The Top VR Headsets in 2023

Check out our updated roundup featuring our top picks for VR headsets. With prices dropping and game quality improving, now is the perfect time to finally experience virtual reality. Although we haven't reached The Matrix level just yet, the current VR headsets are impressively advanced.

UPDATE: 11/07/2023

We've updated our roundup with our latest VR headset picks. Take a look!

Meta Quest 3

Best VR Headset Overall $499 at Amazon

Valve Index

Best VR Headset for PC Steam

PlayStation VR2

Best VR Headset for Console Gaming See at Playstation

Meta Quest 2

Best Standalone VR Headset $349 at Amazon

What to Look for in a VR Headset in 2023

The technical specifications for VR headsets can be confusing, but you only need to concentrate on a few key areas to narrow things down to the good ones.

Is the headset tethered or standalone? A tethered VR headset requires a gaming PC or console to provide processing power for VR applications. Ensure that your PC has the necessary components to run games and support the VR headset simultaneously. On the other hand, a standalone VR headset has built-in hardware to run VR apps, reducing the load on the PC or console.

Consider the positional motion tracking method of a VR headset. The current trend is inside-out tracking, where cameras on the headset scan your surroundings and determine your movement in relation to fixed reference points.

External trackers are generally more accurate, but internal trackers are more versatile, stylish, and reduce the need for cables.

Furthermore, incorporating high-resolution display panels within the headset enhances the visuals by reducing the size of the individual images. This minimizes the visibility of pixelation while using the headset, resulting in a more immersive experience. Additionally, the refresh rate of 90Hz is typically considered the optimal minimum for a headset, further enhancing the sense of immersion.

Additionally, it is important to consider your interpupillary distance (IPD) when using VR headsets. Most VR headsets, including our top recommendation, offer adjustable lens spacing to accommodate various IPD measurements. In general, our top pick should be suitable for 95% of individuals.

However, if your IPD falls outside the average range, you may experience a blurry image when using the headset. To determine your exact IPD, you can utilize an app or visit an optometrist for a more accurate measurement.

This is merely skimming the surface of the factors you should take into account when purchasing a VR headset. However, fret not; we have conducted thorough research and identified the finest VR headsets for you below.

Best VR Headset Overall: Meta Quest 3 512GB

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Tyler Hayes

The Meta Quest 3 surpasses its predecessor, the Quest 2, in every aspect, albeit at a higher price. With a sleeker and lighter design, double the graphical capabilities, and the addition of advanced full-color external cameras, the Quest 3 offers a more immersive experience by seamlessly blending virtual and real-world environments. Our review of the Meta Quest 3 indicates that this enhancement broadens its appeal to a wider audience, whereas the Quest 2 was initially targeted towards VR enthusiasts. As the Meta Quest 3 emerges, it appears poised to expand the company's reach and introduce more individuals to the realm of virtual and mixed realities.

The Quest 3 goes beyond being just an entertainment device; it has the potential to be a valuable tool for work and creativity. It is fully compatible with the previous Quest 1 and Quest 2 apps, and we anticipate that developers will soon optimize their software to take advantage of the superior hardware. However, the question arises: should current Quest owners invest in this new headset?

If you own a Meta Quest 1, we strongly recommend upgrading to the Quest 3, as Meta no longer provides support for the first Quest headset. While you can still use the Quest 1 to enjoy the games you have purchased and those available in the Meta Quest store, it is unlikely that new games will be compatible with it. For those who currently own a Quest 2, the enhanced specifications of the third iteration make it a worthy upgrade. However, please keep in mind that it may take some time for software updates to fully optimize for these new specifications.

If you lack a VR headset, the Quest 3 is a top choice for both standalone and PC VR experiences, although its price is considerably higher than the Quest 2 due to the added mixed reality hardware.

Meta Quest 3

Top VR Headset Choice7 / 10With enhanced features and the addition of full color external cameras for mixed reality functions, the Meta Quest 3 surpasses its predecessor, the Meta Quest 2.

Available for $499 on Amazon or check it out on Meta or Best Buy.

Best Budget VR Headset: Meta Quest 3 128GB

Tyler Hayes

Opting for the 128GB variant of the Meta Quest 3 will result in a savings of approximately $150 compared to the 256GB model, thus presenting a commendable budget-friendly alternative. Although it implies reducing your storage capacity by half, if you do not anticipate having numerous games installed simultaneously, this could be a worthwhile compromise.

Given that the Quest 2 will continue to be available alongside the Quest 3, it may seem tempting to label the older model as the top affordable VR headset. However, considering the significant advancements in performance and quality from the Quest 2 to the Quest 3, we cannot in good conscience assert that it is the ultimate budget headset choice.

Therefore, our recommendation for the most economical VR headset suitable for various applications, including standalone VR, PC VR, and mixed reality, would be the 128GB Quest 3. With everything this headset is capable of, it offers an unmatched value that simply cannot be beaten.

Skipping the 256GB model could potentially pose difficulties, considering that games utilizing the improved hardware of the Quest 3 are likely to increase in size. With my moderately-sized Quest library, my 256GB Quest 2 is typically 80% full. Therefore, be prepared to manage your storage if you enjoy playing the most demanding and visually stunning Quest 3 games.

Similarly, if you're searching for a PC VR headset at the lowest cost possible, it's worth opting for the Meta Quest 2 as it functions perfectly well as a PC VR headset. It is still more affordable than tethered PC VR headsets, even if you are not interested in its standalone features. However, the entry-level Quest 3 offers the most budget-friendly entry into the world of true mixed reality, making it the ideal choice for those who want to experience a bit of everything.

The Meta Quest 3 is a top-rated budget VR headset, scoring a solid 7 out of 10. It outperforms its predecessor, the Meta Quest 2, in various aspects and brings exciting mixed reality features with its advanced full color external cameras.

$499 at Amazon $499.99 at Meta

Best VR Headset for PC: Valve Index

Ground Picture/Shutterstock.com

The Valve Index is the top PC headset overall, surpassing other options like the HTC Vive Cosmos Elite in certain aspects.

Despite being rather pricey, Valve's VR headset offers a modular approach that offsets the cost. You have the flexibility to purchase individual components of the kit at your convenience.

For instance, if you already possess the older Index controllers, you have the option to upgrade to the new headset but retain the previous motion controllers to save costs. This is excellent news for previous Valve headset owners. However, newcomers to the kit will find the total price quite high.

Another significant advantage of the Index is its unmatched compatibility with SteamVR. This hardware is specifically designed for SteamVR, making it the ultimate choice. Half-Life Alyx, arguably the finest VR game, was created specifically for the Index. Although you can still enjoy it on other SteamVR-compatible headsets, the Index provides the definitive experience for this game and many others.

The Valve Index is a virtual reality headset that utilizes positional tracking. Although inside-out tracking is becoming the standard in the VR industry, the Index distinguishes itself by relying on base stations to deliver highly precise room-scale tracking.

Positional tracking surpasses inside-out tracking in terms of accuracy, but it does come with certain limitations. Setting up a dedicated VR space with the base stations is necessary, requiring reconfiguration whenever you wish to relocate to a new area.

Compared to the PC VR experience offered by Meta Quest 2, where you have the flexibility to carry your computer with you, plug in the Quest 2, and immediately start using it, it is understandable why inside-out tracking has gained popularity, despite its slightly reduced accuracy.

Valve Index

Best VR Headset for PCThe Valve Index is the SteamVR gold standard and offers a VR experience that's nearly as good as it gets on PC.

Steam

Best VR Headset for Console Gaming: Sony PlayStation VR2

Hannah Stryker

The launch of Sony's PS VR headset for PS4 in 2016 feels like a distant memory. While the original PlayStation VR gaming headset impressed, it was about time for the new console to receive an enhanced VR experience.

Sony's new PS VR2 headset maintains the successful formula of its predecessor in several ways. It features a halo-style headband and a lightweight visor that prioritizes comfort during extended play sessions. The visor is equipped with a rubberized light shield, which can be adjusted to accommodate glasses, effectively blocking out ambient light and enhancing the immersive gaming experience.

Notably, the PS VR2 boasts dual OLED screens that deliver a stunning 4K display resolution. The inclusion of eye tracking, 3D audio, and headset feedback further elevates the overall experience. Additionally, the headset is equipped with four built-in cameras, eliminating the need for an external PlayStation camera to be positioned in front of the player.

The PS VR2 headset comes with two Sense controllers, which not only enhance control in a wide range of VR games but also have an impressive appearance. However, it is important to note that the headset is not compatible with the PS4, limiting its ability to enhance the VR experience on that console. Nevertheless, considering the limited alternatives available for enjoying AAA PS5 virtual reality games, the PS VR2 proves to be a worthy successor to the original PlayStation VR headset.

Introducing PlayStation VR2: The Ultimate VR Headset for Console Gaming.

Experience the next level of immersive gaming with the powerful PS VR2, designed specifically for the groundbreaking PS5. Boasting incredible high-resolution graphics, this VR headset elevates the thrilling virtual reality games to new heights.

Discover a world of unparalleled realism and unprecedented adventures, as the PS VR2 takes gaming to a whole new dimension. With its seamless compatibility and enhanced performance, it's the perfect upgrade for the latest console generation. Get ready for an unrivaled gaming experience like no other.

See at Playstation

Best Standalone VR Headset: Meta Quest 2

Jordan Gloor

We're revisiting the Meta Quest 2, as it is specifically designed for this category. Not only does the Quest 2 provide impressive standalone hardware, but it also boasts a robust app store. Similar to a gaming console, the Quest offers dedicated versions of VR applications.

Compared to the original Quest, the Quest 2 is a marked improvement in multiple aspects. Additionally, exclusive titles that take advantage of its enhanced power are soon to be released. With its hand tracking system and top-notch perimeter Guardian technology, the Quest 2 stands as one of the finest VR devices available today.

The previous standalone VR headsets haven't been successful mainly due to the lack of ongoing support and backing from a company like Meta. The impact of this social media giant's support on the line of VR headsets cannot be ignored.

With the Quest 2, you now have the top-notch standalone VR headset available in the market, and the best part is, you no longer require a Facebook account to use it.

Meta Quest 2

Best Standalone VR HeadsetEven with the release of the Meta Quest 3, the Meta Quest 2 is a worthwhile VR headset purchase.

See at Walmart $349 at Amazon Best Buy Target

FAQ

What Is Virtual Reality?

To put it simply, Virtual Reality is a technology that uses artificial inputs to create a substitute for our real-world experience, making us believe we are in a different location.

What is Mixed Reality?

Mixed reality combines elements from both the physical world and the virtual world. For instance, you may witness a painting on a wall that is otherwise empty in reality. Mixed reality headsets employ cameras or special transparent visors and projection systems, along with advanced spatial sensors and processors, in order to create a seamless integration of the virtual and real worlds for you.

Do you need a console or PC to work VR headsets?

In most instances, you will typically need to establish a connection between a VR headset and a PC, or in the case of the PSVR and PSVR2, a console—specifically, a PlayStation 4 or 5. However, there are a few exceptions such as the Meta Quest series of headsets and a handful of less popular examples where the headset functions as a self-contained system with its own onboard computer. Notably, the Quest headsets also have the capability to function as PC-connected headsets, allowing users to take advantage of the enhanced performance offered by PC hardware.

Will I get motion sick using VR?

Although motion sickness persists, it is considerably less common with the latest technology in comparison to previous VR advancements. The susceptibility to motion sickness varies among individuals, with certain games and experiences having a higher likelihood of inducing it due to several factors involved. To address this issue, most contemporary VR games provide adjustable comfort level settings, enabling individuals prone to motion sickness to prevent its occurrence.

Do I need a Facebook account to use the Meta headsets?

With virtual reality prices on the decline and game quality on the rise, now is the perfect opportunity to dive into the world of VR if you've been hesitant. Although we haven't reached the level of The Matrix just yet, the latest VR headsets offer astonishingly impressive performance.

Is the PSVR 2 backward compatible with the PSVR library?

No, you will need to use the original PSVR unless the developer of the title updates their software to be compatible with PSVR 2. In order to use the original PSVR with the PS5, you can obtain a special adapter from Sony.

Editor's P/S

As an enthusiastic fan of VR technology, I am thrilled to see the advancements made in the field and the release of new VR headsets in 2023. The Meta Quest 3, Valve Index, Sony PlayStation VR2, and Meta Quest 2 are all excellent choices for VR enthusiasts, offering a range of features and experiences to suit different needs and budgets.

The Meta Quest 3, in particular, has caught my attention with its impressive specifications and capabilities. The standalone nature of the Quest 3, combined with its high-resolution display, 90Hz refresh rate, and advanced full-color external cameras, make it a compelling choice for those seeking a truly immersive VR experience. The Quest 3's ability to seamlessly blend virtual and real-world environments is a game-changer and opens up new possibilities for VR gaming, entertainment, and productivity.

Overall, I believe that the VR headsets of 2023 represent a significant step forward in the evolution of VR technology, and I am excited to see how these devices continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in the years to come.