We’re here to help answer that question, as our team of experts have reviewed the latest and greatest VR headsets that are available to buy. Those that have received a high score have qualified for this best list, so you know for sure that you’re getting top-notch quality. We’ve made sure to include a great range of different VR headsets on this list, from budget-friendly picks to premium headsets that require a high-powered gaming PC to function. Of course, we’re expecting plenty of more VR headsets to land in stores in the future, such as the PSVR 2 and Meta Quest 3. We’ll be updating this article as we review more VR headsets, so make sure to keep this page bookmarked. And if you’re having second thoughts about buying a VR headset, it’s worth checking out our best games console and best gaming laptop lists.
Best VR headsets at a glance
Best value: Meta Quest 2 – check priceMost comfortable: Pico 4 – check priceBest high-end: Vive pro 2 – check priceBest mid-range: Vive Cosmos – check priceBest for Playstation owners: PSVR – check price
During the review, we were really impressed with the apps and games on offer, with the likes of Beat Saber and Superhot VR providing incredibly fun experiences. The Quest 2 will struggle (or even be incapable) of playing more complex games such as Skyrim VR without being plugged into a PC, but that’s a satisfactory compromise given how fun and accessible wireless play is. We found the biggest downside of the Meta Quest 2 to be its battery life, with our testing showing it to last 2 hours while gaming, and 3 hours for video content. But it’s likely you’ll want frequent breaks anyway, given the nature of VR. Sadly, Meta has given the Quest 2 a $100/£100 price hike since launch, so it’s not as much of a bargain as it used to be. Nevertheless, there are few other VR headsets that manage to hit that perfect sweet spot between accessibility and gaming performance. Reviewer: Ryan JonesFull Review: Meta Quest 2 Review Firstly, the Pico has a better design. Weighing just 295 grams, it’s lighter than every other headset on this list. The use of a plastic headband also ensures a secure fit, so you shouldn’t have to worry about adjusting it on your head every few seconds. Overall, this results in a more comfortable experience. The Pico 4 also has a superior screen resolution compared to the Quest 2. Our testing showed that this helped to create sharper images, with individual pixels becoming less noticeable. The headset even features colour passthrough, allowing you to see your surroundings even when the headset is hugging your face. The only major thing holding the Pico back from beating the Quest is its substandard game library. It’s missing a number of VR game gems, including Beat Saber, Resident Evil 4 and Moss. As a result, we suggest you check out the PIco game’s library before you commit yourself to a purchase of the headset. Reviewer: Ryan JonesFull Review: Pico 4 Review But with the headset retailing for over £1000 when bundled with the required accessories, it’s only really worthwhile for hardcore VR enthusiasts. The need for external tracking sensors also means you basically need to take up an entire room to maximise your enjoyment with the Vive Pro 2, which simply isn’t possible for everyone. And let’s not forget the need for a high-powered PC to plug the headset into. If you adore VR and are happy to look past those obstacles, then you’ll be treated to one of the best VR experiences currently available. During testing, we were incredibly impressed with the likes of Half-Life Alyx and Paper Beast. We also found the 120Hz refresh rate and 5K resolution to ensure you’re getting the absolute best visuals from a VR headset, even with the lack of an OLED screen. So if you want a top-notch VR headset and money is no issue, then the Vive Pro 2 is an awesome option. Reviewer: Ryan JonesFull Review: Vive Pro 2 Review During testing, we found the inside-out tracking to make a world of difference, with speedier and hassle-free setup. Although we did the Cosmos’ tracking to struggle in rooms without bright light, which can be a real nuisance for certain rooms. But once you get it all up and running, the VR experiences on offer are superb, with a high resolution and a wide selection of fantastic games. And while we found the wired connection can be irksome, it at least means you can play large-scale games with frighteningly good immersion. The high price and need for a PC will likely put off most people, and can’t compete with the Quest in terms of accessibility, but this is still nevertheless a good option for VR enthusiasts who can’t quite justify shelling out for a Vive Pro 2. Reviewer: Ryan JonesFull Review: Vive Cosmos Review The PSVR has a superb selection of games, such as Astro Bot Rescue Mission, Beat Saber and Superhot VR – and it even works with a couple of proper PS4 games such as Resident Evil 7 and Hitman 3. We found there to be plenty of options here for the entire family. Since the headset launched all the way back in 2016, it’s no shock to see that the specs look considerably dated compared to the competition. With a low 1920 x 1080 resolution, the PSVR suffered from the screen door effect during testing, preventing this headset from offering the same level of immersion as its rivals. The biggest issue with the PSVR is that it’s soon to be replaced, with Sony announcing plans for the PSVR 2. The upcoming headset will only work with the PS5, but will see an improved 4K HDR OLED screen, more ergonomic controllers and an expanded catalogue of games. There’s little doubt it will be a better option than the existing PSVR. But if you still own a PS4 console and have no plans to upgrade to the PS5 in the next couple of years, then the PSVR is still a great buy for those wanting to try out virtual reality for the very first time. Reviewer: Brett PhippsFull Review: PSVR Review
