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." Each device is tested extensively across a range of software available in the headsets' associated store. Many of our reviewers have experience using different ranges of virtual reality hardware, enabling them to make informed comparisons between products. No device in our buying list above has been included without first being tested and reviewed.

We've been harsh on the Vive Pro 2 so far, but we can't ignore the strengths it boasts over other headsets in this list. The Vive Pro 2 is capable of outputting a '5K' resolution (that's an astronomical 2448 x 2448 pixels per eye), a 120-degree field of view and a 120Hz refresh rate. Yes, you will need an ultra-powerful PC to make the most of it, but the Vive Pro 2 is capable of providing some of the most accurate and immersive visuals of any headset on the market right now. Given that the Quest 3 can probably do most things you'll need, most people will probably pass on the Quest Pro. But if money is no object, there's no denying that the Meta Quest Pro is a great VR headset.It's admittedly difficult to recommend the Vive Pro 2 as a commercial headset. The wired headset requires several cables for it to function properly, meaning managing it as part of your PC gaming setup can be stressful. Plus, all that power means it can start to run hot after just a short session, so we'd say it's best enjoyed in shorter bursts. 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't in this list: They aren't consumer products. Both devices are purely intended as development hardware, so AR software can be made for their platforms. Considering each headset costs several thousand dollars, you shouldn'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. People with less space and less powerful hardware should go for the Meta Quest 3. It offers an all-in-one VR experience and can be connected to a PC using a cable or wirelessly, though that can be a pricey extra.

Meta's vision of the metaverse hasn't really panned out, and the aforementioned Horizon Worlds app is a ghost town. On the other hand, platforms and games that don'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. The full immersive action of the Vizor VR Glasses has to be experienced to be believed. If you’ve ever dreamt of skydiving off a mountain or visiting a Jurassic world, the VR headset allows you to engulf yourself in a totally different place in an instant. You can do anything from travelling on a roller coaster, to walking on the moon in minutes! With the help of the gyroscope in your phone, the virtual reality headset gives you a 360 degree view of your surroundings, wherever you choose to be, so you can visually explore your environment just as you would in real life. Meta emphasizes that the Quest 2, Quest 3, and Quest Pro are all devices for its "metaverse," 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's vision. Our metaverse guide will help you understand what's happening, based on the few hard details.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."

Plus, the Quest 2 does all this without any cables, which is one of the reasons why it still holds our top spot for the best VR headset. But you can still connect it to a PC via the Meta Quest Link cable to play the best PC VR games. One own Mike Prospero did just that with Microsoft Flight Simulator on the Quest 2. 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. But it sits behind the Quest 3 because it requires a PS5 to work and is limited to the PlayStation ecosystem.Plus the gap between the Quest 3 and PSVR 2 is much smaller than the gap between the Quest 2 and the PSVR 2 thanks to a new processor and display on the Quest 3. If you want to experience the thrill of riding a rollercoaster, travelling around the world or shooting battleships in space all from the comfort of your living room, then immerse yourself into the world of virtual reality with the Vizor Pro VR headset.That should be plenty to keep the budding virtual reality enthusiast going for a while; we can’t wait to see what these apps will be like in a year from now. The possibilities are almost endless. We've reviewed the HTC Vive XR Elite but due to technical issues didn't feel comfortable giving it a grade. Feel free to read our hands-on impressions of the HTC mixed reality all-in-one headset in the meantime. You don't have much space: Valve Index is quite complicated to set up, requiring several cables and cameras to function properly. Once upon a time, Virtual Reality was something that you only ever saw in sci fiction, a futuristic technology that seemed as unlikely to become a reality as surfing down the street on your hover board. But rapid advancements have made this incredible technology available to everyone for the very first time. So if you’ve ever wondered what’s happening behind those innovative glasses, then now it’s your turn to experience the fun. For those with powerful PCs and a dedicated virtual reality space, then headsets like the Valve Index, which we have not reviewed, are worth considering.You can also do PC passthrough with the Quest headsets, but they won't be as powerful gaming rigs as a high-end gaming PC combined with an Index headset.

Identifying the best VR headsets takes a suite of things to consider, from the hardware itself to the software the headsets will work with. We test and consider how easy it is to set up a VR headset and system, how well-designed and comfortable the headset is, how well its interface works, and take a look at the accessories the VR headset can use. The Meta Quest 3 is impressively compact, requiring no extra cameras or wires during play. It can be played as an entirely standalone experience, free from cables or extra bits that could run the risk of tripping you up. All the headset's features can be accessed while wearing it, too, including its home and store front, providing a seamless experience that doesn't require you to take the headset off.

10 tips to keep in mind when shopping online like a pro

We're not going to sugarcoat things, however; VR is a relatively expensive hobby, and individual headsets can cost as much as, if not more than, the best gaming consoles and PCs. We've endeavored, then, to pull together a range of products that stretch across every platform and budget scope, including alternatives for people who want to cut the cables and go entirely wireless. It’s never been easier or more comfortable to enjoy a personal cinema and gaming experience in one device! VR headsets are essentially like strapping TVs up close to your face, so extended periods of time can cause a little discomfort. We recommend taking breaks and standing or sitting in a comfortable position. If you start to feel any discomfort or blurred vision, take some time away from the VR headset until you feel confident to return to it. How we test VR headsets