See a New Reality Through the Best VR Headsets
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BNEXT Compatible with iPhone VR Headset -
Oculus Quest 2 Virtual Reality VR Headset -
Pansonite VR Headset with Remote Control -
HTC VIVE Pro Virtual Reality VR Headset -
Misisi 3D Virtual Reality VR Headset -
Buyer's Guide
Gaming technology has come a long way since the early days of the Atari and NES. Everywhere you look, new products with mind-boggling specs are being released. The latest trend in the market is VR headsets. Plenty of companies have thrown their hat in the ring in a bid to appeal to a huge demographic of gamers who literally want to get lost in another world. As such, it was very easy to compile a list of the best VR headsets in 2022.
With big names like Oculus and Valve trying their hand at this technology, it can be difficult to make a decision. Luckily, we are here to help. To help you make a decision on the best VR headsets in 2022 for your gaming requirements, we have collected a list of some of the most impressive pieces to hit shelves in the past year or so. We’ve also done you a favor and detailed the key points you need to consider before making your purchase. Would you like to know more? Check out the rest of the article below!
BNEXT Compatible with iPhone VR Headset
- Easy to operate and compatible with many devices
- Exclusive VR content
- Comfortable and adjustable fit
- Gaming library not as vast as other VR headsets
Oculus Quest 2 Virtual Reality VR Headset
- Set-up is surprisingly simple for such complicated hardware
- Content library is enormous
- No wires or console required
- You need a Facebook account to start playing games
Pansonite VR Headset with Remote Control
- Cheap yet reliable hardware
- Incredible and immersive visual fidelity
- Remote control connected via Bluetooth - no wires!
- You may feel like you're missing out by not having some of the popular exclusive games
HTC VIVE Pro Virtual Reality VR Headset
- Noise-canceling headphones help immersion
- Stunning HD display will blow your mind
- Top of the range hardware and software
- Quite expensive compared to the discount recommendations on our list but worth every penny
Misisi 3D Virtual Reality VR Headset
- 3D VR fun for just over $30
- Comfortable headset
- Compatible with most popular smartphones
- Don’t expect an Oculus or VIVE experience
Detailing the Best VR Headset of 2022
BNEXT Compatible with iPhone VR Headset - Best Overall
Kicking off our recommendations list, the conveniently-priced BNext VR Headset is perfect for kid and adult gamers alike. This cheap yet cheerful VR headset costs less than $40 and is compatible with most smartphones and other android devices. Simply slide your phone into the holder, launch the app, and prepare yourself for hours of fun. The headset can be adjusted so your eyes align with the screen perfectly while keeping you in total comfort for the duration of your gaming or video session. You can also expand the viewing angle to reduce distortion whenever necessary.
- Easy to operate and compatible with many devices
- Exclusive VR content
- Comfortable and adjustable fit
- Gaming library not as vast as other VR headsets
Oculus Quest 2 Virtual Reality VR Headset - Runner Up
Oculus was one of the big innovators in the VR industry when the technology really took off. So it should come as no surprise that they have knocked it out of the park with the Oculus Quest 2. This all-in-one gaming headset makes the most of a super-fast processor and high-res display to bring you one of the very best VR experiences available. Oculus is owned by Facebook, so you need an account to log in, but this is a small price to pay for such an incredible piece of kit. Not only can you dive into Oculus' huge gaming library, but you can also enjoy immersive entertainment such as live concerts, exclusive events, and blockbuster films in a way you have never done before.
- Set-up is surprisingly simple for such complicated hardware
- Content library is enormous
- No wires or console required
- You need a Facebook account to start playing games
Pansonite VR Headset with Remote Control - Honorable Mention
Pansonite 3D VR is one of the highest quality products for such a reasonable price on the market. The headset is both durable and comfortable, while the 3D capabilities are truly a sight to behold. Like most smartphone-based headsets, the Pansonite 3D is compatible with most devices between four and six inches in length. While you may not be able to play any of those jaw-dropping Oculus or PSVR exclusives, there are still plenty of fun games to enjoy with this device.
- Cheap yet reliable hardware
- Incredible and immersive visual fidelity
- Remote control connected via Bluetooth - no wires!
- You may feel like you're missing out by not having some of the popular exclusive games
HTC VIVE Pro Virtual Reality VR Headset - Consider
If you’re looking for a VR headset that can reliably run your Steam games, look no further than HTC VIVE. This incredible piece of technology makes use of the impressive SteamVR base stations and accurately tracks your movements in your gaming space. The headset offers dazzling 2880x1600 pixel resolution, which helps bring VR games to life. The headphones offer spatial audio and cancel any outside noise. This way, you aren’t distracted by outside sounds when you’re waist-deep in a swarm of aliens. We had to tear ourselves away from the VIVE to come and write this buying guide - that’s how addictive this VR headset is!
- Noise-canceling headphones help immersion
- Stunning HD display will blow your mind
- Top of the range hardware and software
- Quite expensive compared to the discount recommendations on our list but worth every penny
Misisi 3D Virtual Reality VR Headset - Consider
The Misisi VR Headset has the honor of being the cheapest recommendation on our buying guide list, but that is not indicative of its quality. We had a ton of fun with this smartphone-based headset. It works in the same way as similar products in this article. All you need to do is insert your smartphone into the holder and adjust the goggles until your eyes are level with the screen and distortion is at a minimum. The 3D tech is reliable and entertaining, as are the multitude of games and videos available for you to enjoy.
- 3D VR fun for just over $30
- Comfortable headset
- Compatible with most popular smartphones
- Don’t expect an Oculus or VIVE experience
Buyer's Guide
VR Headsets Buyers Guide
What is VR?
VR (short for virtual reality) is an innovative piece of gaming technology that fully immerses the player into a computer-generated environment, tracking their actions and movements through an intricate piece of hardware worn on the head.
VR headsets usually consist of a video screen attached to a frame that fits snugly over your head. This headset has the incredible ability to track the way you move and replicates it on the screen in front of your eyes.
Usually, the VR headset will come with controllers so you can use your hands in the fabricated world. Some VR controllers will actually act as your hands in-game, meaning you can grab, slap, and punch much like you would in real life.
Things to consider before buying a VR headset
Brand
Like most other gaming consoles and technology, the first question many gamers must ask themselves is, “Which VR company am I going to back?” If you’ve owned a PlayStation or an Xbox, you’ll be well aware of the rivalry between the die-hard fans of each console. This level of tribalism hasn’t reached VR technology just yet, but you may want to consider which brand offers the most to you right now.
Currently, there are four big names in the VR market: Oculus, PlayStation, HTC, and Valve. Each of these brings something slightly different to the table. For example, if you’re already a PlayStation fan, you’ll be drawn to the PSVR headset due to its compatibility with the PS5.
Exclusive games
One of the most important things to consider is how much you'll enjoy the games available to a particular VR headset. If you opt for the Oculus Quest 2 or PSVR you will get a different collection of games than you would if you were to choose a PC-based VR headset like the Valve models.
That being said, there is a fair amount of crossover between games. While some of the PlayStation exclusives are a lot of fun, you may find the non-exclusive titles run better on a piece of kit devoted to VR, such as the Oculus Quest.
Do you need a console or a PC?
As we have already mentioned, certain VR headsets will only work if you have the relevant console or gaming system to accompany them. The PSVR will only work if you hook it up to a PlayStation console. Similarly, some headsets like the Valve will only work if you connect them to a PC.
If you don’t have a high-end gaming PC or console but still want to enjoy a VR gaming experience, we suggest shelling out for the Oculus Quest 2, which has the VR technology built into the headset itself.
Wire-free
Do you remember when the Nintendo Wii first hit the shelves and people were smashing their TVs because their controller would fly out of their hand during a particularly aggressive game of Wii Sports? You definitely don’t want a repeat of those antics when playing with your VR headset.
So, you may want to buy a wire-free headset. This will allow for greater mobility and stop you from breaking anything valuable when you’re flailing around, blind as a bat in your living room.
VR headset price range
Hold onto your hats, folks, because we are about to shock you with the ridiculous price range when it comes to VR headsets. For example, the most expensive VR headset currently on the market is the Valve Index, which will cost you around $1,000. However, you can purchase Oculus Quest 2 systems for as little as $350.
How we choose our VR headsets
The worst part of this job is the amount of research we have to undertake to bring you the best VR headset suggestions. We spend hours playing video games and exploring different VR features while our friends get to go to their super-fun office jobs. It’s truly a horrendous experience.
You’re not buying it, huh? Rest assured, we have also done the leg work and pored over customer reviews, spec details, and price lists to ensure our list is indicative of the very best VR headsets on today’s market.
VR Headset FAQ
Q: Are VR headsets bad for your eyes?
A: Any visual medium is strenuous for your eyes if you stare at it for too long. Because doctors have warned that virtual reality can cause significant eye strain, developers have innovated new technologies (such as anti-blue light lenses) which help decrease eye strain. However, we still recommend you take regular breaks every half hour to give your eyes a chance to recover.
Q: Do I need a lot of room for VR?
A: Not at all. If you plan on using the HTC VIVE room-scale VR tech, you only need 6.5x5 feet of free space. The base stations should also be 16 feet apart. However, many VR headsets allow you to play games and watch videos when seated or standing, letting the controllers do most of the hard work!
