Best VR Headsets of 2022
While virtual reality (VR) is still not a must-have for everyone, it can occasionally be surprisingly useful and fun.However, the hardware is currently undergoing change.The PlayStation VR 2, which costs $550 and requires a PlayStation 5, will be available for preorder on February 22.The Meta Quest Pro, which costs $1,500, and the Pico 4, which is not available in the United States, are two recent examples of new VR headsets.The Quest 3 and Apple’s rumored headset ought to arrive in 2023.Despite this, the Meta Quest 2, which is just two years old, is still by far the best option at the moment.Several of our favorite VR headsets are currently on sale in time for Black Friday:the HP Reverb G2 and the Quest 2.
The Quest 2, which used to cost $299 but is now back on sale for $350 in a limited Black Friday bundle, is an example of a VR headset that may be getting more expensive these days.Despite this, it still provides a wireless experience and access to a fantastic library of games like The Walking Dead and Resident Evil 4:Sinners and Saints.Additionally, it can be paired with a PC to play games like Half-Life:Alyx, or run an assortment of PC VR applications.Meta continuously adds new features to its software over time.
The Quest Pro might be something to look into if you work in VR/AR and want to learn more about next-generation face tracking or mixed reality. However, due to its high price, it won’t make sense for anyone else right now.Keep in mind that Meta will release the Quest 3 the following year at a price that is anticipated to be comparable to that of the Quest 2 and possibly with some features that are found on the Quest Pro.The Pico 4 gives a few traces of how the Mission 3 could be redesigned.)You might want to hold off on buying it or one of the other VR headsets that are coming soon.
Next year, Apple is expected to release a cutting-edge VR/AR headset that may also be extremely pricey.The PlayStation VR 2, which will be released by Sony in 2023 as well, will require a PlayStation 5, but it will come with fantastic new controllers and may feature exclusive games.Additionally, more experimental headsets with phone connectivity, such as the HTC Vive Flow, may begin to appear in the interim.
VR in 2022 remains an impressive but still limited proposition. Thanks to tremendous advancements in the visuals, tracking and overall performance of VR hardware, the best VR headset options have become more realistic and immersive. More advanced metaverse platforms and social worlds have given VR owners more to explore, too. Even so, VR still hasn’t become a necessary product for most people.
Gaming and fitness tend to be VR’s strongest applications.A standalone fitness headset like the Quest 2 is practically required to prevent wire tangles and ensure mobility.The Journey 2 likewise has a wellness tracker application and matches up with Apple Wellbeing.)
The Quest 2 is still the best VR headset right now, but more headsets are expected soon.
Scott Stein/CNET
Will you require a headset that is compatible with your phone?Qualcomm’s been gaining ground on a rush of VR and AR headsets that fitting directly into telephones, yet right now the product for these gadgets is a work underway.Devices must come up with awkward solutions because neither Google nor Apple really supports VR at a system level that is seamless for phones at this time.
In the event that you’re a PC gamer, a PC-associated VR headset actually offers the most flexible assortment of programming for a vivid VR experience, and furthermore allows you to utilize that headset for imaginative and business devices.Keep in mind that even a more powerful virtual reality system will likely still rely on external sensors and be largely tethered to a desktop or laptop.
What about gaming on a console?If you have a PlayStation 5, you’re better off waiting for the PSVR 2 than using the out-of-date PlayStation VR.
This list of the best VR headsets is updated frequently; however, prices are subject to change.
Good: Self-contained and wireless; great touch controllers; comfortable design for gaming; doubles as PC VR headset; plenty of apps
Bad: More expensive
Meta’s self-contained, two-year-old VR headset now costs $400 (or $500 for the version with more storage), a surprise price increase from $299 for the Quest 2.However, the Quest 2 is still the best and most adaptable VR headset available right now, despite its higher price.It’s also the cheapest because it doesn’t need a phone, PC, or gaming console.It’s an even better deal thanks to the limited Black Friday sale that includes two games.
The $1,500 Quest Pro offers upgrades on the display, controllers, and adds features like better mixed reality and eye/face tracking, but its value for everyday VR explorers isn’t worth the extreme cost. The Quest 2 remains the recommended pick until a Quest 3 arrives in 2023.
The base model’s 128GB of storage is plenty for storing dozens of games and apps, although keep in mind there’s no way to add more storage after purchase. Meta also now allows accounts to bypass Facebook logins, although a new Meta account is still required.
In terms of its fun and adaptability, The Quest 2 is comparable to the Nintendo Switch, and its library of surprisingly effective fitness apps is expanding.Using a single USB-C cable or wirelessly, The Quest 2 can also connect to a PC to run more advanced applications from Steam or Meta’s own app library.
You’re getting cost cautions for Meta Mission 2 Occupant Fiendish 4 group with Beat Saber 128 GB — High level Across the board Augmented Experience Headset
HP
Good: Really sharp high-res display, great audio, comfortable design
Bad: Mediocre controllers
The HP Reverb G2 comes out on top when it comes to consumer VR headset image quality.It’s probably the best option for serious gamers or VR racing sim fans.The best at this price point are the 2,160×2,160 resolution per eye and the 114-degree field of view. The lightweight and comfortable headset also has great dropdown speakers designed by Valve.Technically, it is a mixed reality headset for Microsoft Windows that prefers to launch into Microsoft’s native Windows 10 VR ecosystem. However, it also works with Steam VR and other games and apps.While the Valve Index’s external base stations are easier to set up, built-in camera-based room tracking is more susceptible to tracking errors.Compared to the Quest 2 controllers or the Valve Index controllers, the included controllers, which are based on Microsoft’s VR controller design, feel clunky.Also, the only audio option is the over-ear speakers;There is no jack for headphones.
It typically lists for $599, but it’s often been on sale for less.
Read our HP Reverb G2 review.
Sarah Tew/CNET
Good: Futuristic controllers; high-quality headset; works with Vive hardware
Bad: Expensive; requires room setup and tethering cable
Even though Valve’s headset isn’t as cutting-edge as it was when it first came out in 2020, it still has fancy controllers, excellent audio, and compatibility with Steam VR and Vive hardware.The “knuckle” controllers from Valve can track all five fingers and are pressure-sensitive, resembling gloves.Although Valve’s hardware is mix-and-match compatible with the HTC Vive, which is also built on the Steam VR platform, not all applications make the most of them.The Index headset has sharp, wide-angle displays and excellent audio.
The Index works with external “lighthouse” boxes similar to the HTC Vive, meaning you need to set those up in a room first. It’s not as self-contained as the Quest 2 or HP Reverb G2, which can track the room with in-headset cameras. It’s also definitely not wireless, but if you already have some older HTC Vive hardware, you could add on parts of the Index to mix and match.
Read our Valve Index review.
Sarah Tew/CNET
Good: Plenty of games; lower price; works with many PS4 controllers like the DualShock and Move
Bad: Resolution isn’t cutting-edge; Sony hasn’t yet made great VR controllers that match the competition, but the PSVR 2 will bring plenty of upgrades
Sony’s 6-year-old PSVR headset is still the only head-mounted display for gaming consoles, and it still offers a surprisingly immersive experience. But with the PSVR 2 coming next year, if you have a PS5 you should absolutely wait. The PS5 works with the old PSVR, but it’s clunky and requires a breakout box full of wires to connect. It also needs outdated PlayStation Move controllers for some games, or your old PS4 controllers and camera, plus a camera adapter, to work.
The cost of the PSVR 2 could be more expensive, but its improved display, eye tracking, realistic haptic feedback, far easier setup and brand-new controllers mean you’d be silly not to wait.
Playing PSVR on a PS4 still holds up, although it’s so clunky to plug in that it may not be worth the effort anymore. It’s a shame, because there are many excellent virtual reality games, many of them exclusives (a few are listed here), and the PSVR 2 won’t support them all at launch. Note that this PlayStation VR headset is increasingly hard to get, and that may continue as Sony pivots to PSVR 2.
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VR FAQs
Should I wait to buy a VR headset?
It is a good idea.With PlayStation VR 2 and Apple’s mysterious device expected next year, as well as a possible Quest 3, numerous devices that are superior to what is available in 2022 may be on the horizon.Companies are striving for smaller and more adaptable VR products that can be connected to phones and other mobile devices.To avoid investing in outdated equipment, it is probably best to spend as little money as possible.The Journey 2 is as yet the best worth and most complete headset even at its more exorbitant cost, however as the Pico 4 shows, rivalry is probably going to increment.What should I look for in a VR headset?
It depends, really, on whether you’re connecting to a PC or not… and whether you plan to do work with it. There are plenty of Windows-compatible headsets, but they vary in display resolution. Higher is better, and so is a larger field of view. Headsets can refresh at up to 120Hz now, and the faster they can refresh, the more natural and smooth VR movement feels. Most PC VR headsets have similar controller designs, and can bridge to work tools and apps. For portability or stand-alone comfort, the Quest 2 doesn’t have any competition right now. For gamers with a game console, the PlayStation VR is the only option, but you’ll probably want to wait for the PSVR 2 if you have a PS5. Also, consider the app libraries: The Quest has a lot of exclusive games, Windows-connected headsets have lots of compatibility with work apps and experimental tools, and Sony’s PlayStation library has unique VR games, too.
Do any of these headsets work with phones?
How do I care for my VR headset?
The old universe of telephone based VR headsets – – like the Samsung Stuff VR and Google Dream – – are fundamentally dead.Even with the older mobile VR goggles, many of the current iPhone, Android, and VR app options are incompatible.The Quest 2 has a phone app that can stream content for parents to watch, can receive notifications from phones, and can sync some health data for workouts. However, it is still not fully integrated with phones.In the event that cell phone based VR returns, it will more probable be as little headsets that fitting into telephones through USB-C for VR content, VR gaming and different purposes.
VR headsets can accumulate dirt and dust.Use extra caution when cleaning the lenses, which should be cleaned gently with microfiber cloths in the same way that you would clean your glasses (never use liquids).Purchase a silicone cover to shield the face plate from dirt and sweat, or look for additional face covers to replace over time.Covering your headset when not in use is a very good idea.Take additional consideration not to uncover your VR headset to brilliant daylight:Beams from the sun can damage VR displays if they hit the headset’s lenses.I keep mine in cases or turn the lenses away from windows to keep myself safe.)
