The latest trend taking over 2024 would be virtual reality- an experience that has developed remarkably since its inception into mainstream media. Essentially, virtual reality is a computer simulation that acts as a gateway for users into an imaginary realm via headsets or other means of equipment available today. We aim to guide you through this cutting-edge technology by furnishing information on different specifications and types currently present in the market so that you may select your optimal choice.
There are two types of Virtual Reality Headsets:
- Full VR Headset: When it comes to next level headset options these top tier models deliver in spades. Although they may not be within everyones budget due to their higher price point discerning users will appreciate the highly immersive experience provided by these devices’ advanced features. Unlike other headsets that rely on smartphones as part of their setup process these models boast built in gyro sensors that eliminate this requirement altogether. Its important to note that in some cases connecting them to a powerful PC or Gaming Console might be necessary though. If you’re someone who values excellence in gaming gear and has no qualms about investing in top of the line equipment – then these headsets will likely impress.
- Smartphone VR Headsets: Don’t let the cost bring down your excitement for virtual reality – there are plenty of affordable solutions out there! Phone based VR headsets offer users the same level of immersion without burning a hole in their pockets. These gadgets leverage your smartphones gyro sensors to create an impressively realistic simulation of reality that rivals more expensive setups. For those who want to get started with VR without overspending explore our handpicked collection of budget friendly options today!
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Best Virtual Reality Headsets of 2024
| Best Virtual Reality Headsets | Type | Build Material | Prices |
| HTC Vive | Full | Plastic | View Deal |
| Sony Playstation VR | Full | Plastic | View Deal |
| Oculus Rift | Full | Plastic | View Deal |
| Google Daydream View | Smartphone | Fabric | View Deal |
| Samsung Gear VR | Smartphone | Plastic | View Deal |
| Destek V2 | Budget Smartphone | Plastic | View Deal |
| Google Cardboard | Budget Smartphone | Cardboard | View Deal |
1. HTC Vive – The King of Virtual Reality
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Quick Overview
HTC has been well known for its smartphones in the past, but with the HTC Vive VR Headset, the company has stirred new, untamed waters. This headset is the bleeding edge offering in the VR Headset market in 2024, and we can safely say that it is the best experience you can buy in VR today. We would go as far as saying that it is ages ahead of even the next best alternatives, the Oculus Rift and the PlayStation VR.
While it may seem unfair to expect excellent, ergonomic designs this early in the VR game, the design of the HTC Vive comes very close. The outside of the body is flooded with very precise sensors that will help the Vive track your location, the controllers are very comfortable and ergonomic for your hands, and the two ‘base stations’ which differentiate this VR Headset (more on that later) are also very compact; all of this is offered in a standard matte black color.
When we talk about performance, we don’t exaggerate when we call it ‘outstanding’. With its class leading 110° field of view, more than 70 sensors that track movements to 1/10th of a degree, and an extremely beautiful 2160×1200 OLED display that runs at a refresh rate of 90Hz, the experience is nothing short of fluid. The immersion in HTC Vive is also unparalleled, because you can look around, bend, interact with objects, move your hands, and even walk around the game, although the latter requires you to clear what HTC calls the ‘Room Scale’, a large play area in which you can walk around freely without obstacles thanks to the base stations that come with the VR.
The HTC Vive provides an unparalleled experience thats difficult to describe – its something you need to try for yourself. Theres nothing quite like being able to walk around and touch things in virtual reality – it feels like stepping into another dimension entirely. Once inside this new world time seems irrelevant – before long hours have disappeared without notice. But thanks to features like seeing phone notifications directly within the headset or quickly switching back out into reality via its camera means there are no distractions or interruptions.
That being said, the HTC Vive isn’t perfect. The headset is attached to the Gaming PC via three hefty cables which can get tangled and topple you over, although HTC has bundled them together to compensate. Speaking of Gaming PC, yes, you will require nothing short of an expensive gaming PC in order to enjoy the HTC Vive experience.
2. Sony PlayStation VR – Best Value in VR World
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Quick Overview
The Sony PlayStation VR isn’t the absolute best of the VR experiences, but it comes very close, and doesn’t break the bank. We can thank Sony’s experience in the gaming world for delivering such an immersive experience at a good cost. The PlayStation VR has the potential to become the mainstream VR gaming headset, and this is not what we can say very surely about other offerings.
The best word to describe the design of the PlayStation VR would be, ‘futuristic’. The black and white accents coupled with 9 LED lights are not only functional, but also aesthetically pleasing. This equates to a VR Headset that looks like a gorgeous, expensive piece of technology which claims its rightful place in 2024. Plus, we should credit Sony for the unmatched ergonomics of this headset, as it is attached to your head via an adjustable headband instead of the ‘straps’ used by other manufacturers. This means that you shouldn’t be afraid of using this one for hours thanks to the comfort, enabled by clever engineering that rests the weight of this headset on the forehead and the back of your head equally.
For those interested in acquiring a PlayStation VR system, there are a couple of bundle choices available for purchase. The lower-priced bundle starts at about $399 and covers only what’s deemed necessary: namely, the headset itself accompanied by its corresponding controls (unit/base machine), headphones and cabling. However if your objective is maximum immersion when playing games or viewing content through this device then investing in bundle number two – costing roughly $499 – makes sense as it comes with both Move Motion Controllers as well as a PlayStation Camera; additionally on top of all this customers receive access too an exclusive demo disk filled with numerous breathtaking virtual reality experiences capable of keeping one engaged endlessly! But do note one key prerequisite: own or acquire separately your own Playstation 4 system beforehand.
As for the Virtual Reality experience, it is exceptional as expected. The immersion is falls nowhere behind any of the other VR Headsets in its class, and you are unlikely to notice much difference. On paper, the PlayStation VR has an inferior tracking system that uses the camera and lights on the controllers and headset to track movements instead of infrared technology, but in real life the difference isn’t noticeable except for a few isolated cases where it misses a movement or two. Similarly, the PlayStation VR supposedly has a screen of lower resolution of 1920×1080 as compared to 2160×1200 on HTC Vive and Oculus Rift, but in real life the difference is not noticeable except for times when the games with a very large field of view are being played. Finally, the PlayStation Move Controllers are good, but nowhere are VR ready as the HTC Vive or the Oculus Rift controllers. However, the PlayStation VR does have the ability to render your VR at 90Hz and 120Hz, the latter meaning you can expect a smoother experience with less nausea.
The highlighting benefit, though, are the cost savings the PlayStation VR promises to bring along. To put things in perspective, A PlayStation 4 is much cheaper nowadays than a new gaming PC, the cost of PlayStation VR is much lesser than HTC Vive or the Oculus Rift, and when we calculate the power needs of a PS4 with that of an average gaming PC, we also notice the electricity savings, a crucial factor for many. What this means is the Sony PlayStation VR is able to deliver extremely good value for its price as of 2024, without sacrificing much on performance.
So who is this Virtual Reality headset for? The answer depends, but generally if you already have a PlayStation 4 lying around, want to experience the full and best of what virtual reality has on offer, and are looking forward to spend a moderate amount, then look no further. For the absolute enthusiast, we recommend taking a look at the HTC Vive, or if you want something easier on the pocket, then try something cheaper at first.
3. Oculus Rift – The pioneer
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Quick Overview
For those who don’t know, Oculus Rift can be credited for pioneering the mass scale, consumer assessable virtual reality headsets of 21st Century. Unfortunately, in the past couple of years the Rift had struggled to keep up with the features of HTC Vive and Sony PlayStation VR, but as of 2024 the Oculus Rift + Touch has stepped up its game.
The Design of the Oculus Rift is unmistakably minimalist. It is the product of a raging $2 Million crowdfunding campaign and 4 years of research coming to fruition. With the smooth, curvy lines around the body and soft touch seamless, black color plastic body, the Oculus Rift seems to be the most appealing of all the headsets, although beauty is subjective. Oculus has also done its homework in ergonomics, as the headset is very light yet durable, and features built-in headphones which also curb the weight of additional ones.
Coming over to performance, this headset does not fail to impress. Sure, it takes a fair share of time to get used to the Xbox One controller if you are missing out on touch controllers, but where raw performance and responsiveness are considered, Oculus nailed it. And rightfully so, since the company has relied on extensive feedback from developers since the first pre-release model to the final retail model. Inside the headset you will a gorgeous, 2160×1080 OLED screen panel that churns out pixels at a 90Hz refresh rate. All of this, combined with a 110° field of view, and the ultra-responsive constellation camera, provide an experience that rivals the likes of HTC Vive. The 360° head tracking on this headset is extremely precise and rarely skips on any movement. The overall experience is very fluid and immersive.
The only downside when we compare it to the HTC Vive, even then we’d he nitpicking, would be the slightly less wider field of view even though they both advertise it to be 110°. If you are into room scale VR though, Oculus recommends a much smaller, 8×8 feet scale, that too with three motion cameras. For reference, HTC Vive can supposedly go up to 15×15 feet with only 2 motion trackers, allowing for more freedom of movement.
So, the Oculus Rift is an amazing experience, with a library that it rich in content and future-proof. The reason why it is listed at third is simply because of the smaller, fine details that won’t matter to the average consumer.
Step into the smartphone Virtual Reality space and you notice a significant drop in performance. The resolution takes a steep dive and the refresh rate on smartphones is quite low. However, this is no reason to despair, as smartphone VR is not only more cost effective, but also more practical and mainstream.
4. Google Daydream View – Ergonomic and Economic
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Quick Overview
The google daydream view is a very recent competitor in the Virtual Reality Space. Essentially, this means that if Google is interested, Virtual Reality has a real chance at going mainstream. Like other Google products, the Google Daydream View is good at what it does: the essentials. The design and interface is minimalist, yet practical and delivers well at all fronts.
The build quality is perhaps the differentiating factor where the Daydream View absolutely crushes the competition. The soft textured fabric construction is not only aesthetically pleasing, but also really ergonomic and comfortable to wear. Therefore, this headset really stands out from the VR headset crowd, specially because its main competition comes from cheap, plastic built headsets.
The performance in mobile VR headsets is more or less the same across the board, with minor differences in lenses being the differentiating factor. Again, Google has shown no slouch here and the clarity these lenses offer put even the closest of competitors to shame. Rightfully so, because Google has been really selective about the smartphones which gain the privilege to be supported. You can find out whether your phone is supported or not from the following link:
https://vr.google.com/daydream/smartphonevr/phones/
So then, who is this VR Headset for? People looking for a headset with comfortable and lightweight fit, exceptional ergonomics and unmatched experience. Plus, it’s cheaper than the Samsung Gear VR and according to us, a better value.
5. Samsung Gear VR – Absolute best experience
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Quick Overview
The Samsung Gear VR is one of the earliest and well known mobile Virtual Reality Headsets. Dating back to 2015, this headset has evolved and in 2024, comes with an optional controller. Given the fact that it was developed with Oculus, this headset has the most content and is full of experiences.
Holding one of these plastic headsets in our hands felt cheap and hollow. It has a foam padding where your head comes in contact with the headset, and it does not let any light bleed in. The best part about Gear VR is the touchpad which is located on the headset itself. This means that even without a controller, you can enjoy world of Virtual Reality.
Where this headset shines, though, is performance. Being compatible with only selective Galaxy phones, this headset has an obvious advantage. Samsung has created a smooth, beautiful experience which is evidently free of any hiccups. In some regions, the Gear VR even comes bundled with your Galaxy S phones.
However, this headset is not cheap by any means and leads the pricing among smartphone virtusl reality headsets. We would recommend this headset to the owners of Samsung Galaxy series of smartphones who also want the best of experiences and are willing to pay the price.
6. Destek V2 – Best Value
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Quick Overview
The Destek V2 is an example of how great tech is getting cheaper and cheap tech is getting great. For just a fraction of the cost, you can expect an experience that comes close to the premier Virtual Reality headsets. Now we won’t claim that it isn’t without it’s set of problems, but you can’t get wrong at this price point.
The build quality isn’t amazing, but we aren’t complaining, specially since the plastic build is somewhere we have seen before on a much more expensive headset (ahem, Samsung). The design is a bit bland, and Destek could have invested a bit more in this department. Overall, the Destek V2 won’t turn any heads but nails the essentials.
Let’s be clear; the performance is not as good as what you would expect from the likes of a Gear VR. But considering this is a universal Virtual Reality Headset, the headset impressed us. Plus, this also comes bundled with a remote control now, delivering a great experience. The Destek V2 operates on the Google Cardboard platform which means you can expect it to swiftly handle video streaming or basic games, but nothing much sophisticated.
However, certain aspects of this device need to be considered before purchase. If you wear prescription glasses, forget this device since it does not support that function. Plus, the awkward placement of the retainer clip presses on the power buttons or Volume rockers of certain phones. Finally, bigger phones need to be pulled out of their cases to fit.
So, do we still recommend this headset? Definitely. Even though it has a few shortcomings, this headset doesn’t fail to impress at its price point.
7. Google Cardboard – Simply a cardboard
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Quick Overview
The Google cardboard is essentially what the name suggests: a piece of cardboard with two lenses. You can either buy one very cheaply at Amazon or build one on your own using the plans on Google’s website:
There’s nothing much to say about the design of this headset. Depending on the manufacturer, this is a piece of cardboard which grabs your phone with velcro. In the basic version, no straps are available, so you’ll have to hold the headset to your head which can be tiring. The headset which we have linked above, however, also includes the straps.
https://vr.google.com/cardboard/manufacturers/
If you missed it earlier let us fill you in – the Google Cardboard platform is a fantastic way to dive into virtual reality fun! With thrilling game options and access to YouTubes 360° features this affordable headset is a smart option for those who want to experience VR technology without spending an arm and a leg. Our skilled team has analyzed different models available on the market and have curated this list of top seven Virtual Reality (VR) headsets that cater specifically to your preferences.
Its crucial to understand that VR headsets come in various sizes and shapes; therefore selecting one that meets your requirements is paramount.
