The headset itself could be a page in history.
I love games, but one thing I haven't gotten around to yet is VR. I would like to try the real thing before purchasing, such as the feeling of wearing the headset and the tracking function, which was like a bridge to the future that was unthinkable before, but in today's world, it is not possible to try it at a store. So, this time, we will introduce the "best VR goggles / headsets" carefully selected by the review site Wirecutter, so please check out the latest information on the latest gadgets.
Virtual reality (VR) is a new technology that allows you to step into a virtual world full of dreams and charms. It may not be a gadget that appeals to everyone, but it is the ultimate entertainment item that allows you to experience the world of games and movies more realistically.
After testing various headsets on Wirecutter and carefully selecting them, we decided that Meta (formerly Oculus) Quest 2 was the VR headset that satisfied the most users! It's a recommended device that is easy to use and allows you to enjoy a variety of games and experiences. The manufacturer Oculus is now under the umbrella of Meta, the brand name has changed from Oculus to Meta, and a Facebook account is required to use Quest 2.
The best standalone VR headset. It boasts a cord-free design and convincing hand-tracking features.
Pursuing the best specs with a VR headset can cost you 100,000 yen. But what matters most is comfort and ease of use. There, the Meta Quest 2 is the clear winner, with its cordless usability and decent specs. If you connect to a PC, the usage will be further expanded.
The controller is intuitive and easy to hold, and it tracks well as you move around the room. Setup isn't too difficult either. The Meta Quest store and Steam VR library offer a wide range of content that you can download to enjoy a wealth of gaming, movie and other experiences.
Powerful headset for PC users. Display overwhelms competitors. Requires a high-end PC to get the most out of it
Controller VR controller "Valve Index" loved by many people. Upgraded version of HTC's original controller for maximum comfort and precise tracking.
The essential VR accessory "HTC Steam VR Base Station 2.0". Two Base Stations are required to operate the HTC Vive Pro 2 headset.
For players looking for the latest and greatest VR headset, the HTC Vive Pro2 headset, Valve Index controller, and HTC Steam VR Base Station 2.0 are the perfect combination. The Vive Pro 2's screen is the brightest we've tested so far. However, to get the most out of it, you need a powerful PC. The Valve Index controller is the perfect combination of comfort and excellent hand-tracking capabilities. You can enjoy an immersive VR experience.
The real pleasure of VR is the experience of traveling to another world. You can feel the amazingly innovative technology on your skin. A wide range of VR entertainment is available, including short films, puzzles, and SNS, but the main content is probably games. So, I would recommend VR headsets to gamers who love games, or technology enthusiasts who have a keen eye for the latest technology.
But remember, VR is still a new and developing technology. My playing will lead to the development of better headsets... Please understand that I am in that position.
VR games are different from games on traditional consoles like Xbox and PlayStation. The motion tracking controller is an item that takes only your hands into the virtual world, and even beginners can operate it intuitively. Unlike conventional games, you have to press the buttons in the correct order to swing your sword, throw a mug at an enemy robot, or dodge an enemy attack. You can enjoy the intuitive play of Kata.
If you decide to try VR, always keep an open mind and an adventurous spirit. While there are great VR experiences like the heart-pounding “Beat Saber,” headsets themselves are likely to become obsolete in the near future. Once the coronavirus pandemic subsides, it's a good idea to try out the VR system at a store before buying it. In particular, if you still have doubts about VR, please do not rush and carefully consider it.
Meta Quest 2 is relatively affordable, and you can easily and enjoyably experience VR without a cable or PC. It's a gadget. There are two compatible controllers, and they are also compatible with the games we recommend. The size fits in a tote bag or backpack, so it is sure to be a hit at the office or at a party.
It takes about 1 minute from setting to play. With two touch controllers and built-in sensors that track your movements, you'll never lose sight of you as you move around the room. In other words, it's a great option that's more affordable than a headset that costs twice, or even five times as much.
The Quest 2 defaults to cordless. The headset and controller have built-in sensors that track head and hand movements, so you can walk around the room. We move around in the same way in the virtual world. Valve Index and HTC Vive Pro 2, etc., which have more accurate tracking functions, have a high reproducibility of movements and are less likely to have unrealistic problems such as floating hands, but the Quest 2 is still the first of "realism". I think the hurdles have been crossed enough. It's cordless, so you don't have to worry about tripping over cables and pulling them back into the real world.
Many high-quality VR games overwhelm the headset's processing power, so you'll need to connect to your PC to supplement the power. Quest 2 owners can use the Oculus Link cable to play PC games and take full advantage of the gaming platform's Meta Quest and Steam VR libraries.
Lots of games to play with the Quest 2 headset. The return of classic games like the addictive Beat Saber alone makes the Quest 2 worth buying. Other favorites include the matrix-like Superhot, the 3D painting experience Tilt Brush, the battle royale style Population: ONE, and the adventure puzzle game Moss. You can also play the popular first-person shooter "Half-Life: Alyx" by connecting it to your PC with the Oculus Link cable.
The Quest 2's LCD screen is 1832×1920 pixels. The screen style is different, so a simple comparison is not possible, but the numbers are comparable to high-end models such as the Valve Index. The first headset to prevent the so-called "screen gore phenomenon", which is a mesh pattern in the screen, is also a notable spec. The maximum refresh rate at this stage is 120Hz, which is comparable to the HTC Vive Pro 2. It is said that if the refresh rate is too high, it will cause motion sickness, so moderation is important.
The weight is said to be 503g, which is slightly heavier than ideal. But with a cushioned foam pad on the face and adjustable straps that reach behind the head, the fit is comfortable for an hour or so of play (needs some adjustment at first). However, the quality and comfort of the strap feels downgraded from the traditional Meta headset. It is also possible to purchase an additional Elite Strap for around 5,000 yen.
The Quest 2's touch controllers are pretty close to the original Rift Touch controllers, and I really like them. Designed to fit in your hand, your index finger rests on the trigger, your middle finger rests on the "grip" button, and your thumb operates a small joystick and the A, B, and Home buttons. Sensors built into the headset track the controller's position, so moving your hand physically moves the controller in VR. The controller is intuitive to use and does not become painful even after long periods of use.
While it doesn't have external sensors to carefully replicate hand movements in VR like you'll find in the HTC Vive Pro 2, it's not frustrating and even Beat Saber's difficult levels are frustrating. I was able to fly around without it.
Quest 2 also gives you the option of navigating menus and some games with just your hands, without a controller. However, tracking is less accurate, and if your hands are too far apart, the headset will lose track of your hands and become uncontrollable. Hand tracking will lead to more natural gameplay in the future, but it's still not as intuitive as controllers right now.
While the Quest 2 doesn't come with headphones, it does have built-in speakers that direct 3D sound to your ears. The audio performance isn't quite as clear as high-end headphones, but it's good enough for immersive VR. It's nice to be able to connect your own headphones (or Meta's recommended earphones). There are also speakers, but they may not be in great demand.
Meta says the battery life is 2-3 hours, but in reality it's a little over 2 hours. Either way, it's enough to play alone. However, when I use it cordless with my friends, I almost always run out of energy halfway through. You can also play wired, but the drawback is that you can't move around. I once played Beat Saber with the cord plugged in, but ended up unplugging it after a while.
Currently, you must be logged in with your Facebook account to use the Meta headset. So for those who don't use Facebook or don't want to be connected to their account, it's a minus point. If you're concerned about privacy, you might prefer the HTC headset.
VR headset straps need adjustment for fit. I usually wear straps with my long hair down or in a ponytail, but it slips and gets caught in my hair, and it's not very easy. The Quest 2's strap has no padding and doesn't distribute the weight on the back of your head like a Halo style strap, which is why I suspect many people will upgrade to the Elite Strap. But it's not enough to interfere with gameplay.
While the Quest 2's touch controllers are comfortable to hold and use, I often lost track of my hand position compared to headsets that track body and hand position with external sensors scattered around the room.
By the way, the Quest 2 uses an "inside-out tracking function" in which the headset tracks the light emitted by the controller with a camera. If both hands move outside the range of the sensor, it may not respond even if you move the controller. If you hold the controller in front of you in a bright room, you should be fine.
The inside of the Quest 2 heats up while playing, and the face pad can quickly become drenched in sweat during active gaming. It is a good idea to prepare several disposable masks when you use them alternately with friends.
When wearing a VR headset, it is necessary to pay attention to the "interpupillary distance". Depending on the size of your face and your vision, the distance between your pupils will vary, and the Quest 2 also allows you to adjust the lenses. However, I was a little surprised that there is no adjustment lever on the outside of the headset, and the primitive method of pushing the lens directly with your hand. The drawback is that you can't make adjustments while wearing the headset, and the lenses can get dirty.
Finally, there is a fundamental question as to whether it is worth investing more than 30,000 yen in technology that can be said to be in its infancy. The Quest 2 is cheap compared to the competition, but I decided to purchase additional accessories that are standard on higher-end models. For now, to get the most out of your Quest 2, you should have a PC and a link cable.
If you want a powerful headset that closes the distance between VR and reality as much as possible (or avoid headsets that work with Facebook) For those who want to), we recommend purchasing the HTC Vive Pro 2 headset and pairing it with the Valve Index controller and the HTC Steam VRBase Station 2.0 (2 units). You need a fast gaming PC for that, and you'll have to be prepared to spend about five times as much as the Quest 2, but you'll get a crisp screen, detailed tracking wherever you go in the room, and the best of VR games are available. It won't raise the bar for the VR industry as a whole, but it's a step up in specs for a price that would have been a pipe dream just a decade ago.
While the Quest 2 is standalone and focuses on freedom of movement and ease of use, the Vive Pro 2 aims to bring body and hand movements into VR with as much detail as possible. When setting up, place two HTC Steam VR Base Stations in an elevated position. By connecting them with headsets and controllers, you can create a high-quality presence in VR. As the user moves their hands or walks, their in-game body moves in the same way, creating a very compelling experience.
By using the Vive Pro2 with Base Station 2.0, you won't lose your hands or your hands like you did with the Quest 2. With four Base Stations, the VR play space can be expanded to a maximum of 10.5 x 10.5m (unless you play there). Once you've experienced the cordlessness of the Quest 2, you may find it annoying to be tied to a cord.
Steam VR has plenty of VR games for the Vive Pro2, such as the adrenaline-pumping “Half-Life: Alyx” and the persistently popular “Beat Saber,” so if you are already using Steam, it's recommended. By the way, the screen of the Vive Pro 2 is 5K, and the LCD screen resolution is 2448 x 2448 pixels on each side. Quest 2 is 1832 x 1920 pixels, so Vive Pro 2 is sharper. It has a very wide field of view of 120 degrees and a refresh rate of up to 120Hz (90Hz for wireless use). When you actually use it, you may notice the reflection of light in high-contrast images such as white text on a black background. But the blacks are crisp and the in-game action is smooth. It's a compelling experience that lets you focus on what you're doing, not what you're looking at.
It actually weighs 850g, which is a bit bulky compared to the 503g Quest 2. There have been complaints online that the Vive headset doesn't fit the shape of my head. Halo style headsets are easy to adjust for fit. I like the foam face cushion because it's easier to keep clean than the Quest 2's.
I would like to get a Valve Index controller. It tracks each finger and has both a joystick and a trackpad (normal controllers have one trackpad). It's easy to hold and has been hailed as the best VR controller ever.
The Vive Pro2 headset comes with on-ear headphones, which are sufficient for an immersive VR experience. However, if you're an audio fanatic, you can use USB-C headphones instead. Or get a cheaper Valve Index headset, but the difference in sound quality isn't that big.
A mobile VR headset is like eating cup noodles when you want ramen. I can't deny that it's not enough, but it's cheap and I feel like I can rely on it in an emergency. The main body is mainly made of plastic, and the design allows you to set a high-end smartphone. For less than $50, you can access a wide range of short films (both for adults and children), adventure games, puzzles, and more. It's easy to set up, and you can easily bring it to an airplane or a friend's house. As the name of the mobile, the portability is outstanding.
It's not as good as Quest 2, but if you want to get a VR headset as cheaply as possible, Merge VR headset is recommended. It is the highest rank as a model that uses a smartphone as a screen. We tested seven similar low-cost headsets, and found this to be the best compromise between price, comfort, and adjustability. It can also be used for augmented reality (AR), and can be combined with Merge's VR library and augmented reality accessory Cube. It's not impressive, but it's enough to give you a taste of the VR/AR experience.
However, think of mobile headsets as gadgets to try basic VR experiences at a low cost. The real pleasure of VR is to fully enjoy a literal virtual world where movies and games feel as if they are happening in the real world. It's underpowered on mobile, unable to play high-end games, or track hand movements. The field is still in a state of confusion, with major headsets such as Google Daydream View and Samsung Gear VR being discontinued, and it's not clear which models will be left in a year's time.
Of course, mobile can be useful in situations where you need a lot of cheap VR equipment (very niche), such as education, real estate, and training. However, if you prepare a smartphone that supports it, the Quest 2 will be a better bargain.
If you want to get the most out of your Quest 2 or PC headset, you need a powerful gaming PC and space to set it up (For Quest 2, preferably about 2m x 2m). HTC has a page listing compatible VR-ready PCs and bundles, including minimum and recommended PC specs (here). In addition, we have released a tool for testing whether the PC you are currently using is compatible with VR, so you can download it and use it. Both the HTC and Meta have pretty much the same headset requirements, so if your PC works with an HTC, you should be fine with the Meta.
By the way, a desktop PC with the minimum specs to run a VR headset is about $800 without a monitor, mouse, keyboard or speakers. Ideal if you can spend a little more. For those looking to build their own, IGN and Logical Increments have a parts list to fit any budget.
For those who want a PC-connectable headset that doesn't have to be ultra-high spec, the Valve Index is recommended. For 138,380 yen, you can get the headset itself, the popular Valve Index controller, and two Base Stations. It's a room-filling VR experience that's more accurate and immersive than Meta Quest 2. Also, Index's audio is higher quality than HTC Vive Pro2. However, the Vive Pro 2 has more options such as screen performance and wireless capabilities. Apparently, there are rumors that Index 2 will be released soon.
PC Headsets
The Oculus Rift S and Oculus Rift were fine, but the Meta was discontinued. HTC sells a wide variety of headsets, some of which we have recommended in the past. For gaming enthusiasts, the Vive Pro 2 is definitely recommended, but if the specs and needs match, I think you can buy another HTC product. I think the Vive brand is a no-brainer, and having access to Steam VR's vast library of games is also a plus.
In our experience, Windows Mixed Reality headsets complained of less reliable tracking and less content than Meta and HTC's. The performance of the controller is also not good enough. HP Reverb G2 is recommended.
Pimax has a diverse product lineup. In addition to choosing 8K and 5K, eye tracking is also added. However, my impression from my experience at CES was that it was still unrefined. We plan to test the company's 12K headset this year.
Standalone headset
For those who say, "I can add 100,000 yen to escape from Meta!", why not consider the HTC Vive Focus 3? The screen has a higher resolution than the Meta Quest 2 and a wider field of view. However, Quest 2 has a better controller.
The original Quest still looks great and can even be used as a PC headset with a link cable. It's no longer available after the Quest 2 was released, but if it's available pre-owned at a reasonable price, it's worth buying.
While the discontinued Oculus Go was packed with hours of games and experiences, the screen, controller, and content beat the Quest 2.
The Lenovo Mirage Solo, which has also been discontinued, has excellent features on par with the original Quest. It boasted built-in sensors that enabled 6 degrees of freedom, which is more advanced than 3 degrees of freedom like the Oculus Go and mobile VR headsets. However, the included single controller only has 3 degrees of freedom, so it seems better to choose the Meta controller.
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