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Title: The best VR headsets for 2025 Post by: HCK on July 07, 2025, 04:05:03 pm The best VR headsets for 2025
<p>Choosing the best VR headset for you is the first step into some of the most immersive gaming, entertainment and virtual work experiences available today. Whether you’re exploring new worlds, working out in virtual gyms or collaborating in 3D environments, a great headset can make all the difference. The latest models offer high-resolution displays, improved FOV (field of view) and ergonomic head strap designs that keep things comfortable during extended sessions. Many also support Bluetooth for connecting external accessories like controllers or earbuds. As the tech has matured, you’ll now find headsets that balance performance with portability, and some even offer a wider field of view to enhance your sense of presence in virtual spaces. From beginner-friendly options to high-end devices built for enthusiasts, there's a VR headset out there for every type of user — and this guide will help you find the one that fits your needs best.</p> <h2 id="jump-link-table-of-contents">Table of contents</h2> <ul> <li><p><a href="#jump-link-best-vr-headsets-for-2025">Best VR headsets for 2025[/url]</p></li> <li><p><a href="#jump-link-how-we-test-vr-headsets">How we test VR headsets[/url]</p></li> <li><p><a href="#jump-link-other-vr-headsets-weve-tested">Other VR headsets we've tested[/url]</p></li> <li><p><a href="#jump-link-vr-headset-faqs">VR headset FAQs[/url]</p></li> <li><p><a href="#jump-link-recent-updates">Recent updates[/url]</p></li> </ul> <h2 id="jump-link-best-vr-headsets-for-2025">Best VR headsets for 2025</h2> <p> <core-commerce id="2b2d04036ae140fd93123b8cdeba4516" data-type="product-list" data-original-url="https://www.amazon.com/Meta-Quest-128GB-Breakthrough-Reality-3/dp/B0CD1JTBSC?th=1e-Asgard-s-Wrath-2/3551794083"></core-commerce></p> <p> <core-commerce id="ceabccb06a364244bd28c74047b07f65" data-type="product-list"></core-commerce></p> <p> <core-commerce id="a9463bb5ea4d446ca87a63d44c3725e0" data-type="product-list" data-original-url="https://www.apple.com/apple-vision-pro/"></core-commerce></p> <p> <core-commerce id="735d522e721747bd8264bdc069c9333f" data-type="product-list" data-original-url="https://www.amazon.com/Meta-Quest-3S-128GB-All-One/dp/B0DDK1WM9K/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.fN9r3xL6MjVtV4lr6HBtsh8ueNQDi05ffP948iDYYBR-eEgXZuL6JybyTCbL2GvEYYRu2_WpKIwbVh3yfwA25nBVC5vcDBpwQYR5ZPd7nQf4bNkLIupa5OD5L4UsAbj1SUl79jv9a69prYeAkKnB352cM8CraU6RB6jxIhoMFvIzoITnnBC8Ze9JvnEbJdeN8mtRLSk_QJCfG4m3cPEJA2lZbEhoFRND0n0MHZ0nwIo.BvctbdJzyfYN6QvA1WJKw16QBRTN4vdPY0SYm95BCyY&dib_tag=se&hvadid=697698724558&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9060225&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=b&hvrand=7724742007734705588&hvtargid=kwd-2277643260461&hydadcr=2105_13435901&keywords=quest+3s&qid=1728847120&sr=8-1-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&psc=1"></core-commerce></p> <p> <core-commerce id="012b544e165942b5b9f134356312ed44" data-type="product-list" data-original-url="https://direct.playstation.com/en-us/consoles/console/playstationvr2.1000033579"></core-commerce></p> <p> <core-commerce id="ed91317a851b4674bcc479fdd2036c43" data-type="product-list" data-original-url="https://store.steampowered.com/valveindex"></core-commerce></p> <p> <core-commerce id="cb0fa0b2ce9b48f2bc06b5f13abfd0d1" data-type="product-list" data-original-url="https://www.bigscreenvr.com/"></core-commerce></p> <h2 id="jump-link-how-we-test-vr-headsets">How we test VR headsets</h2> <p>I tend to judge candidates for the best VR headset on a few basic criteria: Ergonomics, immersion and controls. It's not that hard to shove a mobile display into a plastic headset and strap some cheap elastic headbands onto it. But it takes real design skill to craft something that's well balanced, includes a supportive headstrap, and doesn't feel uncomfortable after 30 minutes.</p> <span id="end-legacy-contents"></span> <p>My test for ergonomics is fairly simple: How long can I wear a headset until I start to feel discomfort? For the most ergonomic devices, like the Quest 3, that could easily be an hour or two. But heavier PC hardware often feels cumbersome after just 15 minutes — you won’t find those kinds of devices in our list of the best VR headsets.</p> <p>Immersion, meanwhile, comes from having high resolution screens with fast refresh rates, like a 120Hz refresh rate, so everything looks sharp and smooth. Field of view is also a major element, as it describes how well VR screens can cover what you see. A narrow FOV makes it feel like you're peering through a pair of binoculars, which limits your sense of “presence.” The best VR headsets aim for a wider field of view, helping virtual environments feel more natural and fully surround you.</p> <p>A wide field of view, on the other hand, can make it seem like you’re actually flying over the globe in Google Earth. We look at a few popular video games, like Superhot, Beat Saber and Pistol Whip, on every headset to judge how immersed we feel and how enjoyable the gaming experience is overall.</p> <p>The best controllers fit naturally in your hands and offer accurate tracking. The industry has basically adopted the design of Meta’s excellent touch controllers, but we're also seeing intriguing leaps forward like Valve's finger tracking gamepads. We judge controllers based on how easy they are to hold, how they hold up to sweaty gameplay sessions and how easily headsets can track their position in space.</p> <p>However, it’s important to look at a virtual reality headset’s specs as a whole. Depending on what you’re looking for in yourVR headset, you’ll want to consider factors like your PC’s CPU and graphics card if you plan to use the headset to play the best VR games. You might not need a super powerful PC, but you should check the minimum requirements for the headset you’re looking to purchase. If you’re not looking to invest in a VR headset solely for gaming, features like head tracking allow you to explore your environment just by simply moving your head in the simulator. This often results in a more immersive and realistic experience.</p> <h2 id="jump-link-other-vr-headsets-weve-tested">Other VR headsets we’ve tested</h2> <h3 id="jump-link-htc-vive-focus-vision">HTC Vive Focus Vision</h3> <p>The <a data-i13n="cpos:6;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/ar-vr/htc-vive-focus-vision-review-a-premium-vr-headset-with-average-performance-150029763.html">Vive Focus Vision[/url] is a sleek premium standalone VR headset that can also deliver solid PC VR. But it’s also running aging hardware, it’s riddled with software issues and it’s expensive compared to the Meta Quest 3.</p> <h3 id="jump-link-meta-quest-pro">Meta Quest Pro</h3> <p>As great as the Meta Quest 3 is, the Quest 2 is still a very good entry-level VR headset, and it’s worth considering if it’s on sale below its current $250 list price. The <a data-i13n="cpos:7;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/meta-quest-pro-review-a-next-gen-headset-for-the-vr-faithful-specs-price-130045313-130045431.html">Meta Quest Pro[/url], on the the hand, is an expensive boondoggle best ignored.</p> <h3 id="jump-link-htc-vive-pro-2">HTC Vive Pro 2</h3> <p>Outside of Meta’s hardware, the HTC <a data-i13n="cpos:8;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/htc-vive-pro-2-review-5k-vr-headset-133100685-133000767.html">Vive Pro 2[/url] remains a fantastic PC headset, but it’s far more expensive than the Valve Index, which is more comfortable and offers better audio.</p> <h2 id="jump-link-vr-headset-faqs">VR headset FAQs</h2> <h3 id="jump-link-how-do-vr-headsets-work">How do VR headsets work?</h3> <p>At the most basic level, a VR headset is simply a high quality screen that you’re holding up to your face. For a wired headset, the actual work of rendering a game is done on either a PC or game console. For completely wireless devices, like the Meta Quest 3, that work is handled right on the headset. They rely on either external sensors, or sensors built into the headsets, to map your physical space. While you can use a traditional gamepad or keyboard and mouse in VR, they typically use motion tracking controllers to immerse you in their 3D environments.</p> <h3 id="jump-link-what-vr-headset-is-best-for-full-body-tracking">What VR headset is best for full body tracking?</h3> <p>While we’re still waiting for a truly great haptic VR bodysuit to arrive, you can still achieve accurate body tracking with most Steam VR-compatible PC headsets. The Valve Index and HTC Vive Pro 2 both rely on room-tracking sensors that can map your body more effectively than the built-in sensors on competitors. You can also add HTC Vive Trackers to wrist and leg straps, as well as belts, for even better coverage. The Meta Quest 3 doesn’t have any easy body tracking solutions, but you can <a data-i13n="cpos:9;pos:1" href="https://www.vr-wave.store/blogs/virtual-reality-prescription-lenses/get-full-body-tracking-on-your-quest-2">add Vive trackers when it’s plugged into your PC[/url] to mimic a Steam VR headset.</p> <p>Only a few experiences, like VRChat, take advantage of full body tracking at the moment. Currently there aren’t any body tracking solutions for the PlayStation VR and VR2, but we’re intrigued by the company’s <a data-i13n="cpos:10;pos:1" href="https://www.vr-wave.store/blogs/virtual-reality-prescription-lenses/get-full-body-tracking-on-your-quest-2">Mocopi body trackers[/url], which were really announced in Japan.</p> <h3 id="jump-link-what-vr-headsets-are-better-than-oculus">What VR headsets are better than Oculus?</h3> <p>Oculus is the previous name for Meta’s VR hardware. Currently, Meta only supports the Quest 3, Quest 3S and Quest Pro, all of which are wireless headsets. As we explain above, PC VR headsets can generally achieve better quality virtual reality, since they rely on more powerful graphics hardware.</p> <h3 id="jump-link-what-vr-headsets-work-with-xbox">What VR headsets work with Xbox?</h3> <p>Currently, Microsoft’s Xbox consoles don’t support any VR headsets.</p> <h2 id="jump-link-recent-updates">Recent updates</h2> <p><strong>April 2025:</strong> Updated to include review scores for our top picks, where applicable.</p> <p><strong>November 2024:</strong> Added the HTC Vive Focus Vision to the "others we tested" section.</p> <p><strong>October 2024:</strong> Updated our "best cheap VR headset" top pick to be the Meta Quest 3S.</p>This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ar-vr/best-vr-headsets-140012529.html?src=rss Source: The best VR headsets for 2025 (https://www.engadget.com/ar-vr/best-vr-headsets-140012529.html?src=rss) |