Best VR headsets: which virtual reality headset to choose in 2024?

Still very limited a few years ago, the VR headset market was starting to diversify. Some players are pushing prices down, but there are still models with very high prices. Your choice will depend not only on your budget but also on the type of experience you are looking for.

OUR SELECTION OF THE BEST VR HEADSETS

Whether you are taking your first steps into VR or are looking for a replacement for your old virtual reality headset, you will need to carefully consider choosing the model that best meets your needs. Many are moving towards the most well-known solution: the Meta Quest which is its 3rd generation.

It has the advantage of being easy to handle, in addition to offering total freedom of movement. Its game library is the largest on the market. But Meta has not yet knocked out the competition. The Pico 4 is a serious outsider that has everything to seduce, starting with its more attractive price without sacrificing its technical sheet which remains solid.

There is also the PSVR2 for those who prefer the console experience, in this case the PlayStation 5. Choosing a virtual reality headset is, therefore not as simple as it seems. Moreover, another major player has arrived in this market. It comes from Apple, with its Vision Pro which is not yet officially available on the French market.

We're going to go into detail to help you choose the VR or mixed-reality headset that best meets your expectations.

STANDALONE VIRTUAL REALITY HEADSETS

These virtual reality headsets can operate independently. In other words, they don't need a PC or console to give you a VR experience. All the processing components are embedded inside and they have their own storage space to house your content.

These VR headsets are the go-to choice today for those looking for a mobility-focused experience. They have completely replaced VR headsets for smartphones. Additionally, standalone VR headsets are mostly capable of connecting to PCs and allowing you to take advantage of Steam VR's large catalog.

META QUEST 3: THE BEST STANDALONE VR HEADSET

Due to its ease of use and its solid technical characteristics, the Meta Quest 3 is the best way to immerse yourself in the world of VR while benefiting from comfort and immersion ensuring a quality experience.

It inherits the strengths of the Quest 2 while improving certain aspects such as the better definition screen ( 2064 x 2208 pixels for each eye), with a refresh rate of 120 Hz. Added to this is a new pancake lens that reduces artifacts and improves image clarity, all with a 110-degree field of view.

For mixed reality, the Meta Quest 3 relies on two “passthrough” cameras and a LiDar depth sensor. The whole system allows for a more natural integration of virtual and augmented realities.

In terms of performance, the Meta Quest 3 has a more powerful Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 processor. It is supported by 8 GB of RAM and up to 512 GB of storage. Enough to enjoy a qualitative standalone experience without using a PC. As for sound, the headset has stereo speakers combined with 3D spatial audio technology.

Meta's library of applications and games is the most extensive on the market and allows you to enjoy great video game experiences. But to go further, it remains possible to dive into the SteamVR catalog wired or wireless to maintain total freedom of movement.

Finally, the new Meta Quest 3 controllers benefit from “Touch Plus” technology with full haptic feedback. The headset comes in versions with 128 GB and 512 GB of storage. The first is available for €549.99, and the second is €150 more expensive, or €699.99.

PICO 4: THE SERIOUS OUTSIDER

The Pico 4 remained for a while a perfect alternative to the Meta Quest 2 in terms of price-performance ratio. It now comes up against Meta Quest 3 which corrected certain defects of its predecessor. However, in 2024, the Pico 4 has lost none of its outsider status. It remains a relevant choice for those looking, in the same genre, for a cheaper and above all qualitative alternative to Meta headsets.

On paper, the Pico 4 stands out for its display quality. It has two LCD screens with a definition of 2160 x 2160 pixels each. We therefore have a set at 4320 x 2160 pixels. The screen is associated with “pancake” type lenses and offers a field of vision of 97 degrees. The refresh rate goes up to 90 Hz, which allows you to enjoy great fluidity.

To operate autonomously, the Pico 4 relies on a first-generation Snapdragon XR 2 processor, supported by an Adredo 650 graphics chip. The whole thing is associated with 8 GB RAM to ensure sufficient performance to enjoy an immersive experience in the games and applications available on the Pico Store. The store is not as rich as that of Meta, but VR from the PC remains accessible via WiFi or wired.

The Pico 4 is also a mixed reality headset since it has a “passthrough” camera to add your real environment to virtual reality. Its controller is also very precise. The helmet is available from €380.

META QUEST PRO: LITTLE EXTRAS THAT MAKE THE DIFFERENCE

The Meta Quest Pro had a clear advantage over the Quest 2, but its status has now questionable since the arrival of the Quest 3. If eye tracking and facial tracking are important criteria for you, the Quest Pro is the only VR headset of Meta to offer them. This technology provides a more realistic experience through real-time analysis and tracking of your eye and facial movements.

For the rest, the Meta Quest Pro has a first-generation Qualcomm XR2+ chip which offers solid performance with 12 GB of RAM available. The screen (1800 x 1920 px per eye) of this headset is slightly less defined than that of the Quest 3, but it has the advantage of relying on mini LED lighting. Enough to offer better contrast. Its refresh rate is 90 Hz.

The Meta Quest Pro is still available at a price above €1000, although it has dropped in recent months. Count on €1200 instead of €1800 at launch. Considering how it compares to the Quest 3, the latter represents a better investment if you want a Meta headset, unless eye tracking is a deciding factor for you.

META QUEST 2: STILL IN THE RACE

The Meta Quest 2 is still available and has seen its price drop since the release of version 3. You can now have it at a price of around 350 euros in its 128 GB version. This is a more reasonable price if you want to take your first steps in VR, or even replace an old headset without breaking the bank.

The experience is not decidedly different from those you can have with the Quest 3, even if the latter offers better comfort in terms of performance and display quality.

HTC VIVE XR ELITE: MINIMALIST DESIGN, HIGH PERFORMANCE

The Vive XR Elite is HTC's newest standalone VR headset. It stands out for its design different from that of competitors. This helmet is indeed very light (273 grams) and comes in the form of a ski goggle. It is a minimalist format for a VR headset and yet its components do not place it in a weak position compared to its competitors.

Thanks to its Snapdragon X2 processor supported by 12 GB of RAM, the HTC Vive XR Elite can operate completely independently. In this mode, it must be combined with a battery that plugs into the back of the helmet. It (the battery) balances the weight distribution and therefore makes the XR Elite more comfortable. The total weight thus increases to just over 600 g.

When the battery runs out, you can plug the “VR glasses” into a PC and still play. The Vive XR Elite can operate completely independently or harness the power of your computer to take advantage, for example, of the SteamVR catalog. The wireless connection is via WiFi 6E.

For the rest, the headset has two screens with a definition of 1920 x 1920 pixels each (3840 x 1920 pixels combined). They are combined with a pancake lens for greater clarity. Everything works at a refresh rate of 90 Hz for a viewing angle of 110 degrees.

HTC's catalog of games and applications is less developed than that of Meta, but you will find several contents there to enjoy great experiences. PC-VR mode gives you access to a larger catalog. Allow €1,400 for the purchase of the Vive XR Elite.

WIRED-ONLY VIRTUAL REALITY HEADSETS FOR PC

As VR on PC undoubtedly offers the best possible experience for virtual reality, several manufacturers until recently offered only wired headsets. But these models tend to be neglected in favor of hybrid headsets which work independently or in combination with a PC.

However, there are still some popular models that are wired only. If you already have a powerful computer, this is a choice that can be wise for playing the most demanding games in terms of power in VR.

VALVE INDEX: MOST POPULAR

The Valve Index is a comfortable and precise strictly wired headset. It has two LCD screens with a definition of 1440 × 1600 px for each eye, which corresponds to an overall definition of 2880 × 1600 px. The panels can operate at refresh rates of up to 144 Hz, which is higher than the competition. Its viewing angle is 130°.

The headset uses an improved version of Valve's Lighthouse tracking system found on the original HTC Vive, a headset which as a reminder is the result of a collaboration between HTC and Valve. You therefore need at least two base stations for tracking. Although these accessories make installation more difficult, they have the advantage of offering more precision.

This helmet is getting old, but it remains completely current. The Valve index harnesses the power of your PC for the VR experience and therefore does not need to evolve as quickly as standalone models. It is the second most used headset on Steam.

The Valve Index is sold alone at the recommended price of €539. But if you don't have any accessories, you will need the base stations and the two controllers. The complete pack costs €1079. The helmet is often out of stock. Follow the link below to check its availability.

HTC VIVE PRO 2: ULTRA HIGH DEFINITION SCREENS

The HTC Vive Pro 2 is the second generation of the brand's VR Pro headset. It has very high-resolution screens. Each eye offers a definition of 2,448 x 2,448 pixels for a total reaching 5K. The refresh rate is 120Hz for an ultra-smooth experience and the viewing angle is 120 degrees.

To use the Vive Pro 2, you will need a good processor and a good graphics card. For a full-resolution mode experience, HTC recommends at least the GeForce RTX 20 Series or AMD Radeon 5000 (Navi) generation.

The HTC Vive Pro 2 headset requires external base stations for tracking. Without its accessories, its reference price is €849. If you don't yet have the necessary accessories to make it work, the Full Kit pack including the Steam VR V2.0 vase stations and the two controllers is €1,499.

Finally, note that the HTC Vice Pro 2 can also connect wirelessly using an adapter sold for €400, which adds to the already very steep bill if you want this option.

VIRTUAL REALITY HEADSETS FOR CONSOLES

SONY PLAYSTATION VR2

Do you have a PS5 and want to try virtual reality? Sony thought of you by releasing the PlayStation VR2. This headset represents the easiest way to take your first steps into the world of VR for those who already have a PS5.

Coming to the technical part, it offers OLED screens with 4K definition or 2000 x 2040 pixels for each eye. The field of view is 110°, with support for HDR and a refresh rate that goes up to 120 Hz. From a technological point of view, an integrated infrared camera allows you to benefit from eye tracking. You will be able to interact with the games only with your eyes.

The controllers have been completely revised. Bye-bye PS Move and hello Sense. The ergonomics have been redesigned to improve the player experience, notably with the presence of the adaptive trigger and haptic feedback

.

Installing the headset is very simple since you only need to connect a single cable to your console. The headset has four cameras to be able to precisely determine your position in space and you will be able to determine your gaming space based on the free space in your room.

The PS VR2 is available for purchase in a pack that combines it with Sense controllers and stereo headphones at the recommended price of 599 euros.

WHAT HAPPENS TO VIRTUAL REALITY HEADSETS FOR SMARTPHONES?

The smartphone represents an easy entry point into the world of virtual reality. VR headsets for smartphones are indeed much cheaper. Unfortunately, all the major players in this market have pulled out. Thus, we no longer find the classic Google Cardboard and Daydream, as well as the Samsung Gear VR, on the market.

However, several alternative manufacturers offer VR headsets for smartphones and you will easily find them on Amazon. These models do not offer the most complete VR experience, but they are a good way to take your first steps in virtual reality.

We are confident that our buying guide to the best VR headsets will allow you to choose the model that best suits your budget and your expectations.

Thanks to virtual reality, you will be able to immerse yourself in an alternative universe with almost unlimited possibilities. It thus makes it possible to evolve in varied video game environments and to live sensory experiences involving sight, hearing, and perhaps soon smell and touch, thanks to developments in technology.