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Virtual reality technology has significantly progressed, making VR headsets more thrilling and accessible than ever. These devices allow users to dive into new realms, whether they’re engaged in epic gaming, exploring extraterrestrial environments, or participating in virtual meetings. With their lifelike visuals and interactive capabilities, they cater to gamers, tech aficionados, and anyone curious about innovative ways to connect.
A plethora of options is available to accommodate various preferences. Standalone headsets such as the Meta Quest 3 function independently, eliminating the need for additional PC or console hardware, while delivering impressive virtual experiences. In contrast, high-end devices like the Apple Vision Pro elevate the technology further with advanced features and superb visuals. Additionally, tethered systems connect to gaming PCs or consoles for enhanced graphics and performance, as lightweight head-mounted displays become more portable. If you’re on the lookout for a fitting VR headset for gaming, work, or casual entertainment, here are some top contenders to consider right now.
Best VR headsets for 2025
Read our full Meta Quest 3 VR headset review
Storage capacity: 128GB | Battery life: 2.2 hours | Field of view: 110 degrees (horizontal), 96 degrees (vertical) | Max refresh rate: 120Hz
The anticipated successor to the Quest 2 boasts enhancements across the board. It offers improved comfort, superior screen quality, and full-color mixed reality cameras that project the real world alongside virtual elements. Though priced at $500, it delivers a far more advanced experience than its predecessor, ensuring an immersive journey for years to come.
Powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chip, the Quest 3 doubles the graphical prowess of its predecessor. This added capability shines in games like Red Matter 2, which showcase textures mimicking high-end PC VR environments. The headset’s displays operate at a resolution of 2,064 by 2,208 pixels per eye, providing a more refined experience than even the PlayStation VR2. Additionally, its mixed reality cameras allow for seamless visibility of the surrounding environment, making everyday tasks like responding to messages easier. This feature also supports diverse gaming experiences optimized for your physical space.
What sets the Quest 3 apart is its potential for mixed reality, hinting at a future where virtual and real-world elements blend. While it may not match the Apple Vision Pro’s sharpness, it remains an outstanding choice, especially as it can connect to a gaming PC for more robust VR experiences.
Pros: Sharp displays and lenses, swift performance, mixed reality integration for enhanced environmental awareness, adjustable for users who wear glasses.
Cons: Higher price point, limited starting storage of 128GB, no battery life improvements.
Read our full Apple Vision Pro review
Storage capacity: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | Battery life: 2 hours | Field of view: 100 degrees | Max refresh rate: 100Hz
Apple’s Vision Pro aims to revolutionize the VR landscape, akin to the transformative impact of the iPod on media players. At $3,500, this ambitious venture into “spatial computing” is both bold and risky. While it may present discomfort and is subject to bugs, the Vision Pro represents a monumental leap in an industry that has remained static for some time. It’s a luxury item geared more towards developers or affluent consumers rather than the average user.
Pros: Outstanding Micro-OLED displays, user-friendly gesture controls, realistic spatial audio, immersive video quality.
Cons: Extremely high cost, noticeable software issues, heavier than many alternatives, external battery limitations, limited native apps.
Read our full Meta Quest 3S VR headset review
Storage capacity: 128GB, 256GB | Battery life: 2-3 hours | Field of view: 96 degrees | Max refresh rate: 120Hz
The Quest 3S serves as Meta’s latest entry-level offering, priced reasonably at $300. However, this does not diminish its impressive capabilities. Equipped with the same Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 technology and 8GB of RAM as the Quest 3, it delivers comparable experiences. Moreover, its ergonomic Touch Plus controllers ensure smooth motion tracking and responsive controls.
The most significant drawback lies in its lower sharpness compared to the Quest 3, retaining the older screen resolution of 1,830 by 1,920 pixels per eye. Yet, many newcomers may not perceive this difference, and comfort remains a priority in its design. The Quest 3S is compatible with various applications on the Meta Quest Store, although it lacks a headphone jack; built-in speakers provide adequate audio for an engaging gameplay experience.
Users can also connect the Quest 3S to gaming PCs either via USB-C or wirelessly, extending its capabilities. This option allows for gameplay streaming to devices like Chromecast or through AirPlay using an iPhone’s Quest app. For those considering an upgrade from older models, the Quest 3S is a cost-effective solution.
Pros: Rapid performance, comfortable design, effective controllers, extensive library of applications.
Cons: Older lens technology, no headphone jack, average mixed reality functionality.
Read our full PlayStation VR2 headset review
Storage capacity: 128GB, 256GB | Battery life: 3 hours | Field of view: 110 degrees | Max refresh rate: 120Hz
The PS VR2 stands out as one of the most impressive headsets evaluated. With dual 2K OLED HDR screens delivering near-4K quality, it also ranks among the most comfortable options available. Innovative features like eye tracking and haptic feedback enhance the experience, providing an engaging level of immersion. The PS VR2 enables access to premium virtual reality without necessitating costly PC hardware, requiring only a PlayStation 5.
However, there are some caveats. Priced at $550, the PS VR2 exceeds the cost of the PlayStation 5 itself, raising concerns about its software library’s growth speed. Currently, exclusive titles are limited, with only a few available, although it remains the simplest way to access high-quality VR and represents a significant upgrade from its predecessor.
Pros: Exceptional OLED displays, comfortable fit, immersive haptic feedback, reliable sense controllers.
Cons: High launch price, limited game offerings, uncertain long-term support for development.
Read our full Valve Index VR kit review
Storage capacity: N/A | Battery life: 7 hours | Field of view: 108 degrees | Max refresh rate: 120Hz
Valve’s Index kit remains a premier choice in the high-end market, boasting genuine immersive VR. Priced at $999, the kit includes the Index headset, finger-tracking controllers, and two SteamVR base stations. While newer headsets offer higher resolutions, the Index retains a solid reputation, with a resolution of 1,440 by 1,600 pixels, an impressive 144Hz refresh rate, and a wide 130-degree field of view.
As a product within the SteamVR ecosystem, the Index requires installation of two sensors in strategic locations in the room, necessitating a wired connection to your PC. However, the benefits of its higher refresh rate and accurate tracking make this setup worthwhile. Though less user-friendly than standalone headsets, those prioritizing quality will appreciate the experience.
Its finger-tracking controllers are particularly noteworthy, featuring a strap that secures them to the hands, facilitating immersive gameplay in titles like Half-Life: Alyx. Unfortunately, not all VR games take full advantage of this technology at this time.
Pros: 144Hz refresh rate alongside a 130-degree field of view, excellent finger-tracking technology, high overall performance.
Cons: Requires sensor installation, wired connection limits mobility.
Read our full Bigscreen Beyond VR headset review
Storage capacity: N/A | Battery life: 2 hours | Field of view: 102 degrees | Max refresh rate: 90Hz
The Bigscreen Beyond is an intriguing alternative that builds upon the Valve Index, presenting a compact design resembling oversized goggles. Weighing less than a deck of cards, the $999 Beyond is hailed as the lightest VR headset available and features sharp Micro-OLED screens with impressive contrast ratios, making blacks appear genuinely black.
However, this headset is also quite expensive. If you’re upgrading from the Valve Index, the base price is $999, although starting from scratch entails additional costs for Steam VR base stations and Index controllers, adding up to a staggering $1,578.
The device requires a custom face cushion custom-made via a 3D face scan, complicating sharing potential. Its streamlined design limits space for glasses, although users can opt for prescription lens inserts for an added cost. Like other VR headsets, the Beyond connects to a PC via cable, rendering it less free compared to the wireless options from Meta.
Despite these complexities, the immersion provided by Bigscreen Beyond is unparalleled in PC VR, with its lightweight design allowing for hours of comfortable use. Its superior screens make it a standout choice for enthusiasts willing to navigate cost and complexity for ultimate immersion.
Pros: Extremely lightweight and comfortable, exceptional Micro-OLED displays, compatibility with Valve Index accessories.
Cons: High cost, lacks built-in audio, susceptibility to visual artifacts like other models.
How we test VR headsets
When evaluating VR headsets, I focus on essential factors such as ergonomics, immersion, and controller design. Crafting a well-balanced headset that remains comfortable beyond a brief period is a skill that sets apart top-tier models from inferior products.
My comfort test simply measures how long I can wear a headset before experiencing discomfort. Top-performing devices, like the Quest 3, can be worn for hours, while bulkier, high-end models often become cumbersome after just 15 minutes, ensuring that the models featured here do not fall into that category.
Immersion relies heavily on screen resolution and refresh rates; headsets with a refresh rate of 120Hz, for example, will appear smoother and more vibrant. Field of view is another critical aspect, as it indicates how much VR screens cover your visual field. A narrow field of view can limit the sense of “presence” that also immerses users in virtual worlds.
A broad field of view, however, enhances the experience, allowing users to feel as though they are genuinely exploring environments such as Google Earth. Popular titles like Superhot, Beat Saber, and Pistol Whip are tested across platforms to assess the satisfaction and immersion levels during gameplay.
Effective controllers must feel natural and provide accurate tracking. The industry has largely adopted Meta’s touch controller design, but new advancements such as Valve’s finger-tracking remotes are gaining traction. Evaluation focuses on comfort, durability, and the ability to maintain positional accuracy during gameplay.
It’s also vital to consider each VR headset’s specifications as a whole. Depending on your use case, you may need to review the compatibility of your PC’s CPU and graphics card when considering headsets for gaming. While not all users need high-end specifications, verifying minimum requirements is advisable. Additionally, if your goal is not strict gaming, features like head tracking can elevate immersion, allowing for a more realistic VR experience.
Other VR headsets we’ve tested
HTC Vive Focus Vision
The Vive Focus Vision features a sleek design and the capability for solid PC VR. However, dated hardware and software issues mar its performance, especially when compared to the Meta Quest 3.
Meta Quest Pro
Despite the impressive capabilities of the Meta Quest 3, the Quest 2 remains a solid entry-level option, especially when discounted below its typical price. Conversely, the Meta Quest Pro is merely an overpriced alternative that lacks favorable qualities.
HTC Vive Pro 2
Aside from Meta’s offerings, the HTC Vive Pro 2 is a superb PC VR headset. However, it is pricier than the Valve Index, which offers superior comfort and audio quality.
VR headset FAQs
How do VR headsets work?
At their core, VR headsets consist of high-quality screens that display content close to the user’s face. For wired models, rendering occurs via a PC or gaming console, while entirely wireless headsets like the Meta Quest 3 carry out processing internally. These devices utilize external sensors or integrated components to map physical environments. Although traditional controls like gamepads or keyboard/mouse setups may function in VR, motion tracking controllers help immerse users in dedicated 3D realms.
What VR headset is best for full body tracking?
While a truly exceptional haptic VR bodysuit is still awaited, many Steam VR-compatible headsets provide satisfactory body tracking. The Valve Index and HTC Vive Pro 2 utilize room-tracking sensors for more accurate coverage than competing integrated sensors. Additional HTC Vive Trackers can be added to wrists, legs, and waist, improving tracking capabilities. The Meta Quest 3 lacks straightforward body tracking options; however, users can utilize Vive trackers when tethered to a PC for Steam VR compatibility.
Currently, only a few applications, including VRChat, support full body tracking. Presently, there are no body tracking solutions available for PlayStation VR or VR2, although interest surrounds the new Mocopi body trackers, which were recently introduced in Japan.
What VR headsets are better than Oculus?
The Oculus brand is now incorporated into Meta’s VR hardware lineup, which currently includes the Quest 3, Quest 3S, and Quest Pro—all wireless options. As mentioned earlier, PC VR headsets typically deliver superior quality due to reliance on advanced graphics systems.
What VR headsets work with Xbox?
As it stands, Microsoft’s Xbox consoles do not support any dedicated VR headsets.
Recent updates
April 2025: Updated to include review scores for our top picks, where applicable.
November 2024: Added the HTC Vive Focus Vision to the “others we tested” section.
October 2024: Updated our “best cheap VR headset” top pick to be the Meta Quest 3S.
Source
www.engadget.com