Top 5 VR Headsets in 2023
Virtual reality technology has come a long way since its inception, and it has never been more accessible to the general public.
A VR headset is an excellent investment for anyone who wants to immerse themselves in a completely different world.
Whether you’re a gamer, movie lover, or just someone who wants to try something new, a VR headset is an excellent way to experience new dimensions of entertainment.
We’ve researched 27 of the top VR headsets on the market to help you find the perfect one for your needs. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of owning a VR headset and which devices stand out from the rest.
Here are this year’s top 5 picks:
Penny M - Research Specialist
With over 15 years of researching and inspecting helpful gadgets and tech devices, Penny gained an admirable knowledge. Check out her world-class knowledge and expertise in our Top 5 Reviews series.
Overall Grade
A+
Rating
9.8/10
OVERALL ANALYSIS
The Shineco Lite X7 Headset is by far our favorite choice on the market.
The first thing that makes it stand out is innovative RealView technology that offers an immersive and realistic experience like no other.
With a comfortable head strap and adjustable lens, this headset can be customized to fit a variety of head sizes and eye distances. The device also features a built-in surround stereo sound system, which provides clear and crisp audio that enhances the overall VR experience.
The headset is compatible with any smartphone, making it easy to enjoy VR content from your own phone. The lenses are anti-reflective and anti-blue light, which helps reduce eye strain and fatigue during long use.
The Shineco Lite X7 VR Headset is also designed with a heat dissipation system that prevents the phone from overheating during use.
Overall, the Shineco Lite X7 VR is an excellent choice for those looking to experience virtual reality.
With its comfortable design, high-quality audio, and adjustable lens, this headset is perfect for a range of VR applications, including gaming, movies, and educational content.
Whether you’re a seasoned VR enthusiast or new to the world of virtual reality, the Shineco Lite X7 VR Headset is a great option to consider.
Pros
Innovative RealView technology
Comfortable to wear
Compatible with any smartphone
Adjustable lenses
Immersive eye protection
Easy to use and set up
Supports immersive 3D movies and games
Built-in headphones
Removable front cover for ventilation
Fits any head size
Portable and lightweight
14-day money back guarantee
Cons
Often runs out of stock due to high demand
Often runs out of stock due to high demand
WRAP-UP
Shineco Lite X7 is fairly priced for a market-leading VR headset with immersive view and innovative technology. Take advantage of this limited-time discount while supplies last.
Osmo offers a 14-day money-back guarantee and free shipping. Shineco Lite X7 was unanimously voted the best VR headset of 2023.
Overall Grade
B+
Rating
8.8/10
OVERALL ANALYSIS
The Meta Quest 2 is a masterclass in incremental improvements over its predecessor, the Oculus Quest. As reviewer Michael Andronico concluded: “The Meta Quest 2’s price, game library and overall ease of use make it the best entry point into virtual reality yet.”
That’s because sports a slicker design, better display resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate in some games and apps, and faster overall performance. It also just feels like a neat yet rather well-made headset. Logitech even released speakers that can be attached to the Quest 2’s strap to provide a premium sound experience without taking you fully out of the real world.
It also does all this yet again with any cables, though you can connect it to a PC via the Oculus Link cable and get access to full-fat PCVR games; deputy editor Mike Prospero did just that with Microsoft Flight Simulator and the Oculus Quest 2.
Pros
Great technology
Comfortable
Suitable for any head size
Additional games
Nice design
Free shipping
Easy to adjust
Cons
Very expensive
Not so easy to use
Overall Grade
B
Rating
8.3/10
OVERALL ANALYSIS
Sony’s new PSVR 2 is arguably the best wired VR headset, given it has a plethora of high-end specs, including a brilliant OLED display. The only reason it sits below the Quest 2 is that it requires a PS5 to work and is limited to the PlayStation ecosystem.
Otherwise, it’s excellent. The headset is comfortable with a relatively slim but sturdy cable for connecting it to the PlayStation 5, the screen is excellent with impressive passthrough capabilities, and there’s a 4K resolution, 3D audio support, and easy buttons for adjustment.
The real ace-in-the-hole is the Sense controllers. These are not only rather comfortable and good at tracking, but they also have excellent haptics; an area other VR headsets are lacking in.
Then there are exclusive games like Horizon Call of the Mountain and the ability to play Gran Turismo 7 in VR. Combined with the VR tech, the PSVR 2 is one of the very best and overall affordable virtual reality systems you can buy today.
Pros
Great technology
Easy to use
Great audio system
No maintenance
Comfortable
Immersive experience
Lightweight
Cons
Only for PS5
Not compatible with smartphone
Limtied usage
Overall Grade
B
Ratings
7.8/10
OVERALL ANALYSIS
The Meta Quest Pro is effectively the grown-up version of the Quest 2. Though the Quest Pro can play games, it’s aimed at designers, engineers, scientists and creatives who frequently collaborate online. This is another step toward Meta’s goal of making the metaverse a reality and, questions about the metaverse’s viability aside, the Quest Pro is itself an impressive piece of tech.
The issue is that it may not be practical for most VR enthusiasts, let alone anyone looking to just get started experiencing mixed reality. Its features aren’t aimed toward gaming, meaning that there are better — and certainly less expensive — options for VR gamers.
At $1,499, you would be better off with a PS5 and PS VR or a gaming PC with a VR headset if all you want to do is play games. And if you want a versatile way to get into the world of VR, the Quest 2 can probably do most things you’ll need even if it isn’t as graphically powerful or come with full-color mixed reality capabilities.
Most likely, people waiting for mixed reality features like full-color augmented reality passthrough are better off waiting for the Quest 3. But if money is no object, there’s no denying that the Meta Quest Pro is a great VR headset.
Pros
Smart features
Advanced settings
Very realistic
Free shipping in the US
Positive reviews
30-day money back guarantee
Cons
Too expensive
Some users experience fatigue
Heavy
Overall Grade
c+
Rating
7.5/10
OVERALL ANALYSIS
If you want to play VR games on a console then the PlayStation VR system is a decent option given its lower price point. As reviewer Sherri L. Smith noted: “PlayStation VR delivers compelling games in a comfortable, easy-to-use headset that won’t break your budget.”
The semi-futuristic-looking headset is surprisingly comfortable, with a superb range of some of the best VR games. This includes games like Hitman 3, Stride and Star Wars: Squadrons among others.
If you have a PS4 or PS4 Pro, then PlayStation VR is definitely one of the more affordable ways to play VR games with decent-quality graphics since you don’t need an expensive gaming PC. Plus, even with the less-than-stellar Move controllers and graphics that fall a bit short of high-end PC graphics, you still get a relatively high-end VR experience.
One thing to also bear in mind is that the PlayStation 5 also has support for PlayStation VR but it has some issues. It doesn’t play as nicely with the Move controllers as its PS4 counterparts. Additionally, with the release of the PSVR 2, there won’t be new games coming to the PS VR headset. But if you want to just play VR games for the first time and you already have a PS4, the PS VR headset could be a perfect entry point.
Pros
Smart features
Great technology
Comfortable
LCD display
Free shipping
Cons
Limited usage
Poor audio
They upsell you with additional items
Mixed reviews
WHAT IS VR HEADSET?
A VR (virtual reality) headset is a device worn over the eyes and sometimes the ears to immerse the user in a computer-generated virtual environment. It typically includes a display screen or screens, lenses, and sensors that track the user’s head movements to provide a realistic, interactive experience.
Advantages of VR Headset
- Immersive experience
- Compatible with any smartphone
- Lets you escape reality
- You can carry it anywhere
- Suitable for any head size
- Super comfortable
- Easy to use
- Affordable
Things To Consider WHEN CHOOSING THE BEST VR Headset
Innovative technology
This will separate great VR Headset from the average ones. As technology improved over the past few years, innovative VR headsets proved to be a lot better than outdated ones.
Comfort
Look for a VR headset that's comfortable to wear for long periods of time. A good fit, adjustable straps, and cushioning are important features to consider.
Display
The display quality is crucial for a good VR experience. Look for a headset with a high resolution, low latency, and a high refresh rate to avoid motion sickness.
Tracking
The tracking technology is important to ensure smooth movement and avoid disorientation. Consider headsets with inside-out tracking, which uses built-in cameras to track your movements.
Warranty
If the brand doesn't offer a money-back guarantee or warranty on their headset, you should stay away from it. Always look for something you can try out and receive a full refund if you don't find it useful.
What To Avoid When Choosing VR Headset
Don't overlook the importance of comfort
It's important to choose a headset that fits well and feels comfortable, as extended use of an uncomfortable headset can lead to headaches and eye strain.
Don't ignore the hardware requirements
Many VR headsets require powerful hardware to run smoothly, so make sure to check the system requirements before purchasing.
Cheap knockoffs
There are a ton of cheap products (even on Amazon) that are just pure garbage. They aren’t even tested and they’ll just waste your time and money. In my opinion, anything below $70 can’t be functional.
Penny M - Research Specialist
With over 15 years of researching and inspecting helpful gadgets and tech devices, Penny gained an admirable knowledge. Check out her world-class knowledge and expertise in our Top 5 Reviews series.
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