Interest in virtual reality has been growing for a few years now. With the current VR tech, it is no longer the clunky, unimpressive experience that it was a few decades ago. Not only that, but the hardware and software have become much more affordable. As a result of improved tech and lower prices, the market for VR just keeps growing.
With interest in VR growing, more consumers are looking into getting VR headsets they can use at home. Many businesses are even starting to invest in VR for a variety of reasons. With that said, the market for these customers is competitive and there are a lot of options for selecting a VR headset.
Looking at all the options and trying to find the right headset can be confusing. You have a lot of gear to choose from and different platforms have different pros and cons. If you are looking into getting a VR headset, the following look at the top VR headsets of 2021 can help you find the right one.
Oculus Quest 2
If you are new to VR and want something easy to set up and easy to use, the Oculus Quest 2 is hard to beat. While there are headsets that can outperform the Quest 2 in some ways, this wireless headset is comfortable to wear, it has great support and it is a great piece of gear for home users.
With 1832 x 1920 per eye resolution and a 90Hz refresh rate, developers can create ultra-realistic experiences for gamers. The fact that it can play as a standalone makes it good for portability and it lowers the entry cost since it does not require an expensive PC to get started. With that said, it can connect wirelessly to a PC to support a more robust gaming experience.
The main downside to this headset is that it does require a Facebook account to set up. This could be a barrier for consumers that do not use Facebook and are reluctant to sign-up for an account.
Valve Index
If you are looking for the best VR headset just based on the specs and what it is capable of, you would be hard-pressed to find a better option than the Valve Index. It has some of the best hardware currently available in a VR headset and it might be setting a new standard for the high-end VR experience.
With an AMOLED display at 2880 x 1600 resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate, the Valve Index offers some of the best visuals you can find. It also boasts a 130° field of view and sound quality that is out of this world. Add in features like the per-finger tracking and index controllers, and you have one of the best consumer VR platforms ever made.
With all of the positives you can say about the Valve Index, it has to be said that this is not a headset for the casual user. The basic setup costs about a thousand dollars and that does not include the cost of the gaming PC you will need to power the VR experience. Along with that, it is one of the more difficult VR headsets to set up.
HTC Vive Cosmos Elite
The HTC Vive Cosmos Elite is a good VR headset for people looking for something in the mid-range. It works with a massive library of games and the system comes with everything you need to get started (assuming you have a gaming PC).
The dual 1440 x 1700 displays and 90Hz refresh rate can offer experiences that are both realistic and immersive. It also comes with some of the best motion tracking available and a pair of hand controllers. The modular design also means that you can upgrade and modify your VR experience without having to invest in a new headset in the future.
While this is a great VR system, it does have its issues. Setting up the motion-tracking lighthouses can be a bit of a pain when you get started. Along with that, you do need a powerful gaming PC to play the VR games.
