VR headsets are undoubtedly an expensive investment. But, once you’ve taken one for a ride, you’ll be hard-pressed not to want to buy one. If you want to escape for a few minutes (or hours), a VR headset is certainly a different way to enjoy some downtime. But the experience is a whole lot better if you can purchase one on sale. It’s an investment that transports you to magical worlds in the most immersive way possible. After all, who doesn’t need a bit of digital wizardry in their lives to transport them to another world filled with fun?Added bonus: If you’re an introvert like me, VR headsets are a great way to build up your social skills without having to actually meet a real person. With tons of multiplayer games and even VR hangouts, you can chat it up online while still retaining your status as a physical recluse.
Meta Quest 2
128GB virtual reality gaming headset
$243.00
at Walmart
$282.99
Save $39.99
Despite the Meta Quest 2 now being the older model (see: Meta Quest 3), it’s still a decent headset to start your VR journey with. Per our PCMag review, the MQ2 features surprisingly accurate head and body tracking, adding to the immersive feel of the overall experience. The responsive, high-res LCD screen does away with that sickly feeling you might have previously had with a VR headset. The cherry on top; 3D positional audio and ergonomic Touch controllers that make you feel like you’re really “there” (wherever you are). The Meta Quest 2 supports backward compatibility, allowing you to explore the whole Quest content, from groundbreaking games to front-row seats at live concerts.
HTC Vive XR Elite
Standalone virtual reality headset plus two controllers
$745.00
at Amazon
$1,099.00
Save $354.00
Pitted as a competitor to the Meta Quest Pro, the HTC Vive XR Elite boasts a 3840 x 1920 resolution and six-degrees-of-freedom (6DOF) motion tracking as a standalone kit. Untethered, you can fully immerse yourself in the headset’s VR experience thanks to its 90Hz LCDs and 110-degree field of view. You can browse HTC’s Viveport digital store and service which contains thousands of game titles, apps, and videos. It’s a bigger investment than some other VR headsets, but really pushes the boundaries of performance when it comes to wireless virtual reality.
Valve Index VR Kit
Valve Index VR with two controllers, two SteamVR 2.0 base stations, and accessories
$1,397.96
at Amazon
$1,489.97
Save $92.01
We considered this one of the best consumer VR headsets on the market in our review of the Valve Index VR Kit. Here you get the full package which includes the headset, two controllers, two base stations, and a slew of other accessories. What makes the Valve Index stand above the rest is its individual finger tracking. As you can imagine, this tips the scales in favor of being highly immersive. Pairing the headset with a compatible PC, you can explore Steam’s comprehensive library of VR games. Yes, it’s going to set you back a pretty penny, but if you’re serious about VR, this is the kit to get.
Recommended by Our Editors
Meta Quest Pro
Meta Quest Pro 256GB VR headset
$888.00
at Amazon
$999.99
Save $111.99
If you’ve outgrown the Meta Quest 2, or simply want to dive into a feature-rich VR experience aimed at professionals, the Meta Quest Pro is a substantial jump up. As mentioned in our review of the Meta Quest Pro, professionals can make use of the Pro’s features to integrate AR and VR into business workflows. Thanks to the multiple resizable screens, you can organize tasks, get your creative juices flowing, or simply chat with your friends and colleagues. Full-color sensors enhance the experience, alongside Meta Avatars that show off your true personality. Backed up by 256GB of storage, 12GB of RAM, and 10 advanced VR/MR sensors, the Meta Quest Pro is enterprise-level VR at your fingertips.
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FAQ
What’s the best VR headset?PCMag’s recommended VR headset is currently the Meta Quest 3. With the addition of color pass-through cameras, higher resolution, and a faster processor, it’s a big step up from the Quest 2, and more affordable than the Pro.What makes a good VR headset?When we test VR headsets, we take them for a spin in our 255-square-foot test space. Using high-end hardware, we push VR headsets to their limits looking at vital features like performance, motion tracking, design, and ergonomics. These are all key components when looking to purchase a VR headset. What makes a good VR headset is its high tracking accuracy, higher degrees of freedom (6DOF), comfort, and how well it runs software and games.Standalone VR or PC VR?Standalone VR headsets come with a built-in screen, processor, and battery. They are paired with controllers, like the Meta Quest 3, and can be used without the need for a PC or laptop. They are often cheaper than PC VRs and tend to be more portable. PC VRs, on the other hand, require a high-end PC and usually come with lots of extra components and cables, like the Valve Index.How expensive is a VR game?Some VR headsets come with free VR games that allow you to jump into the world of VR straight away. Other VR games can cost up to around $60, depending on which platform you purchase them from. Some VR headsets are compatible with paid subscription services, such as Meta Quest+; saving you money on expensive VR titles in the long run.
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