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The field of virtual reality has become quite competitive. With multiple systems on the market, consumers can have a difficult time separating the great buys from the also-rans. Fortunately, there are ten superb systems that will fulfill the needs of discerning consumers. The best VR systems on the list are ranked according their features and usability. Depending on your device and purpose, you will find the best VR headset for playing games or watching movies, compatible with iPhone, Android or PC. The options are for all budgets, from cheap to high-end.
Top 5 VR Headsets
| Product name | Type of Headset | Resolution | Field of View | Platform | Controller | Amazon Rating | Our Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oculus Rift | Tethered | 1080×1200 | 110° | PC | Oculus Touch | 4.5/ 5 stars | 5/ 5 stars |
| HTC Vive | Tethered | 980×1200 | 110° | PC | XBOX One, 2 Wireless Controllers | 4.5/ 5 stars | 5/ 5 stars |
| Playstation VR | Tethered | 1080×1200 | 100° | Playstation 4 | PS Move, Dualshock 4 | 4.5/ 5 stars | 4.5/ 5 stars |
| Samsung Gear VR | Mobile | 1440×2960 (new phones) | 101° | Galaxy Note 5 series | Touch Controller | 4/ 5 stars | 4.5/ 5 stars |
| Google Daydream | Mobile | Depends on Phone | 90° | iOS, Android | Bluetooth Controller | 4/ 5 stars | 4/ 5 stars |
10. VisionCast VR
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A low-cost VR option, the VisionCast is the first choice of those who are just dipping their toes into VR. With an efficient set-up and an easy to use remote, the system provides a sufficient amount of entertainment for the price. This VR headset is compatible with Android phones and iPhone 6/6s/7/Plus/5/5c/5s. There have been some complaints about the quality of the build, but most users are satisfied enough with the VisionCast. They also use it as a stepping stone to more robust VR experiences. If there is a down side, it is that once you get used to using a VisionCast with the remote, it will be hard to step down to an inferior product.
9. Skyro VR
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A solid mobile VR experience, the Skyro VR headset is a budget model that works with most smartphones (4-6 inch) and Android phones. While the VR experience is certainly limited by the phone owned by the user, the headset is well designed and reasonably comfortable. It loses a few points for not being usable with glasses, but makes up ground by having a well-designed controller. It is a good entry-level VR experience – perhaps not the most special in the world, but definitely solid. The bluetooth controller definitely helps this product to establish itself as one of the best VR systems.
8. VR Empire 3D
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This is a well-constructed product for those who aren’t quite sure they they’re ready to take the plunge into more expensive VR setups. The VR Empire 3D headset is a good example of how a controller makes VR a better experience. Without the controller, this headset is a very typical phone-based VR experience – a few good apps, but nothing special. When you add the controller, though, true immersion is possible. By adding something more compelling than head tilt controls, this device becomes a contender for one of the best VR systems for beginners. This VR headset is compatible with 4.0-6.2 inch smartphones.
7. VR Real Feel
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Sometimes, a VR headset is really brought to life with its controller. VR Real Feel comes equipped with a spectacular racing wheel, making it the best VR headset for racing games. VR Real Feel stands out specifically because it allows players to play racing games. They can be played as they were meant to, rather than through tilting one’s head. This not only makes the controls far more responsive. However, it can also cut down on some of the motion sickness that comes with VR racing. Definitely a strong contender for best in class when it comes to a very specific type of game play, this VR device is compatible with iOS iPhones and Android phones.
6. BlitzWolf VR
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BlitzWolf’s VR headset stands out because of its ergonomic design. Lightweight and easy to take on and off, it’s one of the best VR headsets for watching movies or playing longer games. The device is compatible with 4.7-6 inch screen phones (iPhone 6/7/Plus, Samsung/Android). Some users have expressed concern that the light weight makes the unit more prone to breakage, and there are certainly some issues with specific phones, but nothing out of the ordinary. The controller is a nice selling point, as it more closely resembles a gaming controller than the average Bluetooth VR controller. Definitely a good fit for gamers.
5. Google Daydream
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The Google Daydream is one of the best constructed lower-end devices. It takes the Google Cardboard philosophy and upgrades it slightly, with a Daydream environment that really helps sell the idea of VR. Unfortunately, the device does not work with Apple phones or some larger Android phones, severely cutting down the number of potential users for the device. With that said, it is still one of the best mobile VR devices on the market. If you’ve played around with a Cardboard headset before, this a logical next step up.
Read full review: Google VR Headset: Daydream View
4. Samsung Gear VR
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One of the best VR systems on the market, the Samsung Gear VR has a special design to work with Samsung phones. This is both a selling point and a point of detraction for the device, as it severely limits the number of potential devices. With that said, it works spectacularly well when in use with Samsung phones. A comfortable and easy to use experience, it is as close to a tethered VR experience that one can get with a mobile VR unit. Samsung’s continued support of Gear makes it a strong contender for best mobile VR unit. Due to the new social features, the Samsung Gear VR can be considered one of the best VR systems for playing games or watching movies together.
Read full review: Samsung VR Headset
3. Playstation VR
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The Playstation VR provides a rather unique VR experience. While it is a system with tethering, it does not require the user to purchase an expensive gaming PC. Instead, players can use it with a Playstation 4, which tends to run under four hundred dollars even at its highest price. This allows for a robust VR experience, albeit one that is not quite as realistic as what one gets with some of the more powerful devices. The system is, however, a particularly immersive experience if one uses the Playstation Move controllers. The Playstation VR was designed for gamers, and is one of the best VR systems for games.
Read full review: Sony PlayStation VR Headset
2. HTC Vive
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The HTC Vive is virtual reality as most imagine it to be. A tethered experience that requires an expensive gaming PC, it is as realistic as it gets, and definitely deserves to be counted among the best VR systems. While it doesn’t have access to every VR title out there, it has one of the more impressive libraries of fully featured games currently on the market. The only real downside to this machine is that it is by far the most expensive VR systems on the market, running around eight hundred dollars with very infrequent price reductions. The HTC Vive is also one of the best VR headsets for PC.
Read full review: HTC VR Headset
1. Oculus Rift
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The Oculus Rift may not be the undisputed king of VR, but it is the most recognizable name in that space. With the highest level of promotion and a robust library, it is the go-to word for VR and chief among the best VR systems. It is a device we recommend for VR enthusiasts who have access to a strong gaming PC. The system comes with the Oculus Touch controllers and two sensors, for precise, low-latency tracking. It offers one of the best experiences on the market, and is also easy to set up.
Read full review: Oculus Rift Headset
Conclusion
The Virtual Reality market is growing and new devices are coming out quickly. While most devices above are the best VR systems for certain purposes (games, movies, interacting), Oculus Rift is the best VR system. Although it may require a gaming PC to use, its usability and advanced features make it a cut above others.
Did you use one of these devices? If so, be sure to let us know.
