For specific use, the Oculus Rift is the most advanced and comprehensive VR headset on the market. The quality and performance of this best VR headset is extremely comfortable and convenient to use. The Oculus Rift is a well-defined and powerful device with many flexible features to offer to both newcomers as well as experienced users. If you want something to interact with surroundings, regardless of where you are, this is the best VR headset designed for it. The NVIDIA GTX 970 video card and 8GB plus RAM memory feature makes the Oculus Rift a better alternative, unlike anything you’ve ever experienced. It comes with an intelligent sensor, integrated VR audio, and a simplified, yet effective Oculus Rift remote for easy exploration and navigation. From stepping into the world of gaming, movies, and other applications, the Oculus Rift is engineered to steer you away into an immersive VR reality experience.
The Oculus Rift is designed to display visuals with a wide angle of view, plus the advanced display technology and the high refresh rate enhances its precise, low-latency constellation tracking system. The sleek design and intellectual controls of the Oculus Rift comes a long way to satisfy users, even after hours of using. It is the best VR headset for most people because it caters to a specific need, that is better angled streaming and immersive technology graphics. If you don’t want anything to interfere with your ‘virtual reality’ that includes gaming or videos, you’d want something as stable and flexible as the Oculus Rift. Requiring proper wired connection for sufficient power, the Oculus Rift gives you top-of-the-line features and everything it has possible to offer for casual to hardcore players. If there is any known VR headset for gaming, that’s the one you should be considering for all else, especially for movies. What you’ll find in the Oculus Rift, you won’t find anywhere, at least in such lengths, on the market. That’s what makes this best VR headset our best pick on the list.
Close to our best pick on the market is our most expensive choice for most people. The HTC Vive VR Headset is a close-call pick, to be honest, but it’s a hefty price to pay for a VR headset unless you’re willing to spend a few extra for something as rugged and overwhelming as those you can only imagine of experiencing. It doesn’t get any more immersive than this, and that’s exactly what this best VR headset is built for. With intuitive controls and better software partnership, the overall experience of handling of the HTC Vive VR Headset is commendable for most people. If you want a bit of a challenge for a VR headset, something that keeps you up and running, most of the times, the HTC Vive VR Headset is the best VR headset for your kind. It comes packed with a durable headset, wireless controllers, base stations, and a SteamVR powered technology for games. So, you can hold the HTC Vive VR Headset at high standards as the best VR headset on the market.
As popular as VR headsets are, if you really want something on a budget, why not consider the next best thing on the market? The Google Cardboard Topmaxions 3D VR Reality Headset is not just a thing made out of wood, it’s a sensational twist made as the only reliable solution for VR, but on a budget. We’ve seen far too many influencers endorse and compliment this best VR headset that we couldn’t resist highlighting its features to you. It is designed with AAA grade corrugated paper with a longer head strap and forehead pads for comfortable viewing. It works brilliantly with all kinds of 3.5-inch to 6-inch smartphones, doesn’t matter if you’re using an Android system or something else. If you want to experience high-quality VR, you need to have this best VR headset at your disposal. No matter what you use it for, the Google Cardboard Topmaxions 3D VR Reality Headset adds more meaning to your smartphone without adding any bulk or inconvenient accessory for or on it.
What you should know before reading on
Before you even toss around the top contenders to buy the best VR headset for you, you must understand the basics of wearable technology in today’s industry. If you want to check out the best of the best VR headset on the market, is there anything specific you’re looking for? Are you look for the best VR headset for your PC or console? Or you’re more tailored for mobile virtual reality? While there are many types of VR headsets to choose from, the features are all the same. Once you strap on a VR headset, you’re in a complete new dimension, unexplainable even unless you know your way around one. For newcomers, VR headsets are the next best thing for the masses, and it’s finally here. If you want to make the most of what you invest, we’d recommend you go for a mainstream brand such as Samsung, Playstation, HooToo, and such for your benefit. They are widely popular and extensively used by consumers and professionals. We have everything ranging from cheap, mid-range, and high-end VR headsets with an up-front featured package and better performance controls. From type, price and platform to positional tracking to controlling features, the best VR headset must be a solid fit for you and your needs before anything else. And for a comfortable trick for your brains, have your mind blown by the best contenders on the market for the ultimate VR headset experience.
Our best pick: Oculus Rift
Oculus Rift
The Oculus Rift presents a comfortable fit for games, movies, and other immersive applications. We’re convinced that this best VR headset is built for true entertainment purposes for the coming months and years. With a wide field of view and low-persistence display, this best VR headset features some of the best qualities found and demanded from the ideal professional-grade VR headset on the market. With HDMI 1.3 compatibility for video output and a greater and more responsive CPU interface, the Oculus Rift enables better sensation of presence, that is realistic graphics with no room for interference. Offering 2160 x 1200 resolution with a 90Hz refresh rate, the most important aspect of the Oculus Rift is its bright and color-controlled OLED displays on board. The immersion feature of this best VR headset is expansive as much as it is with much wider and greater depth. Regardless of whether you’re standing or sitting down for it, you won’t notice any difference in its resolution and immersive capabilities, you’ll experience balanced and enormous scenes just the way it should be done. When VR headsets are concerned, the better the field of view, the more enhanced the experience. The Oculus Rift offers a very accurate and acceptable FOV, it’s also extremely comfortable, according to certain customer responses. For natural audio capabilities, the Oculus Rift comes with built-in headphones that are comfortable and capable. They’re adjustable and removable if you want to eliminate them completely, so you don’t find yourself in a tight spot when you want to make use a stronger sound source. In order to understand VR headsets a bit more than anticipated, a product like the Oculus Rift is the right product for you to consider. Its commercial-grade sensor and integrated VR audio are great companions to have on board for wide range of games and other experiences.
Our upgraded pick: HTC Vive VR Headset
HTC Vive VR Headset
The HTC Vive VR Headset has been the most anticipated and sought-after pick for enthusiasts. At a rare price, this best VR headset personalizes your experience, no matter what you’re using it for. It’s a model for everyone, as long as you understand how Virtual Reality works in technology. With versatile sounds and visual surprises, the HTC Vive VR Headset features NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 GPU, Intel Core i5-4590 CPU, and for compatibility it comes with Windows 7, Windows 8.1 or later OS. The 1,200 x 1,080 resolution AMOLED display is perfect for each eye, it makes a powerful and stable gaming VR headset, and the tracking sensors are the most loved feature of the HTC Vive VR Headset among its many users. If you’re read this far into the review for the best VR headset, you understand what virtual reality has to transform, so what is better than experiencing that transformation with a commercial-grade and durable VR headset like the HTC Vive VR Headset? With seated virtual reality, standing virtual reality, room-scale, and positional tracking, this best VR headset competes well with our best pick and is sure worth the expensive price it costs. The 90 Hz refresh rate is responsive, the 110 degrees FOV is super comfortable, and you get 2 eye relief adjustment fits for long hours of use. Along with the VR headset, you get 2 sensor controllers, 2 sturdy base stations, Micro USB chargers, HDMI cable, USB cable, power adapters, and many more accessories for the perfect VR experience. And if you’re missing out on something, the HTC Vive VR Headset makes sure you get what you’ve paid for for the ideal experience and fit.
Our affordable pick: Google Cardboard Topmaxions 3D VR Reality Headset
Google Cardboard Topmaxions 3D VR Reality Headset
A VR headset for smartphones is something of a growing trend in today’s industry, and to have a sturdy accessory such as the Google Cardboard Topmaxions 3D VR Reality Headset for it is a smart choice. For savvy buyers, most of the VR headsets offers impressive features, but what about when you’re on a budget and you want something narrowed down to only smartphone use? The Google Cardboard Topmaxions 3D VR Reality Headset comes with a comfortable fit made with the strongest material. For an engrossing high-resolution experience with cinematic HD visuals, this best VR headset offers biconvex lenses of 37mm focal length. If you’re thinking that this best VR headset is for every budget and experience, you’re absolutely right. The way the Google Cardboard Topmaxions 3D VR Reality Headset is designed, it is the ultimate go-getter that’ll make virtual reality a touchstone for most people. The mobile reality loophole you were looking for, the Google Cardboard Topmaxions 3D VR Reality Headset is it. Once you’ve bought and used this best VR headset, you can drop the rest in a second for high-screen resolution and display. The good news with the Google Cardboard Topmaxions 3D VR Reality Headset it that it’s pretty powerful and one of the most portable and flexible VR headsets on the market. To summarize, the Google Cardboard Topmaxions 3D VR Reality Headset is all you’ll need for a powerful and immersive VR experience, that too on a budget. It’s simple enough for newcomers and it’s advanced enough for everyone. So if you want a honest and durable VR headset that sets the tone for VR, this is the best VR headset on market for you.
Best pick for the money
Samsung Gear VR Reality Headset
The Samsung Gear VR Reality Headset is an adventurous virtual reality headset. It offers users the challenge to explore more profoundly and excitingly as never before. If you have ever read the news about VR you’d know the significance of Samsung Gear VR headsets on the market. It is one of the top virtual reality headsets to buy now. To understand how this best VR headset works, let’s look at its most important features: it is compatible with the latest Samsung Note 7, it features a wider viewing angle, it features an upgraded touch panel, and is relatively lightweight and comfortable to wear for a long period of time. It also has a Micro USB and USB-C adapters with universal compatibility than its previous version. The touch panel and button controls are easy to use and maneuver, so you focus more on the overall VR experience than the headset for making adjustments. For a completely portable and wireless VR experience, the Samsung Gear VR Reality Headset is the VR headset over the competition. It remains a valuable pick for the money, so it’s worth buying if you didn’t like top best VR headset pick on the list.
Best VR headset for gaming
PlayStation VR
As of right now, the PlayStation VR is the most complete and rugged gaming VR headset on the market. It’s detailed down for perfection, scaled high for precision, and efficiently designed for powerful performance. For complete redefining 360 immersion in virtual worlds and adventure, this best VR headset works with an excellent combination of display, audio, and movement. Through its 5.7-inch OLED 1080p display screen, and 3D audio technology, this best VR headset offers blazing fast and responsive effects that will last you a lifetime. The response from the PlayStation VR is so good and impressive that you’d get convinced just by reading through its customer reviews alone. The design of the PlayStation VR fits a variety of sizes, is adjustable and well-balanced, and comes with highly durable components. If you game around a significantly larger area, this best VR headset tracks positions much better and accurately around one. Another impressive feature includes versatile VR mode compatibilities such as demos, games, videos, and the ability to experiment with different experiences along the way. No other gaming VR headset feels as comfortable and powerful as the PlayStation VR. And around its price, it’s a great option for amateur gamers as well as professionals.
Best durable VR headset
ROKJAM 3D VR Headset
The ROKJAM 3D VR Headset uses innovative VR technologies to present a rugged and sturdy VR headset. The comfortable foam inserts, natural fitting design, and lightweight construction of the ROKJAM 3D VR Headset makes it a durable buy on the market. It’s a solid option for anyone who wants to use a reliable and flexible VR headsets for long periods of time. This best VR headset is innovatively modern and fun to use. When compared with other competitors on the market, the similarly-priced ones at least, this best VR headset is a practical fit that looks amazing too. The complete 360 view, less than 10 seconds response time, and universal gadget compatibility with iPhone, Android, Samsung, LG, HTC, and more makes it less of a dull and more of a must buy! You can thank its expert creators for the powerful performance control because we were extensively impressed with this best VR headset. This best VR headset is living proof that you don’t have to spend an exorbitant amount in buying the next best thing on the market. It’s better news because it is reasonably priced and comes from intelligent controls and handles for a comfortable viewing experience.
Best cardboard VR headset
Google Cardboard Kit V2 VR Headset
Want something peculiar? The Google Cardboard Kit V2 VR Headset our only recommendation for people with quirky demands for a VR headset. Compatible with up to 6-inch screen smartphones, and functions with both Android and iPhone devices, this best VR headset brings bigger lens for a better viewing experience. The 37mm biconvex lenses with a focal length of 45mm offers a wider viewing angle and more immersive control than ever. It’s impressive what this best VR headset can do, especially for a cardboard VR kit. With less than 10 seconds of response time, the Google Cardboard Kit V2 VR Headset is unlike any other cardboard VR headset. It comes with a nose pad, forehead pad, rubber band, velcro strips, and a simple instruction manual for better know-how. One of the worse things you can do for your VR headset is misunderstand its features completely, so before you use any VR headset, it’s imperative that you read the manual well and then get to the fun part. If you’re looking for a sturdy VR headset on a budget, the Google Cardboard Kit V2 VR Headset is an excellent choice for you. If you’re looking for an impressive starter kit into a more immersive VR experience, you’re on the right VR headset.
Best control VR headset
HooToo 3D VR Headset
The HooToo 3D VR Headset makes a dramatic entry into the world of virtual reality and that’s why we highly recommend them to most people. After a couple of disappointments in the VR world, especially with new contenders, the HooToo 3D VR Headset is a clear winner for its design, functions, and performance. With some advanced improvements in design, this best VR headset comes with a nickel-plated magnetic button for hyper-realistic visuals and the 102 degrees wide angle and 360 degrees angle for videos and photos. The nearsightedness degree of the HooToo 3D VR Headset scales up to 500 degrees with sharp focal clarity for better image. The ergonomic design makes the VR experience more immersive and comfortable, providing the action right where it’s needed. For better compatibility between smartphones, this best VR headset control up to 6-inch screen size. The magnetic button and adjustable tray are some of its most impressive features, plus the shade cover makes it a durable one. When we talk about control in VR headsets, we mean better focal and pupil adjustment features, just like what this best VR headset offers. Overall, the HooToo 3D VR Headset secures display right in front of your eyes making positioning, tracking, and movement extremely simple and quick.
Best adjustable VR headset
HooToo 3D VR Adjustable Headset
Another best performer from HooToo is the HooToo 3D VR Adjustable Headset. It satisfies regular first-time adopters and hardcore gamers, probably spoiling them for choice. The build quality adjustment design features are extremely durable and flexible. The adjustable lens is a practical benefit for those who don’t achieve the perfect eyesight with eyeglasses. The head-straps are designed wide and comfortable for long period use. The adjustable pupil distance is ideal for most people’s everyday use as it protects eye strain. Supporting all universal smartphone sizes between 4 to 6 inches, this best VR headset is designed for long term enjoyment. For those of who haven’t yet experienced a VR headset, the HooToo 3D VR Adjustable Headset can be great way to begin. With simple “button” interactions, the HooToo 3D VR Adjustable Headset is a product with more than good evaluation and feedback online. The good quality and durable eyepieces, stable button control, and personalized VR performance makes the HooToo 3D VR Adjustable Headset a special delight for most people. Our biggest decider for this best VR headset is the size and design that increases the surface quality and performance of the HooToo 3D VR Adjustable Headset.
Best lightweight VR headset
Samsung Gear VR Virtual Reality Headset
Perfect for the ultimate mobile virtual reality experience, the Samsung Gear VR Virtual Reality Headset is designed for movies, videos, photos, and much more. It is lightweight, upgraded, and durable for intensive use. With improved touch controls supported by the easy to use touch pad makes this best VR headset a special treat for most people. If you haven’t yet experienced the features of a mobile VR headset, the Samsung Gear VR Virtual Reality Headset is an excellent choice for you. It gets you completely immersed and adds lots of potential to the VR technology unlike ever experienced before. In our research for the best VR headset on the market, we found that durability, size, controls, and button control are the most important factors in finding one. And the Samsung Gear VR Virtual Reality Headset is the best VR headset for most people for those factors alone. The ergonomic shape, flexible controls, and durable design make the Samsung Gear VR Virtual Reality Headset a next generation thriller up for grabs. With latest Samsung compatibility, 360 degrees viewing angle, and many built-in features, this best VR headset is an overall balanced buy with lots to offer.
Wrapping it up
The concept of virtual reality is as gripping as it sounds. But when it comes to buying the latest VR headset, it can be a difficult job to do alone. Over the course of this year, we’ve seen many professional and powerful VR headsets that have made a surprising comeback for the perfect VR experience- be it for movies, photos, or gaming. So far, the best VR headset according to our research goes to the Oculus Rift. It is a transformational gadget that everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime for gaming and entertainment purposes. In addition to our top best pick, there are many other best-performing VR headsets that you can consider first and then buy. The impression that a VR headset gives is its wearable technology that makes you think you’re standing inside another virtual world when you’re actually in your living room. Now, to experience something so profound, you need expert guides (like this one) to get you to the right choice. With versatile features ranging from head tracking, controller, button feedback, etc. total immersion requires effort and lots of research, which we’ve already taken care of on your behalf. To sum it up, we’re determined to get you the best VR headset and finally put an end to the wait by lining up a dozen best-selling titles on the list. And if you want, you can compare these high-end headsets to make the most of your VR headset experience.
Jen Miller is a former electrical engineer and product specialist with more than 20 years of product design and testing experience. She has designed more than 200 products for Fortune 500 companies, in fields ranging from home appliances to sports gear and outdoor equipment. She founded Jen Reviews to share her knowledge and critical eye for what makes consumers tick, and adopts a strict no-BS approach to help the reader filter through the maze of products and marketing hype out there. She writes regularly and has been featured on Forbes, Fast Company, The Muse, The Huffington Post, Tiny Buddha and MindBodyGreen.