Stop the World. We Check Out The Best Selling VR Headsets!
Okay, so you want a VR headset?
Virtual reality is defined as an artificial world that is experienced through sensory stimulation. This other-worldly technology has existed for decades but it’s only in 2023 that we’re ready to grasp its full potential.
Do you want to just get your feet wet with something simple? Are you hanging on for the best possible full immersive experience? Or maybe you are somewhere in between? Price is a huge factor too, and with VR technology you really do get what you pay for.
So mobile, standalone or PC? This refers to how they are powered – smartphone, self-contained or PC.
The mobile VR headset tends to be the more budget-friendly version that has a lesser sense of immersion, lower interaction level and is more suited to beginners.
The second option is a standalone headset; these are fairly new to the market, and are more expensive, but have improved graphics, and interaction that the mobile VR option, so suit most people.
Finally, there is the PC powered headset – some of which will blow your tiny human mind! However, in order to lose yourself in a world of virtual … well, whatever you wish for, you’ll be paying a premium for the headset. For serious gamers, though, it’s well worth it.
But it doesn’t stop there.
Cables and Controllers
Most of the high-end PC headsets require cable tethering, but you do get used to them and the slight restrictions they pose, however wireless controllers are starting to hit the shelves. Your controller is your gateway into the vast VR realms and needs to be as comfortable and ergonomic as possible, with every button easily accessible.
If you’re a true gamer, check out our best gaming chair reviews to fully immerse yourself in any gaming experience!
We went on an adventure with the best Virtual Reality Headsets of 2023:
1. Oculus VR Headset
Overview
Stepping into the spotlight with a grand aura of sophistication is this remarkably stylish VR headset – a perfect blend of aesthetic appeal and practical functionality. Boasting a robust construction, the headset inspires confidence, speaking volumes about its durability. What truly steals the show, though, is its budget-friendly price tag that stands as a testament to accessibility. Navigating the user interface is an intuitive experience that leaves no room for ambiguity, thanks to its fluidity and simplicity. After one round of indulging in this immersive experience, we’re completely smitten and ready for more.
What We Like
Oculus has indeed outdone itself with this particular model. By offering an accessible, high-quality VR headset at a competitive price, the company strikes a balance between affordability and exceptional performance. Notably, the device’s setup is as easy as pie, and the interface is both accurate and user-friendly. The visuals will leave you spellbound with their crystal-clear quality and smooth scrolling, making lag a foreign concept. Impressively realistic colors transform your virtual journey into an unforgettable experience. Plus, let’s not forget the bonus for our spectacle-wearing friends – Oculus has designed this model with an extra dash of comfort for you!
What Needs Improving
Though our Oculus experience was largely flawless, we did stumble upon one minor hiccup. After wearing the headset for several hours, you might start to feel a slight discomfort over the bridge of your nose. Perhaps, this can be seen as a friendly nudge from the headset, reminding us that we have an actual reality to return to once in a while!
14 used from $159.00
2. Samsung Gear VR
Overview
Samsung has put its creative muscles to work yet again, presenting us with a gadget that is an epitome of modern technology. The headset is sleek, black, and stealthy, like a spaceship ready to whisk you away from your living room to otherworldly realms. The sturdy construction of this device and the comfort it affords, along with the familiar Samsung quality seal, all come together to make this a headset worth considering.
What We Like
The Samsung VR headset stands as a testament to coolness, both in terms of its chic aesthetics and top-tier performance. The visuals it offers are stunningly accurate and crystal clear, making the viewing screen seem like a massive IMAX theater. The absence of cables takes the viewing experience to another level, as you can freely move around while watching your favorite movies or exploring virtual realities. Its lightweight nature and comfort ensure that you can completely immerse yourself in your virtual journey. The responsiveness of the first-person POV and the interactive controller, which tracks your every move, significantly enhance the overall VR experience.
What Needs Improving
Our encounter with the Samsung VR headset wasn’t entirely without hiccups. One slight issue we found was the occasional fogging up of the lens. However, this is nothing that a little elbow grease can’t solve. A regular, thorough clean can keep the fog at bay, ensuring that your intergalactic journeys remain clear and unobstructed.
3. HTC VIVE Pro VR
Overview
Three words. Just. Plain. WOW. Our senses were ambushed by the alluring appeal of this top-of-the-line VR headset from HTC VIVE. Blending superb craftsmanship with high fashion, this piece of tech oozes style and substance. The visuals? They’re so captivating you can almost touch the virtual world. Powered by your PC, this headset fully harnesses the power of 3D spatial sound, offering a mesmerizing auditory experience. With noise cancellation capabilities that drown out real-world distractions, you can submerge yourself entirely into the boundless VR universe.
What We Like
Nothing short of extraordinary, the image quality is a masterpiece in itself. Expect crisp, clear textures, mesmerizing colors, and clean scrolling without any hint of lag. The surround sound system is utterly immersive, and the precise Steam VR tracking brings accuracy to another level. In a fascinating twist, real-world objects can be imported and manipulated in the VR realm, blurring the lines between reality and fantasy. The ergonomic controllers are a joy to handle, making this VR headset technically superior to its peers in every aspect.
What Needs Improving
Alas, perfection comes at a price, quite literally in this case. The price tag might have some potential buyers raising eyebrows. But allow us to be brutally honest here – if you’re willing to stretch your budget a bit, the investment will yield returns in the form of unparalleled VR adventures.
5 used from $941.00
4. Sony PlayStation VR
Overview
Sony is putting its stake in the ground with this outstanding VR headset. The design strategy employed marries form and function brilliantly. It’s sleek, efficient, and drips with sophistication, while not compromising on durability or ergonomic comfort. With an eye-catching aesthetic, this headset makes a great first impression, and boy, does it have the performance to back it up.
What We Like
Talk about getting your money’s worth! The Sony VR Headset delivers quality that goes above and beyond. The image quality is simply fantastic, marked by seamless scrolling, zero discernable lag, and top-tier textural effects. The controller, with its quick and responsive action, transports you smack in the middle of your game in no time. Get ready to lose yourself in the immersive audio-visual experience that this gadget delivers. Did we mention the comfort? Even after hours of gameplay, you’ll hardly realize it’s there. To top it all off, integration with your PlayStation is a breeze – just connect this VR headset with your PlayStation camera, and you’re ready to rock any PS4 game.
What Needs Improving
No product is without its quirks. While the Sony VR Headset scores high in most categories, do note that you need both a PlayStation console and PlayStation camera to enjoy its full benefits. But hey, for the exhilarating VR experience it offers, we believe that’s a small concession to make.
$89.00 in stock
5. BNext VR Headset
Overview
Picture a VR headset that’s larger than life, and you’ve got the BNext. Don’t let the size fool you, though. This piece of tech is thoughtfully designed to be lightweight and comfortable, allowing you to enjoy extended hours of alternate reality without straining your neck. Its slick exterior may hint at something cool, but the real magic happens inside. A tantalizing visual spectacle awaits, with no pesky cables to jolt you back to reality. So far, we like what we see.
What We Like
This BNext headset is nothing short of an immersive marvel. It tugs you into the heart of the VR world and keeps you captivated with its engaging playability. The visuals are sharp as a tack, clear as crystal, while the audio creates a wide, enveloping soundscape. It’s clear BNext has gone all in with this VR headset, and we’re impressed by the commitment.
What Needs Improving
Every rose has its thorn, and in this case, we occasionally noticed a split-second lag where the image and audio fell out of sync. It’s fleeting and rare, but worth mentioning. However, given the overall performance of the device, this is akin to a single cloud on a sunny day.
The biggest decision for you will be picking between the three general classes of VR headset, so go ahead and read up!
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