{"id":38666,"date":"2025-07-04T17:58:11","date_gmt":"2025-07-04T17:58:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/38666\/"},"modified":"2025-07-04T17:58:11","modified_gmt":"2025-07-04T17:58:11","slug":"the-best-vr-headsets-weve-tested-july-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/38666\/","title":{"rendered":"The Best VR Headsets We&#8217;ve Tested (July 2025)"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>PCMag has covered virtual reality since the original <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/reviews\/oculus-rift-development-kit\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Oculus Rift Development Kit<\/a> launched more than a decade ago. Since then, we&#8217;ve tested every major VR headset, including experimental AR devices like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/reviews\/google-glass-explorer-edition-version-20\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Google Glass<\/a> and the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/reviews\/microsoft-hololens-development-edition\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Microsoft HoloLens<\/a> (not to mention the growing variety of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/picks\/the-best-smart-glasses\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">smart glasses<\/a>). These days, there are headsets in every shape, size, and price, from the entry-level, wire-free Meta Quest 3S<a href=\"https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/reviews\/meta-quest-3s\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">,<\/a> to the PC-tethered Valve Index<a href=\"https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/reviews\/valve-index-vr-kit\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">,<\/a> to the class-leading Apple Vision Pro. We&#8217;ve thoroughly tested all of these models, evaluating them for their graphical capabilities, motion tracking, software library, comfort, user experience, and value. The Meta Quest 3 is our top pick for standalone headsets, but it&#8217;s far from the only model we recommend. Read on for our top picks, followed by everything you need to know about VR to buy the best headset for you.<\/p>\n<p>\n                    Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks\n                <\/p>\n<p>                            <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"order-last aspect-video w-full border border-gray-300 object-contain md:order-first md:w-1\/2\" data-image-loader=\"https:\/\/i.pcmag.com\/imagery\/roundup-products\/07Ln34w7AR4wu3bwq5i9Rn3.fit_lim.size_320x180.v1698239430.jpg\" data-lazy-sized=\"\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg xmlns=\" http:=\"\" viewbox=\"0 0 320 180\" fill=\"%23f7f7f7\" alt=\"Meta Quest 3\"\/><\/p>\n<p>                            Pros &amp; Cons<\/p>\n<ul class=\"!my-0 flex-1 space-y-3 !px-0 text-base font-semibold [&amp;&gt;li]:leading-normal\">\n<li class=\"flex items-baseline gap-x-3\">\n<p>                                Color pass-through cameras allow you to clearly see your surroundings&#13;\n                            <\/li>\n<li class=\"flex items-baseline gap-x-3\">\n<p>                                High-resolution picture&#13;\n                            <\/li>\n<li class=\"flex items-baseline gap-x-3\">\n<p>                                Powerful processor&#13;\n                            <\/li>\n<li class=\"flex items-baseline gap-x-3\">\n<p>                                Comfortable design\n                            <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul class=\"!my-0 flex-1 space-y-3 !px-0 text-base font-semibold [&amp;&gt;li]:leading-normal\">\n<li class=\"flex items-baseline gap-x-3\">\n<p>                                Short battery life&#13;\n                            <\/li>\n<li class=\"flex items-baseline gap-x-3\">\n<p>                                Lacks eye-tracking tech\n                            <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>                            Why We Picked It<\/p>\n<p>The Meta Quest 3 is $200 more expensive than the Quest 3S, but the display&#8217;s higher resolution and wider field of view justifies the extra expense. Besides that, it&#8217;s nearly the same as Meta&#8217;s newer headset, with a color passthrough camera for mixed reality and a powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 processor. Both elements are more advanced than the even pricier, eye-tracking Meta Quest Pro in some ways.<\/p>\n<p>                            Who It&#8217;s For<\/p>\n<p>Want to experience VR without cables? This is the standalone headset for you. The picture is sharper and wider, which goes a long way. When factoring price and features, the Quest 3 is the best overall VR headset for getting into VR without investing in a tethered headset and a PC (or an Apple Vision Pro).<\/p>\n<p>                            Specs &amp; Configurations<\/p>\n<p>\n                        Type<\/p>\n<p>                                                            Standalone<\/p>\n<p>\n                        Resolution<\/p>\n<p>                                                            2,064 by 2,208 (per eye) <\/p>\n<p>\n                        Refresh Rate<\/p>\n<p>                                                            120 Hz<\/p>\n<p>\n                        Motion Detection<\/p>\n<p>                                                            6DOF <\/p>\n<p>\n                        Controls<\/p>\n<p>                                                            Meta Quest Touch Controllers <\/p>\n<p>\n                        Hardware Platform<\/p>\n<p>                                                            Standalone <\/p>\n<p>\n                        Software Platform<\/p>\n<p>                                                            Meta <\/p>\n<p>Learn More<\/p>\n<p>                <a class=\"mt-2 inline-block font-semibold leading-normal text-red-400 underline md:leading-loose\" data-module=\"Best_Product_Card\" data-element=\"Meta Quest 3\" data-item=\"Meta Quest 3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/reviews\/meta-quest-3\" aria-label=\"{ $item-&gt;product_name }} Review\" x-track-ga-click=\"\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Meta Quest 3 Review<\/a><\/p>\n<p>                            <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"order-last aspect-video w-full border border-gray-300 object-contain md:order-first md:w-1\/2\" data-image-loader=\"https:\/\/i.pcmag.com\/imagery\/reviews\/063ep8ylYBmRGSXkZ0i0Qer-1.fit_lim.size_320x180.v1728608548.jpg\" data-lazy-sized=\"\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg xmlns=\" http:=\"\" viewbox=\"0 0 320 180\" fill=\"%23f7f7f7\" alt=\"Meta Quest 3S\"\/><\/p>\n<p>                            Pros &amp; Cons<\/p>\n<ul class=\"!my-0 flex-1 space-y-3 !px-0 text-base font-semibold [&amp;&gt;li]:leading-normal\">\n<li class=\"flex items-baseline gap-x-3\">\n<p>                                Inexpensive&#13;\n                            <\/li>\n<li class=\"flex items-baseline gap-x-3\">\n<p>                                Fast processor&#13;\n                            <\/li>\n<li class=\"flex items-baseline gap-x-3\">\n<p>                                Color pass-through camera&#13;\n                            <\/li>\n<li class=\"flex items-baseline gap-x-3\">\n<p>                                Works standalone or tethered to PC&#13;\n                            <\/li>\n<li class=\"flex items-baseline gap-x-3\">\n<p>                                Many apps and games\n                            <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul class=\"!my-0 flex-1 space-y-3 !px-0 text-base font-semibold [&amp;&gt;li]:leading-normal\">\n<li class=\"flex items-baseline gap-x-3\">\n<p>                                Occasionally grainy display&#13;\n                            <\/li>\n<li class=\"flex items-baseline gap-x-3\">\n<p>                                Controllers must be in view of the headset for accurate tracking\n                            <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>                            Why We Picked It<\/p>\n<p>The Meta Quest 3S is the cheapest way to get into VR without making major compromises. It&#8217;s a standalone VR headset with color pass-through cameras and the same processor that powers the higher-end Meta Quest 3. In fact, it&#8217;s nearly identical to the Quest 3 except for the display, which isn&#8217;t nearly as sharp or has as wide a field of view. Still, it looks good for the price.<\/p>\n<p>                            Who It&#8217;s For<\/p>\n<p>This is the ideal introductory VR headset if you don&#8217;t want to spend half a grand trying out the technology. It has everything you need for a strong VR experience, although its picture quality isn&#8217;t as good as its more expensive sibling.<\/p>\n<p>                            Specs &amp; Configurations<\/p>\n<p>\n                        Type<\/p>\n<p>                                                            Standalone<\/p>\n<p>\n                        Resolution<\/p>\n<p>                                                            1,832 by 1,920 (per eye) <\/p>\n<p>\n                        Refresh Rate<\/p>\n<p>                                                            120 Hz<\/p>\n<p>\n                        Motion Detection<\/p>\n<p>                                                            6DOF <\/p>\n<p>\n                        Controls<\/p>\n<p>                                                            Meta Quest Touch Controllers <\/p>\n<p>\n                        Hardware Platform<\/p>\n<p>                                                            Standalone <\/p>\n<p>\n                        Software Platform<\/p>\n<p>                                                            Meta <\/p>\n<p>Learn More<\/p>\n<p>                <a class=\"mt-2 inline-block font-semibold leading-normal text-red-400 underline md:leading-loose\" data-module=\"Best_Product_Card\" data-element=\"The Best Budget VR Headset\" data-item=\"The Best Budget VR Headset\" href=\"https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/reviews\/meta-quest-3s\" aria-label=\"{ $item-&gt;product_name }} Review\" x-track-ga-click=\"\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Meta Quest 3S Review<\/a><\/p>\n<p>                            <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"order-last aspect-video w-full border border-gray-300 object-contain md:order-first md:w-1\/2\" data-image-loader=\"https:\/\/i.pcmag.com\/imagery\/reviews\/025OxsHa2dWexYLlXgHT5iy-1.fit_lim.size_320x180.v1666642897.jpg\" data-lazy-sized=\"\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg xmlns=\" http:=\"\" viewbox=\"0 0 320 180\" fill=\"%23f7f7f7\" alt=\"Meta Quest Pro\"\/><\/p>\n<p>                            Pros &amp; Cons<\/p>\n<ul class=\"!my-0 flex-1 space-y-3 !px-0 text-base font-semibold [&amp;&gt;li]:leading-normal\">\n<li class=\"flex items-baseline gap-x-3\">\n<p>                                Improved design with a more comfortable fit than the Quest 2&#13;\n                            <\/li>\n<li class=\"flex items-baseline gap-x-3\">\n<p>                                Cool eye- and face-tracking tech&#13;\n                            <\/li>\n<li class=\"flex items-baseline gap-x-3\">\n<p>                                Color pass-through camera&#13;\n                            <\/li>\n<li class=\"flex items-baseline gap-x-3\">\n<p>                                Rechargeable headset and controllers&#13;\n                            <\/li>\n<li class=\"flex items-baseline gap-x-3\">\n<p>                                Doesn&#8217;t require a PC to operate\n                            <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul class=\"!my-0 flex-1 space-y-3 !px-0 text-base font-semibold [&amp;&gt;li]:leading-normal\">\n<li class=\"flex items-baseline gap-x-3\">\n<p>                                Expensive&#13;\n                            <\/li>\n<li class=\"flex items-baseline gap-x-3\">\n<p>                                Meta Horizon&#8217;s metaverse is often empty and sometimes buggy&#13;\n                            <\/li>\n<li class=\"flex items-baseline gap-x-3\">\n<p>                                Short battery life\n                            <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>                            Why We Picked It<\/p>\n<p>The Meta Quest Pro is an impressive headset that features cool eye-tracking and face-tracking tech. It costs significantly more than the Quest 3 and Quest 3S, however, so you really need to be sold on the eye tracking before you buy in. Its Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2+ processor is also a generation older than the XR2 Gen 2 on the other Meta headsets, though it helps make up for it with 12GB of memory to their 8GB each.<\/p>\n<p>                            Who It&#8217;s For<\/p>\n<p>The Meta Quest Pro is for professionals who need a capable VR headset for collaboration purposes, and for enthusiasts who want to play with the excellent eye-tracking and face-tracking tech. You should be prepared for eye tracking features that aren&#8217;t nearly as polished as the much, much more expensive Apple Vision Pro, though. <\/p>\n<p>                            Specs &amp; Configurations<\/p>\n<p>\n                        Type<\/p>\n<p>                                                            Standalone<\/p>\n<p>\n                        Resolution<\/p>\n<p>                                                            1,920 by 1,800 (per eye) <\/p>\n<p>\n                        Refresh Rate<\/p>\n<p>                                                            90 Hz<\/p>\n<p>\n                        Motion Detection<\/p>\n<p>                                                            6DOF <\/p>\n<p>\n                        Controls<\/p>\n<p>                                                            Motion Controllers <\/p>\n<p>\n                        Hardware Platform<\/p>\n<p>                                                            Standalone <\/p>\n<p>\n                        Software Platform<\/p>\n<p>                                                            Meta <\/p>\n<p>Learn More<\/p>\n<p>                <a class=\"mt-2 inline-block font-semibold leading-normal text-red-400 underline md:leading-loose\" data-module=\"Best_Product_Card\" data-element=\"The Standalone VR Headset for Pros\" data-item=\"The Standalone VR Headset for Pros\" href=\"https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/reviews\/meta-quest-pro\" aria-label=\"{ $item-&gt;product_name }} Review\" x-track-ga-click=\"\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Meta Quest Pro Review<\/a><\/p>\n<p>                            <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"order-last aspect-video w-full border border-gray-300 object-contain md:order-first md:w-1\/2\" data-image-loader=\"https:\/\/i.pcmag.com\/imagery\/reviews\/059NzgYx9XwBHBm4o0Jy8O8-1.fit_lim.size_320x180.v1707398524.jpg\" data-lazy-sized=\"\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg xmlns=\" http:=\"\" viewbox=\"0 0 320 180\" fill=\"%23f7f7f7\" alt=\"Apple Vision Pro\"\/><\/p>\n<p>                            Pros &amp; Cons<\/p>\n<ul class=\"!my-0 flex-1 space-y-3 !px-0 text-base font-semibold [&amp;&gt;li]:leading-normal\">\n<li class=\"flex items-baseline gap-x-3\">\n<p>                                Best AR\/VR interface we&#8217;ve seen&#13;\n                            <\/li>\n<li class=\"flex items-baseline gap-x-3\">\n<p>                                Class-leading eye and hand tracking&#13;\n                            <\/li>\n<li class=\"flex items-baseline gap-x-3\">\n<p>                                No physical controllers needed&#13;\n                            <\/li>\n<li class=\"flex items-baseline gap-x-3\">\n<p>                                Sharp, colorful display&#13;\n                            <\/li>\n<li class=\"flex items-baseline gap-x-3\">\n<p>                                Outstanding video passthrough&#13;\n                            <\/li>\n<li class=\"flex items-baseline gap-x-3\">\n<p>                                Plenty of visionOS apps and features\n                            <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul class=\"!my-0 flex-1 space-y-3 !px-0 text-base font-semibold [&amp;&gt;li]:leading-normal\">\n<li class=\"flex items-baseline gap-x-3\">\n<p>                                Expensive&#13;\n                            <\/li>\n<li class=\"flex items-baseline gap-x-3\">\n<p>                                Short battery life&#13;\n                            <\/li>\n<li class=\"flex items-baseline gap-x-3\">\n<p>                                Front-heavy design gets uncomfortable&#13;\n                            <\/li>\n<li class=\"flex items-baseline gap-x-3\">\n<p>                                Gaps in iPad app compatibility\n                            <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>                            Why We Picked It<\/p>\n<p>The Vision Pro is Apple&#8217;s first foray into AR and VR, though the company is careful to describe it as a &#8220;spatial computer&#8221; rather than a headset. Whatever you call it (we consider it an AR\/VR\/mixed reality headset), the Vision Pro is an incredibly ambitious device that&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/articles\/apple-vision-pro-at-work-for-now-its-just-an-expensive-macbook-accessory\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">good for work<\/a> or play. The headset relies entirely on eye and hand tracking for controls that enable a far more intuitive and natural control system than any we&#8217;ve tested. As a first-generation device on a newly launched platform, VisionOS, it&#8217;s surprisingly full-featured, with some of the best hardware ever put into a consumer-available, head-mounted display.<\/p>\n<p>                            Who It&#8217;s For<\/p>\n<p>People with deep pockets. The Vision Pro costs $3,500, several times more than any other headset we&#8217;ve tested. That&#8217;s expensive, even for early adopters. If you&#8217;re willing to spend that much money on a new AR\/VR experience, go for it. Just recognize that Apple will probably make even better and\/or cheaper versions in the next few years. In addition, the Vision Pro has a few software omissions and stability issues that can be fixed with patches, but the headset&#8217;s front-heavy balance can&#8217;t.<\/p>\n<p>                            Specs &amp; Configurations<\/p>\n<p>\n                        Type<\/p>\n<p>                                                            Standalone<\/p>\n<p>\n                        Resolution<\/p>\n<p>                                                            22 million pixels <\/p>\n<p>\n                        Refresh Rate<\/p>\n<p>                                                            100 Hz<\/p>\n<p>\n                        Motion Detection<\/p>\n<p>                                                            6DOF <\/p>\n<p>\n                        Controls<\/p>\n<p>                                                            Eye and hand tracking <\/p>\n<p>\n                        Hardware Platform<\/p>\n<p>                                                            Apple M2 <\/p>\n<p>\n                        Software Platform<\/p>\n<p>                                                            Apple VisionOS <\/p>\n<p>Learn More<\/p>\n<p>                <a class=\"mt-2 inline-block font-semibold leading-normal text-red-400 underline md:leading-loose\" data-module=\"Best_Product_Card\" data-element=\"The Best (and Most Expensive) Headset Available\" data-item=\"The Best (and Most Expensive) Headset Available\" href=\"https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/reviews\/apple-vision-pro\" aria-label=\"{ $item-&gt;product_name }} Review\" x-track-ga-click=\"\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Apple Vision Pro Review<\/a><\/p>\n<p>                            <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"order-last aspect-video w-full border border-gray-300 object-contain md:order-first md:w-1\/2\" data-image-loader=\"https:\/\/i.pcmag.com\/imagery\/reviews\/07gTVDui5sJiYR2nt84Hk3Q-1.fit_lim.size_320x180.v1626100433.jpg\" data-lazy-sized=\"\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg xmlns=\" http:=\"\" viewbox=\"0 0 320 180\" fill=\"%23f7f7f7\" alt=\"Valve Index VR Kit\"\/><\/p>\n<p>                            Pros &amp; Cons<\/p>\n<ul class=\"!my-0 flex-1 space-y-3 !px-0 text-base font-semibold [&amp;&gt;li]:leading-normal\">\n<li class=\"flex items-baseline gap-x-3\">\n<p>                                Immersive, finger-tracking controllers\n                            <\/li>\n<li class=\"flex items-baseline gap-x-3\">\n<p>                                High, 120Hz refresh rate delivers smooth motion\n                            <\/li>\n<li class=\"flex items-baseline gap-x-3\">\n<p>                                Lots of VR software available on PC via SteamVR\n                            <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul class=\"!my-0 flex-1 space-y-3 !px-0 text-base font-semibold [&amp;&gt;li]:leading-normal\">\n<li class=\"flex items-baseline gap-x-3\">\n<p>                                Expensive\n                            <\/li>\n<li class=\"flex items-baseline gap-x-3\">\n<p>                                Occasionally frustrating tethered design\n                            <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>                            Why We Picked It<\/p>\n<p>Valve&#8217;s PC-tethered VR headset is pricey, and on paper it doesn&#8217;t stand out much from the competition. The headset is just one part of the VR experience, though, and the Valve Index really impresses because of the other major component: the controllers. They&#8217;re revolutionary, able to rack individual finger movements and make games (that take advantage of the feature) much more immersive than the standard trigger grips on other controllers. It&#8217;s amazing to see your fingers wiggle in Half-Life: Alyx. <\/p>\n<p>The headset itself, while not outstanding, still offers crisp, smooth graphics with a high refresh rate, too. The system integrates with Valve&#8217;s Steam store through SteamVR, so there&#8217;s an incredibly large library of VR games, even if only a tiny fraction might bother with the finger support.<\/p>\n<p>                            Who It&#8217;s For<\/p>\n<p>This is the go-to VR headset for use with PCs, thanks to its strong performance and revolutionary controllers. If you&#8217;re just starting with VR on PC, go with this one. If you already have a SteamVR-compatible headset, though, such as the Vive Pro 2 along with their base stations, you can buy the controllers for $280 to breathe new life into your VR experience without investing in the full Valve Index system. You could also use the Valve Index controllers with the Quest 3, 3S, or Pro, but you&#8217;ll need an $80 Meta Quest Link Cable and add the base stations as well at $300 for a pair.<\/p>\n<p>                            Specs &amp; Configurations<\/p>\n<p>\n                        Type<\/p>\n<p>                                                            Tethered<\/p>\n<p>\n                        Resolution<\/p>\n<p>                                                            1,600 by 1,440 (per eye) <\/p>\n<p>\n                        Refresh Rate<\/p>\n<p>                                                            120 Hz<\/p>\n<p>\n                        Motion Detection<\/p>\n<p>                                                            6DOF <\/p>\n<p>\n                        Controls<\/p>\n<p>                                                            Valve Index Controllers <\/p>\n<p>\n                        Hardware Platform<\/p>\n<p>                                                            PC <\/p>\n<p>\n                        Software Platform<\/p>\n<p>                                                            SteamVR <\/p>\n<p>Learn More<\/p>\n<p>                <a class=\"mt-2 inline-block font-semibold leading-normal text-red-400 underline md:leading-loose\" data-module=\"Best_Product_Card\" data-element=\"Best Controllers: Valve Index\" data-item=\"Best Controllers: Valve Index\" href=\"https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/reviews\/valve-index-vr-kit\" aria-label=\"{ $item-&gt;product_name }} Review\" x-track-ga-click=\"\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Valve Index VR Kit Review<\/a><\/p>\n<p>                            <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"order-last aspect-video w-full border border-gray-300 object-contain md:order-first md:w-1\/2\" data-image-loader=\"https:\/\/i.pcmag.com\/imagery\/reviews\/04D5TsnV9aqu2nY3ysUCKnW-1.fit_lim.size_320x180.v1676052281.jpg\" data-lazy-sized=\"\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg xmlns=\" http:=\"\" viewbox=\"0 0 320 180\" fill=\"%23f7f7f7\" alt=\"Sony PlayStation VR2\"\/><\/p>\n<p>                            Pros &amp; Cons<\/p>\n<ul class=\"!my-0 flex-1 space-y-3 !px-0 text-base font-semibold [&amp;&gt;li]:leading-normal\">\n<li class=\"flex items-baseline gap-x-3\">\n<p>                                Excellent graphics and sound&#13;\n                            <\/li>\n<li class=\"flex items-baseline gap-x-3\">\n<p>                                Strong launch library&#13;\n                            <\/li>\n<li class=\"flex items-baseline gap-x-3\">\n<p>                                Useful eye-tracking tech&#13;\n                            <\/li>\n<li class=\"flex items-baseline gap-x-3\">\n<p>                                Lightweight build&#13;\n                            <\/li>\n<li class=\"flex items-baseline gap-x-3\">\n<p>                                Easy to set up\n                            <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul class=\"!my-0 flex-1 space-y-3 !px-0 text-base font-semibold [&amp;&gt;li]:leading-normal\">\n<li class=\"flex items-baseline gap-x-3\">\n<p>                                Not compatible with PlayStation VR games\n                            <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>                            Why We Picked It<\/p>\n<p>The PlayStation VR 2 is a significant upgrade over the original that combines the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/reviews\/sony-playstation-5-slim\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">PlayStation 5<\/a>&#8216;s power with new eye-tracking and motion-control tech that makes VR games even more immersive. Plus, the lightweight headset has impressive specs, including a sharp OLED display that delivers a 2,000-by-2,040-pixel picture to each eye.<\/p>\n<p>                            Who It&#8217;s For<\/p>\n<p>The PS VR2 is for gamers willing to go all-in on Sony&#8217;s next-generation vision of virtual reality. After all, the headset&#8217;s not inexpensive at nearly $600 and it lacks backward compatibility with original PlayStation VR games (which is why that model is still on this list). However, this comfortable and impressive hardware has its own strong library.<\/p>\n<p>                            Specs &amp; Configurations<\/p>\n<p>\n                        Type<\/p>\n<p>                                                            Tethered<\/p>\n<p>\n                        Resolution<\/p>\n<p>                                                            2,000 by 2,040 (per eye) <\/p>\n<p>\n                        Refresh Rate<\/p>\n<p>                                                            120 Hz<\/p>\n<p>\n                        Motion Detection<\/p>\n<p>                                                            6DOF <\/p>\n<p>\n                        Controls<\/p>\n<p>                                                            PlayStation VR2 Sense <\/p>\n<p>\n                        Hardware Platform<\/p>\n<p>                                                            PlayStation 5 <\/p>\n<p>\n                        Software Platform<\/p>\n<p>                                                            PlayStation 5 <\/p>\n<p>Learn More<\/p>\n<p>                <a class=\"mt-2 inline-block font-semibold leading-normal text-red-400 underline md:leading-loose\" data-module=\"Best_Product_Card\" data-element=\"Sony PlayStation VR2\" data-item=\"Sony PlayStation VR2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/reviews\/sony-playstation-vr2\" aria-label=\"{ $item-&gt;product_name }} Review\" x-track-ga-click=\"\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Sony PlayStation VR2 Review<\/a><\/p>\n<p>                            <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"order-last aspect-video w-full border border-gray-300 object-contain md:order-first md:w-1\/2\" data-image-loader=\"https:\/\/i.pcmag.com\/imagery\/reviews\/06vMgzlngn3lv0HEsToxOj9-1.fit_lim.size_320x180.v1628776158.jpg\" data-lazy-sized=\"\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg xmlns=\" http:=\"\" viewbox=\"0 0 320 180\" fill=\"%23f7f7f7\" alt=\"HTC Vive Pro 2\"\/><\/p>\n<p>                            Pros &amp; Cons<\/p>\n<ul class=\"!my-0 flex-1 space-y-3 !px-0 text-base font-semibold [&amp;&gt;li]:leading-normal\">\n<li class=\"flex items-baseline gap-x-3\">\n<p>                                The best resolution for VR gaming\n                            <\/li>\n<li class=\"flex items-baseline gap-x-3\">\n<p>                                Smooth motion tracking\n                            <\/li>\n<li class=\"flex items-baseline gap-x-3\">\n<p>                                Works with Valve Index controllers\n                            <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul class=\"!my-0 flex-1 space-y-3 !px-0 text-base font-semibold [&amp;&gt;li]:leading-normal\">\n<li class=\"flex items-baseline gap-x-3\">\n<p>                                Expensive\n                            <\/li>\n<li class=\"flex items-baseline gap-x-3\">\n<p>                                Doesn&#8217;t include necessary base stations or controllers\n                            <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>                            Why We Picked It<\/p>\n<p>The HTC Vive Pro 2 targets both enthusiasts and professionals with the sharpest VR picture available at 2,448 by 2,448 pixels per eye. It works with SteamVR and has its own VR software store in the form of Viveport. The store offers the subscription-based\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.viveport.com\/infinity\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Viveport Infinity<\/a>\u00a0service that provides unlimited access to VR experiences, which is a nice bonus.<\/p>\n<p>                            Who It&#8217;s For<\/p>\n<p>If you want the best VR experience available without diving into pro-level extremes, the Vive Pro 2 combined with Valve Index controllers is the combination to get. It&#8217;ll cost you at least $1,300 before factoring in a PC with the specs to take advantage of the headset&#8217;s power, but you&#8217;ll enjoy amazing visuals and controls.<\/p>\n<p>                            Specs &amp; Configurations<\/p>\n<p>\n                        Type<\/p>\n<p>                                                            Tethered<\/p>\n<p>\n                        Resolution<\/p>\n<p>                                                            2,440 by 2,440 (per eye) <\/p>\n<p>\n                        Refresh Rate<\/p>\n<p>                                                            120 Hz<\/p>\n<p>\n                        Motion Detection<\/p>\n<p>                                                            6DOF <\/p>\n<p>\n                        Controls<\/p>\n<p>                                                            None Included <\/p>\n<p>\n                        Hardware Platform<\/p>\n<p>                                                            PC <\/p>\n<p>\n                        Software Platform<\/p>\n<p>                                                            SteamVR <\/p>\n<p>Learn More<\/p>\n<p>                <a class=\"mt-2 inline-block font-semibold leading-normal text-red-400 underline md:leading-loose\" data-module=\"Best_Product_Card\" data-element=\"Best Picture: HTC Vive Pro 2\" data-item=\"Best Picture: HTC Vive Pro 2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/reviews\/htc-vive-pro-2\" aria-label=\"{ $item-&gt;product_name }} Review\" x-track-ga-click=\"\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">HTC Vive Pro 2 Review<\/a><\/p>\n<p>        <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"opacity-20 absolute right-0 top-0 z-0 hidden md:block\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/images\/newsletter-envelope.svg\" alt=\"Newsletter Icon\" style=\"max-width:220px; max-height:140px; pointer-events:none;\"\/><\/p>\n<p>            <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"opacity-20 h-full w-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/images\/newsletter-envelope.svg\" alt=\"Newsletter Icon\"\/><\/p>\n<p>\n            Get Our Best Stories!\n        <\/p>\n<p>                                    All the Latest Tech, Tested by Our Experts<\/p>\n<p>                                                    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"h-auto w-full rounded-md object-cover md:rounded-l-md\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/17709142-contextual.fit_lpad.size_250x140.v1750711893.png\" alt=\"Lab Report Newsletter Image\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Sign up for the <strong>Lab Report<\/strong> to receive PCMag&#8217;s latest product reviews, buying advice, and insights.<\/p>\n<p>Sign up for the <strong>Lab Report<\/strong> to receive PCMag&#8217;s latest product reviews, buying advice, and insights.<\/p>\n<p class=\"roboto-flex mt-2 text-xs font-normal leading-tight text-black md:whitespace-nowrap\">\n                        By clicking Sign Me Up, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our <a class=\"underline\" href=\"https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/terms\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Terms of Use<\/a> and <a class=\"underline\" href=\"https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/privacy\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Privacy Policy<\/a>.\n                    <\/p>\n<p class=\"text-green-500 mt-2 text-xl font-bold\">Thanks for signing up!<\/p>\n<p class=\"mt-2\">Your subscription has been confirmed. Keep an eye on your inbox!<\/p>\n<p>            The Best VR Headsets for 2025<br \/>\n            Compare Specs<\/p>\n<p>Buying Guide: The Best VR Headsets for 2025<\/p>\n<p>                    Which VR Headset Is the Best?<\/p>\n<p>Modern VR headsets now fit under one of two categories: tethered or standalone. Tethered headsets, such as the HTC Vive Pro 2, PlayStation VR, and Valve Index, are physically connected to PCs (or, in the case of the PS VR 2, a\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/reviews\/sony-playstation-5-slim\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">PlayStation 5<\/a>). Their cables make them a bit unwieldy, but putting all the video processing in a box you don&#8217;t need to directly strap to your face means your VR experience can be much more complex. External or outward-facing cameras provide full 6DOF (six degrees of freedom) movement tracking for both your head and your hands, thanks to motion-sensing controllers.<\/p>\n<p>The least expensive tethered options are currently around $400, and that&#8217;s before you address the processing issue; the Valve Index and HTC Vive Pro 2 need\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/picks\/the-best-computers-for-the-oculus-rift-vr-headset\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">powerful PCs<\/a>\u00a0to run, while the PS VR requires a PlayStation 4 and the PS VR2 requires a PlayStation 5.<\/p>\n<p>Standalone headsets offer the greatest physical freedom by completely removing the cables and not requiring an external device to handle the processing. The Meta Quest 3, Quest 3S, and Quest Pro use similar outward-facing cameras to the now-discontinued <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/reviews\/oculus-rift-s\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Oculus Rift S<\/a> to provide 6DOF motion tracking and similar 6DOF motion controls. They lack a dedicated gaming PC&#8217;s processing power, but their high-end mobile processors push detailed, smooth graphics. They also support PC-tethered VR with an optional cable.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=\" http:=\"\" class=\"\" data-image-loader=\"https:\/\/i.pcmag.com\/imagery\/roundups\/02Qp8NssQCHrqFVFEOXnkxr-34.jpg\" data-lazy-sized=\"\" alt=\"Apple Vision Pro\" data-image-path=\"roundups\/02Qp8NssQCHrqFVFEOXnkxr-34.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>\n    Apple Vision Pro (Credit: Joseph Maldonado)\n<\/p>\n<p>The Apple Vision Pro is the most advanced of the standalone headsets by far, and the most advanced headset. Apple doesn&#8217;t call it a VR headset but rather a &#8220;spatial computer.&#8221; Still, it&#8217;s a very similar device to the Quest Pro. It relies entirely on eye and hand tracking for control and has the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/opinions\/the-apple-vision-pro-is-a-revolution-in-arvr-interfaces\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">most intuitive interface<\/a>. It&#8217;s also $3,500, which is a huge ask compared with any other headset on this list. It&#8217;s also a first-generation device on a new platform, even if the platform (VisionOS) is built on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/reviews\/apple-ios-18\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">iOS<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/reviews\/apple-ipados-18\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">iPadOS<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/reviews\/apple-macos-sequoia\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">macOS<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Sony&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/news\/ces-2024-sony-previews-spatial-content-headset-ahead-of-vision-pro-launch\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">&#8220;spatial reality&#8221; headset<\/a> announced at CES 2024 is the other model to watch. Details are scant, but Sony says it will run on a Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2+ chip, indicating it could be a standalone headset like the Meta Quest. More interesting are its controllers: a ring and a wand designed for &#8220;intuitive interaction with 3D objects and precise pointing.&#8221; Aimed at content creators, it could be a major release for VTubers and other streamers. It&#8217;s been almost a year since we last heard about it. Maybe we&#8217;ll get more details at CES 2025.<\/p>\n<p>Meta emphasizes that the Quest 3, Quest 3S, and Quest Pro are all devices for its &#8220;metaverse,&#8221; which is still fairly ill-defined apart from a few specific apps under the Meta Horizon name. It remains a vague concept, but the Quest headsets are the best jumping-off points for exploring the company&#8217;s vision. Our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/how-to\/wtf-is-the-metaverse\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">metaverse guide<\/a> can help you understand what&#8217;s happening based on the few hard details available.<\/p>\n<p>Meta&#8217;s vision of the metaverse hasn&#8217;t panned out, and the aforementioned Horizon Worlds app is a ghost town. On the other hand, platforms and games that don&#8217;t call themselves metaverse, like Roblox and VRChat, have effectively become popular multimedia experiences crafted and curated by users. You can also use them outside of VR.<\/p>\n<p>The Best Augmented Reality (AR) Headsets<\/p>\n<p>You might have seen other headsets pop up over the last few years, including the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/reviews\/magic-leap-one\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Magic Leap One<\/a> and\u00a0Microsoft HoloLens. They aren&#8217;t on this list for a few reasons. The most significant one is that they&#8217;re augmented reality (AR) headsets, not virtual reality headsets. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/news\/augmented-reality-ar-vs-virtual-reality-vr-whats-the-difference\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">There&#8217;s a difference<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Basically, these AR headsets have transparent lenses that let you look at your surroundings instead of completely replacing your vision with a computer-generated image. They project images over whatever you&#8217;re looking at, but those images are designed to complement and interact with the surrounding area. For instance, you can make a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/picks\/chrome-edge-firefox-opera-or-safari-which-browser-is-best\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">web browser<\/a> pop up in the middle of a room or watch animals run around your coffee table. It&#8217;s a fascinating technology that could\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/opinions\/magic-leap-is-here-but-not-quite-ready-for-the-masses\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">hint at the future of computing<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>        Recommended by Our Editors<\/p>\n<p>The emphasis here is on the future, as in several years away. That brings us to the second biggest reason the HoloLens and Magic Leap One aren&#8217;t on this list: They aren&#8217;t consumer products. Both devices are intended as development hardware, so AR software can be made for their platforms. Considering each headset costs several thousand dollars, you shouldn&#8217;t expect a large library of AR experiences for a while. Outside of specific enterprise and education uses, AR headsets are an early adopter playground at best and not for most people.<\/p>\n<p>The Apple Vision Pro is the closest to a comprehensive AR headset, and the Meta Quest Pro isn&#8217;t too far behind it. They use pass-through cameras instead of transparent lenses, so your view of your surroundings won&#8217;t be as clear as transparent displays, but they still show everything around you in color and scan those surroundings to properly place virtual objects in that space.<\/p>\n<p>If you can&#8217;t wait for the technology to mature or become more affordable, we&#8217;ve found several consumer-available smart glasses that are very useful, though they don&#8217;t deliver on actual augmented reality. They project large images in front of your eyes and can have limited head tracking to keep that virtual screen fixed before you and make great privacy-minded external monitors if you want to watch movies, play games, or work on the go.<\/p>\n<p>With that in mind, we&#8217;ll continue to track the best new VR headsets as they are released, so make sure to check back soon for updates. And after you find the right headset, check out our list of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/news\/the-best-vr-games-for-2019\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">best VR games<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"PCMag has covered virtual reality since the original Oculus Rift Development Kit launched more than a decade ago.&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":38667,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[20],"tags":[158,67,132,68,729,730],"class_list":{"0":"post-38666","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-virtual-reality","8":"tag-technology","9":"tag-united-states","10":"tag-unitedstates","11":"tag-us","12":"tag-virtual-reality","13":"tag-vr"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/pubeurope.com\/@us\/114796265846888224","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/38666","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=38666"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/38666\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/38667"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=38666"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=38666"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=38666"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}