VR headsets provide an exceptional immersive experience. There is no possibility of emulating that with a screen, no matter how large it is.
The latest VR based games like Bone works seem so real through a good quality VR headset that you will find yourself flinching as the bullets whiz past your face.
The question we get asked most often is, which are The Best VR Headsets to Buy For 2020? They are quite an expensive gaming accessory, unlike a joystick or gaming keyboard.
To help you with your decision, we have created a curated list of best VR headsets 2020.
Best VR Headsets to buy in 2020
Valve Index
The Valve Index is, in one word, stunning. The crisp and clear display gives you an experience, unlike anything any other VR headset can deliver. If you want to buy a VR headset that beats every other one on the user experience, look no further.
The field of view is 130°, and there is good image persistence as you move your head. This ensures that the scene is continuous, without any sudden change.
This headset has a pair of revolutionary motion trackers. You slide the pair on your fingers, and it gives the device 87-point feedback about how your hands are positioned.
In brief, the experience is in a different paradigm compared to the gamepad based headsets. The use of haptic feedback gives you a solid feel from every round that you fire.
At $999, it is the most expensive on the market. Also, at the moment, only about 20 titles are compatible with its next-gen features.
Oculus Quest
Oculus Quest is the benchmark against which other VR headsets should measure themselves. At around $400 it is mid-priced and bulky.
Under the hood, you find a Snapdragon 835 and 4 GB of RAM. Each lens has a 1440 x 1600 resolution, enough for detailed images. There are four motion sensors embedded in the headset that allows the device to track your position.
You can see up and down and to four sides. This is known as six-degree tracking and till now Oculus does it best.
The game controllers have nice cushioned grips with embedded buttons. You have to configure what Oculus calls The Guardian to stay inside your game area and not bump into any furniture. We played Thumper for hours and it was a completely exhilarating experience.
Playstation VR
At $280, the Playstation VR is really affordable and looks to be the most popular in the market. It is the most exceptional gaming console-based VR headset and has been designed to work with PlayStation 4.
The relatively low cost does not mean it is a laggard in performance. Well, it is not as crisp as the Oculus Rift, but it is also not as expensive as the Best VR headset for gaming, the Valve Index.
The 1080 x 920 OLED display is bright. The value proposition of Playstation VR is that you do not need a high-end gaming computer and have the choice of a wide range of PS titles to choose from.
We played Doom VFR and Arkham and were suitably impressed by the smooth 3D rendering. Much credit, of course, goes to the PS4 and its massive number of processors, but Sony has been able to harness an older console with a really promising accessory.
The Playstation VR 2 will be released in the next quarter with the PlayStation 5 if rumours are to be believed.
Oculus Rift S
The Oculus Rift S has patented technology that uses infrared sensors to track your position. The lens has an impressive 2060 x 1200 resolution for a clear image display.
Inside the headset, there are gyroscopes, multiple proximity sensors, and accelerometers that allow it to understand your location and action precisely. You can use Xbox One game controllers to enhance your playing experience. If you are in the market to Buy VR headset, this would probably be the most optimal choice.
Of course, since it is a gaming computer-based device, you do need a graphics card such as Nvidia GTX 970.
You also need the latest i5 processor and 8 GB RAM. It needs 64 bit OS to function and can’t work with 32 bit Windows.
The sole problem with Rift S is that you are tethered by an HDMI cable. For $400, you get the Insight navigation, which allows you to move freely and view through five cameras.
Those who own a gaming laptop are obviously better off since they can tuck it into a backpack and move without the HDMI cable getting in the way and tripping you up.
Samsung Gear VR
With 5 million units sold, the Samsung Gear VR is the most well known VR Headset available. Constant improvements have kept the platform buzzing.
Like Google Daydream, it is available at widely varying prices, and we purchased ours at $109.
The headset has a USB-C type port that allows you to connect it to a Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S10. The remote control and touchpad is robust and fits snugly in your palm.
The great thing about this headset is that it is the lightest among all VR headsets. With standalone VR, you get quite a crick in your neck after 30 minutes, but not so with this one.
It also allows you to breathe quite easily and believe it or not, that is a noteworthy factor when 1.2 lbs of gear rest on the bridge of your nose.
The controllers use AAA batteries and are very sensitive to movement. There is no lag or distortion at all as you play or watch a video.
Conclusion
The Oculus Quest appeared to be the Best VR headsets for gaming. It is not very expensive but is standalone and does not need a cable. The design is compact and comfortable to wear.
The ergonomics are great, and the eyes are not strained at all. Since no external sensors are needed, you have a lot of freedom to move about and extend your limbs.
If you don’t want all of the complexities of Oculus, then go with the new version of Samsung Gear VR. It is less expensive and works just fine on your latest phone.
