With just about every company looking to get into VR and incorporate it into their everyday business and their everyday sales, it can get a bit confusing on what virtual reality headset is the best, or more importantly the best fit for you. We will list each headset that you can buy as a consumer, and we will go over the capabilities of the headset.
Before you can pick which headset you or your company will be working with for the foreseeable future, you need to understand what needs can be met by virtual reality, augmented reality, and mixed reality. Each of these altered realities can provide an upper hand, as long as they are used properly. Let’s go over what you can expect.
What To Know
Virtual reality is already training many employees around the world. Walmart has incorporated the Oculus Go into their new employee training at nearly every location, regardless of position. The reason Walmart, who is known for selling everything, is using the Oculus Go is because of the versatility of the headset and the altered reality.
They train inside of the headset for customer greeting, customer service scenarios, and location of merchandise inside of the store. Because it is so easy to alter the software and programming of the headset, all of these training methods can be constantly updated depending on company needs.
Yes, these headsets are mainly used for gaming, but someone has to make the games. All, if not most of the headsets that you will see below are available to develop or help develop apps and games for virtual reality. Using Unity, the most popular developing program for virtual and augmented reality, it seems very possible to create anything you want.
Major VR Headsets
These headsets that we will start the list with are by far the most popular headsets, but not the most affordable. These are high-end gaming virtual reality headsets. With that being said, you will get what you pay for when it comes to these. Each one will get the job done and more. These headsets are constantly being updated and are having newer models always in design. Some new, some not so new, but each one is individually great.
Valve Index $999
The Valve Index is the best PC VR headset on the market right now, and there is nothing else going to compare to it for some time. The hardware is top of the line, the software runs perfectly at all times, and the 2.0 base station tracking is something you don’t want to miss out on. Whether you want to do business on this headset or use it for your personal gaming, it will not be disappointing you.
(If you are looking to buy the Index, Amazon will be your best bet until Valve is back in stock)
- 1440 x 1600 resolution per eye
- Dual LCD Screens
- 120 Hz refresh rate
- 110° field of view
- Built-in nearfield speakers
- Built-in mic
- Steam 2.0 Base tracking
- New Valve Controllers
- Compatible with SteamVR and Viveport
Oculus Quest $399
The Oculus Quest is the second standalone headset from Oculus. The first, the Oculus Go, was groundbreaking at the time, but now seems nearly like an afterthought with all of this new technology. The Quest is everything the Go wished it was, and has the inside out tracking the Vive and the Rift wish they had. This headset is the first heavy gaming system that is completely wireless and doesn’t require any type of tethering, even to a “wireless” adapter. It will perform like the Vive and Rift, and you will have the mobility of the Go.
(Oculus will continue to have production issues, so Amazon will be the best route for a while)
- 1440 × 1600 per eye resolution
- OLED screen
- 90 Hz refresh rate
- 110° field of view
- Built-in speakers
- Built-in mic
- Inside-out tracking with 6 DoF
- New Oculus Touch Controllers
PlayStation VR $199 (Bundle)
PlayStation Virtual Reality is supported by the PlayStation console itself. You’ll need to hook the headset up to the gaming system, and you’ll be good to go. The PSVR has plenty more options on the side of gaming, and still values and takes care of the entertainment parts. With the PlayStation store, there are plenty of good and reliable options.
- 1920×1080 Resolution
- 5.7” OLED screen
- 120Hz refresh rate
- 100-degree field of view
- Built-in mic
- Compatible with PlayStation DualShock 4 controller
- Tracks with PlayStation Camera
HTC Vive $599
When it comes to gaming systems for in the VR world, the HTC Vive is the Cadillac of the headsets. It is, in fact, the most expensive out of all of the consumer gaming headsets, but it is going to be one of the best as well. There isn’t a game made on VR that won’t simply pop on the Vive. The only competition to the Vive will be the Oculus Rift.
- 1080×1200 resolution per eye
- 90Hz refresh rate
- PenTile OLED
- 110-degree field of view
- Tracks with Vive Base Stations
- Built-in mic
- Vive controllers
- Apps from SteamVR, HTC, Viveport
News and Product Updates
HTC has unveiled that they have a new headset on the horizon. The HTC Vive Focus Plus. this headset is essentially an upgraded version of the HTC Vive Pro, but with 6DoF controllers that come with it, rather than the typical 3DoF controllers that we have seen from HTC. The Vive Focus Plus is an all in one headset that is available for many uses. The headset is completely standalone, similar to the Oculus Quest, meaning that there is no need to connect to a PC, phone, or even tablet. This headset is very powerful. Focus Plus is redesigned as well, making it more comfortable for prolonged uses. Another new feature is the new visuals, making this headset even more versatile. Meaning that even business will be able to use this headset even when needing to be exact. This is a great alternative (and a cheap alternate) to high end augmented reality headsets.
Vive Cosmos $699
The HTC Vive Cosmos is the first VR headset from Vive that has been consumer-focused in over three years. To say that they were rusty with their attempt would be an understatement. The Cosmos flopped out of the gates, but thanks to a handful of big updates, the company is finally starting to see more sales. Expect this trend to continue, as the Vive Cosmos is still one of the best pieces of hardware on the market right now.
- 1440×1700 resolution per eye
- 3.4-inch RGB LCD screens
- 90 Hz refresh rate
- 110° field of view
- Built-in headphones
- Built-in mic
- New Vive Cosmos controllers
- Compatible with SteamVR and Viveport Stores
Oculus Rift $399
The Oculus Rift is not far behind the HTC Vive, and some people will argue that it is the superior gaming headset. The Rift is much cheaper at the time being, and that really is making a difference for Oculus. With the two headsets so similar in gameplay and functionality, the $200 plays a part in people’s pockets.
- 1080×1200 resolution in each eye
- 90Hz refreshing rate
- PenTile OLED
- 110° field of view
- Constellation tracking
- Built-in headphones
- Built-in Mic
- Compatible with Xbox One controller
- Oculus Touch controllers
- Oculus remote
- Apps from SteamVR and Oculus Store
Oculus Rift S $399
The Oculus Rift S is the successor to the Oculus Rift. With inside-out tracking and an updated controller design, this headset is going to be useful for anyone that buys it. Whether it be for your personal gaming habits or for your business, this headset will get the job done. With the Rift S going on sale often, this is a perfect headset to buy if you have a PC that is ready for the rigorous gaming requirements of virtual reality.
- 2560×1440 resolution per eye
- Fast-switch LCD screen
- 90 Hz refresh rate
- 110° field of view
- Inside-out tracking
- Built-in Mic
- Built-in speakers
- New Oculus Touch Controllers
- Compatible with SteamVR, Viveport, and Oculus stores
Pico Neo 2 Eye $899
The Pico Neo 2 is the second headset from the company, but they didn’t act alone in this version of the headset. Tobii, the same company responsible for getting eye tracking inside of the Vive Pro Eye, gave plenty of help to the Pico Neo 2. Not only is the eye tracking used to make data-based assumptions on what you are taking in, but this standalone business VR headset also has foveated rendering. This is the first time we have seen something like this inside of a standalone headset. If you are looking for a reasonable headset for your company to use, the Pico Neo 2 is going to be a fantastic buy.
- 4K Resolution
- 75Hz refresh rate
- 101° FoV w/ frensel lense
- Spatial audio speakers
- Integrated mic
- Voice Command
- 3.5mm jack
- 6DoF for headset
- 6DoF for dual controllers
Pimax 8K $899
There are 3 different Pimax virtual reality headsets, but we will touch on their best model up to date. The Pimax has by far the best graphics for any consumer gaming headset right now, and one of the best field of view as well. The numbers do not do it justice. When you put it on, you realize how closed in you have felt with other headsets and how it felt as though you were looking through binoculars. The only knock on this product is the weight, price, and the lack of game options. One of the coolest features is the tracking system. You can set it up for either inside-out tracking, or a more exact tracking system with outside-in. That uses sensors you set up on your own throughout the room.
- Two screens of 1920×1080 resolution for each eye
- 90Hz refresh rate
- LCD screens
- 200-degree field of view
- Inside-out tracking
- Vive Base Stations
- Built-in headphones
- Built-in mic
Windows Mixed Reality Headsets
Windows Mixed Reality Headsets are made by Microsoft but they delegate the task of making the headsets to other PC OEMs. The main difference between all of these is the tracking systems and the external cameras that make it possible to get six different degrees of movement. With that being said, we will list the specs of each headset, but not dive into the purpose of each, because they mostly have the same functionality.
Samsung Odyssey $499
- 2880×1600 resolution
- 90Hz refresh rate
- Dual 3.5” AMOLED
- 110-degree field of view
- Inside out tracking
- Built-in headphones
- Built-in mic
- External cameras
- Microsoft Motion controllers
- Compatible with Steam, Microsoft stores
Lenovo Explorer $399
- 2880×1440 resolution
- 90Hz refresh rate
- 2.89” LCD
- 105-degree field of view
- Inside out tracking
- External cameras
- Microsoft Motion controllers
- Compatible with Steam, Microsoft stores
Dell Visor $449
- 2880×1440 resolution
- 90Hz refresh rate
- 2.89” display per eye
- 105-degree field of view
- Inside out tracking
- External cameras
- Microsoft Motion controllers
- Compatible with Steam, Microsoft Store
HP Windows Mixed Reality $399
- 2880×1440
- 90Hz refresh rate
- 2.89” display per eye
- 105-degree field of view
- Inside out tracking
- External cameras
- Microsoft Motion controllers
- Compatible both Steam, Microsoft Store
Acer Windows Mixed Reality $399
- 2880×1440
- 90Hz refresh rate
- 2.89” display per eye
- 105-degree field of view
- Inside out tracking
- External cameras
- Microsoft Motion controllers
- Compatible both Steam, Microsoft Store
Mobile VR Headsets That Require A Phone
Just because this set of virtual reality headsets require a phone doesn’t mean they can’t be equally awesome. Obviously you will not be sporting the same type of experience as an Oculus Rift or the HTC Vive, but the VR immersive will be just as close as a mixed reality headset.
Samsung Gear VR $99
- 100-degree field of view
- Uses Accelerometer, Gyro Sensor, and Proximity Sensor for tracking systems
- Handheld controller
- Compatible with Oculus Store, Gear VR
- Compatible phones are Galaxy S8+, Galaxy S8, Galaxy S7, Galaxy S7 edge, Galaxy S6, Galaxy S6 edge, Galaxy S6 edge+
Google Daydream View $89
- 100-degree field of view
- Relies on phone for tacking system
- Bluetooth handheld controller
- Compatible with Google Play Store
- Compatible phones are Galaxy Note8, Moto Z2 Force, Pixel, Pixel 2, Axon 7, Moto Z, Moto Z Force, Mate 9 Pro, Porsche Design Mate 9
Zeiss VR One Connect $150
- 100-degree field of view
- Relies on phone for tracking system
- Bluetooth handheld controller
- Compatible with SteamVR, Google Play, Apple Store
- Compatible phones are Modern Android and iPhones between 4.7 and 5.5 inches
All In One VR Headsets
All in one headsets are a happy medium between the phone headsets and the high-end gaming headsets. With this option, you will be able to get a wide view of VR experiences and entertainment inside the headset, while still maintaining small gaming possibilities. You are not limited to any one thing for these headsets, and they are a very mobile way to access virtual reality while still being on the high end of immersion.
Oculus Go $199
The Oculus Go is an all-in-one headset that is easy to use and quick to setup. It is mainly used for entertainment and VR experiences, although it has small gaming possibilities.
- Fast-Switch WQHD LCD
- 2560×1440 Resolution
- 60-72Hz Refresh rate
- 100-degree field of view
- Uses P-Sensor, Gyroscope, Accelerometer, and Magnetometer for tracking systems
- Built-in mic
- Built-in speakers
- 3.5mm headphone jack
- In-Head tracking system
- Compatible with Oculus Store
Lenovo Mirage Solo Daydream $399
- 2560×1440 resolution
- Two 5.5” LCD screens
- 110-degree field of view
- 75Hz refresh rate
- WorldSense inside out tracking system
- Built-in mic
- Built-in speakers
- 3.5mm headphone jack
- Compatible with Google Play and Google Store
Pico Neo $749
- 1440×1600 resolution for each eye
- 90Hz refresh rate
- 110-degree field of view
- 6DoF tracking system
- 5.5” LCD screens
- 6DoF Bluetooth controller
- Built-in mic
- Built-in speakers
