VR Headsets - The best VR Headsets 2023
Check out Gadget Glare's reviews of the top VR headsets currently on the market.
The Meta Quest 3 represents a significant step forward in the world of all-in-one VR headsets. Building upon the success of its predecessors, it brings several notable improvements to the table. While the design remains largely unchanged, the hardware upgrades make a noticeable difference. The Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 processor and increased RAM promise improved graphics performance, and the higher-resolution display delivers crisp visuals with minimal aliasing.
One standout feature is the augmented reality capability, offering a high-fidelity, full-color passthrough mode that provides a compelling and immersive experience. However, there are minor issues with warping at the edges in this mode.
The redesigned controllers offer a more streamlined grip but are otherwise unremarkable in their functionality. In terms of gaming, existing titles from the Quest 2 are compatible with the Quest 3, and a selection of games will receive upgrades to leverage the new hardware.
For those upgrading from the original Quest or newcomers to VR, the Quest 3 is a compelling choice. However, current Quest 2 owners may need to weigh the benefits of the improved graphics and augmented reality against the higher price tag when considering an upgrade. A future more comprehensive review will provide further insights into its performance.
The Quest 3 is set to launch on October 10, with pre-orders available now, pre-orders will include a copy of Asgard’s Wrath 2.
Meta Quest 3 - 128GB
Meta Quest 3
Meta Quest 3 - 512GB
The Quest 2, a successor to the original, comes packed with improvements that make it a compelling choice for both VR enthusiasts and newcomers. Here's a breakdown of what you can expect:
The Quest 2 boasts a sleek, compact design that is lighter and smaller than its predecessor. Its white plastic chassis contrasts nicely with the black plastic and foam eye mask. The headset's front faceplate is adorned with four position-tracking cameras, showcasing the device's tracking capabilities.
On the left side, you'll find a USB-C port and a 3.5mm headphone jack, while the right side houses the power button and an indicator LED. The headset's volume rocker and two pinhole microphones sit underneath, providing convenient audio control.
The Quest 2's three-point elastic strap offers quick and easy adjustments, but it may shift during rapid head movements. For a more secure fit, you can opt for the Quest 2 Elite Strap, which comes with a built-in battery for extended playtime.
The Quest 2 comes with upgraded controllers that offer a slightly improved design. The larger circular control surface provides a comfortable resting spot for your thumb when not actively using the analog stick or face buttons. The controllers also feel more secure in hand, with a battery door that is less prone to sliding off during intense gameplay.
The headset supports hand tracking, allowing you to use your bare hands for certain interactions. While it's a welcome addition, it doesn't completely replace the controllers for most applications.
One of the Quest 2's standout features is its Snapdragon XR2 processor, a significant upgrade over its predecessor. Paired with 6GB of RAM, it delivers improved performance, making it a powerhouse in the standalone VR category.
Meta Quest 2 - 128GB
The device's display has also seen enhancements, with a higher resolution and support for a 120Hz refresh rate, resulting in crisper visuals and smoother gameplay.
Battery life remains similar to the original Quest, with two to three hours of use on a single charge. However, you can double your playtime with the Quest 2 Elite Strap With Battery and Carrying Case, though it comes at an additional cost.
The Quest 2 retains access to a wide range of VR apps and games through the Meta Store, including popular titles like Beat Saber and Superhot VR. Additionally, you can expand your library by connecting the headset to a compatible PC using the Meta Link Cable, enabling access to the Steam VR store.
The Quest 2 impresses with its Guardian system, accurate head tracking, and immersive visuals. The higher display resolution makes a noticeable difference, offering a crisper and cleaner experience across various VR titles.
Conclusion:
The Quest 2 builds upon its predecessor's success with enhanced hardware and a more accessible price point. Its lightweight design, improved controllers, and expansive app library make it a strong contender in the VR market. While battery life remains a limitation, the Quest 2 delivers a highly enjoyable and immersive VR experience that's sure to delight both newcomers and seasoned VR enthusiasts.
Meta Quest 2
Meta Quest 2 - 256GB
4.5/5
The major drawback for potential users in the United States is availability. While it's reasonably priced in the UK, listings on Amazon for US customers often come with steep price tags, including additional international shipping costs. Paying a premium for the Pico 4 in the US may not be the best choice.
Conclusion:
The Pico 4 surprises with its impressive specs, competitive pricing, and unique features. It offers a delightful entry-level VR experience for users in the UK, Europe, and East Asia. With a growing library of standalone VR games and OpenXR compatibility, it punches above its weight and provides excellent value for money. However, the limited availability in the US may disappoint potential buyers there. For those who can access it, the Pico 4 proves that you don't have to break the bank for a compelling VR experience, making it a worthy contender in the ever-evolving VR landscape.
PICO 4 - 128 GB
The Pico 4 is making waves in the world of entry-level VR, offering a compelling alternative to its more well-known competitors. Here's what you need to know about this hidden gem:
Powered by the Snapdragon XR2 processor, the Pico 4 is a remarkable contender, boasting specs that often outshine its main rival at a lower price point. In the UK, it's available for slightly less than the new Quest 2. This competitive pricing is shaking up the VR market and proving that you can get more bang for your buck than you might think.
The Pico 4 sets itself apart with its unique "pancake" lenses, which enhance the visual experience by eliminating the need for digital distortion correction. The result is a smaller field of view but significantly sharper visuals compared to standard fresnel lenses. The higher resolution of 4320 x 2160 per eye and reduced screen door effect offer a clearer and more immersive viewing experience.
Setting up the Pico 4 is a breeze, especially for those with limited time to spare. The Pico Link software integrates seamlessly with Steam, allowing you to connect to your PC effortlessly. Unlike many other VR headsets, the Pico 4 doesn't require external tracking base stations, simplifying the setup process.
The Pico 4 impresses with its 6DoF (six degrees of freedom) tracking implementation, providing accurate tracking even in comparison to more expensive headsets like the HTC Vive XR Elite. While it may struggle slightly with streaming graphically intensive games, its performance remains commendable, especially when playing tethered via the included USB Type-C 2.0 data cable.
Comfort is essential during extended VR sessions, and the Pico 4 delivers. It accommodates glasses wearers without trouble, and a glasses spacer is included for added convenience. The headset's lightweight design at 295g, adjustable headband, nose pad, and motorized IPD (interpupillary distance) adjuster all contribute to a comfortable fit.
The Pico 4 stands out with its full-color passthrough, which maintains depth perception effectively. Its longer gaming battery life, just over 2 hours, is a bonus compared to the Quest 2, enhancing the overall experience.
PICO 4
PICO 4 - 256 GB
4.5/5
The Meta Quest Pro is a highly-anticipated VR headset that comes with notable upgrades, but it falls short of being the ultimate VR experience. Here's a closer look at its strengths and weaknesses:
On the hardware front, the Quest Pro boasts impressive specs: 12GB of RAM, a powerful Snapdragon XR2 Plus processor, and 256GB of storage. These enhancements ensure smooth performance for Oculus Quest 2 games. However, it's essential to note that the Quest Pro is more of a mixed-reality device, offering glimpses of the real world even during immersive experiences. While this feature enhances mixed-reality experiences, it can detract from the immersion in true VR games.
The Quest Pro introduces mixed-reality elements with its color passthrough feature, allowing you to see the real world while immersed in an experience. While this enhances mixed-reality titles, it can be disruptive for pure VR games. Additionally, the headset's battery life is lackluster, lasting only around one-and-a-half to two hours, which is notably shorter than its predecessor, the Quest 2.
The Quest Pro incorporates face-tracking and eye-tracking technologies, which have potential but lack strong software support. While these features show promise, their inclusion may feel more like gimmicks at this stage, as there's limited software that fully justifies their integration.
The Quest Pro's pricing is a significant consideration. While it offers premium features, its high price tag may seem steep, especially for those not interested in mixed-reality experiences. However, this price is more in line with other premium headsets in the market. The design changes, including an adjustable plastic strap, provide improved comfort and weight distribution, making it easier to wear despite being slightly heavier than the Quest 2.
Performance-wise, the Quest Pro shines. Its Snapdragon XR2 Plus chip and ample 12GB of RAM ensure smooth and lag-free performance. Wi-Fi 6E support, 256GB of storage, and new miniLED LCD panels contribute to vivid and crisp visuals. The headset's hand-tracking is commendable, offering a controller-free VR experience.
Meta Quest Pro
The Quest Pro is clearly designed for mixed-reality experiences, and its features reflect this focus. The color passthrough enhances mixed-reality titles, but the real-world view can be distracting for VR enthusiasts. The headset's controllers, now with rechargeable batteries and improved tracking, add to the mixed-reality appeal.
Conclusion:
The Meta Quest Pro excels in terms of hardware and performance, making it a capable mixed-reality headset. However, its mixed-reality features, while promising, can diminish the VR experience. The battery life falls short of expectations, and the high price may deter budget-conscious buyers. If you're willing to invest in next-gen XR hardware and are enthusiastic about mixed reality, the Quest Pro is worth considering. Still, it's not the ultimate VR headset many were hoping for, and the lack of compelling software for its new features leaves room for improvement.
Meta Quest Pro
3.5/5
The PSVR 2 is a bold leap forward in the world of virtual reality. With its impressive specs, proprietary Sony audio and haptic technology, and integration with the powerful PS5, it offers a top-tier VR experience.
At a price of $549.99, it's not a budget-friendly option, especially considering it requires a PS5 to operate. However, when you consider the high-end technology packed into this headset, it starts to make sense. The PSVR 2 is designed to compete with more expensive VR headsets and offers a similar level of performance.
The design and comfort of the headset are noteworthy. It builds upon the previous PSVR design, providing a more immersive experience by blocking out outside light. The headset is comfortable for extended use, and its build quality is solid, meeting Sony's high standards.
The Sense controllers are a highlight, offering excellent motion tracking and impressive haptics, enhancing the VR experience. The display is a significant upgrade, with a 4K OLED screen per eye, resulting in crisp visuals and reduced eye strain. The addition of eye-tracking technology is a promising feature for future interactions.
Setup is relatively straightforward, and the PSVR 2 impressively eliminates the need for a breakout box. It offers room-scale VR if you have the space, making it adaptable to different setups. However, a more interactive menu or hub environment would be a welcome addition in future updates.
The real strength of the PSVR 2 lies in its games. While existing VR games ported to the new headset work well, titles like "Horizon Call of the Mountain" showcase the full potential of the technology. These games offer a sense of scale and immersion that is hard to match in traditional gaming.
PlayStation VR2 (PSVR2)
Conclusion:
Overall, the PSVR 2 is a significant step forward in the VR landscape. It's not a budget option, but for those seeking a high-quality VR experience and already invested in the PS5 ecosystem, it's a compelling choice. With more PSVR 2-exclusive games in development, it has the potential to be a game-changer in the VR industry.
PlayStation VR2 (PSVR2)
3.5/5
The HP Reverb G2 is a solid entry into the world of virtual reality, offering a comfortable and capable headset with some noteworthy improvements over its predecessor. it's an attractive option for PC gamers looking for an affordable VR experience.
In terms of design and comfort, the Reverb G2 retains the basic shape of the original Reverb but introduces some welcome upgrades. The headset features an all-black design with forward-facing cameras on the front panel, which help with motion tracking. The addition of cameras on the sides enhances tracking compared to the original Reverb. The headset relies solely on these cameras for tracking, avoiding the need for external sensors or beacons.
Comfort-wise, the Reverb G2 boasts memory foam padding and a soft, smooth facemask for a snug and comfortable fit. The headset is relatively easy to clean, thanks to its removable facemask. The built-in speakers provide decent audio quality, but the lack of noise isolation means that sound can be heard by those around you.
In terms of display, the Reverb G2 offers impressive visuals with a resolution of 2,160 by 2,160 pixels per eye at 90Hz. While it falls short of the Valve Index and HTC Vive Pro 2 in terms of refresh rate, it outperforms the Oculus Quest 2. The high resolution results in a sharp and clear picture.
The included motion controllers are a significant improvement over the original Reverb's controllers. They feature a more ergonomic design with buttons and triggers that resemble the Oculus Touch controllers. While they don't offer the advanced finger-tracking capabilities of the Valve Index controllers, they are a significant upgrade over the original Reverb controllers.
Setting up the Reverb G2 with Windows Mixed Reality and SteamVR is relatively straightforward, making it accessible to a wide range of users. However, it's worth noting that the headset works best when connected to a capable gaming PC.
In terms of performance, the Reverb G2 offers smooth and accurate tracking, although it may not be as consistent as headsets that use external sensors. Some minor hiccups with motion controllers were observed but didn't significantly impact the overall experience. Games like Aim Lab VR, Nvidia VR Funhouse, and VRChat performed well on the headset, with clear visuals and responsive tracking.
HP Reverb G2
However, the Reverb G2 faces stiff competition from other VR headsets. While it offers an excellent PC-tethered experience at a lower price point than the Valve Index or HTC Vive Pro 2, it sits in a somewhat awkward middle ground. The Meta Quest 2, priced much lower, offers versatility as both a standalone and PC-tethered headset, making it a strong contender. On the high end, the Valve Index excels with its motion controllers and remains the Editors' Choice for PC-tethered VR.
Conclusion:
the HP Reverb G2 is a capable VR headset that offers a sharp display, comfortable design, and improved motion controllers. It's a solid choice for those looking for an affordable PC-tethered VR experience, but it faces tough competition from both lower-priced standalone headsets and more premium PC VR options.
HP Reverb G2
3.5/5
The HTC Vive Pro 2 is a premium PC-tethered VR headset that aims to deliver exceptional visual quality and performance. However, it comes with a high price tag and requires additional accessories, making it a significant investment for consumers.
In terms of design, the Vive Pro 2 closely resembles its predecessor, featuring a sleek black exterior and a comfortable head harness with a three-point system. The headset's on-ear headphones provide built-in audio, but there is no headphone jack for external options. The inclusion of a 16-foot cable connecting to a Link Box requires users to be cautious about cable management to avoid tripping hazards.
One of the standout features of the Vive Pro 2 is its impressive display, boasting a resolution of 2,488 by 2,488 pixels per eye and a field of view of 120 degrees. This high resolution results in exceptionally sharp visuals, making it a noticeable improvement over other VR headsets, including the Valve Index. However, the headset's premium visual quality comes at a premium price.
The Vive Pro 2 ships as a standalone headset, requiring users to purchase compatible base stations and motion controllers separately. HTC offers various options for these components, but mixing and matching with Valve Index accessories is recommended for a more immersive experience, thanks to the Valve Index controllers' finger tracking capabilities.
Setting up the Vive Pro 2 involves connecting it to a PC using the included Link Box and configuring it with SteamVR and HTC's Vive Console software. While this setup is relatively straightforward, users may experience some minor delays when launching both software simultaneously.
In terms of software, the Vive Pro 2 offers access to both SteamVR and HTC's Viveport ecosystem. A two-month subscription to Viveport Infinity, which provides unlimited access to VR games and experiences, is included with the headset. However, given the headset's price, a longer subscription would have been more generous.
HTC VIVE Pro 2 Headset
Games like Half-Life: Alyx benefit significantly from the Vive Pro 2's higher resolution, delivering more detail and cleaner graphics. Even less graphically intensive titles benefit from the improved visual clarity offered by the headset.
Despite its visual prowess, the Vive Pro 2 faces strong competition from the Valve Index, which offers an all-inclusive package at a lower price point. The Vive Pro 2's high cost of $799 for just the headset, along with the additional expense for base stations and controllers, makes it a more expensive option for consumers looking to enter the world of PC-based VR.
Conclusion:
The HTC Vive Pro 2 excels in providing the best visual quality available in a consumer VR headset. However, its premium price and the need for additional accessories make it a less cost-effective choice compared to other VR options, such as the Meta Quest 2.
HTC VIVE Pro 2
HTC VIVE Pro 2 full kit
3.5/5
The HTC Vive XR Elite enters the competitive VR landscape as a standalone high-end PC VR headset but faces tough competition, especially from the Meta Quest 2. While it offers some appealing features and a comfortable design, there are significant drawbacks to consider, particularly for PC gamers.
One notable positive aspect of the HTC Vive XR Elite is its design. It's one of the more aesthetically pleasing VR headsets and is exceptionally lightweight, offering comfort without exerting pressure on the nose area. The headset's lightweight design is complemented by non-intrusive cooling, allowing users to wear it comfortably for extended periods.
However, despite its portability factor, the battery life falls short of expectations, especially in gaming scenarios, lasting around one and a half hours compared to the Quest 2's longer battery life.
The included controllers perform reasonably well, offering a few gaming sessions on a full charge. However, some users have reported issues with one of the controllers turning itself on randomly, even when not in use. Additionally, the headset can be used without the battery when connected to a PC, but this requires dealing with non-adjustable glasses-like attachments that can be uncomfortable and prone to slipping.
Tethering the headset to a PC presents challenges, including the short length of the included USB Type-C to Type-C cable and the need to purchase a separate cable for streaming. While the wireless streaming setup is relatively straightforward, the cable's length limitation can be frustrating, especially for games that require extensive arm movement.
The tracking capabilities of the Vive XR Elite, particularly for finger tracking, are not as accurate as desired. This, coupled with issues like the screendoor effect around the periphery and a 90Hz refresh rate, can lead to discomfort and even VR sickness during prolonged use.
VIVE XR Elite
Considering its price point, the HTC Vive XR Elite faces strong competition, particularly from the Quest 2, which offers a more affordable, versatile, and convenient VR experience. While the XR Elite provides XR functionality, comfort, easy setup, and portability, its shortcomings in tracking and refresh rate make it a challenging recommendation for PC gamers.
Conclusion:
In regions where the Vive Pro 2 is available at a similar price, it may be a more attractive option due to its superior display and refresh rate. Ultimately, the HTC Vive XR Elite, while offering some appealing features, falls short of expectations, given the competitive VR market and its pricing.
VIVE XR Elite
3/5
