The Best VR Headsets You Can Buy In 2023

There are plenty of VR headsets out there, all with different settings such as resolution, standalone capabilities, image quality, game library, and more that set them apart from each other. Therefore, today we will look at some of the best VR headsets on the market.

Today, virtual reality is used more for games only, however, the technology is investing a lot in the metaverse. Mark Zuckenberg is one that is investing to create this technology with virtual reality, however, there is a long way until we can get the metaverse available for all of us. 

In the meantime, let’s check the best VR headsets to play games or also watch movies:

Meta Quest 2 (standalone VR headset)

This is possibly the best VR headset as it is not only cheaper than the others starting at $400, but this headset does not require a high end PC to work properly giving you users more opportunities to enjoy virtual reality using this device.

The Meta Quest 2 was formerly known as the Oculus Quest 2, it features an LCD screen with a resolution of 1832 x 1920 per eye, a Snapdragon XR2 chip, and 6 GB of RAM. In addition, the 64 GB version has been changed to 128 GB, which gives much more storage to play. The games that are included are quite a lot, since the user can have access to SteamVR games and even have the possibility to play other games for free through other platforms.

Pros

• Standalone VR headset
• Extensive library (like Quest store, SteamVR, and Sidequest)
• Hand tracking
• No PC or cable needed
• Good price

Cons

• Small battery
• Low-quality head strap
• Controllers require AA batteries

Pico 4 / Pico 4 Pro

This VR headset is quite similar to the Meta Quest 2, however, considering the specs, the Pico 4 is much better and at a better price as well. This device is smaller, has a Snapdragon XR2 chipset with 8 GB RAM and 128/256 GB storage, plus its LCD screen has a resolution of 2160 ✕ 2160 per eye and can run at 90 Hz with a field 105 degree vision.

One of the reasons that makes it difficult to choose this headset over the Meta Quest 2 is that the Pico 4 has limited games, unlike the other headset that has access to more games. In addition, this headset is only available in Europe, China, Japan, and South Korea.

Pros

• Standalone VR headset
• Extensive library (like Pico store, SteamVR, and Sidequest)
• Hand tracking
• No PC or cable needed
• Cheapest VR headset

Cons

• Limited to certain regions
• No headphone jack

Valve Index 

This is a high-end VR headset, it has an excellent 144hz LCD screen and audio too good, however, it is priced at around $999 which makes it a bit expensive

However, this device is excellent, it has index controllers that are pressure sensitive and can track all five fingers, which can give the user a better gaming experience as it has external “lighthouse” boxes, which need to be configured according to the room where the user is going to play, and also the headset must be connected to the PC by a cable..

Pros

• Full-body tracking
• Wide field of view
• Vive hardware compatibility
• Good controllers

Cons

• Heavy
• Difficult setup

PSVR / PSVR 2

This PSVR VR headset is perfect if you have a PlayStation console, plus Sony is releasing the PSVR 2 for PS5. This headset is excellent, plus it has a more affordable price between $300 and $400 depending on the model you want to buy.

You can find a wide variety of VR games with these headsets, plus the upcoming PSVR 2 will have new sense controllers and 4k HDR support, plus a screen resolution of 2000×2040 per eye and a 90/120 OLED display. Hz and 3D audio for a better experience.

Pros

• Exclusive VR games
• Easy setup
• Good price
• Good tracking

Cons

• Low visual fidelity 
• Requires a PlayStation Camera
• Requires a PS4/PS5

HTC Vive Pro 2 / HTC Vive Cosmos

This is a premium VR headset thanks to its excellent resolution as it has a 90/120Hz LCD with a resolution of 2448×2448 pixels per eye. The price for the headset starts at $799, but if you want to buy the controllers and base stations separately you can get it for around $1399 total.

The HTC headset comes with access to Viveport games with a subscription and also SteamVR, so you can have a large and varied number of games. To keep in mind, these headsets have three separate lines of VR headsets, each bringing something different to the VR experience.

Pros

• Huge library of games
• Viveport infinity subscription service
• Precise tracking

Cons

• Expensive
• Difficult setup

HP Reverb G2 

This is another high-end headset, however, its price is more affordable, it retails for around $599. Its LCD screen is 90Hz and has a resolution of 2160p per eye and an FoV of 114 degrees. It also has camera based room tracking that is built in.

Also these headsets have IMU gyro sensors that predict movements beyond the tracking area, however, it does not feature a headphone jack.

Pros

• High-resolution display
• Comfortable design

Cons

• Mediocre controllers
• No headphone jack