10 Best Virtual Reality Headsets


best virtual reality headset

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The idea of virtual reality has existed for a while. However, the tech space recently broke through some of the long-standing barriers. People now have the power to experience lifelike virtual environments. That said, we have reviewed the best virtual reality headsets based on usability, performance and overall user experience for you to choose and use. So, read on to find your next best virtual reality headset for iPhone, Android or PC.

Top 5 Best Virtual Reality Headsets

Below you can get an overview of the 5 best VR headsets that stood up from the crowd, and impressed users the most with their features.

Product Summary Type of Headset Resolution Field of View Platform Controller Amazon Rating Our Rating
Oculus Rift Tethered 2160 x 1200 110 degrees Oculus Home Oculus Touch, X-Box One 3.8/5 3.8
HTC Vive Tethered 2160 x 1200 110 degrees Steam VR, VivePort Vive Controller 4.5/5 4.5
Sony PlayStation VR Headset Tethered 960 x 1080 100 degrees PlayStation 4 DualShock 4, PS Move 4.5/5 4.5
Samsung Gear VR mUSB connected VR gear 1440 x 1280 101 degrees Samsung Smartphone On-gear commands 4.2/5 4.2
Google Daydream View Sensors detecting VR gear Depends on the mobile phone’s resolution Unspecified – approx. 90° Android 7.1 Nougat Wireless Remote Control 3.5/5 4

10. KAMLE VR Headset

KAMLE VR Headset

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These VR headsets are designed to deliver an immersive gaming or movie virtual reality experience to your iPhone, Android, or Windows mobile device. It features 360-degree surround sound, soundproofing and high-fidelity sound quality (Hi-Fi) headphones. The pupil distance and focal distance are adjustable, while the soft sponge edge helps improve comfort. The design is quite practical what with all of the above combined with HD optical resin lenses, and  8-layer nanocoating. Due to the affordable price and its outstanding features, the KAMLE headset is the best virtual reality headset for iPhone, including iPhone 7.

9. ETVR 3D VR Headset with Remote Controller

ETVR 3D VR Headset with Remote Controller

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The ETVR 3D features fully immersive virtual reality headsets have a 120° viewing angle for regular large-screen smartphones. The innovative design includes adjustable straps, and a deepened nasal bridge portion for a comfortable fit. This makes the ETVR 3D ideal for 3D movies on the go. Also included with the purchase is a Bluetooth remote controller for convenience.

They are compatible with several smartphones, such as Samsung S5/6/7 and iPhone 7/6/6S Plus. The 120° field of view works wonders for smartphones with 4.5 and 6.2″-wide screens. Other notable features are the high definition optic lenses and the fact that they’re super comfortable to wear. The ETVR is the best virtual reality headset for movies and games at an inexpensive price.

8. IncrediSonic VR Headset with Remote Control

IncrediSonic VR Headset with Remote Control

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This virtual reality headset offers virtual reality immersion in seconds and 3D comfort. These virtual reality headsets come with a 5-year Manufacturer’s Warranty as well as a VR Bluetooth remote control. The remote control is battery-powered, so remember to have some AAAs near you. They are compatible with Windows and Mac devices, allowing you to use as a selfie shutter controller and video gamer. It is the best virtual reality headset under 50 dollars, suitable for beginners.

7. Merge Virtual Reality Headphones

Merge Virtual Reality Headphones

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With several awards, it is easy to see why Merge VR Headphones are a favorite for many. These VR headsets were named an Expert Pick in Consumer Reports, Taste Awards 2017 Honoree, and winner of the Academic’s Choice Awards. This model is tested for and approved for kids above 10 years, hence why CNN named it Best VR Headsets for Big Kids and Tweens.

It’s not as comfortable as Gear VR, for example, but it is still wearable. Its design is purple, and has a very nice touch. The dual input buttons are compatible with the most recent Android and iPhone smartphones from 123mm to 158mm in size. Some of the recommended devices include the HTC M8, iPhone 6, LG G4 as well as Galaxy S5 and their newer models. With these VR headsets, there is always something to watch, explore, play or experience. Unlike the bigger models (Oculus & co.), this one has a smaller library of apps & games. Be sure to test them out beforehand. These VR goggles rank in our top as the best virtual reality headset for kids.

6. Sytros VR Headset

Sytros VR Headset

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This premium VR headset from Sytros is designed to provide a full immersion gaming experience from your Android or iPhone smartphone. They come with high-quality lenses that have a wide viewing angle. You can easily adjust the focal distance and pupil distance for a more personalized experience. The frame is lightweight, with comfortable foam that provides a snug fit. The VR headsets are equipped with an external magnetic button that eliminates the need for a remote when pausing and interacting with support VR apps. Due to its wide compatibility (iPhone 4 to 7 Plus), it is the best virtual reality headset for Apple iPhones.

5. Google Daydream View

Google Daydream View

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First revealed at I/O 2016, Google Daydream View is 30% lighter than other mobile headsets. While it is compatible with only a few handsets, we expect more of smartphone-ready Daydream in 2017. With the intuitive handheld controller and an impressive batch of launch apps, Google’s Daydream is one of the best places to look for a dazzling VR mobile gaming and movie experience.

There is only one complaint; that the light bleed effect could be lesser. While it is true that the light bleed effect can be troublesome, the comfort problem is not actually that acute as is the case with other headsets. Google Daydream View is the best virtual reality headset for a complete VR experience: apps, games, concerts, movies.

4. Samsung Gear VR

Samsung Gear VR

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The 2016 edition of the Samsung Gear VR came with notable improvements in comparison to its predecessor. The viewing angle has been increased to 101 degrees from 96 degrees, while the tint is darker, so as to reduce reflections and glare. However, the visual experience mostly depends on which Samsung handset you use. The price isn’t all that high. And the virtual reality headsets are compatible with Note 5, Galaxy S7, S6, S7 Edge, S6 Edge and S6 Edge+.

Other notable features include an easy-to-use touch pad, gyrometer, accelerometer, low latency, precise head tracking, as well as mount/unmount detection. The Samsung Gear VR comes at an affordable price, and it is the best virtual reality headset for Samsung.

3. Sony PlayStation VR Headset

Sony PlayStation VR Headset

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Rather than a complete VR system, these headsets from Sony are an accessory for the PS4 and PS Pro consoles. This makes this VR headset costlier than most virtual reality headsets on this list. While the Sony PlayStation VR headset utilizes the same technology as others, it is important to note that the screen resolution is slightly lower than what you’d find on the Oculus Rift and HTC Vive.

It uses the regular PlayStation Move motion controls, or PS4 controller, in combination with the PlayStation camera to deliver the ultimate VR experience. Being an accessory to an existing platform, these virtual reality headsets remove plenty of barriers in order to deliver an immersive gaming experience to your existing console. Sony is in our top as the best virtual reality headset for gaming.

2. HTC Vive

HTC Vive

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What makes HTC Vive different from other virtual reality headsets is that it allows you to walk around the room. Base station sensors, that can be either mounted on the walls or not, allow these headsets to map your physical location and integrate it into the virtual world. It presents sleek visuals to your eyes but one has to wear separate headphones so as to complete the experience.

Also mapped into the virtual reality world is the location of the Vive hand controllers, hence allowing for plenty of versatility in terms of interactivity and immersion. The only downside is that installing the HTC Vive is a little tricky. One of the best VR headsets, HTC Vive is clearly a favorite of many gamers.

1. Oculus Rift

Oculus Rift

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Developed by Palmer Luckey, funded by Kickstarter and purchased by Facebook for $2 billion, the Oculus Rift is something to reckon with. It plugs into your computer’s USB and DVI ports then it tracks your head movements. 3D imagery, drawn from your head movement, is provided on the stereo screens. It works at 233 million megapixels per second with a resolution of 2160 x 1200 and a refresh rate of 90Hz.

These virtual reality headsets are high tech stuff, and their controllers came towards the end of 2016. The integrated audio system is specially designed to enhance your VR experience and has removable arms so that you can use your own headphones. The Oculus Rift headset is the best virtual reality headset for PC.

Conclusion

If you are in the market for quality virtual reality headsets, the ones reviewed above are a good place to start. The Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, and Sony PlayStation virtual reality headsets offer a true virtual immersion, on either gaming console or PC. While the Google Daydream View or Samsung Gear virtual headsets offer a very pleasant, impressive even VR experience on mobile phones. However, the Gear VR is restricted only to the Samsung smartphones.

Which device is the best virtual reality headset in your opinion? Do you have questions or a personal experience which you’d like to share with us?  Leave us your comments in the section below!

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