Gaming

The best VR and AR headsets for gaming

A woman wearing a virtual reality headset immersed in the gaming experience

Virtual reality and augmented reality headsets are becoming increasingly popular with the advancement of the Internet of Things (IoT) and 5G mobile networks, allowing gamers to experience immersive video games without sacrificing immersion or graphics quality. This list of the best VR and AR headsets for gaming offers a unique experience.

Meta Quest Pro

 Close-up of a Meta Quest Pro virtual reality headset offering improved visuals, precision, tracking, and an intuitive VR experience

The Meta Quest Pro is a standalone mixed reality headset offering improved visuals, precision tracking, and an intuitive VR experience through haptic feedback and pinch motion. With five infrared eye and face tracking sensors, the headset provides enhanced resolution and more precise facial recognition. Additionally, the Meta Quest Pro Infinite Display provides users with a highly immersive visual experience due to its pancake lens and optimized optics. This headset is also compatible with the Meta Quest 2 app catalog for added convenience.

HTC Vive pro 2

 Close-up of HTC Vive Pro 2 virtual reality headset with built-in stereo and 3D audio support.

The HTC Vive Pro 2 is another great VR headset available on the market. The HTC Vive uses a combination of software and sensors to track your position in the room and provide you with a complete 3D image. It’s a high-quality VR system, with a companion app that lets you look around freely and aids mobility without requiring any additional sensors. The HTC Vive Pro 2 offers an impressive list of features and specs that make it an ideal choice for gamers who want the best VR experience possible. Some of the highlights of the HTC VIVE PRO 2 are its 2880 x 1700 resolution display, 120 Hz refresh rate and the 110 degree field of view it packs. You also get built-in stereo speakers, 3D audio support, dual cameras for AR capabilities and the added advantage of 6DoF tracking with SteamVR 2.0 base stations.

PlayStation VR

Close-up of PlayStation VR 2 with OLED and HDR capabilities and an ergonomic eye-tracking system

PlayStation VR 2 is the successor to its predecessors, boasting some of the best specs on today’s VR headsets. It is compatible with PS5 and features a resolution of 2,000 x 2,040 (4.1MP) per eye with OLED and HDR capabilities, as well as a refresh rate of 90Hz or 120Hz. It also comes with Fresnel Lenses for increased clarity and 110° field of view, as well as IPD and eye-relief features for enhanced comfort; all this packed into a lightweight 560g headset! Other notable features include PSVR 2 Sense controllers (with rechargeable batteries) alongside the DualShock 5 which has an ergonomic eye-tracking system. Its launch date is set for February 22nd 2023, priced at $549.99.

Hp Reverb 2

HP Reverb 2 close-up with four tracking cameras, replaceable magnetic fabric face cushion, and offers a feeling of total immersion.

HP Reverb 2 is third in our ranking of the best VR headsets for gaming. It’s less costly than both the Cosmos and the Rift S, yet still offers superior performance. Although it doesn’t have as broad a field of vision as the other two, it still delivers fantastic resolution and a feeling of total immersion for gaming. Boasting two 2.89” LCD panels and providing 2160 x 2160 of resolution per eye, it features mechanical IPD adjustment, an impressive 90 Hz frequency, starting at 1 lbs in weight, four cameras for tracking, replaceable magnetic fabric face cushions with Velcro adjust, and also comes with a 6 m Desktop Cable all included.

 

Valve index

Valve Index close up with superior build and comfort built with on-ear balanced mode radiator speakers. It is one of the best VR and AR headsets for gaming.

The Valve Index with its superior build quality and remarkable comfort is one for the books. With frame rates ranging from 80/90/120/144Hz, the dual 1440 x 1600 LCDs provide ultra-low persistence global backlight illumination at 0.330ms. Its canted lens design and optimized eye relief allow you to adjust your experience by 20o more than the HTC Vive. Also included are ergonomic adjustments, a 5m tether, a 1m breakaway trident connector, USB 3.0, DisplayPort 1.2, 12V power, and SteamVR 2.0 sensors compatible with both SteamVR 1.0 and 2.0. Among the other features are BMR on-ear speakers with 40Hz – 24KHz frequency response, 6 Ohm impedance, and 98.96 dBSPL at 1 cm, as well as Dual Microphone Arrays with 20Hz – 24kHz frequency response and -25dBFS/Pa @ 1kHz. It is one of those things you need.

 

Lenovo ThinkReality A3 Smart Glasses

ThinkReality A3 Smart Glasses close-up highlighting its built-in headphones and a Qualcomm XR-1 SmartViewer for increased realism

Lenovo’s ThinkReality A3 Smart Glasses are top-of-the-line when it comes to virtual reality. With a 2160 x 1200 resolution and 110-degree field of view, you can enjoy an incredibly immersive experience. Also, these glasses come with built-in headphones and a Qualcomm XR-1 SmartViewer for increased realism. Connecting them to your smartphone allows you to get an augmented reality experience that is useful in gaming situations, such as displaying map information or enemy locations without taking your eyes off the game. Although expensive, the features of the Lenovo ThinkReality A3 make it worth every penny. It retails at a price point of $1,499.99.

Microsoft HoloLens 2

Close-Up of Microsoft HoloLens 2 which runs well on Windows 10 and gives access to the best VR and AR apps

A new generation of virtual reality and augmented reality headsets is on the horizon, and promise to be one of the best VR and AR headsets for gaming in the market and this is the Microsoft’s HoloLens 2. With HoloLens 2, you can experience your favorite games in a whole new way. With HoloLens you will be able to play your favorite games without having to use a computer or console. The improved ergonomics of HoloLens 2 also make it much more comfortable to wear for extended periods of time. Because it runs on Windows 10, you’ll be able to access all the best VR and AR apps and games.

HTC Vive XR Elite

Close-up of HTC Vive XR Elite, the all-in-one XR headset designed for robust graphics performance with dual microphones for echo cancellation. It is one of the best VR and AR headsets for gaming.

The Vive Xr Elite headset is a pocket-sized powerhouse with stunning graphics and clear passthrough technology. Tailor your viewing with IPD and diopter controls, and enjoy immersive experiences with 1920*1920 pixels per eye, a 90Hz refresh rate, and dual microphones. This headset is packed with features like Bluetooth 5.2 + BLE, Wi-Fi 6 + 6E 1, 4x tracking cameras, and a variety of sensors for balance and ease during long sessions. With a magnetic front gasket and a removable 24.32Wh Battery Cradle, this device is worth every penny of its $1,099 retail price.

Lenovo Mirage VR S3

Lenovo Mirage VR S3 close-up. It highlights the two built-in speakers that provide dynamic audio with a camera that allows you to watch your surroundings while going through the VR experience one of the best VR and AR headsets for gaming.

If you are looking for the best VR and AR headsets for gaming that gives you comfort, then the Lenovo Mirage VR S3 is the perfect virtual reality headset for gaming. It offers a comfortable, adjustable head strap and an expansive 110 degree field of view, with 3840 x 2160 resolution. Two built-in speakers provide dynamic audio while a camera gives you the ability to keep an eye on your surroundings. This lightweight (2.0 lbs) system features 802.11ac, 802.11b, 802.11g and 802.11n connectivity with a 5.5 inch display and 14 centimeter size and a max V-sync rate of 0.9 kHz.

 

Lenovo ThinkReality VRX

Close-up of Lenovo ThinkReality VRX VR headset with customizable lenses, and adjustable focus giving users an immersive VR experience with excellent sound quality. It is one of the best VR and AR headsets for gaming.

Lenovo’s ThinkReality VRX headset is a top contender, with customizable lenses, adjustable focus and image size at 2280 x 2280 pixels, and a 95° FoV for a fully immersive experience. The integrated speakers with dual microphones and a 3.5mm headphone jack deliver stunning sound quality. The Android 12 OS powers up this device with 70/90 Hz refresh rates and 12 GB RAM with 128 GB storage for plenty of storage space. Plus, the built-in microphone ensures that your voice stays crystal clear while gaming or using apps from the Lenovo App Store. It’s time to upgrade your VR experience with the Lenovo ThinkReality VRX headset.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for the best VR and AR headsets for gaming that will let you immerse yourself in the experience then the Vive XR Elite is the best virtual reality headset for you. It has plenty of potential for other uses, such as watching movies, enjoying concerts, or even doing other forms of virtual reality. However, if you’re more interested in experiences rather than just technology, the HTC Vive is the best virtual reality headset. It features high-quality tracking and offers a wide range of immersive headset options. It also has great battery life, making it easy to take it on long trips or use it on the move. Want to know more about the best noise cancellation headsets for work? Click on this link.

 

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