The 3 Best VR Headsets of 2024

Best Overall/Stand Alone

Meta Quest 3

Tracking type	Built-in Cameras
Measured Weight	1.13 lbs
Per Eye Manufacturer Resolution	2064 x 2208
IPD Adjustment i	Mechanical IPD: 53 - 75mm
Measured Horizontal Field of View i	100º

The Meta Quest 3 is an excellent standalone headset that surprisingly won't put a big hole in your wallet. With backward compatibility providing full access to the entire catalog of Meta Quest apps, games, and experiences, it is possible to keep playing your favorite titles with game updates to optimize viewing and performance. While the previous Quest 2 was a decent headset, we really appreciated a few upgrades present in the Quest 3. Specifically, a featured locking battery compartment on the remote to prevent accidental opening is a nice upgrade (this was a common issue we found in the older version). More importantly, the 3 model feels more comfortable to wear and provides better tracking and visuals overall. It has a 2064 x 2208 per eye resolution, which is slightly better than the 1832 x 1920 offered by the Quest 2. The 100° horizontal field of view is just average for the group, but again, it is better than the FOV on the Quest 2. Our testers appreciated the cushion and material set around the face, saying, “The fabric is pretty soft and comfortable even if you crank down on the tightness of the headset.”

Another improvement we loved about this new version is that it gives the user the ability to adjust the IPD (Interpupillary Distance) a millimeter at a time with a scroll wheel located on the bottom left of the headset. Making sure the IPD is set appropriately before immersing yourself in a virtual environment or game greatly helps to minimize dizziness and eye fatigue and should be adjusted for each new user who wears the headset. There were only three IPD presets on the previous incarnation, so being able to fine tune to individual dimensions is a welcome step forward for more accurately aligning with the headset lenses. Our testers noted that on the Quest 3, the dial is “a bit stiff, but holds its position,” meaning you are less likely to have to fine-tune the adjustment every time you play, as long as you were the last one to wear the headset.

Whether you are looking to take a first plunge into the world of VR immersion or you already own a Quest 2 but were dismayed by the limited IPD adjustability and occasionally flying battery cover and are now looking to upgrade, the Quest 3 is a fantastic option. It can connect to a PC if you like, but it is more or less ready out of the box. Though not as wallet-friendly as its lesser cousin, it is still eminently more affordable than many of its competitors and offers access to a huge range of entertainment options. Especially if you don't have the space, funds, or demanding gaming habits to require an external setup, the Meta 3 is still our top recommendation for most people.

We like the headset overall but ran into a couple of minor issues during our testing. We had some difficulty when snapping screenshots while wearing the headset; we found it tricky to line up our view straight-on without cutting things off. Some of our longer-haired testers worried about the potential for hair getting tangled in the straps when adjusting the size, which is something to look out for anyone rocking more than a buzz cut. Also, although the Quest 3 boasts greatly improved visuals, there was still a barely discernible amount of screen door effect from the unlit space between pixels, which can appear as a grid; however, it was not so pronounced as to be distracting. As one tester describes, “It's there if you're looking for it, but it is easy to ignore once you're immersed in a virtual world.” Another excellent headset to consider, especially if portability is less of a concern, is the Valve Index, which also offers first-class tracking and silky smooth visuals but requires external sensors. Standalone VRs tend to hide in the shadow of tethered headsets in terms of visuals and tracking because the tethered models are literally attached by a cord to a more powerful PC processor computer, giving them much more oomph in performance levels. However, over the years, some standalone headsets have made great strides in their ability to fully transport us into an alternate reality, wowing us in the process. The Quest 3 is one of these models.

Read more: Meta Quest 3 review

Runner Up Headset

Valve Index

Tracking type	External Sensors
Measured Weight	1.86 lbs
Per Eye Manufacturer Resolution	1440 x 1600
IPD Adjustment i	Mechanical IPD: 58 - 70mm
Measured Horizontal Field of View i	110º

The Valve Index came to the market a few years back as a top-of-the-line contender, and it still holds its own amongst the best VR headsets available today. Today, it maintains one of the top spots in our lineup primarily due to its near-perfect tracking and high user-friendliness. After setting the size for the head band during your first use, the spring-loaded strap remembers your initial position, so you can just slide the headset on and off without having to make further adjustments later. A pair of integrated headphones never gets in the way and can be positioned more precisely once the headset is on. The resolution of the Index hasn't improved as fast as other units on the market, coming in with a 1440 x 1600 per eye resolution vs the 2064 x 2208 per eye resolution of the Meta Quest 3. However, depending on what type of game you're playing, we think great tracking can take priority over precise graphics. Plus, its lower demand on the graphics processing unit makes it compatible with a broader range of PCs.

When it came down to the nitty-gritty, lead tester, and long-time gamer, Austin Palmer was highly impressed by the controller tracking when playing BeatSaber. He said, “I had no issues when going HAM. It took everything I threw at it.” The Valve achieves this by using external tracking sensors that must be set up around the room before beginning play. Because they are placed around the room, they are tracking information from multiple angles. This setup reduces the risk of losing the connection between the controllers/headset and the sensors and improves accuracy overall. In addition to flawless tracking, the Index brought excellent field of view, to our Beat Saber sessions, where those characteristics matter most. We measured FOV at 110°, which is the top of the range in the group of headsets we tested. Though its screen resolution is lower than others, that tends to fade from your mind once you've become immersed in the buttery smooth VR the Index achieves with more modest PC hardware.

If you prefer an easier or more portable setup, a system that requires the setup of external tracking sensors isn't ideal. However, we did find that this style of VR kit out-tracks the camera-based designs every time, so it really depends on your personal use. Obviously, better tracking leads to more accurate performance, which is what a gamer engaged in a challenging task needs in order to feel like their success isn't hindered by the tools they're using, and it's simply more satisfying to be able to nail your targets while remaining immersed in the gaming environment. So the Valve is a good choice if your priority is ultimate precision and you're willing to sacrifice some mobility.

Though we have a lot of great things to report about the Valve Index and have enjoyed our time spent with it in VR, it does come with a couple of downsides. It is more expensive than some of our other favorite models, setup takes much longer, and it requires an outside platform (that also may be expensive) in order to run. The other issue with the Index is its terrible compatibility with glasses. We could shoehorn our frames inside the visor to get the testing done, but it was the least comfortable headset we tried with glasses due to an extremely tight fit that resulted in hotspots around our temples. If this is a deal breaker for you, look to the Vive Pro 2 Headset instead. It offers far better glasses compatibility and a similar level of tracking performance. Despite this caveat, the Valve Index is still a great option and one of our top recommendations. Despite no longer offering class-leading screen resolution, this is more than made up for by its excellent tracking, lower graphics processing demands, and user-friendly design.

Read more: Valve Index review

Working and Relaxing

Apple Vision Pro

Tracking type	Built-in Cameras
Measured Weight	1.37 lbs
Per Eye Manufacturer Resolution	3660 x 3200
IPD Adjustment i	Automatic IPD: 51 - 75mm
Measured Horizontal Field of View i	95º

The Apple Vision Pro boasts great sound and tremendous visual clarity in an all-in-one package that lives up to Apple's reputation for user-friendliness. However, experienced gamers might take a look at this device and see an elevated price and limited gaming capabilities. One of our testers summarized, “It's like wearing an iPhone on your face, but easier to use.” This description may appeal to some and dissuade others. You can have a ton of windows open at once and select between them using your hands. You also have access to the world of Apple apps and the ability to “walk” on the moon or take in a “pass-through” landscape while still seeing the actual room around you. It's also fun to communicate via a persona (avatar) on FaceTime with a large screen to see who you're talking to. It's all pretty next-level amazing being able to walk anywhere with your head inside a versatile IMAX theater.

With a display composed of a whopping 23 million pixels, the Apple Vision Pro stands out for its incredible visual capabilities, earning one of the highest scores in this metric. We experienced no discernible screen door effect, and the quality of the resolution adds to the total immersion that this headset can provide. Another feature we like is the automatic IPD adjustment. This allows the user to see things crystal clear when it comes to reading text and taking in images while lessening the chances of motion sickness. During your first use, you are prompted to set up their IPD, and when you share the headset, you can make the same adjustments for each new user as well. It's all very streamlined, as one might expect with Apple products, with a series of clear prompts and simple steps to complete. The IPD covers a range of 51 - 75mm, which is larger than many other headsets we tested.

Unfortunately, we experienced some frustration with the tracking accuracy, especially with quick movements. For this reason, the Vision Pro seems better suited for working within apps and watching movies at this stage in its development. However, the image quality and simplicity of use for this headset are next level, although its uses are somewhat untraditional. We would consider this a good VR headset for people who don't like VR headsets. Apple has discovered a unique way to blend your virtual life with your physical world, and if this piques your interest, then it will certainly be worth checking out.

Likely you noticed the price tag. Perhaps you even did a double-take. The 3x price of the Vision Pro may be enough to make many people hesitate, but even if money is no object, there are a few other concerns worth mentioning. Though the cushion is comfortable and the fabric reminiscent of a pleasantly soft t-shirt, the goggles felt a bit heavy, especially if you opt not to attach the top strap to alleviate some of its weight. One tester noticed his forehead become a little numb while he was lying down due to the pressure. Lastly, gamers will most certainly be dismayed by the blurry movement, slow tracking, and difficulty hitting objects in the periphery. The lack of direct access to popular games is also something to think about when considering future usage. If you would rather immerse yourself in an action-packed game rather than an action movie, you might want to think about the Meta Quest 3. It also has good IPD adjustability but provides superior tracking and access to tons of games and is far less expensive. That said, those already happily ensconced in the Apple ecosystem will find the hi-res 3-D immersion rather breathtaking.

Read more: Apple Vision Pro review

Compare Products

Compare select up to 5 products to compare

	Score	Product	Price
	86	Valve Index Runner Up Headset	$999
	85	PlayStation VR2	$550
	82	Meta Quest 3 Best Overall/Stand Alone	$500
	75	Apple Vision Pro Working and Relaxing	$3,699
	74	Vive Pro 2 Headset	$799

How We Test VR Headsets

At GearLab, we've been testing VR headsets for about as long as consumer VR headsets have been available to test, and we buy all our products here at cost so you don't have to. For this review, we went deep into the research for over a dozen of the top VR headsets on the market and selected the most compelling to purchase and put to the test across five essential metrics.

• Tracking (35% of overall score weighting)

• Comfort (30% weighting)

• Visuals (15% weighting)

• Daily Use (15% weighting)

• Ease of Setup (5% weighting)

For detailed info on our testing process, see our How We Test VR Headsets article.

Why Trust GearLab

The main product tester for this segment was our senior research analyst, Austin Palmer. He's a driving force behind our world-class, data-driven approach to consumer product testing and an experienced PC gamer. He's spent a lot of time in VR, too, having thoroughly tested nearly all of the VR headsets to come to market over the last several years. And in his off hours, he spends a healthy amount of time exploring all that the world of gaming has to offer and loves a good challenge. Assisting in making our extensive research digestibly readable, writer and editor James Maiz pored over the results of our testing details to transmute the results into plain English.

Analysis and Test Results

Whether you've caught the VR bug by test driving a friend's headset or your curiosity is simply piqued by all the buzz, you now find yourself wanting to know where to begin on your own VR journey. To help identify the best VR headset for every type of user, from the total beginner to the VR veteran, we developed five weighted metrics to test them — tracking, comfort, visuals, user-friendliness, and ease of setup.

What's the Best Value?

Gearing up for VR can be expensive. When you tally up the high cost of the headset, motion controllers, sensors, and the performance PC to run it all, total dollars can climb high enough to rival pretty much any other gaming niche where specialized hardware is required (i.e., racing and flight sims). Even a standalone option like the Apple Vision Pro requires a huge outlay of funds. Thankfully, there are a few VR headsets out in the wild that offer exceptional value, and we tested them for you. The Meta Quest 3 is a great place to start. It is reasonably priced compared to other standalone models, and it scored well across all of our metrics. Not to mention it seriously outperformed its previous incarnation (the Quest 2) in the realms of comfort and playability while also majorly upgrading its visuals and tracking. When you consider the combined cost of a PS5 and a PlayStation VR2, which comes with everything you need to dominate on the level console-VR field, you're still well under the price of many PC VR kits, without even factoring in the spendy PC it takes to power them. Last but not least, the dark horse of the group is the Valve Index. It was once considered a high-priced, cutting-edge VR hardware splurge, but fast forward a few years, and it's a relative bargain in the VR market that still holds its own with flawless tracking, smooth visual performance, and superior ergonomics for daily use. As with a lot of things in life, we found that simply throwing money at a problem doesn't necessarily make everything work better. While the VR market is still evolving, some of the best values to be had require a moderate expenditure, but there is a happy medium. By spending more than the bare minimum (but not too much more), you can definitely widen the aperture of your VR experience.

Tracking

We consider good tracking to be one of the main pillars of VR immersion and a vital mechanic in VR games and experiences. Therefore, it is the most heavily weighted metric in our evaluation. Throughout testing for this metric, we paid close attention to both the VR headset and its motion controllers. Although the headsets we tested ran on three different platforms (PC, Meta, PS5), we found common testing ground in our go-to rhythm game, Beat Saber. Units that could keep up with Beat Saber's 360-degree songs scored highest in this metric. We chose Beat Saber not only because it's fun but because there are many elements in the game that require good tracking speed. On the one hand, the very fast pace of more advanced levels requires the headset and controllers to keep up with what's happening on the screen with a high amount of precision. Another aspect we considered is that the breadth of your swings also impacts your score, but when making wide sweeping motions with a VR headset and controllers, you may accidentally move out of sight if you're using a camera-based model. In general, we found that there was definitely a pattern of superior tracking performance from headsets that use external sensor units instead of relying on camera sensors integrated into the visor.

We evaluated tracking individually for the headset and controller to help break down the strengths and weaknesses of each model. The excellent Valve Index led the pack with flawless tracking and a generous field of view, giving us an edge in BeatSaber's 360-degree songs, where we could bag far away notes with higher consistency than other headsets. The story was almost the same across all headsets using external sensor units. The HTC Vive Pro 2 scored just under the Index. We did notice some blur on occasion but the tracking was great.

Although not quite as impressive in tracking precision overall as headsets with external sensor units, the PlayStation VR2 did a phenomenal job in Beat Saber's 360-degree songs. It can compete with any of the more convenient built-in sensor-based headsets we've tested when it comes to tracking.

It's probably worth mentioning that even a poorly tracking headset will do fine for most VR games and experiences but might prove unreliable if you're going for a top spot on the Beat Saber leaderboards or demand consistency and precision, in general. The Apple Vision Pro tracked decently well but not great. Pressing fingers together didn't always activate what we were trying to do and there were issues with lag.

Comfort

Comfort in VR can be difficult to dial in because it is so dependent on the person wearing the headset, however, some models definitely do it better than others. When we test a VR headset for comfort, we're paying attention to a few key areas: weight and balance, face mask fit and feel, how hot and sweaty the headset gets, and whether there is enough room to wear glasses at the same time. One of the most important factors that determines comfort is the head strap or headband design, and the designs keep most of the weight off our nose and cheeks. The addition of a battery pack on the strap can make the headset, but the benefit is avoiding getting tangled up in a cord that leads to an external power source.

The Meta Quest 3 tied with the PlayStation VR2 as the two standout headsets for comfort. The Quest 3 weighs in at a featherlight 1.13 lbs, and the PS VR2 weighs in at 1.31 pounds. Both are some of the lightest in the group, and both feature a top strap to help alleviate some of the pressure from the lower band. Despite being a bit heavier, the VR2 has an edge on the rest of the lineup by offering the best headband design and glasses accommodation of the bunch. The forehead-supported headband keeps the visor's weight off your nose and cheeks, which is a significant improvement over most headsets, and glasses wearers will hugely appreciate the PSVR2 when it comes to space for glasses. Since its visor doesn't have to contact your face, you can wear your glasses as usual and then pull the visor up close to the lenses. There shouldn't be any hotspots or severe pressure, as with other headsets, but you may sacrifice a bit of FOV with your specs due to extending the space between your eyes and the headset's lenses.

As mentioned above, the Meta Quest 3 also scored well for comfort. It bettered its predecessor's level of comfort by being kinder to our noses and giving the wearer an average amount of room for glasses. However, it couldn't compete with the PS model in this specific feature. The Valve Index was close behind in the comfort metric. Despite weighing 1.86 pounds and feeling a bit front-heavy, the design includes some well-placed padding and a rubber nose-piece that keeps things from being painful. We wouldn't recommend keeping your glasses on with this headset, though.

Breathability and heat retention are the final considerations for comfort. Most of these devices produce some radiant heat, but how that heat is managed can make a big difference in comfort, especially if you are playing active games that require you to move around a lot, making your face even sweatier. We felt the least sweaty, sticky, and stuffy while wearing the Apple Vision Pro. Our tester noted that this is likely due to the design that places “All the heat stuff away from your face and with the face pad assembly to block it.” When testing the Meta Quest 3, Like all others, we felt some mild radiant heat from the components, but nothing like the HTC Vive, which was one of the least comfortable options. When wearing that set, we could feel the heat radiating between our eyes after prolonged play.

Visuals

When evaluating a VR headset's visuals, we're primarily concerned with field of view (FOV) and screen door effect (SDE). FOV is something you've likely come across before: it's the total area (in degrees) you can see in VR. We take measurements for width and height, and in both cases, the more, the better. FOV mostly depends on the overall hardware design but can also change depending on your face shape. The further away your eyes are from the screen, the smaller FOV you will experience. Screen door effect refers to the human eye's ability to pick up on the individual pixels that make up an image, as well as the spaces in between. If these are visible to the user, the effect is much like looking at scenery and objects through a mesh screen. This is an issue in VR because the eye is so close to the headset's internal displays that you are able to pick up on more details. VR headsets with higher screen resolution tend to exhibit less SDE.

The Apple Vision Pro can strut about the room like a peacock with its scintillating visual display. It has one of the highest-resolution displays, with a whopping 23 million pixels in total, and you can definitely tell when you're wearing the headset. We experienced no discernable screen door effect, and the only time we saw issues with image quality, the problem was with the image we were viewing, not the screen. However, it does have a more limited FOV, measuring just 95° for the horizontal, which is on par with budget models. Despite this limitation, the visuals are superb and make for incredible see-it-to-believe-it teleporting into stunning landscapes and immersive cinema. In addition, being able to engage with apps open in multiple hovering windows is another kind of optical treat.

The Meta Quest 3 measured 100° horizontally, up at about 35°, and down near 45°, maybe 50°, if really straining. Although some SDE could be discerned on this model (when we were really looking for it) it was pretty easy to ignore while in the midst of gaming. After all the testing was said and done, our scoring placed the PSVR2 between the two models above. It has impressive eye-tracking tech of 2,000 x 2040 pixels per eye, with a low SDE, great FOV, and good refresh rates to contribute to a highly immersive visual experience. Our field of view measurements were taken by one person on our testing team using Realovirtual Workshop. So, while the results listed are accurate relative between products, field of view will vary a bit from person to person depending on how far your eyes are from the lens.

One thing worth mentioning on the topic of VR visuals is that while crisper and clearer visuals are usually better for immersion, there's also a lot to be said about the smoothness of motion. Headsets like the Valve Index may not have the highest screen resolution to keep SDE at a minimum, but they can still have high refresh rates or require lower GPU power to keep frame rates high, which resulted in boxes in Beat Saber looking very crisp and clean. We also gave the Valve Index high marks for its FOV. In Realovirtual Workshop, we measured the horizontal at about 110°, up near 40° (45° if straining), and down at around 45°. We almost always forgot about SDE altogether after a few minutes of VR immersion, no matter what headset we were in. And while Apple's Vision Pro has truly phenomenal visuals, we did note considerable movement blur occurring during our tests.

User Friendliness

We score VR headsets' daily use on the convenience of getting a good initial fit and how easy it is to take them on and off once set. This metric also weighs in on the sound quality of the headsets' speakers and microphones and the quality of the interpupillary distance (IPD) controls. Full control over the IPD distance helps prevent blurriness, which can more quickly lead to motion sickness, and it is important to readjust whenever you have more than one user.

The automatic IDP adjustment and easy-to-follow prompts boosted the Apple Vision Pro's score. It also offers the widest range of adjustments, making it suitable for pretty much any user. Meta's Quest 3 was not that far behind in IPD range and offers precise options for fine-tuning IPD via a small wheel on the bottom left of the device. Our testers noted that the wheel is a bit stiff to adjust, but this helps it to hold its position more securely. The PSVR2 has an average range for IPD, which you dial in using a scroll wheel on the top left corner of the device.

The Valve Index shows off its premium pedigree through superior ergonomics and sound quality. The initial setup is uncomplicated, and putting the headset on and taking it off is easy peasy thanks to a spring-like elasticity. The sound from the internal mic and over-the-ear headphones was good, and we appreciated that they didn't get in the way when putting the headset on. IPD is adjustable from a linear slider on the bottom of the visor. We also appreciated that setting up the boundary for the Valve Index involved using a controller without the need to plug in the headset and worry about tripping on cables, etc. The PSVR2 and Meta Quest 3 also notched high scores in this metric for their excellent shareability and daily usability.

The Apple Vision Pro is decently user-friendly and easy to share. An experienced user wouldn't have much trouble loosening the straps and holding the visor onto their face while they tightened the straps, but a novice might find it a bit nerve-wracking, not wanting to drop such an expensive piece of equipment on the floor. The Vive Pro 2 scored lower for a number of reasons. The head strap system, which we found to be sticky and not slide very well. While adjusting the IPD with the twist knob, we had trouble with the menu taking a while to disappear and finally were mildly dismayed having to deal with its headphones. They click in to fit over your ear, which is great, but they can get in the way if they're not moved when putting the headset on or if you haven't popped them out after taking your headset off.

Ease of Setup

We measure every VR kit's ease of setup by how difficult it is to configure the required hardware, software, and settings. In this metric, it's tough to beat the convenience of headsets with built-in sensors that don't require all the additional setup time, hassle, and space that external sensor units do.

Headsets that don't require advanced hardware scored well in this metric, as did headsets with highly intuitive or streamlined setup guidance. Without a doubt, the most straightforward headsets to set up were the Meta Quest 3 and the Apple Vision Pro. Neither of them requires a tether, external sensors, or a PC/console to play. Each of their initial setup processes includes a series of simple steps through a well-guided tutorial. And while the Quest's “Guardian” is one of the best VR barrier setups we've seen, the Vision Pro's room scale is essentially infinite and doesn't need setting up.

The PSVR2 was almost as easy to get going as it also has integrated sensors and the efficient kind of setup you might expect from a highly refined PS5 accessory. For this headset, after plugging into your PS5 and following a number of prompts, you'll need to look all around you while the cameras scan the area. Then, you can edit the border and floor if necessary. The Vive Pro 2 and Valve Index scored lower in this metric due in part to the extra steps involved with setting up and calibrating external sensors. However, that time spent results in a huge payoff when it comes to high-level tracking. Something to note about external sensors is the importance of making sure you're able to keep them in range and pointed in the correct positions. Setting them up on a wall can be a little more annoying than setting up on a tripod stand, using a tripod means you might have a little more freedom when it comes to placement. However, an added benefit to wall-mounted sensors is that they are less likely to be knocked over by accident, literally turning your world upside down. With external sensors, you'll need to be close to an outlet no matter how you choose to mount.

How to Choose a VR Headset

If you're still unsure of which model is best for you, we've wrangled up some advice from long-time VR users to help guide you in making informed decisions based on your interests and budget constraints. Other considerations, such as tracking capabilities, ecosystem limitations, and standalone plug-and-playability versus tethered compatibility, are all important when making a final choice. Fear not, intrepid explorer. Let's break it down.

Compatibility

Standalone, tethered, and Bluetooth setups all have pros and cons. Standalone headsets offer a cord-free all-in-one system with built-in speakers and don't necessarily require additional hardware for you to get up and running. But some headsets might struggle with more demanding graphics processing, leading to more lag and battery drain. When tethering to a computer, especially one with a robust Graphics Processing Unit (GPU), it becomes possible to improve performance, experience less latency, and potentially gain access to a more extensive library of games. However, if your existing computer lacks a ton of processing power or has less than 8GB of RAM, functionality could be impaired. You'll definitely want to check your computer's specs against the listed requirements for any VR headset you're considering prior to purchasing to make sure they're compatibly copacetic. Even if your computer's specs are up to the task, if you don't have a reliably strong WiFi signal, problems can arise. The same can be said for most Bluetooth connections, which can provide a cordless experience but are notorious for creating latency issues. And just being able to connect to a computer doesn't necessarily equate to having access to all the VR content that's out there.

Ecosystem

The ability to access different virtual environments, games, and fitness applications is limited by which headset you choose. If you think about how televised content is available (or not) via various cable networks and streaming platforms, you can get an idea of the conundrum when it comes to VR content. Some content can be accessed via third parties but the big players won't always make their goodies available outside of their native operating systems. Though future integration has been teased, it is not currently possible to access Steam VR's vast library of games directly via an Apple Vision Pro, for example. And although access to SteamVR is possible through third-party apps, many games require actual hand-held controllers and won't work with Apple's hand and eye tracking. While solutions to these issues might be addressed in the future, right now it is a major consideration, especially for those with gaming in mind. And if you want to access Google Earth, Quest's OS isn't part of Google's ecosystem. There are workarounds requiring signing into various apps but the process isn't seamless.

Ability to Track

Tracking involves translating your physical position and movement into a virtual world. Standalone units rely on cameras built into the headset to generate a corresponding scene based on your actions, so you can look around and move through VR environments, accurately strike a target, etc. While a standalone unit allows for a certain freedom of cordless movement, latency can be an issue when the system is tasked with more strenuous processing demands. These inside-out headsets also tend to be less accurate than outside-in systems which can rely on a computer for the heavy processing and external trackers for more precise tracking, as long as you remain within the sensors' field and aren't blocked from detection by an object in the way (chair, pet, and so forth). Hand movements can be tracked within both kinds of systems with some relying on hand-held controllers and others detecting hand movement directly. Some but not all models are also able to track eye and facial movements. Figuring out what you can live without while assessing the kinds of experiences you would like to have, how much processing power might be needed, and how much you're willing to spend should help narrow the options to a tempting few.

Conclusion

Hopefully, you've found this best-in-class VR headset review helpful and informative. We've touched on everything from the most advanced headset, aimed squarely at spendy enthusiasts and developers, to the humblest entry-level offering for VR beginners. And remember, if you want a deeper dive, we've written individual reviews for all VR headsets we mentioned here. That's where we get into the nitty-gritty of how they performed across each of our carefully considered, expertly tested metrics.