in use. Inside the headset, a layer of memory foam covered in fabric ensures a comfortable wearing experience. This detachable piece not only facilitates cleaning but also provides access to the hidden port for the extensive six-meter-long cable that connects the Reverb G2 to your computer or laptop.

The HP Reverb G2 occupies a unique position in the VR market. It distinguishes itself from the high-end Valve Index and the budget-friendly Oculus Quest 2. Instead, it caters to individuals who have a keen interest in VR gaming but are not willing to splurge on a device like the Valve Index. With its impressive display and excellent controllers, the HP Reverb G2 is well-suited for VR gaming. Moreover, it offers the advantage of not requiring extensive space for base-stations and true room-scale VR.

Regrettably, this middle-of-the-road approach has its drawbacks for the G2. While mid-range, mid-specs products are often popular choices in other markets, the same cannot be said for VR. Casual users prefer the convenience and affordability of the Quest, while hardcore tech enthusiasts and gamers are more inclined to invest a few hundred dollars extra for the significantly more capable Valve Index. Consequently, the HP Reverb G2 finds itself in an awkward middle ground between these two groups.

Important Information Regarding the Purchase of a VR Headset.

Virtual reality has become increasingly popular in the past eight years due to efforts to enhance affordability and user experience. Unlike traditional television, VR technology utilizes close-up lenses and three-dimensional audio to create a realistic virtual environment for users.

The quality of hardware directly impacts the realism of the virtual experience, while superior sound and comfort levels contribute to an enjoyable user experience. For optimal usage, it is recommended to have a frame rate of at least 72 to 90 frames per second. Additionally, high-resolution screens are essential to reduce the visibility of individual pixels and the “screen door effect.”