The 5 Best VR Headsets of 2023-2024
Virtual reality (VR) technology has advanced rapidly in recent years, providing immersive digital experiences that allow users to explore virtual worlds, play games, and watch films as if they were really there. With so many VR headsets now available, how do you decide which one is right for you? We’ve compiled the definitive guide to the 5 best VR headsets of 2023-2024.
Key Factors in Choosing a VR Headset
When selecting a VR headset, four key factors to consider are:
- Price – VR headsets range greatly in price from affordable options under $400 to high-end models over $800. Determine how much you want to spend.
- Compatibility – Make sure the headset works with your smartphone, console, or PC setup depending on how you want to use it.
- Display/optics – Look into specifications like display resolution, field of view (FOV), lenses, and adjustment options for optimal visuals.
- Features/capabilities – Consider built-in audio, controller specs, portability, battery life, movement detection systems, and supported apps/software.
Balancing these factors will guide you to the best choice for your budget and needs.
The 5 Best VR Headsets of 2023-2024
1. Meta Quest Pro – Top Overall for Most Consumers
With advanced capabilities and innovative new features, the Meta Quest Pro leads the field as the top VR headset option for 2023.
- Price: Starts at $1,499
- Compatibility: Standalone headset powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2+ chip
- Display/Optics: Dual LCD displays with 37% more pixels than Quest 2; Full color pass-through cameras and mirrors allow mixing physical environment with virtual
- Features: Built-in self-tracking, hand/eye/face tracking; Natural facial expressions and eye contact in avatars; New stylish design with lightweight open-ear audio
As Meta’s high-end offering, the Quest Pro contains cutting-edge tech like precise room mapping, mixed reality overlays, and real-time facial tracking unrivaled by other headsets. Exceptional processing power provides seamless wireless freedom with access to over 400 apps natively on the device plus streaming options.
For those wanting the pinnacle of VR experience without needing a PC or console, the Meta Quest Pro stands at the peak.
Most asked questions about Meta Quest Pro:
- How much does the Meta Quest Pro cost? The headset retails starting at $1,499.
- What are the Meta Quest Pro tech specs? Key specs are Qualcomm XR2+ processor, 12GB RAM, 256GB storage, dual LCD 1800x1920px displays with 90Hz refresh rate.
- What makes the Quest Pro display better? 37% more pixels plus local dimming allow sharper visuals, better contrast/colors, minimal screen-door effect compared to Quest 2.
- Does the Quest Pro require a PC or smartphone? No, it’s an all-in-one standalone VR device.
- How good is Quest Pro mixed reality (MR)? Passthrough cameras enable full-color video of surroundings overlayed on virtual objects for an immersive mixed reality experience.
2. Valve Index – Top for PC VR Gaming
Serious PC gamers should consider the Valve Index system for the best experience in 2023 at higher budgets.
- Price: $999 for full system
- Compatibility: Requires gaming PC; works on Windows/Mac/Linux
- Display/Optics: 1440x1600px LCD per eye; ultra-low persistence 120Hz/144Hz refresh rates; 130° FOV
- Features: Industry-leading Knuckle Controllers; Whole-room tracking via SteamVR 2.0 base stations
Offering high fidelity visuals via dual 1440p LCD panels with lightning smooth 120-144Hz gameplay, the Valve Index displays stunningly clear, vibrant worlds that fully immerse you. The wide 130-degree field of view combined with precise SteamVR tracking and natural finger tracking/haptics from the Knuckle Controllers takes immersion to the next level.
For hardcore gamers with a capable gaming rig, the Index represents the most advanced PC-driven VR setup available. The only downside is less portability requiring the base stations and being tethered to your computer. But for peak gaming visuals and performance at home, the Index cannot be beaten.
Most frequently asked questions about the Valve Index:
- What PC performance is needed for the Valve Index? NVIDIA GTX 1070/AMD Vega 56 or higher GPU and modern Intel i5-7500/AMD Ryzen 5 1600 or better CPU is recommended.
- How does the Valve Index connect to your PC? It uses DisplayPort/USB cables to plug into your graphics card and USB port. Wireless adapter not included.
- Can the Index Controllers be repaired? Yes, Valve offers free repairs if anything happens to the Index hardware under warranty.
- Does the Valve Index work with other VR systems? It’s designed to work fully with SteamVR only. Other systems have limited compatibility currently.
- Is the visual quality better than the original Vive? Very much so. The Index provides sharper displays, reduced screen-door effect, and higher frame rates than the original Vive.
3. PlayStation VR2 – Top Console VR Option
Console owners should get excited about the PlayStation VR2 launching in 2023 exclusively for use with the PS5 and providing a superb VR system for gaming.
- Price: Estimated $500 for headset bundle
- Compatibility: Works only with PlayStation 5 console
- Display/Optics: 2x OLED 2000x2040px displays; 90-120Hz refresh rate; 110° FOF; eye-tracking
- Features: All-new VR2 Sense controllers with haptics/proprioception; inside-out tracking; 4K HDR passthrough
Significantly upgraded from the original PSVR on PS4, this next-gen headset features impressive specs like 4K HDR passthrough, eye-tracking, novel VR2 Sense controller feedback, and a lighter more ergonomic design. Early previews of games like Horizon Call of the Mountain showcase stunning graphics and enhanced immersion.
For those invested in PlayStation 5 console gaming, the PSVR 2 stands poised to deliver a best-in class wireless VR gaming experience when it launches. No other console platform can match its cutting-edge capabilities.
Frequently asked questions about PlayStation VR2:
- When is the PlayStation VR2 release date? Early 2023 is slated for launch but no exact date announced yet.
- Can original PSVR games be played on PS VR2? Some games may receive backwards compatibility patches but details not fully confirmed yet.
- What PlayStation VR2 games are coming? Exciting exclusives announced so far include Horizon Call of the Mountain, Resident Evil Village, The Walking Dead: Saints and Sinners.
- Will VR2 work on PlayStation 4? No, the headset is designed only for use on PlayStation 5 consoles.
- Is a PlayStation Camera required? No longer needed. VR2 features integrated inside-out tracking and eye-gaze systems negating need for external camera.
4. HTC Vive Pro 2 – Top Mid-Range Pick
Occupying a middle ground between top-end and more affordable systems, the HTC Vive Pro 2 hits the sweet spot for many looking for premium capabilities without maxing budgets.
- Price: $799 headset-only MSRP; $1,399 full system price
- Compatibility: Works with gaming PCs and most SteamVR content
- Display/Optics: Dual 2448×2448 LCDs; 120° FOV; 120Hz refresh rate
- Features: Up to 120 fps gaming; High-res 5K visuals; SteamVR Tracking 2.0
By packing clever shortcuts like using dual 1440p displays to achieve a 5K-equivalent resolution output, HTC saves money over pushing literal 8K or higher displays. This allows high resolution VR visuals that look fantastic while keeping costs around $800. Supporting the full SteamVR ecosystem plus best-in-class Vive wand controllers and base station tracking provides reliable performance for immersive gaming and content. For those seeking high fidelity PC VR with more affordability than the Index, the Vive Pro 2 finds that middle ground.
Common questions on the HTC Vive Pro 2:
- Does the Vive Pro 2 require base stations? Yes, it uses SteamVR base station external sensors for tracking by default similar to the original Vive Pro.
- What graphics card is needed for the Vive Pro 2? NVIDIA RTX 20-series or AMD RX 5000-series GPU recommended. Less powerful cards can still work OK.
- Where are the Vive Pro 2 headphones? There are no built-in headphones anymore. You need to provide your own audio headset.
- Is the screen better than the regular Vive? Without question. The Vive Pro 2 screen resolution, colors, clarity, and refresh rates are vastly improved over original Vive and Vive Pro 1 displays.
- Can I play Oculus Quest games? No, it only supports SteamVR apps natively. But unofficial hacks allow playing limited Oculus Go/GearVR content.
5. Oculus Quest 2 – Most Affordable Quality Option
Despite its lower cost, the Oculus Quest 2 should not be underestimated as it packs impressive capabilities into affordable wireless VR.
- Price: Starts at $399 for 128GB model
- Compatibility: Standalone headset; also connects to gaming PCs wirelessly via Oculus Link
- Display/Optics: Single 1832×1920 LCD per eye; 90Hz or 120Hz refresh rates; nearly 4K rendering
- Features: 6DOF positional tracking; OLED display (128GB only); High-quality integrated audio; Hand/finger tracking
While lower resolution than more expensive headsets, the Quest 2 counterbalances with advanced lenses, a faster processor, and optimizations like fixed foveated rendering that concentrate resources where eyes are looking. This allows great looking graphics, snappy response times, and immersive 6DOF freedom. Support for wireless streaming games from your PC via Oculus Link unlocks the power of higher-end hardware too.
For an affordable wireless VR system with solid capabilities today plus room to grow in the future as a PC headset, the Oculus Quest 2 delivers outstanding value.
Oculus Quest 2 common questions:
- Can I use Oculus Quest 2 without a Facebook account? Yes, Meta account will be required instead after August 2023 when Facebook account requirement is removed.
- Does the 128GB version have OLED display? Yes, OLED only available on 128GB model currently. 256GB version uses LCD.
- How good is Quest 2 for fitness? With addictive active games like Beat Saber which makes you dance to slash blocks with lightsabers, Quest 2 is extremely fitness friendly.
- What PC hardware is needed for Oculus Link? Modern gaming GPU like NVIDIA 1060/1660 or AMD RX 480 and CPU like Intel i5-4590 or greater.
- Are Quest 1 games and apps compatible? Vast majority of Quest 1 apps work directly on Quest 2 with enhancements and some exceptions.
Key Takeaways – How to Choose Your VR Headset
- Assess your budget – Costs range widely from around $400 to over $1500 for top end. More affordable options still provide quality VR nowadays.
- Consider required hardware – Some headsets are standalone needing no additional equipment while others require high-end gaming PCs or consoles.
- Prioritize mobility, visuals, controls, content – Compare technical specifications in areas like optics, refresh rates, content libraries, controller ergonomics/features based on your preferences for VR uses.
- Future-proofing has value if budget allows – Buy the maximum capabilities you can afford for extra headroom as content libraries and VR technology continues advancing rapidly.
We hope surveying this year’s best VR headset landscape assists you in choosing the optimal system matching your needs today while keeping aligned with future progress. VR technology promises to transform everything from gaming and movies to communication, education and more in coming years. Now is a great time to dive in!