The Best VR Headsets for 2024

Overview

We can now experience real-life simulations within an artificial platform thanks to virtual reality. Although VR isn't a new technology, its popularity has skyrocketed in recent years because of improvements in sensory feedback, resolution quality, and interaction. If you're seeking the greatest VR headset, your best option will be determined by your preferences in the virtual world.

On the surface, picking the finest VR headset is straightforward, but industry shifts are afoot that might make virtual reality more difficult to navigate. When it comes to choosing the best VR headset, there isn't a lot to choose from, but the alternatives on our list will suffice if you're looking for a basic virtual reality experience. To help you skip all the confusion, we've selected this year's greatest models below, and no matter what your budget is, there's a model for you.

Top Picks

• Best Overall: Meta Quest 2
• Best Bang for Your Buck: Google Cardboard
• Best Premium: HTC VIVE Pro Virtual Reality Headset
• Best for Design: Oculus Quest All-in-one
• Best for PlayStation: PlayStation VR
• Best for Gaming: Oculus Rift S PC-Powered
• Best for Console: Sony PlayStation VR
• Best for Tracking: HTC Vive Pro Eye

Buying Guide

When purchasing a VR, there are various factors to consider. With so many options on the market nowadays, it can be difficult to choose one above the others. You will undoubtedly succeed if you only focus on the factors that are most essential to you. Here are some typical points to consider: 

1. Field of View

It is the width of the image, represented in degrees, as its name suggests. A larger field of view is preferable. The human FOV reaches a maximum of 220 degrees. The horizontal FOV of most VR headsets is roughly 100 degrees. The sense of immersion will be considerably reduced if the field of view is too small.

2. Tracking 

Your movements are tracked and transcribed into the virtual experience. External sensors are used in some systems, while others have cameras embedded right into the headphones.

• Outside-in tracking: employs external sensors and/or cameras to precisely track the headset's position within a defined area.

• Inside-out tracking: the VR headset detects its position using one or more front-facing cameras, with or without the usage of markers.

Apart from that, there are also hand tracking and eye-tracking, which are usually available on high-end VR headsets.

3. Controllers

Good controllers may substantially improve a virtual reality experience, particularly when it comes to gaming. The controllers / controllers may alter depending on the headphones. 

High-end 6DoF controllers contain a trackpad, trigger, and buttons for better in-game control and can be tracked by the headset and/or its sensors. Simple 3DoF pointer controllers (point-and-click) should suffice for casual VR viewing.

4. Refresh Rate

The number of images per second that a display can display, measured in hertz. The higher it is, the more natural the visual movement becomes. As a result, a high refresh rate is crucial for VR, as a low refresh rate might create stuttering, which can cause nausea.

5. Comfort

Another key element to consider is comfort. All helmets are not the same model, and they come in various sizes and weights. It is up to you to select the correct helmet and adaptations for you. Almost every VR HMD comes with customized cushions to make it more comfortable to wear. Let's have a look at it and see which one will best suit your skin.

FAQs

1. What is better AR or VR?

AR augmented reality through phones and tablets, whereas VR uses headgear to create a new environment. VR is better for complicated, soft-skill information, while AR is better for distinct, technical issues.

2. Is the Oculus Quest 2 worth it?

The Oculus Quest 2 is Oculus' greatest VR headset yet, being lightweight, comfy, and powerful enough to perform astonishingly detailed virtual reality experiences. It fits all budgets, but owns high-quality performance.

3. Do all VR headsets need a phone?

Standalone virtual reality headsets are all-in-one devices that can run virtual reality without the need for a computer or a phone. After six years, there are a slew of standalone VR headsets on the market, with more on the way in the coming months.

Final Thoughts

These are the best VR Headsets in 2024 chosen by us. As you can see, virtual reality headsets come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and types. We hope this article has helped you select the ideal one or more for your budget, or at the very least, understand what to look for. Please feel free to add your helpful comments if you believe I missed one that is relevant.