How to choose the right VR headset?
For you, we have prepared a small selection of the best VR headsets currently available for sale. Those present in this guide all have their own qualities and defects and are priced at more or less high prices. As usual, remember that the list below is not exhaustive and may be updated in the future.
What are the best VR headsets to buy in 2024?
Meta Quest 2 & 3
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If the Meta Quest 2 is still very popular with VR lovers, due to the quality of the onboard technology, its extensive and varied games library, as well as an attractive purchase price for the sector (below €250), the Meta Quest 3 also has arguments to make. Designed for mixed reality, this autonomous product compensates for the less generous autonomy of its battery (between 2 and 3 hours) and a less affordable price with its high resolution lenses (2064 x 2208 pixels per eye, increased sharpness, refresh rate of 120 Hz, 110-degree field of view), a more powerful Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 processor, stereo speakers compatible with 3D spatial audio, and support for “Touch Plus” for haptic feedback precise and complete.
Note that the American brand also offers the Meta Quest Proa high-end item that is much more efficient but expensive and is not necessarily intended to end up in everyone's hands.
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HTC Vive Pro 2
Marketed since 2021, the HTC Vive Pro 2 is a true reference in terms of VR headset. Not requiring an overly demanding PC to operate, it essentially stands out thanks to the fine display of its 2448 x 2448 pixel lenses per eye which offer advanced rendering in 5K resolution, a very smooth refresh rate of 120 Hz and a wide 120 degree field of view. However, it is quite heavy to carry, heats up quickly and forces us to buy additional accessories to be able to take full advantage of it, which quickly increases the amount of the bill and does not make its installation simple.
Depending on your preferences and means, it is therefore not impossible that you will be attracted by two other models from the Taiwanese company: the HTC Vive XR Elitemore comfortable and less bulky although a little less efficient because it is more focused on mixed reality (virtual and augmented), or HTC Vive Cosmos Elitea potential alternative to the Vive Pro 2.
PICO 4
Solid and viable alternative to Meta Quest 2 and 3, the PICO 4 is a lightweight and comfortable helmet equipped with Pancake lenses (2160 x 2160 pixels in each eye) offering a 105-degree field of vision. In terms of performance, its Qualcomm The controllers supplied with it are ergonomic, making them easier to hold. On the other hand, its autonomy, which does not go beyond 3 hours, will not satisfy everyone even if its battery recharges in only 30 minutes.
To learn more about it, do not hesitate to consult our dedicated test.
Sony PlayStation VR2
Its presence will perhaps make some of you cringe for very understandable reasons (selling price too high, catalog of unattractive games, lack of support for PSVR titles, etc.), however, the PlayStation VR2 from Sony has its place here. The only model compatible with the PlayStation 5, its design and the comfort it provides are very close to those of the Meta Quest 2 and the PICO 4. Another asset up its sleeve, it is equipped with OLED HDR screens (2000 x 2040 pixels to each eye) offering a refresh rate of up to 120 Hz and a field of view of 110 degrees. In terms of immersion, the stereo headphones, supporting 3D audio, are of rather good design, the haptic feedback is directly integrated into the headset and the PSVR Sense controllers are equipped with adaptive triggers, one of the flagship features of the DualSense.
To learn more about it, do not hesitate to consult our dedicated test.
Valve Index
Despite its age and a purchase price far from being within the reach of all budgets (greater than €1000 for the kit including the headset and all the accessories essential for its proper functioning), the Valve Index remains a popular item among VR fans and, when we take a closer look at its features, we can understand why. Double LCD screen with a resolution of 1440 x 1600 pixels per eye, refresh rate of 144 Hz, field of vision of 130 degrees, presence of an improved version of the HTC Vive's “Lighthouse” tracking system… the machine from the American company n is not yet completely overtaken by the competition. In addition, it is capable of running very interesting titles, via SteamVR and if you have a good PC, such as Half-Life: Alyx, Elite: Dangerous And No Man's Sky to recite nobody else but them.
HP Reverb G2
Also available for sale for a few years now, the HP Reverb G2 is a product developed in collaboration with Valve and Microsoft. Presented as a fairly good alternative to the HTC Vive Pro and Valve Index, it is pleasant to wear and its compatibility with SteamVR gives us access to a dense game library, although a solid PC is also necessary to enjoy it. Its main advantage undoubtedly lies in the very good visual rendering displayed by its LCD lenses (2160 x 2160 pixels for each eye), supporting a refresh rate of 90 Hz.
Pimax Crystal
Clearly targeting a premium clientele, the Pimax Crystal is a headset that stands out within the virtual reality market. In addition to the fact that it requires a high-performance PC to operate, its weight is around a kilo on the head (yes, you read correctly!). As for its 2880 x 2880 pixel resolution lenses per eye, they are capable of displaying 12K graphics rendering, support a refresh rate of 120 Hz and offer a field of vision of 120 degrees. Just that !
Apple Vision Pro
The most recent model in this guide but also the one that moves furthest from the VR headset for gaming, theApple Vision Pro is also the most expensive. It must be said that the American autonomous headset is a true technological gem. Designed for mixed reality, it mixes the real and the virtual in an extremely advanced and immersive way, in particular thanks to the micro-OLED display of its 3660 x 3200 screens per eye (maximum refresh rate of 100 Hz, estimated field of vision around 100-110 degrees). However, be aware that it is far from perfect since the first feedback from the press and users calls into question its comfort over time, too little autonomy and the absence of too large a number of applications optimized for VisionOS, the device's operating system.
What is a VR headset?
A VR headset is, as its name suggests, a device to put on your head in order to fully immerse yourself in a virtual universe cut off from reality, in particular through screens placed right in front of your eyes. Very often associated with the video game market, it has also been used in other sectors, including medicine, for several years.
Is having a PC essential to play VR?
Not necessarily. Some headsets, like the Valve Index or the HP Reverb G2, require a more or less powerful PC, whether just to operate or if you also want to play with it and what. Autonomous models, like the PICO 4 or the Apple Vision Pro, can be used without it but, in return, they must be recharged as soon as their battery is flat, which generally happens after a few hours only. As for the specific case of the Sony PlayStation VR2, you absolutely need a PlayStation 5 to take advantage of it.
Should you make space around yourself before using a VR headset?
It all depends on how you want to use your machine. If you stay in a static, seated position, no. Otherwise, it is essential to have enough free space around you to avoid falling, injuring yourself or breaking something. Also remember that some headsets ask you to place stations in the same room as you in order to accurately capture your movements and your virtual space.
Can playing in VR still cause “motion sickness”?
Much less than a few years ago thanks to the evolution of the various technologies integrated into headsets (increased display resolution, better quality lenses, higher refresh rate, wider field of vision, etc.). However, depending on the person, the duration of use and/or the game launched, the effect of “motion sickness” (or kinetosis in French) may still appear.
What is motion sickness?
Motion sickness is similar to motion sickness. Some people may experience this in virtual reality, resulting in dizziness or even nausea in some cases. This discomfort can quickly become an obstacle to fully enjoying a VR game, especially when the sensation is strong. This may be coupled with headaches, unusual sweating, eye fatigue, a feeling of loss of balance or the impression of exerting a significant amount of effort. The discomfort may persist for up to several hours after the gaming session.
This motion sickness occurs when your brain receives conflicting signals between the movements of the environment around you (what you see on the screen) and your body's relationship to it: when you play, you stay still physically, and yet the scenery moves around you, which causes this discomfort.
How to avoid motion sickness?
There are no real solutions to avoid motion sickness. Some people will naturally be more sensitive than others. This is why we advise people who are usually prone to motion sickness to try a VR headset before buying it. Some brands like Boulanger or Fnac regularly offer stands to test the product.
Apart from “getting into the habit” of motion sickness, there are still a few factors that can alleviate it. The type of headset is one of the first important elements: around ten years ago, when the first models arrived, spatial tracking, latency and eye tracking were not as developed as they are now. As technology evolves over the years, these sensations will tend to become rarer.
Also remember to sit down. While it is complicated to play a Beat Saber while sitting on a chair, the vast majority of adventures can be played without moving. Get into a comfortable, seated position to minimize the risk of becoming disoriented. Also keep calm and remember to take a break as soon as you feel hot or sweaty. Adjust your headset correctly and do not hesitate to reduce the screen brightness slightly so as not to overload your eyes. Finally, also avoid games with too much movement or that offer experiences that you don't feel.
Can you wear glasses with a VR headset?
Yes, because today most helmets are also designed for people who wear glasses. Be careful, you should nevertheless remember to move the screens back slightly to avoid any friction and risk of scratches, both on the lenses of the device and your glasses. On certain helmets and depending on your glasses, this can still cause some (generally slight) discomfort.
What are the best games to play in VR?
Here is a small, subjective and non-exhaustive list of titles that we recommend testing in VR if you are interested: Half-Life: Alyx, Microsoft Flight Simulator, No Man's Sky, Dirt Rally 2.0, Gran Turismo 7, Beat Saber, Super Hot, Astro Bot Rescue Mission, Moss And Moss: Book IIetc.
If this selection was useful to you, do not hesitate to consult our other buying guides.