Top 5 Best VR (Virtual Reality) Headsets
Oculus Rift +Touch VR System
· 7 free titles with system purchase
· Ultra-low latency tracking
· Ergonomic Touch Controllers
· Comfortable design that’s completely adjustable
Released years ago, the Oculus Rift has come back to the forefront of the VR headset market. When they re-introduced their Oculus Rift now including their new Touch Controllers to the system package they brought the Rift to it’s potential. Already known as a headset that delivers a fully immersive virtual reality experience in the PC world. The Rift brings advanced display technology, precise tracking and modern design to bring you seamlessly into the virtual world.
Design Headset
The Rift is a sleekly designed headset that is fully customizable and with comfort in mind. The visor is crafted in all black in a rectangular design. This headset is deceptively light and comfortable. The Rift is also designed to accommodate glasses. There are three straps, one on each side arm and one running over the top of the head. All three straps meet into a padded triangle on the back of the head. On each side arm adjustable on-ear headphones are mounted. Running on the left side the headset connects to your PC via a lengthy cable.
Sensors
Two sensors are included with this system. They are adjustable sleek black cylinders that are mounted on a nine-inch-tall stand. The system uses one sensor to track the headset and a second sensor for the touch controllers, both sensors work together to improve overall tracking. The headset sensor must be placed where it will have a clear view of the headset.
These sensors will only cover a limited play area and is designed to cover only 180 degrees so while front and side movements are picked up effortlessly, backwards movements are not picked up. It is recommended that extra sensors are purchased to help extend play area and give you a 360-degree area of motion.
The Rift offers another neat feature which protects the gamer from knocking into tables called The Guardian. This program allows you to trace the edge of your playing space. During play your walls stay invisible until you get into proximity at which point they pop into view so you won’t run into them.
Touch Controllers
The Rift Touch Controllers are a recent addition to the Rift package and were long awaited. Ergonomically designed to maximize your virtual experience, they feature a sphere-like design that cradle the hands. These sleek black controllers also feature motion tracking sensors along with several analog sticks and buttons. This technology produces cool features like pseudo-finger tracking, enabling you to give a thumbs up in the real world and the virtual world.
Compatibility & Installation
The Rift only works with PCs and requires an installed NVIDIA GTX 1050Ti/AMD Radeon RX 470(or greater) Graphics Card, three 3.0 USB ports, one 2.0 USB port, HDMI 1.3 output and 8GB of RAM free for installation. Oculus also recommends an Intel i5 4590 or better CPU. Unfortunately, not all PCs will be compatible with the Oculus Rift system, so you will want to download a Compatibility Checker from the Oculus website to double check your system.
The Oculus Rift + Touch System comes with the VR Headset, two Touch Controllers, two Sensors, Oculus Remote, 7 free games and cabling. You will have to install the software from the website, requiring you to be connected to the internet.
Video
This VR headset creates high-quality smooth video. It features a 2,160 x 1,200 OLED display that produces a 1080 by 1200 pictures for each eye. There are separate lenses for each eye and can be adjusted by a small lever on the right underside of the visor. While it will depend on the power of your computer, ultimately this headset gives you a wholly realistic experience.
Audio
There are included adjustable over-the-ear headphones attached to each side arm. They are comfortable and produce good sound quality. If you are looking to maximize your experience Oculus offers in-the-ear headphones in their online store.
The Rift has a built-in microphone in the headset.
Application
The Oculus Rift is compatible with VR games from the online Oculus Home website which is continually expanding. This headset is also compatible with Steam VR products as well. Applications like 3D Sculpting and 3D Painting bring you to a whole other level of virtual reality. These platforms are packed with lots of great VR games and experiences.
Conclusion
The Oculus Rift virtual reality headset may be on the pricier side of the headset market but it doesn’t disappoint. It’s hard to describe what it’s like to play in the virtual world, one must experience it for themselves. And whether you are a beginner or already a fan the Rift headset and Touch Controllers will bring you a level of immersion you didn’t think was possible.
PlayStation VR
· High quality 5.7” OLED 1080p screen running 120 frames per second
· 100 degree field of view
· Plug & Play compatibility
· 3D Audio Technology
· Compatible with over 100 PlayStation VR Games
· Comfortable design that’s completely adjustable
Get ready to step into the world of virtual reality gaming with the PlayStation VR headset. This VR headset will fully immerse you into one of its many PlayStation VR games like no other! Made by the world’s most popular gaming system, PlayStation, its high quality 5.7” OLED 1080p display will draw you into the virtual world as never before.
Design
The headset is designed superbly, completely adjustable, balanced and so comfortable you’ll forget it’s even there. With a minimalistic feel to it the PlayStation VR headset sports a palette of black and white paneling. Sony used a halo design with a single white matte strap that fits around your head and is adjustable. The strap has a thick and comfortable cushion, with a rubber finish, which successfully balances the headset’s weight on the top of your head. The screen is fully enclosed by a rubber flap that encircles the visor and blocks out the outside world, fully immersing you in the virtual world.
This VR headset comes with a pair of Sony headphones which connect directly into the headset. When it’s all said and done the PlayStation VR is elegantly designed and is comfortable, which is more that can be said about a lot of the other VR headsets on the market. This headset also accommodates those who wear glasses as well, an added feature that adds bonus points.
Compatibility & Installation
The VR headset works in conjunction with your PlayStation camera, VR Processor, PlayStation Move Controllers, PlayStation system and dual-shock controller, mapping your movements precisely and integrating you seamlessly into the virtual space. Seven blue front facing lights, and two rear facing lights, are mapped by your PlayStation camera.
The VR headset comes with a Processor unit that plugs into your system and assists with the 3D audio functions. It is a small black box that will be an addition to your shelf space and comes in at just under 6 inches. Unfortunately, the VR headset isn’t wireless, but connecting the VR headset couldn’t be easier. Just plug and play the Processor unit and headset, along with your camera, into your system and take off into the virtual world.
The PlayStation VR headset comes with the following components: VR headset, headphones, VR unit and cables. But, to be able to use the headset you will need the PlayStation camera, and to get the full experience you will want to purchase the Motion Controllers as well. There was a VR Launch bundle available for purchase on the market and is worth the purchase as it comes with the camera and motion controllers included.
Video
Video is smooth without any noticeable lag or stutter. This makes for a smooth virtual reality experience without nausea that can be all too common in virtual reality headsets. You can also include others in your experience as well with Social Screen TV, allowing others to view in 2D what you are experiencing in 3D. There are some games that also support online multiplayer gaming.
A common concern with VR headsets is that users may experience nausea and motion sickness during usage. The PlayStation VR headset features a 100 degree field of view with a 120Hz refresh rate and a latency less than 18ms which combines to make your virtual reality experience less nauseating than previous slower models.
This VR headset’s video is surprisingly crisp, but smooth and delivers a picture that will draw any gamer in. Whether the reality you are playing in calls for casual action or high intensity warfare this headset will not disappoint.
Audio
The PlayStation VR has revolutionary 3D sound technology which brings incredibly clear audio, allowing you to judge and pinpoint sound distance and placement. Sony also includes a pair of headphones with each headset to fully immerse the user.
Application
The PlayStation VR headset isn’t only for gaming either. The Cinematic mode allows you to view 2D content through the headset. You can watch video applications like Netflix, regular YouTube videos, 360 degree YouTube videos and to view 3D Blu-Ray titles as well.
Conclusion
Previously virtual reality headsets seemed to be the sole providence of the PC. Getting into the PC virtual world requires a high-quality headset that can make your wallet cry. But that has all changed with Sony’s addition of their VR headset to the market. Die hard Sony fans can now participate in virtual gaming with a quality headset as well.
While this VR headset isn’t the most expensive choice on the market, it is a nice headset with seamless integration into your PlayStation system. If you are a gaming system user instead of a PC gamer this headset will not disappoint.
HTC Vive – Virtual Reality System
· Largest play area on the market – 15 ft. x 15 ft.
· Intuitive wireless Motion Controllers
· 360 degree motion tracking
· Free games and free online content with purchase
Virtual Reality may be in its infancy, but the HTC Vive is more than capable of giving an unforgettable VR experience. The leader in the VR headset market, it is a fully immersive headset. People often say that it’s hard to describe what virtual reality is like, you just have to experience it for yourself; this statement is all too true. And the Vive is the king of the virtual reality jungle.
Design
Headset
The Vive headset is on the heavier side of the headset market, but it’s performance will outweigh the weight on your head. It has a large rounded visor in matte black with three straps, two on each of the side of the head and one running over the top of the head. The straps are adjustable and work well to keep the headset in place. There is a focal knob on the right side to adjust the focal length of the lens.
The visor is tracked by the Base Stations by many small divots all over the headset. There is also a front facing camera in middle of the front of the visor.
The headset is not wireless, but the three cables are bundled neatly into one 15 foot cable that runs from the top of the headset to a hub on the visor and then to the system. One cord will go to a USB 2.0 port, one to an open HDMI port and the last to the power outlet.
Sensors
HTC calls their sensors “Base Stations”. And unlike its rivals the Vive has two Base Stations dedicated to the headset alone, making for superior tracking. They are small, wireless black boxes that can be mounted. They are best placed on a wall or a high shelf for maximum performance. Make sure that you have the sensors close enough to an outlet, the cords are not very long.
The true gem of all the Vive’s features is the amount of play area it covers. Unrivaled with a tracking space of 15 x 15 feet, HTC comes in number one in this area. This headset also gives the user one to one tracking, an absolute need for precise tracking with a VR headset. This system also delivers 360 degree motion tracking, which no other VR headset on the market has been able to offer.
When you first receive your VR headset system you will want setup your sensors and use the Vive “chaperone mode” to map out your playing area and set play area. This is useful so that you don’t run into walls and furniture.
Motion Controllers
The Motion Controllers are versatile and with more tools than competitors as well. They may be larger than their competition but added capabilities make up for the size. Each controller has a clickable touchpad and several other buttons and intuitive interactions. The controllers have sensors placed throughout and deliver the best motion tracking on the market.
Compatibility & Installation
The Vive is only compatible with PCs and you will need a PC with an installed NVIDIA GTX 970/AMD R9 390 GPU(or greater) Graphics Card, and five power outlets. HTC also recommends an Intel i5 4590K or better CPU.
The HTC Vive System comes with the VR Headset, two wireless Motion Controllers, two Base Stations, a Bridge, cabling, power cords and three games(Job Simulator, Fantastic Contraption and The Lab). The setup program is simple and a breeze to get installed and ready for play.
Video
The Vive headset gives unparalleled video performance. It outputs a 2160 x 1200 OLED display that runs at 90Hz for each eye. While this number is lower than other headsets, it is running off a far more powerful GPU so a comparison isn’t even worth the time. This VR headset gives you a 110 degree frame a view, the best on the market. The result is a whole immersive virtual reality experience.
Audio
HTC allows you to choose the headphones you would like to use and doesn’t include a set in the system package. But, the headset does support all headphones, from cheap to expensive. This system does deliver directional audio if headphones aren’t being used.
Application
The HTC Vive has its own library of content to choose from in their online store called Viveport and three games are included with purchase. The Vive also runs off of SteamVR software, a powerful virtual reality gaming platform and content library by Valve. Valve’s content library, called The Lab, has over 1,500 titles(and that number goes up daily) to choose from.
In addition, HTC also includes free content in Viveport, including Viveport Subscription, Google’s Tilt Brush, Everest VR and Richie’s Plank with every purchase.
Conclusion
While there are a couple of drawbacks, like the heavy headset, the performance and all-around kick butt experience the Vive delivers far outweighs any concerns. It has top of the line technology to deliver a completely immersive 3D virtual reality experience. The VR gaming world is only growing and HTC has a firm grasp on what 3D gamers are looking for.
Samsung Gear VR w/Controller
· Wireless Motion Controller included
· Lightweight headset
· Easy setup and play
· 101-degree rotation
Getting setup for new adventures in the virtual reality world can be costly. You definitely want to experience the VR world, but not for an arm and a leg, right? Well the technology market has heard your cries of help and have responded with a product that combines cost efficiency with compatibility with the Samsung Gear VR. This VR headset gives you an entrance in the virtual world with ease.
Design
Headset
As for as VR headsets go, this headset is one of the lightest on the market. It is a smartphone shaped visor inn sleek matte black with three adjustable black straps. Two black straps run from each side of the head and one strap over the top of the head. There is plenty of cushion between you and the visor and it is one of the most comfortable VR headsets on the market today. Your Samsung phone fits easily into the front of the visor and secures with latches.
The headset may be a bit larger than its competitors but is worth it with added features like the adjustable dial on top that allows you to adjust the picture. The visor has a touchpad, home button, return button and volume control located on the right side of the visor. This enables the user to easily change applications and navigate.
The system comes with all the cords you will need to get connected to your phone easily. There is a multifunctional micro USB-C port that can keep your phone charged and is rumored to have more capabilities in the future. Samsung also includes a micro-USB connector for older phone capability.
Sensors
Motion Controllers
The real draw of this VR headset system is the new matching wireless motion controller. The VR headset, itself, was released in 2015 but without a controller. This left the VR community missing a vital part of the VR experience. With the release of the system with the controller it fulfilled a missing link.
Packaged compactly in a black streamlined design it reminds one of a small wand. It features a home button, volume control, a bottom trigger and a click pad. Located on the headset there is an elastic strap to store the remote when not in use. The motion controller tunes into your hand quite nicely and delivers good motion sensing. It runs on 2 AAA batteries, though, and, sadly, is not rechargeable. Samsung says that the batteries will power the controller for forty days. The controller easily connects to your phone, a tap on any of the button links the controller to your phone for pairing.
This motion controller works well and brings a whole new level to your Samsung VR experience that was missing before. There aren’t a whole ton of games to pick from that are fully controller enabled, but there are more being added all the time. On the whole the controller is responsive and was a sorely needed addition to the VR system.
Compatibility & Installation
In order to use this virtual reality system you will need to have a compatible Samsung smartphone. Following is a list of compatible devices:
· Galaxy Note 8
· Galaxy S8+
· Galaxy S8
· Galaxy S7
· Galaxy S7 Edge
· Galaxy S6
· Galaxy S6 Edge
· Galaxy S6 Edge+
· Galaxy Note 5
The Samsung VR system comes with the VR headset, top headband, mUSB device holder, Gear VR controller, controller strap and 2 AA batteries.
Video
Since this headset is a phone accessory it doesn’t have built-in screens like it’s higher end competition. Samsung Galaxy phones already feature 2,560 x 1,440 resolution displays in their phones, and the Galaxy S8 and S8+ feature 2,960 x 1,440 resolution displays. The headset has built-in 42mm lenses, which are adjustable, and supports 101-degree rotation.
Audio
The Samsung VR doesn’t come with headphones but does have a headphone jack on the headset so that you don’t have to try to plug it into your phone while the phone is within the headset. A bit of advice, though, it would be a good idea to invest and use wireless headphones to reduce cable clutter.
Application
This VR headset is compatible only with Samsung Gear VR applications. Gear VR is powered by Facebook owned Oculus. The Oculus library allows you to choose from over 600 games and is expanding every day. You will need to download the Oculus application to your smartphone to access their library of titles.
Conclusion
If you are looking for a mobile VR system than Samsung has hit the nail on the head with their VR headset. It has functionality and plenty of promise. The headset is constructed nicely and doesn’t disappoint. The added wireless motion controller adds to the VR experience and expands its capabilities. When it comes to affordability and ease the Samsung VR headset and controller are a great addition to the mobile VR market.
Beneve VR Headset,3D VR Glasses Virtual Reality Google Carboard
· Stand-alone wireless system
· 360-degree head tracking
· Free games and free online content
· Rechargeable, with 4 hours of battery life
The 3D world of virtual reality is the hottest new tech trend. Getting into the world of VR gaming can be expensive though and require a powerful computer, or smartphone to play. This VR headset, made by Beneve, breaks that mold and is an all-in-one stand-alone unit that doesn’t require any hookup to any other device. Running on an Android system, all you have to do is strap on the headset and go 3D!
Design
Headset
The headset is a sleek black and modern design with three black adjustable straps. Two straps run on each side of the head and one runs over the top of the head to meet in a triangle in the back. The straps are easy to adjust and the headset is comfortable and sits well on the head. It is not too heavy and can be worn for long periods of time.
On the top of the headset visor is a power button, several menu and option buttons for navigation. The volume buttons are also located on the top of the visor as well. On the bottom of the visor are the lens adjustment knobs and several ports for charging, audio, etc. The whole design is sleek and streamlined.
It features the ability to adjust pupil distance and expand the viewing angle and perfectly adjust the lenses for your eyes. The adjustment knobs are located on the bottom of the visor The lenses are 42mm optical resin.
The headset is powered by a rechargeable 7v lithium battery with a max life of four hours. The charging port is located on the bottom of the visor and charging cord is included.
Compatibility & Installation
This system is a fully contained system and there is no need for connection to any device. Other systems require a PC, smartphone or gaming system connection. This headset, however, runs on an Android 5.1 with a NIBIRU operating system. It has a running memory of 2GB and internal storage of 16GB. It’s like having it’s very own built in tablet in the headset itself.
This headset also features wifi, Bluetooth and additional 5mm 64GB TF storage card is supported for countless additional video storage space.
This VR headset system comes with the VR Headset, one 2A adaptor, one MICRO cable, headphones and a User Manual.
Video
This headset has an impressive 5.5” TFT display with a video resolution output of 1920 x 1080 pixels with a refresh rate of 72ntsc. These aren’t the most impressive numbers on the market but its affordability more than make up for the rate. The headset also gives a 101-degree field of view, not a bad number at all. This system also features 360 degree head-tracking, 9 axis sensor capabilities, gyroscope and earth inductor.
The system is able to process MPEG2, H.264, H.265, AVI, MP4 and more video file types.
Audio
This system includes earphones that can plug into the 3.5 mm audio jack located on the top of the visor. I would suggest purchasing a set of over-the-ear headphones that cancel as much outside noise as possible to try to immerse yourself more fully into what you are doing. Since you are running on an Android platform you should be able to use Bluetooth headphones as well, eliminating extra wires hanging around.
Application
This VR headset is compatible with most Android video games, NIBIRU 2D/3D app, Google Play, YouTube, other compatible third-party apps. You can connect via WiFi and Bluetooth to download countless games to the device itself.
Conclusion
This headset is a great addition to the VR headset market and its stand-alone design will appeal to a lot of people. The wireless freedom it offers appeals to those that don’t want a lot of setup and hassle. While it isn’t as powerful as the high-end PC headsets it holds its own against the competitors. There’s a wide range of titles and applications for download and the 360 panoramas and 3D movies were clear and entertaining. What makes this headset even more attractive is how affordable it is along with the quality. With the manufacturer offering a 30 day satisfaction guarantee, this virtual reality headset is definitely worth a try and would make a great gift.