Best VR PC Headset (2024)

Ready Player One virtual reality is a while off, but make no mistake VR is well an truly here and in 2024 and as you’d expect there is a considerable collection VR PC headset’s to choose from. We have assessed the market and our top pick for the best VR PC headset is the Oculus Rift S.

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Top Pick
Oculus Rift S PC-Powered VR Gaming Headset
Sony PlayStation VR
Official Google Cardboard
SAMSUNG Gear VR w/Controller (2017) SM-R325NZVAXAR (US Version w/Warranty)
HTC VIVE Pro Virtual Reality System
Title
Oculus Rift S
Sony PlayStation VR
Google Cardboard
Samsung Gear VR
HTC Vive Pro
Prime
Max Resolution and FPS
Supports up to 4K and 240 FPS
Supports up to 1080p and 120 FPS
Supports up to 4K and 120 FPS
Supports up to 4K and 120 FPS
Supports up to 4K and 240 FPS
Size (in package)
10.9 x 6.3 x 8.3 inches
7.4 x 7.3 x 10.9 inches
5.9 x 3.5 x 2.2 inches
8 x 5 x 3.5 inches
2 x 4 x 8 inches
Weight
1.87 pounds
1.2 lbs
3.52 ounces
1.6 lbs
3.82 lbs
Top Pick
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Oculus Rift S PC-Powered VR Gaming Headset
Title
Oculus Rift S
Prime
Max Resolution and FPS
Supports up to 4K and 240 FPS
Size (in package)
10.9 x 6.3 x 8.3 inches
Weight
1.87 pounds
Image
Sony PlayStation VR
Title
Sony PlayStation VR
Prime
Max Resolution and FPS
Supports up to 1080p and 120 FPS
Size (in package)
7.4 x 7.3 x 10.9 inches
Weight
1.2 lbs
Image
Official Google Cardboard
Title
Google Cardboard
Prime
Max Resolution and FPS
Supports up to 4K and 120 FPS
Size (in package)
5.9 x 3.5 x 2.2 inches
Weight
3.52 ounces
Image
SAMSUNG Gear VR w/Controller (2017) SM-R325NZVAXAR (US Version w/Warranty)
Title
Samsung Gear VR
Prime
Max Resolution and FPS
Supports up to 4K and 120 FPS
Size (in package)
8 x 5 x 3.5 inches
Weight
1.6 lbs
Image
HTC VIVE Pro Virtual Reality System
Title
HTC Vive Pro
Prime
Max Resolution and FPS
Supports up to 4K and 240 FPS
Size (in package)
2 x 4 x 8 inches
Weight
3.82 lbs

Best PC VR Gaming Headset

Oculus Rift is the best VR headset for PC on the market. It is the headset that spearheaded the industry.

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Cons:

Oculus Rift is the best VR headset for PC on the market. It is the headset that spearheaded the industry. Oculus spearheaded the Rift VR headset, and on its invention, it raised over two million dollars. It indeed set standards to the world of virtual reality gaming. The gadget boasts a minimal and modern matte black exterior with an integrated 2K OLED display. Also, it has an extensive range of accessories designated to improve the general VR experience.

Best Playstation VR Headset

The PlayStation VR is exceptional among gaming VR headsets in several ways, the essential one being that it is the first ever console compatible virtual reality headset.

Pros:
Cons:

The PlayStation VR is exceptional among gaming VR headsets in several ways, the essential one being that it is the first ever console compatible virtual reality headset. After its launch, it ranked as the best-value VR headset, but Oculus and HTC lowered their prices to remain competitive in the market. As opposed to the dark-colored Rift and Vive, the PlayStation VR is dominated by blue LED lights and high-profile white highlights. Unlike the above VR headsets that incorporate separate headsets for every eye, this PlayStation VR from Sony incorporates a single FULL HD OLED.

Cheap VR Gaming Headset

If there is a company that does not need an introduction to this list is Google. Presently, Google is indeed the front page of the internet, as it is the leading search engine across the globe.

Pros:
Cons:

If there is a company that does not need an introduction to this list is Google. Presently, Google is indeed the front page of the internet, as it is the leading search engine across the globe. Nonetheless, Google has also ventured into the VR headset industry where it invented the Cardboard VR headset. It is a VR headset that is designed from cardboard, and it is compatible with any smartphone. The VR headset works with two lenses placed in front of the user’s eyes, and when used alongside specific applications, it allows the user perceive what is being displayed in the smartphone in a responsive and immersive 3D environment. It also integrates an inbuilt NFC to facilitate near immediate VR application activation as soon as the smartphone is placed in the VR headset.

Samsung is among the leading producer of the best Android smartphones but has now put one foot into generating VR headsets. The Samsung Gear VR boasts a sleeker design and a high-profile solution. Also, it has a rectangular exterior design as well as a plastic cover.

Pros:
Cons:

Apart from the inconspicuous touchpad, the headset also incorporates Home and Back keys that are fitted on the right-hand side. Additionally, it boasts a good controller that integrates a single trigger and volume buttons.

Best High-End

The present HTC Vive Pro preceded the original Vive, and it was designed in partnership with PC games giant Valve.

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Vive Pro is the best high-end virtual reality headset. You may be surprised that HTC, a company that predominantly deals with smartphones has invented the most advanced virtual reality headset to date. The present HTC Vive Pro preceded the original Vive, and it was designed in partnership with PC games giant Valve. The Pro integrates various minor upgrades that improve the general experience. For instance, it incorporates a much better head strap that has built-in headphones.

Guide to Buying the Best VR Headset

When it comes to purchasing the best headset for your requirements, it is essential to consider your budget as well as what you are using your headset for. Before even acquiring a VR headset, you should ascertain that your PC or mobile can indeed offer sensible performance in a VR environment. For the smartphones, it is common for the manufacturers to outline the supported mobile devices as well as the minimum OS version needed. When PC gaming comes into consideration, the following are recommended:

  • CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 or higher/ Intel core i5 6th generation or higher
  • GPU: AMD Radeon RX 480 or higher/ Nvidia GeForce GTX 1060 8Gb or higher
  • A RAM of 8GB or higher
  • Windows 7 OS 64 bit SP1 or higher

However, you should keep in mind that the official recommended or minimum specifications may vary, supporting even outdated CPUs and GPUs. Also, you should note that every version of PS4 will support the Sony PlayStation VR.

Another factor to consider when buying the VR headset is the content. As stated above, different VR headsets differ regarding technology and hardware they utilize as well as the content. The content means that all the games and applications are developed specifically with VR in mind.

Concerning the Mobile VR headsets, you will be acquiring your content from the Oculus Store or the Google Play Store. The major difference between the two is that Oculus Store offers more complex games and more content than its counterpart, but this is expected to change in the future.

When it comes to PC gaming VR headsets, there is the Steam Store and the Oculus Store. Oculus boasts a host of unique games, but they can also be found in Steam Store. Besides, Steam has the ability to support VR for specific titles that were not explicitly designed for VR.

Now, when it comes to the editor’s choice, Google Cardboard is the best Mobile VR Headset. It may seem like a surprising choice, but it is justified since the VR headset is compatible with all phones and you will be getting good value for your investment. The truth of the matter is that you do not need to invest over $100 to a mobile VR headset, yet you will not realize the immersive VR experience.

On the other hand, the best gaming VR headset is the HTC Vive Pro. From the info above, almost all the headsets are similar concerning the hardware and technology. However, the Vive Pro beats them all as it offers full SteamVR compatibility as well as superb motion controllers.

Nonetheless, the Oculus Rift is the best VR headset for PC gamers with steam + the massive library of content presented on the Oculus Store, while the Sony PlayStation VR is the real deal for the PS4 owners.

Sources

Editor & reviewer of gear from iOS control pad’s to high-end PC gaming hardware. He’s been gaming since the 1980s and mostly plays CS GO & Overwatch.