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When you think of the best VR headsets, what do you plan on doing with one? If it's jumping into immersive, virtual worlds and being the characters you play, transforming your workspace into the multi-screen setup of your dreams or simply giving the shows you watch the cinema treatment, then it's time to jump on the VR bandwagon.
Virtual reality has reached new heights, especially when you throw augmented reality (AR) and mixed reality (MR) into the mix. And in the six years I've spent testing VR headsets, I've used a combination of those realities to learn how to draw, find new ways to work and yes, even have the satisfaction of fighting off zombies and becoming the one and only Batman (along with Iron Man, Deadpool and so on).
Yes, that is me lying in bed with a Meta Quest 3. That's sometimes how I spend my evenings, as I'm a VR fan who has been testing and checking out all the latest features for over six years. From PC VR gaming to standalone VR experiences, my team and I know what makes these machines worth your money, so whether you're just getting started with your first headset or you're in need of an upgrade, we've got just the recommendations.
More hugely anticipated VR headsets are expected to land this year. First, we have Valve's Steam Frame, which was due in early 2026 but has unfortunately been pushed back due to the ongoing RAM crisis. Next up is the Meta Quest 4, but its release date is still uncertain. We'll keep you posted on the latest, but until those headsets launch, our picks are the best around right now.
The best VR headset overall
The Meta Quest 3S is everything you could ever want from a VR headset — great color passthrough and speedy performance, a ton of apps to use and games to play, and all at a seriously affordable price. This is why Tony Polanco has called it "the best VR headset for the money."
Are there cutbacks? Of course. This is a cheaper entry-level headset from Meta, but the team has been carefully strategic in its compromises, so as not to massively impact the experience. For example, you get cheaper Fresnel lenses over pancake, along with a lower resolution display with a narrower viewing angle inside. I'd be lying if I didn't say you'd be hard-pressed to notice these mid-action (except for the occasional bit of glare from those lenses).
Without a 3.5mm audio jack, you're left using the speakers on here. Don't get me wrong, they are good, but you're missing some of that bass emphasis through them.
Besides these, you're still getting that same Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 processor that keeps all the latest and greatest experiences (such as Batman: Arkham Shadow) running smoothly, the mixed reality experience is mightily impressive, but continues to get better over time, and you'll be hard pushed to really notice that reduced display quality.
Oh, and if you wanted to dip into gaming, all your favorite cloud gaming services work so well on here (to the point that I'd choose this over an actual Xbox). For PC VR, that's just one Meta Quest Link cable away. Starting at $299, this is the best bang for your buck when it comes to getting started with the world of virtual reality.
- Read our full Meta Quest 3S review
The best standalone VR headset
The Meta Quest 3 is the step up over its Quest 3S sibling, and is undoubtedly the best standalone VR headset today. However, the reasons to pick one over a Quest 3S come down to small improvements.
You're getting the same Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 processor in here, the same breadth of app and game support, so why pick this one? Well, it comes down to whether you're willing to pay a little extra for the best standalone experience you can get in VR.
For example, there's a higher 2K resolution per eye for a combined 4K, thanks to its pancake optics. Combine that with a wider 110-degree field of view and you're getting a more detailed picture that can be seen further into your peripheral vision.
Not only that, but there is also a depth sensor that the Quest 3S lacks, which lends itself to better fixed tracking of app windows in mid-air in front of you, pancake lenses that make for sharper optics without any light glare, a smooth IPD adjustment so you can tune it just right to your vision, and let's not forget the 3.5mm headphone jack.
That said, it's still not perfect. The battery life did not impress us — we managed to kill the battery in just under two hours. But that's what battery headstraps like the Kiwi Design H4 Boost (among others) are made for.
But despite this shortcoming, the Quest 3 is still a top choice. It's just an ultimate question you have to ask yourself. You will see and feel the spec bumps of this headset over the 3S, but is that worth an additional $200 to you? Whatever you choose, expect the finest VR experiences for the price.
- Read our full Meta Quest 3 review
The best gaming VR headset
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.
Still, the PSVR 2 is excellent, especially for gaming. The headset is comfortable with just a relatively slim but sturdy cable that connects it to the PS5, the screen is excellent with impressive passthrough capabilities and 4K resolution. Plus, there's 3D audio support and easy buttons for adjustment.
But the real ace-in-the-hole is the Sense controllers. These are not only comfortable and good at tracking, but they also have excellent haptic feedback, an area where other VR headsets are lacking.
And thanks to being in the PlayStation ecosystem, 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 virtual reality systems you can buy today.
- Read our full PlayStation VR2 review
The best PC VR headset
The HTC Vive Focus Vision is a $999 mixed-reality headset that works best as part of a PC VR setup. With that sharp 5K display with a 120-degree field of view and a comfortable fit for long sessions, it's an impressively immersive experience.
Add in strong eye and hand tracking, alongside hot swappable batteries, and this really comes into its own in the PC gaming space.
However, I was surprised to see it using the older Snapdragon XR2 chipset, the same as the Quest 2, which limits its performance in standalone mode. Pair that with the limited software library compared to the Quests, and standalone can be a rather lonely experience. Oh, and the choice to use Fresnel lenses also feels a little outdated, causing some edge distortion and chromatic aberration.
So, if your main mission is to get a headset specifically for your PC VR gaming, plugging this in via DisplayPort is an awesome, high-quality experience — ideal for enthusiasts and pros. But if you're looking for something more multi-purpose, I'd reconsider.
- Read our full HTC Vive Focus Vision review
The best AR Glasses alternative
Prefer a more subtle, lightweight wearable that puts all its focus on the finest AR tech we've seen? The Viture Beast are a fantastic alternative to a bulky headset, being the best AR glasses on the market right now.
These smart specs are for those who prefer to make use of virtual screens rather than immerse themselves in virtual worlds, as there's no onboard chip to make use of VR apps or games. But it still delivers an exceptional virtual experience on the device of your choosing. Smartphones, laptops, gaming consoles — you name it, and the Beast will unleash an absolutely gorgeous screen straight to your eyes.
With the Sony Micro-OLEDs the glasses pack, it offers up a massive 174-inch virtual screen with 1200p resolution and a peak brightness of 1,250 nits, meaning you can even see screens in direct sunlight. From a Steam Deck to an iPhone, the visuals it reflects in the lenses are filled with rich colors and crisp details. To top it off, the specs also boast a 120Hz refresh rate, making them ideal for gaming.
Through the SpaceWalker app, you'll be able to customize multi-screen setups (including a 32:9 ultrawide screen) and even real-time 2D to 3D content conversion. Plus, the dual Harman speakers offer great spatial audio, even though it's still too quiet in outdoor spaces.
The color accuracy isn't the best around, and our reviewer, Jason England, noticed bluriness around the edges when pushing its wide 58-degree field of view. But if you're looking to boost your workflow with multiple screens, play games on a massive screen or watch shows like you're in the cinema, all in a subtle pair of smart specs, the Viture Beast will do the trick.
- Read our full Viture Beast review
Also tested
How we test VR headsets
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.
We also take a look at how specific VR headsets work, and how easy the interface is to use, as well as how head tracking performs and the quality of the controllers with the headsets.
A major part of initial testing involves evaluating how much space is needed to set up one of our picks for the best VR headsets to get the most out of them.
A product can look great but still be uncomfortable to use. Aside from testing out all the various content, we spend at least 30 minutes wearing each headset. We test to make sure any embedded air vents are keeping things cool. And if it does get sweaty, we see how well the face guard wicks away moisture. We also weigh the headsets, because even the lightest gadget can feel heavy after long periods of use. Finally, we test how adjustable the head straps are and how secure they feel.
As the de facto face of your virtual experience, the interface is vitally important. We test how responsive and intuitive the home page and subsequent menus are, as well as test special features, like voice commands and gesture control.
Whether it's a traditional gamepad or something more elaborate, like Meta's controllers, we're checking to see if the input devices are ergonomically designed; after all, no one wants hand cramps. We also test tracking and responsiveness in the best VR games.
Hardware without great software is just an expensive paperweight. We not only examine the size of a device's library but also scour the listings and test out some of the higher-end apps and titles. At this point, a good library should feature a number of games, apps, movies and other experiences.
Frequently asked questions
What do I want to use VR for?
There are numerous use cases for picking up a VR headset, which we can use to focus your choices here:
Gaming: This is probably the most popular reason for buying a headset. If you're going down this route, the PSVR 2 is incredible for console VR experiences with a side order of PC VR (thanks to the adaptor), or if you're PC-specific, the HTC Vive Focus Vision is a good shout. However, the Meta Quest 3 and Quest 3S are also versatile machines with their own library of exclusive games, along with a link to PC VR (best used with a wired connection over Air Link).
Work and productivity: Spatial computing may not be quite ready for prime time yet, but that doesn't mean it isn't an amazing way to get stuff done. For this, the Meta Quest 3 has all the capabilities, but if you're looking for something more lightweight that is specifically AR-driven, grab the Viture Beast.
Fitness: Fancy working out at home instead of going to the gym? Workout VR apps are incredible, and you'll need something with the ecosystem and lightweight construction for it. Go for the Meta Quest 3S.
All of the above: Maybe you don't fall into one camp. So for this, you need a good blend of everything — including a comfortable fit, a wide field of view and display quality. And in terms of hitting all the categories, the Meta Quest 3 or Quest 3S are your best bets.
What about AR glasses?
I cover the best smart glasses, too, and the display tech is getting better over time. We're not at that crossover point yet, but that hasn't stopped the likes of the Viture Beast from giving you a similar big-screen spatial experience you'd find in a VR headset.
If portability is important, then this is a great way to go for watching movies, playing games or social experiences.
