Another reality: the best VR headsets for the virtual world
These gadgets bring the real and digital realms closer than ever before
Oculus Rift
One of the pioneers of modern virtual reality (VR) is Oculus, a US-based gadget firm acquired by Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg for around $2bn (£1.4bn) in 2014. The company has since become the go-to name for gamers and professionals looking for a powerful VR device.
Oculus’s headset is called the Rift. It has a pair of 1080x1200 resolution monitors for each eye that are housed in a relatively compact frame. The system also comes with two Touch controllers and two motion sensors, which connect to the headset through a lightweight cable.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
You’ll need a powerful computer to be able to run games in VR, but the Rift’s visual quality is among the best.
£399; Amazon.co.uk.
HTC Vive Pro
If you’re on the hunt for the best in VR image quality and head-tracking performance, the HTC Vive Pro is the headset for you.
Unveiled at the Las Vegas-based Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in January, the Vive Pro sports a pair of 1440x1600 resolution OLED screens for each eye. Those figures equate to a 718% increase in image clarity over the previous Vive, while the head strap has been redesigned to make the device feel more comfortable during long periods of use.
Much like the Oculus Rift, a high-end PC with a powerful processor and top-tier graphics cards will be needed to make use of the Vive Pro.
£799; John Lewis.
PlayStation VR
Gaming in VR isn’t exclusive to PC users as Sony offers its PlayStation VR headset for PS4 and PS4 Pro players.
While the headset doesn’t quite match the image quality of the HTC Vive Pro and Oculus Rift, the PSVR is significantly cheaper than both its rivals and compatible with a host of console-exclusive games. These include Gran Turismo Sport VR, Star Wars Battlefront Rogue One: X-Wing and Resident Evil 7: Biohazard.
You can plug the PSVR into a PC, but you’ll need to download a piece of software from third party developers Trinus VR.
£259;Amazon.co.uk.
Oculus Go
For those who don’t have a Sony-branded home console or a powerful gaming PC, the Oculus GO [pictured top] is one of the few-standalone VR headsets there is.
This means there’s no need for an external piece of hardware to drive the Oculus Go as all the necessary computer power is stored in the headset. There are numerous games and videos you can interact with, giving you a taste of VR without the high price tag.
Oculus Go isn’t on sale yet but it may be soon. Tech Radar says it’s expected to be released shortly after Facebook’s F8 developer’s conference on 1 May.
$199 (£140); Oculus.
Samsung Gear VR 2017
Samsung seems to have every area in the world of gadgets covered and the realm of VR is no exception.
The company’s Gear VR is a headset that works with your Samsung smartphone. Simply download VR games and apps directly to your phone, before slotting your mobile into the front of the headset.
As the Gear VR makes use of your Samsung smartphone’s AMOLED display, you can expect an impressive picture quality that’s on a par with some of the more expensive headsets on sale.
£119; Amazon.co.uk.
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
'Making a police state out of the liberal university'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Harold Maass, The Week US Published
-
8 looming climate tipping points that imperil our planet
The Explainer New reports detail the thresholds we may be close to crossing
By Devika Rao, The Week US Published
-
Try 6 free issues of The Week Junior
Spark your child's curiosity with The Week Junior - the award-winning current affairs magazine for 8-14s.
By The Week Published
-
Silversea cruise review: a Central and North American adventure
The Week Recommends An incredible journey featuring cultural exploration, cooking classes, comfort and more
By Yasemen Kaner-White Published
-
The Westbury Hotel review: stunning suites in charming Dublin
The Week Recommends This hotel is the perfect spot to while away a weekend in Ireland's capital
By Kaye O'Doherty Published
-
Drama movies 2024: new films out this year
In Depth Latest reviews include The Boys in the Boat, One Life and Tchaikovsky's Wife
By The Week UK Last updated
-
Best new hotels and places to stay in 2024
The Week Recommends Featuring stylish island resorts, historical properties and wilderness retreats
By The Week UK Last updated
-
Albums of the year: best music of 2023
The Week Recommends A look back at the best pop, rap, jazz, dance, classical and rock releases
By The Week UK Published
-
Savoy Grill by Gordon Ramsay review: an institution reinvented
The Week Recommends Traditions are maintained and the tweaks are clever and modern
By Neil Davey Published
-
Tulum: a Mexican beach town of 'two halves'
The Week Recommends With the 'pueblo' and 'Zona Hotelera', Tulum is home to great hotels, restaurants and beach clubs
By William Leigh Published
-
La Zebra review: beach chic, perfect tacos and secret cenotes
The Week Recommends Enjoy a stylish stay in Mexico at this family-friendly beach hotel and restaurant
By William Leigh Published