Virtual Reality (VR) has evolved into a captivating realm offering users immersive experiences that blur the lines between the real and digital world. What was once a futuristic concept is now more accessible than ever, making it an exciting time for beginners looking to dive into the VR world.
Whether soaring through the skies in a flight simulator, solving intricate puzzles in a sci-fi environment, or attending virtual concerts from your home, the possibilities are endless with the proper VR setup. Choosing the correct VR can be daunting for newcomers as numerous options are available. The key to finding the one that suits your needs is balancing performance, comfort, and cost.
To help you with this decision, we have listed the best VRs available. We have covered everything whether you aim for a budget-friendly setup or a more advanced, future-proof rig.
Best VR Rig for Beginners - Quick list
- Meta Quest 3S - Excellent choice for beginners
- Meta Quest 2 - Good balance of features and price
- Sony PlayStation VR2 - The best choice for gamers
- HTC Vive Pro 2 - For those seeking a premium VR experience
- Pico 4 Ultra - Impressive performance and a sleek design
Meta Quest 3S
Excellent choice for beginners
Features:
- 2X faster GPU processing power and 8GB RAM for better system performance.
- High-definition resolution with 1832x1920 pixels per eye with 4.5X better resolution for clarity and color.
- Fresnel lens with three position interaxial adjustment distances (IAD) and Field of view of 96° horizontal and 90° vertical.
- 2.5 hours of average run time with 4,324 mAh and two storage options, 128GB and 256GB.
Amazon: $299.00 / £287.66
Best Buy: $299.99
* prices are subject to change
Why we chose the Meta Quest 3S?
The Meta Quest 3S is an excellent option for beginners due to its affordable price point and exceptional features. It offers the same mixed reality capabilities and performance as the Meta Quest 3, making it cost-efficient to experience immersive virtual worlds.
With a full-color Passthrough, the Quest 3S seamlessly blends the physical and virtual worlds, offering a unique and engaging experience. Also, it's compatible with a vast library of Quest games and apps, offering endless entertainment options.
Additionally, the Quest 3S brings several enhancements, including improved spatial audio, Passthrough quality, and Travel Mode for on-the-go use. Also, this VR headset benefits from the ongoing improvements in the Meta Horizon OS to guarantee a smooth and intuitive user experience in the future. This VR headset is the best value option for beginners and people seeking a budget-friendly VR option.
Meta Quest 2
Good balance of features and price
Features:
- All-in-one VR with dynamic resolution scaling for smoother gameplay.
- 6DoF tracking for precise head and body movement and redesigned touch controllers.
- Fast-switch LCD, high resolution, glasses compatibility, built-in positional audio, and a 3.5 mm audio port.
- A vast library of apps and games is available on the Meta Quest Store.
Amazon: $318.00 / £274.95
Walmart: $399.00
* prices are subject to change
Why we chose the Meta Quest 2?
Meta Quest 2 offers an excellent blend of features and price, making it an ideal choice for VR beginners. Despite being slightly older, it still has impressive hardware, including a powerful processor, stunning graphics, and comfortable controllers.
Its all-in-one design eliminates the requirement for external sensors, simplifies setup, and makes it accessible to users of all levels. The Quest 2 prioritizes safety with features like Guardian and Passthrough, ensuring the VR experience is not only immersive but also comfortable and secure.
Sony PlayStation VR2
The best choice for gamers
Features:
- The OLED display delivers superior quality and high resolution.
- Adjustable lens separation and Field of view allow users to tailor the headset for optimal comfort and fit.
- Eye tracking technology enables foveated rendering, improving performance and reducing strain on the hardware.
- The built-in microphone allows for voice chat and interactions with other players.
- Seamless integration with the PS5 console grants access to a vast library of PlayStation exclusives and features, expanding the VR gaming experience.
Amazon: $549.00 / £478.60
PlayStation Direct: $549.99 / £529.99
* prices are subject to change
Why we chose the Sony PlayStation VR2?
The Sony PlayStation VR2 offers a compelling blend of features, comfort, and performance. While it's more expensive than its predecessor, its improvements are significant. The visuals are sharp, comfort is enhanced, and innovative features like tracking and finger tracking add a new level of immersion.
Although the current game library is limited, the potential for immersive experiences with the Sony PlayStation VR2 is undeniable. The most helpful feature is its seamless integration with the PS5 console, making the VR experience limitless. So, suppose you are ready to invest in a premium VR headset for the comfort of connecting it seamlessly with your PS5 console and exploring the growing Library of VR titles. In that case, the PSVR2 is a promising choice that will surely excite and intrigue you.
HTC Vive Pro 2
For those seeking a premium VR experience
Features:
- Stunning 5K resolution, a wide field of view, and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate.
- Immersive sound with Hi-Res Certified headphones.
- Seamless connection to PC via USB-C ensures a smooth VR experience with a high-performance PC.
- Adjustable fit with adjustable lenses, IPD, and head strap.
Amazon: $1,154.21 / £1,340.51
Walmart: $1,691.27
* prices are subject to change
Why we chose the HTC Vive Pro 2?
The HTC Vive Pro 2 is another VR for beginners that offers exceptional visual quality, a high refresh rate, and audio. It provides a unique VR experience with its 5K resolution display and 120 Hz refresh rate. Compared to the Quest 2, it's a significant upgrade.
However, it's worth noting that it comes at a higher price point and requires a powerful gaming PC. Still, its 120° field of view, along with peripheral vision, offers a great VR experience. The Vive Pro 2 by HTC is ideal for beginners willing to invest in a premium VR experience.
Pico 4
Impressive performance and a sleek design
Features:
- The Pico 4's Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chipset delivers a significant boost in CPU and GPU performance.
- The headset offers space for apps, games, and media, with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage.
- It features a 2.56-inch screen with a resolution of 2160 × 2160 per eye and a refresh rate of 90 Hz for a smooth and detailed visual experience.
- Pico’s 32 MP color see-through camera, an iToF depth-sensing camera, and four environment tracking cameras for accurate tracking and interaction.
- Dual stereo speakers and four microphones provide clear voice communication, and its 5700 mAh battery ensures extended usage without frequent recharging.
Amazon: $599.00 / £349.85
eBay - $399.98 / £180.00
* prices are subject to change
Why we chose the Pico 4?
Pico 4's impressive performance and sleek design make it a top choice for entry-level VR enthusiasts. It's powered by the Snapdragon XR 2 processor, the same as the Meta Quest 2. This offers excellent value with a sharp 4320 x 2160 resolution per eye and pancake lenses for clear visuals. It also comes with accurate 6DoF tracking and a comfortable fit.
The Pico 4 has many competitors with features like full-color passthrough, motorized IPD adjustment, and a lighter, comfortable build. While it does have some limitations, like wireless streaming performance and availability in certain regions, it provides excellent value for its price and is a competing option for people seeking a high-quality VR experience.
In conclusion, picking the best VR rig for beginners involves balancing price, performance, and comfort. Whether you're on a budget or ready to invest in premium hardware, there’s a VR headset suited for your needs, ensuring an immersive and exciting virtual reality experience.