PCMag has coated digital actuality for the reason that unique Oculus Rift Growth Package launched greater than a decade in the past. Since then, we have examined each main VR headset, together with experimental AR units like Google Glass and the Microsoft HoloLens (to not point out the rising number of good glasses). Lately, there are headsets in each form, measurement, and worth, from the entry-level, wire-free Meta Quest 2 to the PC-tethered standby Valve Index to the class-leading Apple Imaginative and prescient Professional. We have totally examined every of those fashions, evaluating them for his or her graphical capabilities, movement monitoring, software program library, consolation, person expertise, and worth. Learn on for our picks, adopted by the whole lot you’ll want to find out about VR to make a clever buy.
Deeper Dive: Our High Examined Picks
Finest AR/VR Interface
Apple Imaginative and prescient Professional
Execs & Cons
Finest AR/VR interface we have seen
Class-leading eye and hand monitoring
No bodily controllers wanted
Sharp, colourful show
Excellent video passthrough
Loads of visionOS apps and options
Costly
Brief battery life
Entrance-heavy design will get uncomfortable
Gaps in iPad app compatibility
Why We Picked It
The Imaginative and prescient Professional is Apple’s first foray into AR and VR, although the corporate is cautious to explain it as a “spatial pc” somewhat than a headset. No matter you name it (we take into account it an AR/VR/combined actuality headset), the Imaginative and prescient Professional is an extremely formidable system that is good for work or play. The headset depends fully on eye and hand monitoring for controls that allow a much more intuitive and pure management system than any we have examined. As a first-generation system on a newly launched platform, VisionOS, it is surprisingly full-featured, with a few of the finest {hardware} ever put right into a consumer-available, head-mounted show.
Who It is For
Individuals with deep pockets. The Imaginative and prescient Professional prices $3,500, a number of occasions greater than every other headset we have examined. That is costly, even for early adopters. Should you’re prepared to spend that a lot cash on a brand new AR/VR expertise, go for it. Simply acknowledge that Apple will in all probability make even higher and/or cheaper variations within the subsequent few years. As well as, the Imaginative and prescient Professional has a number of software program omissions and stability points that may be mounted with patches, however the headset’s front-heavy steadiness cannot.
Specs & Configurations
Sort
Standalone
Decision
22 million pixels
Refresh Fee
100 Hz
Movement Detection
6DOF
Controls
Eye and hand monitoring
{Hardware} Platform
Apple M2
Software program Platform
Apple VisionOS
Study Extra
Apple Imaginative and prescient Professional Overview
Finest Standalone VR Headset
Meta Quest 3
Execs & Cons
Shade pass-through cameras let you clearly see your environment
Excessive-resolution image
Highly effective processor
Snug design
Brief battery life
Lacks eye-tracking tech
Why We Picked It
The Meta Quest 3 is $200 greater than the Quest 2, nevertheless it provides colour pass-through cameras that make augmented actuality experiences possible, together with a better decision and a sooner processor—a processor that packs extra energy than even the Quest Professional. In reality, the one factor the Professional has over this headset is its superior eye-tracking know-how.
Who It is For
Wish to expertise VR with out cables? That is the standalone headset for you. The Quest 3 is wi-fi, highly effective, sharp, and you may see by it in colour. The Quest 2 is an efficient start line when you’re trying to spend much less, however the Quest 3 is sufficient of a step ahead that it is price the additional money.
Specs & Configurations
Sort
Standalone
Decision
2,064 by 2,208 (per eye)
Refresh Fee
120 Hz
Movement Detection
6DOF
Controls
Meta Quest Contact Controllers
{Hardware} Platform
Standalone
Software program Platform
Meta
Study Extra
Meta Quest 3 Overview
Finest for Execs and Lovers
Meta Quest Professional
Execs & Cons
Improved design with a extra comfy match than the Quest 2
Cool eye- and face-tracking tech
Shade pass-through digital camera
Rechargeable headset and controllers
Does not require a PC to function
Costly
Meta Horizon’s metaverse is usually empty and generally buggy
Brief battery life
Why We Picked It
The Meta Quest Professional is a formidable headset that options cool eye-tracking and face-tracking tech. It prices considerably greater than the Quest 2 and Quest 3, nonetheless, so you actually have to be bought on the attention monitoring before you purchase in.
Who It is For
The Meta Quest Professional is for professionals who want a succesful VR headset for collaboration functions, and for fans who wish to play with the wonderful eye-tracking and face-tracking tech.
Specs & Configurations
Sort
Standalone
Decision
1,920 by 1,800 (per eye)
Refresh Fee
90 Hz
Movement Detection
6DOF
Controls
Movement Controllers
{Hardware} Platform
Standalone
Software program Platform
Meta
Study Extra
Meta Quest Professional Overview
Finest Reasonably priced VR Headset
Meta Quest 2
Execs & Cons
Does not require any cables
Sharp show
Highly effective processor
Correct movement monitoring
Elective PC tethering by way of accent cable
Why We Picked It
The Quest 2 (previously the Oculus Quest 2) is Meta’s $300 standalone VR headset. It is inexpensive for a VR platform, and you do not want cables or extra {hardware}. It is powered by cellular elements, particularly the Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 chipset, and that is sufficient to run entertaining VR experiences. It has an extremely strong library of these experiences, so you may discover one thing entertaining. You can too use it as a PC-powered headset with the $79 Hyperlink Cable.
Who It is For
It is a high VR headset, however its follow-up, the Meta Quest 3, is extra compelling in each approach (together with a sooner processor, a higher-resolution show, and colour pass-through cameras). The Quest 3 additionally prices $200 extra, which implies the Quest 2 is the very best budget-friendly VR headset you should purchase. If you wish to discover VR with out spending some huge cash, it is a terrific start line.
Specs & Configurations
Sort
Standalone
Decision
1,832 by 1,920 (per eye)
Refresh Fee
120 Hz
Movement Detection
6DOF
Controls
Oculus Contact
{Hardware} Platform
Standalone
Software program Platform
Oculus
Study Extra
Meta Quest 2 Overview
Finest for PlayStation 5 Avid gamers
Sony PlayStation VR2
Execs & Cons
Glorious graphics and sound
Sturdy launch library
Helpful eye-tracking tech
Light-weight construct
Straightforward to arrange
Not suitable with PlayStation VR video games
Why We Picked It
The PlayStation VR 2 is a major improve over the unique that mixes the PlayStation 5’s energy with new eye-tracking and motion-control tech that makes VR video games much more immersive. Plus, the light-weight headset has spectacular specs, together with a pointy OLED show that delivers a 2,000-by-2,040-pixel image to every eye.
Who It is For
The PS VR2 is for avid gamers prepared to go all-in on Sony’s next-generation imaginative and prescient of digital actuality. In spite of everything, the headset’s not cheap at almost $600 and it lacks backward compatibility with unique PlayStation VR video games (which is why that mannequin remains to be on this record). Nonetheless, this comfy and spectacular {hardware} has a robust launch library that features Horizon: Name of the Mountain and the Jurassic World Aftermath Assortment.
Specs & Configurations
Sort
Tethered
Decision
2,000 by 2,040 (per eye)
Refresh Fee
120 Hz
Movement Detection
6DOF
Controls
PlayStation VR2 Sense
{Hardware} Platform
PlayStation 5
Software program Platform
PlayStation 5
Study Extra
Sony PlayStation VR2 Overview
Finest Controllers
Valve Index VR Package
Execs & Cons
Immersive, finger-tracking controllers
Excessive, 120Hz refresh fee delivers easy movement
A lot of VR software program accessible on PC by way of SteamVR
Costly
Sometimes irritating tethered design
Why We Picked It
Valve’s PC-tethered VR headset is expensive, and on paper it does not stand out a lot from the competitors. The headset is only one a part of the VR expertise, although, and the Valve Index actually impresses due to the opposite main part: the controllers. They’re revolutionary, in a position to rack particular person finger actions and make video games (that reap the benefits of the characteristic) far more immersive than the usual set off grips on different controllers. It is superb to see your fingers wiggle in Half-Life: Alyx. The headset itself, whereas not excellent, nonetheless provides crisp, easy graphics with a excessive refresh fee, too. The system integrates with Valve’s Steam retailer by SteamVR, so there’s an extremely giant library of VR video games, even when solely a tiny fraction would possibly trouble with the finger assist.
Who It is For
That is the go-to VR headset to be used with PCs, because of its robust efficiency and revolutionary controllers. Should you’re simply beginning with VR on PC, go together with this one. If you have already got a SteamVR-compatible headset, although, such because the HTC Vive, the Vive Cosmos Elite (not the common Cosmos), or the Vive Professional 2 together with their base stations, you should purchase the controllers for $280 to breathe new life into your VR expertise with out investing within the full Valve Index system.
Specs & Configurations
Sort
Tethered
Decision
1,600 by 1,440 (per eye)
Refresh Fee
120 Hz
Movement Detection
6DOF
Controls
Valve Index Controllers
{Hardware} Platform
PC
Software program Platform
SteamVR
Study Extra
Valve Index VR Package Overview
Finest for the Highest-Decision VR
HTC Vive Professional 2
Execs & Cons
The very best decision for VR gaming
Easy movement monitoring
Works with Valve Index controllers
Costly
Does not embrace mandatory base stations or controllers
Why We Picked It
This superior, semi-consumer VR headset targets each fans and professionals with the sharpest image accessible at 2,448 by 2,448 pixels per eye. It simply provides the very best visuals we have seen in VR to date, although at a hefty worth: The headset alone is $799, and that does not issue within the base stations and controllers (however on the brilliant facet, you should utilize the Valve Index controllers with it).It really works with SteamVR similar to the Index, and has its personal VR software program retailer within the type of Viveport. The shop provides the subscription-based Viveport Infinity service that gives limitless entry to VR experiences, as an alternative of a la carte software program purchases. That is a pleasant bonus outdoors of SteamVR.
Who It is For
If you need the very best VR expertise accessible with out diving into pro-level extremes, the Vive Professional 2 mixed with Valve Index controllers is the mix to go together with. It’s going to value you no less than $1,300 earlier than factoring in a PC with the specs to reap the benefits of the headset’s energy, however you may take pleasure in superb visuals and controls.
Specs & Configurations
Sort
Tethered
Decision
2,440 by 2,440 (per eye)
Refresh Fee
120 Hz
Movement Detection
6DOF
Controls
None Included
{Hardware} Platform
PC
Software program Platform
SteamVR
Study Extra
HTC Vive Professional 2 Overview
Shopping for Information: The Finest VR Headsets for 2024
Which VR Headset Is the Finest?Fashionable VR headsets now match underneath one in all two classes: tethered or standalone. Tethered headsets, such because the HTC Vive Professional 2, PlayStation VR, and Valve Index are bodily related to PCs (or within the case of the PS VR 2, a PlayStation 5). Their cables makes them a bit unwieldy, however placing all the video processing in a field that you simply need not immediately strap to your face means your VR expertise generally is a lot extra advanced. Both exterior sensors or outward-facing cameras present full 6DOF (six levels of freedom) motion monitoring for each your head and your palms, because of motion-sensing controllers.The least costly tethered choices are at the moment round $400, and that is earlier than you tackle the processing problem; the HP Reverb G2, Valve Index, and Vive Professional 2 want highly effective PCs to run, whereas the PS VR requires a PlayStation 4 and the PS VR2 requires a PlayStation 5.Standalone headsets provide the best bodily freedom by utterly eradicating the cables and never requiring an exterior system to deal with processing. The Meta Quest 2, Quest Professional, and Quest 3 use comparable outward-facing cameras to the now-discontinued Oculus Rift S to offer 6DOF movement monitoring, and comparable 6DOF movement controls. They lack a devoted gaming PC’s processing energy on their very own, however their high-end cellular processors (particularly the Quest Professional’s Snapdragon XR2+) push detailed, easy graphics. Additionally they assist PC-tethered VR with an non-obligatory cable.
(Credit score: Joseph Maldonado)
The Apple Imaginative and prescient Professional is essentially the most superior of the standalone headsets by far, and essentially the most superior headset normally. Apple does not name it a VR headset however somewhat a “spatial pc,” however as a tool it is similar to the Quest Professional. It depends fully on eye and hand monitoring for management and has essentially the most intuitive interface we have seen by far. It is also $3,500, which is a large ask in contrast with every other headset on this record. It is also a first-generation system on a brand new platform, even when the platform (VisionOS) is constructed on iOS, iPadOS, and MacOS.
Sony “spatial actuality” headset (Credit score: Sony)
Sony’s “spatial actuality” headset introduced at CES 2024 is the opposite mannequin to control. Particulars are scant, however Sony says it’s going to run on a Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2+ chip, indicating it might be standalone headset just like the Meta Quest. Extra fascinating are its controllers: a hoop and a wand which might be designed for “intuitive interplay with 3D objects and exact pointing.” Aimed toward content material creators, it might be a serious launch for VTubers and different streamers.Meta emphasizes that the Quest 2, Quest 3, and Quest Professional are all units for its “metaverse,” which remains to be pretty ill-defined aside from a number of particular apps underneath the Meta Horizon title. It stays a obscure idea, however the Quest headsets are the very best jumping-off factors for exploring the corporate’s imaginative and prescient. Our metaverse information will make it easier to perceive what’s occurring, primarily based on the few arduous particulars.Meta’s imaginative and prescient of the metaverse hasn’t actually panned out, and the aforementioned Horizon Worlds app is a ghost city. Alternatively, platforms and video games that do not name themselves metaverse like Roblox and VRChat have successfully develop into well-liked multimedia experiences crafted and curated by customers. You can too use them outdoors of VR.The Finest Augmented Actuality (AR) HeadsetsYou may need seen different headsets pop up over the previous couple of years, together with the Microsoft HoloLens and the Magic Leap One. They are not on this record for a number of causes, however the greatest one is that they are augmented actuality (AR) headsets, not digital actuality headsets. And sure, there is a distinction.Principally, these AR headsets have clear lenses that allow you to take a look at your environment as an alternative of utterly changing your imaginative and prescient with a computer-generated picture. They challenge photos over no matter you are , however these photos are designed to enhance and work together with the world round you. You can also make an internet browser pop up in the midst of a room, as an example, or watch animals run round your espresso desk. It is fascinating know-how that might trace at the way forward for computing.
Really helpful by Our Editors
The emphasis right here is on the longer term, as in a number of years away. That brings us to the second greatest motive the HoloLens and Magic Leap One aren’t on this record: They are not client merchandise. Each units are purely meant as growth {hardware}, so AR software program might be made for his or her platforms. Contemplating every headset prices a number of thousand {dollars}, you should not anticipate a big library of AR experiences for some time. Exterior of particular enterprise and schooling makes use of, AR headsets are an early adopter playground at finest, and never for most individuals.The Apple Imaginative and prescient Professional is the closest to a complete AR headset we have seen, and the Meta Quest Professional is not too far behind it. They use passthrough cameras as an alternative of clear lenses, so your view of your environment will not be as clear as clear shows, however they nonetheless present the whole lot round you, in colour, and scan these environment to correctly place digital objects in that area.If you cannot watch for the know-how to mature or develop into extra inexpensive, we have discovered a number of consumer-available good glasses which might be very helpful, although do not ship on precise augmented actuality. They challenge giant photos in entrance of your eyes and may have restricted head monitoring to maintain that digital display screen mounted in place earlier than you, and make nice privacy-minded exterior displays if you wish to watch motion pictures, play video games, or work on the go.With that in thoughts, we’ll proceed to trace the very best new VR headsets as they’re launched, so ensure that to verify again quickly for updates. And after you discover the suitable headset, take a look at our record of the very best VR video games.
