Back in the ‘90s, virtual reality (VR) could mean anything from a 3D model on a computer screen to a full ‘Lawnmower Man’ simulation system. Today, it’s a whole new phenomenon, you need to know vr headset buying guide you need to read

You want a part of the carnival, and you need the perfect VR headset, while keeping money in the pocket for your Wi-Fi subscription. We bring insights for buying the best VR Headset and VR glasses.

Our team of experts tested all the major brands of VR headset for PC, smartphones, and PS4 for features and usability. We tell you the secrets for buying the perfect virtual reality headset and bring you our editor’s review on our top-5 contenders for the best VR headset. 

Before Buying A VR Headset

Versatile sensors, tack-sharp displays, and powerful processors are what you should look for in a good VR headset. But, there’s so much more than the hardware specifications than what meets the eyes.

Is VR Headset Bad for Your Eyes?

Well theoretically, no! VR headsets are designed to allow your eyes to focus on an imaginary horizon. VR is a relatively new technology and the long-term health implications are yet to be known and proven.

Having been said that, some users have complained about minor eye strain and headaches after long use. But again, the cause is yet to be proven. Nonetheless, we recommend you limit the use of VR headsets for a maximum of two hours.

What Factors to Consider Before Buying?

Design

You can pick from cheap, mid-range, and high-end design depending on how much value you place on the design.

La bon mot: Design of a headset defines interactivity, 360-degree viewing, and comfort. So it should be treated as a defining factor.

Up-front Cost

Up-front cost is the amount that a headset is available for. A lot of headsets come at promotional prices like $30-$50, so if you’re just willing to try a VR headset first, don’t go for costly ones.

Space Needs

Sit on your spinner chair, or dance around the house with the VR headset, always have the space needs in your mind.

Controllers

Most VR headsets are nothing but a box with a strap that has viewing-lenses, and probably a controller button.

But you should look for features like ‘depth-immersive selection’ that selects and clicks an option if you stare at it for two seconds or more.

Availability

It’s just not the availability of the device that fluctuates the price of the headset, but the availability of the applications for the headset too. You recently bought a high-end headset and can’t find compatible apps?! Well, that’s one situation we don’t want you to be in.

Editor’s Recommendations

Without further ado, let’s get down to the ‘business-half’ of the article. We bring you the top-5 recommended VR headsets for PlayStation 4 and PC, as reviewed by our experts.

1- Google Cardboard

The beginner’s VR experience, that was designed to be exactly that. Google Cardboard is as cheap as it can ever get and works well on both platforms- Android & iOS. All you have to do is install the Cardboard application and expand your VR library after you get the hang of it.

USPs

• Extremely cheap, as low as $15 or for free at times.
• Can be made from cardboard, for e.g. they’re made from happy meal boxes in Sweden.
• Most of the content is 360-degrees.
• Ease of handling and portability as they’re made from cardboards.

Suitable For

• People looking to get the hang of VR headsets.
• Enthusiasts who wouldn’t spend much money on gadgets for trial.
• For people who are absolute beginners to VR.

What Made Us Pick This?

It’s either a go, or a no-go! Even though the VR platform is impressive, the gadget doesn’t do complete justice to it. So, this is why we chose this: it’s an extremely cheap, effective, and exciting concept that is made mostly from recyclable materials.

2- Oculus Rift

The ‘grand-daddy’ of modern VR craze is the brand Oculus. The Oculus Rift VR headset comes with a big name and reputation that barely lets you down. The amazing double HD display with 1080×1200 pixels at 90Hz for both eyes is what strikes out the most.

USPs

• High-end gyroscope, accelerometer, and IR sensors for head tracking.
• Compatible with Nvidia GeForce GTX 970 for high-resolution.
• With an amazing set of features, it gives a user value for their money with a cost of $599.
• Immersed VR experience with Rift’s large library.

Suitable For

• People looking for mid-range options for VR headsets.
• Power users & casual users looking to trade power and ease of use.
• Amateur users, unsure of the sort of VR experience they’re looking for.

What Made Us Pick This?

Despite complaints regarding the high hardware specifications required, uncomfortable wear, and bent frame due to prolonged usage, Oculus Rift is our best choice for a mid-range VR headset as it gives you the best immersed VR experience that $599 could buy.

3- HTC Vive Pro

With an improved refresh rate of 90Hz, and resolution of 1440×1600, HTC Vive Pro may seem to topple Rift. The gyroscope, accelerometer, and the head tracker with IR sensor make it an ideal VR gear, but the lack of a built-in soft microphone, just stings your mind. 

USPs

• Aspect ratio of 9:5 making the field view taller and producing more encompassing image.
• Fits comfortably over the glasses due to the adjustable straps & built-in foam inserts.
• Launches with fully working motion controllers unlike in Oculus Rift.
• Two infrared (IR) cameras to map your position in the room.

Suitable For

• Anyone with a powerful PC willing to spend an arm and a leg.
• Full-time gamers and twitch streamers looking for high-end devices.
• Game enthusiasts looking for a real-life VR experience.

What Made Us Pick This?

The graphics look cleaner and sharper due to the increased resolution and refresh rate. The price may draw a few customers out of line, but those who have money to spare can’t get a headset better than this.

4- Merge VR Headset

Designed as a starter VR headset to work with smartphones, Merge VR is specially made for iPhones and similar smartphones. The resolution and the refresh rate depend on the phone that you use. Merge VR headset is also moderately priced at $39.99.

USPs

• Built out of foam for extra comfort and prolong usage.
• A camera slot for augmented reality (AR) functionality.
• Great for households with a variety of smartphones or phone models.
• Lasting phone-battery due to compatibility.

Suitable For

• Probably the best for iPhone users as it just fits right in the system.
• People looking to use VR for their smartphone for gaming or movies.
• Users looking for cheaper, affordable apps on a standard VR platform.

What Made Us Pick This?

Decent price and durable quality make it a top-pick. The compatibility with different varieties or models of smartphone is exactly what most users are looking for, and Merge VR stands out with 96-degree field of view, gripping features, water-resistant body, and durable quality.

5- PlayStation VR

If you already have a Sony PlayStation4 or other similar versions, then this is arguably the best PS4 VR headset. It just hooks up to a console unlike all the other headsets and there’s no need to upgrade. Just plug-in and play.

USPs

• Impressive resolution of 960×1080 pixels in each eye with a refresh rate of 120 Hz.
• Utilizes the move controllers and camera to perfection to track movements.
• A great library of amazing games for all types of users.
• Less pricey, and made for the regular gamers.

Suitable For

• People who already own a PlayStation and want to immerse themselves in VR gaming.
• Casual users looking to spend lesser money on high-end gadgets.
• Gamers looking to play from a hearty line-up of games like Resident Evil 7. 

What Made Us Pick This?

Casual users who don’t worry about specifications, computer parts, or the numbers would benefit the most. This device sure makes you spend more time on your gaming console than a PC.

Before We Leave

If you’re slim on cash, you could always opt for Google Cardboard, or similar products like Samsung Gear VR. If you’re looking for high-end gaming and are planning to stream on twitch, then there’s nothing better than HTC Vive Pro, Oculus Rift, and Oculus Crest.

Know the new concept of OSVR (Open Source Virtual Reality), a concept that emphasizes on a platform that is hardware agnostic. Or as a layman would call it, a universal, and platform independent VR program that runs on all type devices with different specifications.