The Best VR Headsets of 2023 / ITech content

Contents:

• Best VR helmets for PC
• Best console VR helmets

The virtual reality market has undergone significant changes since the appearance of the first Oculus VR headset prototype, created by Palmer Luckey. Today, lovers of immersion in digital worlds can choose from a wide range of VR headsets, differing in both functionality and price categories. The variety of models allows everyone to find a device that suits their needs and budget, making virtual reality more accessible to a wider audience. Modern VR headsets thus open up new horizons for entertainment, education, and professional applications.

The editorial team at Skillbox Media "GameDev" has presented a review of the best VR headsets of 2023. In this article, you'll find current models that stand out for their features, image quality, and immersion. We've analyzed the market to help you make the right choice in the world of virtual reality. Check out our rating to learn about the most modern and technologically advanced VR devices that are suitable for both gaming and professional use.

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AAA hits, exciting races and fascinating puzzles: the best VR games worth trying. The world of virtual reality offers a wide range of games that immerse players in unique adventures. AAA games offer high-quality graphics and deep storylines, allowing players to enjoy a truly unforgettable experience. VR racing games deliver a sense of speed and adrenaline, allowing players to test their skills behind the wheel of the fastest cars. Engaging puzzles are a great way to exercise your mind and logical thinking, immersing players in captivating challenges. Whatever your preference, there's a game in the world of VR that will provide a unique experience. Subscribe to our "Checkpoint" Telegram channel. Here you'll find interesting materials about the world of games, their development, and helpful tips from game development professionals. We regularly publish information about important updates to popular software and share the latest industry news. The comments are open for discussion: you can suggest a topic for the next post or simply share your thoughts on the world of video games.

The Best VR Headsets for PC

PC VR headsets are an ideal solution for users looking to enhance their gaming experience. They offer high-quality graphics and impressive performance, as they use the power of the computer to process data. In addition, PC VR headsets support a wide range of applications and games, including popular platforms such as Steam, which significantly expands the user experience. Choosing a PC VR headset allows you to immerse yourself in virtual reality on a new level, enjoying realistic worlds and immersive gameplay.

Meta Quest 3 is a virtual reality headset developed by the American company Meta Platforms. The device was officially unveiled on October 10, 2023. This headset offers users an immersive virtual reality experience with high image clarity and improved performance. The Meta Quest 3 is equipped with advanced technologies, making it an excellent choice for gamers and VR enthusiasts. Innovative features and a comfortable design make it ideal for extended use. The Meta Quest 3 offers users the ability to use the device in virtual and mixed reality modes, making it ideal for both professional tasks and fun gaming. The new model offers improved image quality compared to previous versions, increased RAM, and updated controllers, significantly enhancing the convenience and functionality of the device.

The Meta Quest 3 virtual reality headset offers standalone operation thanks to the pre-installed Android operating system, and can also be connected to a PC. The device is available in two memory versions with 128 GB and 512 GB, which allows you to choose the appropriate option for storing content. Meta Quest 3 is equipped with two LCD displays with a resolution of 2064 × 2209 pixels for each eye, which ensures high image quality. The RAM has been increased to 8 GB, which is a significant improvement over the Quest 2 model, which had 6 GB. The new-generation Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 processor delivers outstanding performance, which, according to the manufacturer, is twice as fast as the previous version. This makes the Meta Quest 3 an excellent choice for immersing yourself in the world of virtual reality.

The Quest 3's body has undergone a complete redesign, making it 40% thinner than its predecessor. This significantly reduces user fatigue during long sessions. The device comes with updated Meta Quest Touch Plus controllers, which now feature AI tracking, eliminating the need for tracking rings.

The VR headset's battery, like that of the Quest 2, provides an average of two hours of battery life. To fully utilize the device, the user must register with the Facebook social network, and there is no way to bypass this mandatory procedure.

• Video card: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970 / AMD 400 series or better.
• CPU: Intel i5-4590 / AMD Ryzen 5 1500X or better.
• RAM: 8 GB.
• Ports: USB 3.0.
• OS: Windows 10.

Meta Quest PRO is a professional VR headset from Meta Platforms that combines the capabilities of augmented and virtual reality. Unlike Quest 2, this device is equipped with inward-facing cameras for tracking facial expressions and eye movement, as well as external cameras that capture the surrounding space and visualize it in a virtual environment. Meta Quest PRO opens up new horizons for users, offering a unique experience of interacting with the virtual world and improving immersion in content.

The virtual reality headset is equipped with a Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2+ processor, which is 50% faster than the Snapdragon XR2 used in Quest 2. The headset includes two mini-LED displays, providing sharper images thanks to an increased number of pixels per inch and improved contrast—by 37% and 75%, respectively, compared to the previous model. The kit also includes Touch Pro controllers with built-in cameras for precise hand tracking, significantly improving user interaction with the virtual environment.

The company presents the Meta Quest PRO as a work tool, not a gaming device. This device creates a virtual space that accurately reproduces real-life conditions, enabling meetings in a new format. Thanks to face tracking, users can use realistic avatars, adding an element of personal interaction. The Meta Quest PRO also offers augmented reality capabilities, allowing you to visualize infographics and layouts directly in the real world, making it an indispensable tool for businesses and professionals seeking innovation in their work.

The Quest Touch Pro controllers included with the VR headset are high-quality devices that deserve special attention. They have an ergonomic design and compact size, ensuring comfortable use. Each controller is equipped with a Snapdragon 662 processor, ensuring high performance. A unique motion tracking system using three built-in cameras eliminates the need for bulky rings, making control more intuitive and precise. Additionally, the controllers support a stylus attachment, opening up new possibilities for users such as artists and designers, allowing them to create and draw in virtual reality.

Despite the price reduction for the Meta Quest PRO in March, the device remains expensive and does not justify its purchase for gaming alone. This VR headset offers a variety of features that can be useful in a variety of settings, including education and professional applications. However, for gamers, it may be overkill given the availability of more affordable alternatives on the market.

• Graphics Card: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970 / AMD 400 Series or Better.
• CPU: Intel i5-4590 / AMD Ryzen 5 1500X or Better.
• RAM: 8 GB.
• Ports: USB 3.0.
• OS: Windows 10 or Windows 11.

One of the most powerful and high-quality solutions in the personal computer segment, featuring outstanding performance and user comfort.

The Valve Index stands out in the virtual reality market for its high-precision motion tracking, which provides users with an excellent experience. The device is equipped with a high-quality audio system, which promotes immersion in virtual worlds. A wide field of view allows you to better perceive the environment, and flexible adjustment of the fit on the head ensures comfort even during prolonged use. These features make the Valve Index a top choice for VR enthusiasts and VR professionals.

The Index offers the ability to adjust not only the interpupillary distance (IPD) but also the distance of the lenses from the eyes. This provides a wide field of view and creates a comfortable environment for users, including those who wear glasses. The ability to customize these parameters makes the Index an ideal choice for those looking for optimal VR solutions.

Installing and configuring the body tracking system in the Valve Index VR headset is more complex than many other models on the market. For proper operation, the device requires placing two base stations in opposite corners of the room. These stations should be mounted on tripods, and each requires a separate power source. This approach ensures high tracking accuracy, but requires additional effort during setup.

The pass-through feature in VR devices allows you to use cameras to return to the real world without having to remove the headset. However, it is worth noting that the speed of this feature in this device is inferior to similar models on the market. This may limit the usability of the feature, especially in situations where quick adaptation to the environment is required.

The price of $ 1,000 may seem high. However, if you already have base stations from the previous HTC Vive headset model, the overall cost of the device will be significantly lower. This makes purchasing a new headset more affordable and beneficial for users who already have HTC equipment.

• Graphics card: NVIDIA GTX 970 / AMD RX 480 or better.
• CPU: Dual-core with Hyper-threading technology.
• RAM: 8 GB.
• Ports: USB 2.0 (preferably 3.0 or higher) and DisplayPort v1.2.
• OS: Windows 10, SteamOS, Linux.

The HTC Vive Pro 2 is one of the best solutions for home users looking for a fully immersive virtual reality experience. A key feature of this device is its 120° field of view, allowing users to enjoy a more realistic and immersive experience. Additionally, the HTC Vive Pro 2 supports a screen refresh rate of up to 120 Hz, significantly reducing flickering and ensuring smooth images. This makes it an ideal choice for VR games and applications where high image clarity and stability are essential.

High resolution and a wide viewing angle, combined with adjustable interpupillary distance (IPD) and a precise tracking system, create a comfortable immersion in virtual reality. The HTC Vive Pro 2 can be complemented with the Vive Facial Tracker, a sensor for capturing facial movements that significantly increases the realism of your virtual avatar. The headset is also compatible with Vive, Vive Pro, and Valve Index hardware, making it a versatile solution for VR enthusiasts.

The HTC Vive Pro 2 offers wireless use, but requires a special adapter, which costs $400. It's important to note that using the adapter will reduce image quality and refresh rate, which may impact the overall VR experience.

Base stations should be installed in different corners of the room at elevated locations. It's important to plan the design in advance and ensure secure mounting for optimal equipment operation. Proper placement of base stations improves network coverage and reduces interference, which in turn improves connection quality and internet stability.

If you don't have the controllers and base stations for the Vive, Vive Pro, or Valve Index, you'll need to purchase the complete kit. The price of such a kit is $ 1,399, which makes it quite an investment.

• Graphics card: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 / AMD Radeon RX 480 or better.
• CPU: Intel Core i5-4590 / AMD Ryzen 1500 or better.
• RAM: 8 GB.
• Ports: USB 3.0 and DisplayPort 1.2.
• OS: Windows 10, Windows 11.

The HTC Vive Cosmos Elite is a unique modular VR headset that offers users the ability to upgrade their headset themselves with interchangeable panels and components. This feature allows you to customize the device to your individual preferences, allowing you to use the headset in both wired and wireless modes. Thanks to its versatility, the HTC Vive Cosmos Elite provides users with a unique virtual reality experience, combining high image quality and ease of use.

The Cosmos Elite base kit includes all the necessary components for working with a PC, providing full motion tracking thanks to Vive Tracking base stations. However, if desired, the device can be adapted for standalone use by replacing the front panel. This will require the additional purchase of a panel for external tracking and a module for wireless connection.

A high-quality virtual reality experience is achieved thanks to a display with a resolution of 1440x1700, which provides a clear and bright image without a grid effect. The 110° viewing angle provides a wide view of the virtual world, although it is slightly inferior to some competitive models. Thus, users can enjoy an immersive experience that makes virtual reality more realistic and immersive.

One of the significant advantages is the folding front panel, which allows you to quickly disconnect from the virtual world without removing the headset. This convenient solution allows users to easily interact with their surroundings while maintaining immersion in virtual reality.

A single VR headset is sufficient for PC gaming. However, if you plan to use additional components for standalone operation, such as trackers, base stations, and adapters, the total cost can more than double. This is important to consider when planning a budget for VR gaming equipment.

• Graphics Card: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970 4GB, AMD Radeon R9 290 4GB or better.
• CPU: Intel Core i5-4590 / AMD FX 8350 or better.
• RAM: 4 GB.
• Ports: USB 3.0 and DisplayPort 1.2.
• OS: Windows 10, Windows 11.

The HP Reverb G2 is a virtual reality headset that offers high-quality visualization of virtual space, allowing users to immerse themselves in exciting gaming worlds. However, it is worth noting that the tracking system of this model is average in quality. The HP Reverb G2 is best suited for those who prefer to play primarily in a seated position, making it an ideal choice for users seeking comfort and good graphics in VR games.

The HP Reverb G2 stands out in the virtual reality market thanks to its high image quality. With a resolution of 2160x2160 pixels per eye, this headset delivers incredible clarity and detail. This makes the HP Reverb G2 an excellent choice for users seeking maximum immersion in virtual worlds. High resolution allows you to enjoy vivid colors and crisp textures, which is especially important for games and applications with high graphics.

The device received headphones from Valve Index, which are noted for their high-quality sound. This collaboration between the companies improves the overall user experience. Additionally, the built-in tracking system provides precise motion tracking without the need for external trackers, making the device more convenient and accessible.

The device features improved controller ergonomics compared to previous models, but tracking latency remains significant. This makes it less competitive with similar devices that offer more accurate hand tracking. While this model is excellent for most games, it is not an ideal choice for competitive and fast-paced games where high accuracy and minimal latency are essential.

The G2's viewing angle is comparable to most similar devices, but it is inferior to the Index. The quality of pass-through vision is also not up to par: two external cameras designed to transmit real-world images provide rather low image quality, which may cause discomfort to users.

• Graphics card: NVIDIA GTX 1050Ti / AMD Radeon RX 470 or better.
• CPU: Intel i3-6100 / AMD Ryzen 3 1200, FX4350 or better.
• RAM: 8 GB.
• Ports: USB 3.0 and DisplayPort 1.2.
• OS: Windows 10.

The Pimax 5K Super is a virtual reality headset with the widest field of view and a high refresh rate on the market. This VR headset is compatible with the SteamVR motion tracking system, which allows it to be used in conjunction with Vive and Valve Index tracking technologies. With its advanced features, the Pimax 5K Super delivers an immersive virtual reality experience ideal for gaming and other applications. Users can enjoy high-definition images and smooth motion, making this headset an excellent choice for VR enthusiasts.

The Primax 5K Super virtual reality headset stands out among similar devices thanks to its 200° diagonal viewing angle. This makes it one of the best on the market. The high display resolution of 2560×1440 pixels ensures clear and detailed images. In addition, the headset offers a wide range of refresh rates - from 90 Hz to 180 Hz, which allows for smooth and high-quality display. All settings, including interpupillary distance (IPD) and the tracking system, can be easily adjusted using the PiTool program, which adds to the ease of use of the device.

The headset features a face cushion and nose pad to reduce pressure and block out light. These design elements contribute to increased comfort, creating a favorable environment for long trips or active workouts.

If you already have SteamVR tracking and Vive or Valve Index controllers, you don't need to purchase the full package. You can purchase the headset alone, which costs $749. This allows you to save money and leverage your existing VR experience.

The complete Pimax 5K Super bundle, including SteamVR 2.0 base stations and Valve Index controllers, costs $1,249. This set provides an immersive VR experience with high image quality and precise motion tracking. By investing in the Pimax 5K Super, you not only get cutting-edge technology but also the ability to enjoy a wide range of VR content.

Despite its outstanding technical specifications, the Pimax 5K Super doesn't always demonstrate its full potential in real-world use. The device is unable to simultaneously provide a 200° field of view and a 180Hz refresh rate, forcing users to make compromises when choosing settings. The 200° field of view is only available at refresh rates between 90 and 120Hz; when set to 160Hz, the field of view decreases to 170°, and at 180Hz, to 150°. Therefore, users should consider these limitations when choosing the optimal settings for VR games and applications.

The Pimax 5K Super lacks a built-in stereo system, which may be an important aspect for users looking for high-quality audio in VR. However, the headset is equipped with headphone and microphone jacks. This allows users to use their own headphones, thereby providing high-quality sound and immersion in the virtual world. This approach allows you to individually customize your audio experience, which is especially important for gamers and VR users.

• Graphics Card: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 / AMD Radeon RX 5600 XT or better (NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080Ti recommended).
• CPU: Intel Core i5-9400 or better.
• RAM: 8 GB.
• Ports: USB 3.0, USB 2.0, and DisplayPort 1.4.
• OS: Windows 10.

The Best Console VR Headsets

PlayStation VR 2 is the leading console virtual reality headset on the market. The first PlayStation VR model, launched in 2016, no longer meets the current requirements and standards of virtual reality technology. PlayStation VR 2 offers improved resolution, a wider field of view, and an advanced tracking system, providing a more immersive and realistic gaming experience. With new features such as improved haptic feedback and support for motion tracking technologies, PlayStation VR 2 becomes the optimal choice for gamers looking to immerse themselves in virtual worlds.

PlayStation VR 2 is a new virtual reality headset from Sony, released on February 22, 2023. This headset offers significant improvements over the previous PlayStation VR model, delivering higher performance and improved image quality. PlayStation VR 2 implements advanced technologies that immerse the user in the captivating world of virtual reality, making the gaming process more immersive and realistic.

The VR headset is equipped with two OLED displays with a resolution of 2000×2040 for each eye, providing high image clarity. The frame refresh rate reaches 120 Hz, which guarantees smooth visual perception and minimizes the risk of motion sickness. These characteristics make the VR headset an ideal choice for immersing yourself in virtual reality, providing a comfortable and immersive experience.

The PS VR2 features eye tracking, which made it possible to implement DFR (Dynamic Foveated Rendering) technology. This innovation ensures that only those parts of the image that the user is looking at are rendered. Thanks to this, high headset performance is achieved, significantly improving the VR experience.

Now you don’t need to remove the headset to see the surrounding reality. Simply press a button on the body, and the real world will appear on the displays in black and white. This allows users to seamlessly switch between the virtual and real worlds, ensuring maximum comfort and ease of use.

An improved face pad effectively isolates the user from external light. A haptic feedback module is integrated into the forehead area, allowing the device to warn the player of a potential threat to the character. The VR headset connects with just one cable via a USB Type-C port, ensuring ease of use and convenience.

The signature controllers have received significant improvements: they more effectively track hand movements, provide haptic feedback, and have an ergonomic design, significantly improving on previous PS Move models. These improvements make gameplay interaction more intuitive and comfortable for users.

The game library for PlayStation VR 2 remains limited, numbering only 47 games. Of these, only five projects can be considered major: Resident Evil Village VR, Resident Evil 7: Biohazard, Gran Turismo 7 VR, The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim VR, and Horizon: Call of the Mountain. Despite Sony's claims that over 100 games are in development for the headset, their exact release dates remain unknown. It's worth noting that the new games will only be available on the PS5 console, as previous headset models do not support this content. Despite this, PlayStation VR 2 continues to attract gamers, offering a unique virtual reality experience. A court has ruled to ban Meta Platforms Inc. from operating in Russia, specifically in connection with the Facebook and Instagram social media platforms. This decision is based on accusations of extremist activity.