Best Overall VR Headset
Valve Index
- Tracking9.8
- Visuals8.0
- Comfort7.4
- Daily Use9.8
- Ease of Setup6.5
Platform: PC | Resolution: 1440 x 1600
REASONS TO BUY
– Excellent motion-tracking
– Doesn’t require a top-shelf GPU
– Solid value
REASONS TO AVOID
– Uncomfortable with glasses
– Sensors and controllers sold separately
The Valve Index entered the market as a top candidate and remains one of the best VR headsets available today. Despite not having the highest screen resolution, it excels in tracking, has lower GPU requirements, and offers user-friendly design at an affordable price. The Index delivers flawless tracking and smooth visual performance, ideal for immersive VR experiences even with modest PC hardware.
While the Valve Index has many positive aspects, it has some drawbacks. It relies on external sensor units for tracking, which may not be ideal for those seeking a more portable setup. Additionally, it is uncomfortable for glasses wearers, making it less suitable for individuals with prescription eyewear. In such cases, the Vive Pro 2 Headset is a better option due to its improved glasses compatibility.
Read more: Valve Index review
The Valve Index offers superior tracking and visuals at a competitive price point.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Best Value for Most
HP Reverb G2
- Tracking7.8
- Visuals9.5
- Comfort7.4
- Daily Use9.0
- Ease of Setup9.0
REASONS TO BUY
– Top ergonomic design
– Works well with spectacles
– Top marks for visual clarity
REASONS TO AVOID
– Incompatible with certain PSVR games/PS4 console
– Smaller game library compared to PC VR kits
The HP Reverb G2 stood out as a cost-effective option offering exceptional visuals, ease of setup, and daily usability. Its high-resolution display provides crisp and clear images with minimal pixelation, making it a great choice for immersive experiences. The setup process is straightforward, and the headset stays in place comfortably during extended use, though it may not be the best option for individuals wearing glasses.
While the HP Reverb G2 excels in various aspects, it may not offer the best tracking and comfort compared to other models. For those seeking better tracking and comfort, particularly PS5 owners, the Playstation VR2 provides a more suitable option at a competitive value.
Read more: HP Reverb G2 review
The Reverb G2 offers a streamlined setup process.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Best Value for PS5 Players
PlayStation VR2
- Tracking8.8
- Visuals9.0
- Comfort7.7
- Daily Use8.6
- Ease of Setup9.0
Platform: PS5 | Resolution: 2000 x 2040
REASONS TO BUY
– Excellent ergonomic design
– The most comfortable headset to wear with glasses
– Great visual fidelity
REASONS TO AVOID
– Not compatible with older PSVR games or PS4 console
– Limited game library compared to PC VR kits
The PlayStation VR2 is a top-tier headset designed exclusively for console gamers, offering excellent visuals, comfort, and ease of use. With its high-resolution display and eye-tracking features, the PSVR2 delivers an immersive experience suitable for PS5 players. It stands out for its comfort, especially for glasses wearers, providing ample space and comfort for extended gaming sessions.
While the PSVR2 hardware impresses with its features, it is limited by its closed software ecosystem and compatibility with older PSVR games or the PS4 console. However, it remains a solid choice for PS5 owners looking for high-quality VR experiences. Individuals seeking a broader VR game selection may consider the Meta Quest 2 for cross-platform compatibility and standalone VR capabilities.
Read more: PlayStation VR2 review
The Playstation VR2 offers advanced features and exceptional design for console gamers.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Best for Beginners
Meta Quest 2
- Tracking6.5
- Visuals6.0
- Comfort5.7
- Daily Use7.4
- Ease of Setup9.5
Platform: Meta and PC | Resolution: 1832 x 1920
REASONS TO BUY
– Excellent value
– Standalone access to Meta VR platform
– Compatible with PCs in Steam VR and Meta game libraries
REASONS TO AVOID
– Lacks high-precision tracking
– Short battery life when untethered
The Meta Quest 2 is an affordable and versatile headset suitable for beginners. It offers standalone and PC-compatible options, making it a great entry-level choice for VR enthusiasts. While it may lack high-precision tracking, the Quest 2 provides an excellent starting point for users looking to explore virtual reality without a hefty price tag.
Despite some limitations, such as tracking precision and comfort, the Quest 2 shines with its ease of setup and value for money. For users seeking a more refined experience with better tracking and comfort, the PlayStation VR2 offers a compelling alternative with enhanced features.
Read more: Meta Quest 2 review
The Meta Quest 2 provides unbeatable value and versatility for VR beginners.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Compare Products
Why You Should Trust Us
At GearLab, we have extensive experience testing VR headsets and evaluating what sets them apart based on user needs and preferences. Our thorough research involved testing over a dozen top VR headsets across various metrics such as tracking, comfort, visuals, daily use, and ease of setup to provide comprehensive insights.
- Tracking (35% weighting)
- Comfort (30% weighting)
- Visuals (15% weighting)
- Daily Use (15% weighting)
- Ease of Setup (5% weighting)
Our senior research analyst, Austin Palmer, led the testing process, drawing on his expertise in consumer product testing and extensive experience in VR gaming to assess the best headsets available.
Analysis and Test Results
To help users identify the ideal VR headset for their preferences, we developed five key metrics to evaluate the headsets: tracking, comfort, visuals, daily use, and ease of setup. The performance scores and price comparison highlight the value each product offers.
| Value Score (0-100 where 100 is best) | Price |
|---|---|
| 86 | 999 |
| 85 | 550 |
| 84 | 990 |
| 82 | 600 |
| 74 | 799 |
| 65 | 300 |
Value
Investing in VR equipment can be costly, but some headsets provide exceptional value. The PlayStation VR2 offers a worthwhile investment for PS5 owners at a competitive price point, providing an immersive experience without the need for an expensive PC setup. The Meta Quest 2 caters to budget-conscious users seeking a versatile headset that can function independently or tether to a PC for expanded gaming options. Meanwhile, the Valve Index remains a top choice in the market, offering superior tracking, visuals, and daily usability at a reasonable cost.
Tracking performance is essential for immersive VR experiences, and headsets with external sensors generally outperform those with integrated camera sensors in this regard. The Valve Index leads the pack with superior motion
Tracking
Tracking performance is essential for immersive VR experiences, and headsets with external sensors generally outperform those with integrated camera sensors in this regard. The Valve Index leads the pack with superior motion
