Virtual reality is becoming more popular by the day, offering far more immersive experiences than a standard console could ever hope to achieve. But which is the best VR headset for you?
We’re here to answer that question, as our team of experts have reviewed some of the biggest VR headsets currently available. Any VR headset that gets at least a 4-star rating is considered for this list, so you can be confident you’re splashing the cash on a top-quality device.
We know most people can’t afford to spend over a grand on a VR headset, so we’ve made sure to include a wide variety on this list. We’ve included headsets that can function all by themselves, as well as those that need a high-powered PC. As a result, every single kind of VR fan should be catered for.
We’re expecting even more headsets to launch this year, including the Meta Quest 3, so we’ll make sure to update this list as soon as we publish more reviews of the very best VR headsets.
And if you’re having second thoughts about getting into VR, it’s worth checking out our best games console and best gaming laptop lists instead.
Best VR headsets at a glance
- Best value: Meta Quest 2 – check price
- Best for PS5 owners: PlayStation VR 2 – check price
- Most comfortable: Pico 4 – check price
- Best high-end: Vive pro 2 – check price
How we test
Every VR headset we review goes through a series of uniform checks designed to gauge key things including build quality, comfort, screen quality, performance and the game library.
We’ll test a VR headset for at least a week, and test all of the available features. We’ll make sure to set it up multiple times to determine its accessibility and whether most homes would be able to accommodate it. We’ll also play a wide selection of games to see how the headset performs with each one.
And if a VR headset is wireless, we’ll make sure to measure the battery life, both when playing games and running basic apps.
- Fantastic wireless performance
- Improved screen resolution
- Massive library of games, especially with Oculus Link
- Relatively affordable price
- Battery life is still pretty short
- Oculus Link cable isn’t included, and is very expensive
- Fantastic 5K resolution
- Improved refresh rate and FOV
- Comfortable design
- Faultless tracking performance
- Incredibly expensive
- Requires wired connection out of the box
- Controllers haven’t been updated
- Wireless freedom for VR gaming
- Compact and lightwieght design
- High-resolution display
- Great performance
- Limited game library
- Lack of headphone jack
- Stunning 4K OLED screen
- Sense controllers are huge improvement
- Stylish design and streamlined setup
- Haptic feedback improves immersion
- No backwards compatability
- More expensive than a PS5
- Can be uncomfortable after extended use
Meta Quest 2
Best value VR headset
Pros
- Fantastic wireless performance
- Improved screen resolution
- Massive library of games, especially with Oculus Link
- Relatively affordable price
Cons
- Battery life is still pretty short
- Oculus Link cable isn’t included, and is very expensive
The Meta Quest 2 is the best value VR headset available right now. It’s not only one of the most affordable picks, but can also function independently which means you don’t need an ultra-expensive gaming PC or console.
During the review, we were really impressed with the apps and games on offer, with the likes of Beat Saber and Superhot VR providing incredibly fun experiences. The Quest 2 will struggle (or even be incapable) of playing more complex games such as Skyrim VR without being plugged into a PC, but that’s a satisfactory compromise given how fun and accessible wireless play is.
We found the biggest downside of the Meta Quest 2 to be its battery life, with our testing showing it to last 2 hours while gaming, and 3 hours for video content. But it’s likely you’ll want frequent breaks anyway, given the nature of VR.
Sadly, Meta has given the Quest 2 a $100/£100 price hike since launch, so it’s not as much of a bargain as it used to be. Nevertheless, there are few other VR headsets that manage to hit that perfect sweet spot between accessibility and gaming performance.
Reviewer: Ryan Jones
Full Review: Meta Quest 2 Review
PlayStation VR 2
Best VR headset for PS5 owners
Pros
- Stunning 4K OLED screen
- Sense controllers are huge improvement
- Stylish design and streamlined setup
- Haptic feedback improves immersion
Cons
- No backwards compatability
- More expensive than a PS5
- Can be uncomfortable after extended use
The PlayStation VR 2 headset has a number of impressive features. It has a 4K OLED display, eye-tracking technology and built-in haptic feedback to increase the immersion tenfold.
It is important to note that this headset requires a PS5 to function, and doesn’t offer the wireless freedom that the Meta Quest 2 and Pico 4 do. But on the bright side, the PSVR 2 can leverage the power of the PS5, offering high quality experiences like Horizon Call of the Mountain.
The PSVR 2 is a big upgrade on its predecessor too, with more ergonomic controllers and a streamlined setup that only requires a single USB-C connection.
But is the PlayStation VR 2 worth the steep price when the Meta Quest 2 is available at a lower fee? That will depend on its game support; if PlayStation can keep pumping out first-party games like Horizon, this may well become the best VR headset on the market.
Reviewer: Ryan Jones
Full Review: PlayStation VR 2 Review
Pico 4
Most comfortable VR headset
Pros
- Wireless freedom for VR gaming
- Compact and lightwieght design
- High-resolution display
- Great performance
Cons
- Limited game library
- Lack of headphone jack
The Pico 4 offers the closest experience to the Meta Quest 2 headset, with an all-in-one design that doesn’t require any cables or external PC to function. It even surpasses the Quest in certain areas.
Firstly, the Pico has a better design. Weighing just 295 grams, it’s lighter than every other headset on this list. The use of a plastic headband also ensures a secure fit, so you shouldn’t have to worry about adjusting it on your head every few seconds. Overall, this results in a more comfortable experience.
The Pico 4 also has a superior screen resolution compared to the Quest 2. Our testing showed that this helped to create sharper images, with individual pixels becoming less noticeable. The headset even features colour passthrough, allowing you to see your surroundings even when the headset is hugging your face.
The only major thing holding the Pico back from beating the Quest is its substandard game library. It’s missing a number of VR game gems, including Beat Saber, Resident Evil 4 and Moss. As a result, we suggest you check out the Pico game’s library before you commit yourself to a purchase of the headset.
Reviewer: Ryan Jones
Full Review: Pico 4 Review
Vive Pro 2
Best high-end VR headset
Pros
- Fantastic 5K resolution
- Improved refresh rate and FOV
- Comfortable design
- Faultless tracking performance
Cons
- Incredibly expensive
- Requires wired connection out of the box
- Controllers haven’t been updated
The Vive Pro 2 provides the very best virtual reality experience of all the headsets on this list, with a super-sharp 5K resolution, faultless tracking performance and a huge selection of immersive VR games and apps.
But with the headset retailing for over £1000 when bundled with the required accessories, it’s only really worthwhile for hardcore VR enthusiasts. The need for external tracking sensors also means you basically need to take up an entire room to maximise your enjoyment with the Vive Pro 2, which simply isn’t possible for everyone. And let’s not forget the need for a high-powered PC to plug the headset into.
If you adore VR and are happy to look past those obstacles, then you’ll be treated to one of the best VR experiences currently available. During testing, we were incredibly impressed with the likes of Half-Life Alyx and Paper Beast.
We also found the 120Hz refresh rate and 5K resolution to ensure you’re getting the absolute best visuals from a VR headset, even with the lack of an OLED screen. So if you want a top-notch VR headset and money is no issue, then the Vive Pro 2 is an awesome option.
Reviewer: Ryan Jones
Full Review: Vive Pro 2 Review
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We’ve reviewed
See all reviewsFAQs
While we highly rate the Meta Quest 2 headset, it may well be worth waiting as Meta will be launching another headset in the coming months.
Nope. You simply need to pay an upfront fee for the headset, and then purchase games separately, just like a games console.
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Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.