The best virtual reality headsets in 2024 are here to blow your mind
Ready to escape real life for some virtual reality playtime? The innovative tech is more affordable than ever. You can get lost in your favorite TV shows, practically bathe in a terrific game, and even get some work done in the virtual world.
Maybe you've had your eye on a new game console and want to immerse yourself even further. Or maybe you've heard of the AR that the Apple Vision Pro delivers, but want something friendlier toward Steam games. No matter your reason for jumping into virtual reality, there are a variety of headsets, from great wireless options suitable for a general consumer base, like the affordable Meta Quest 2 to the only console-based virtual reality headset on the market, the PlayStation VR 2.
Which one should you buy? We've got a can't-miss list of the best virtual reality headsets of 2024 across different categories and budgets. Read on to see our picks for the best VR headsets of 2024.
Best VR headsets of 2024
- Best VR headset: Meta Quest 3
- Best VR headset for beginners: Meta Quest 2
- Best VR headset for console gamers: PlayStation VR 2
- Best VR headset for PC gamers: Valve Index
- Best premium VR headset: HTC Vive Pro 2
Best VR headset: Meta Quest 3: $480
Take your VR adventures to new heights with the powerhouse Meta Quest 3. As the mightiest Quest to date, it delivers stunning graphics via double the processing power and crisper resolution over its predecessor.
Ultra-realistic 3D audio and improved Touch Plus controllers help take your gaming experience to the next level with better gesture recognition and navigation. Fully wireless and controller-free, you can move around the room without being tethered to wires -- something so many prior VR headsets did not allow for.
This bundle sweetens the deal with an exclusive edition of the epic "Asgard's Wrath 2." A $60 value all its own, it's like getting that game for free with your purchase, so even though this new headset is a bit pricey, you do get a game to start you off on the right foot.
Best VR headset for beginners: Meta Quest 2: $199 (20% off)
The reasonably-priced Meta Quest 2 is the best VR headset for most consumers, and it's also the most versatile.
It's not only cordless, but also compatible with a vast library of games and apps that you can jump into without the need of a powerful PC. It features a resolution of 1832 x 1920 per eye, with a 90Hz refresh rate.
It's also quite comfortable, with a lengthy battery life and fantastic motion controllers to help you immerse yourself in your favorite games.
If you're curious or only want to spend a few hundred to try out VR, this is your best bet. It's been discounted once more to just $199, making it cheaper than buying a current-gen console like the Xbox Series X or PlayStation 5, so if VR is in your future, this headset is going to be the best entry point that you'll find right now.
Best VR headset for console gamers: PlayStation VR 2: $550
The PlayStation VR 2 is the only virtual reality headset for consoles right now, but it's so great there doesn't really need to be another.
This is the newly-refined version of Sony's original PlayStation VR, and it's an improvement in just about every way. It has two impressive 2K OLED HDR screens with 4K resolution, headset haptics, and eye tracking -- goodies that not every headset has.
Granted, you will need a PlayStation 5 to use the headset. And the PlayStation VR 2 is more expensive than the actual console. But barring the standalone experience that the Meta Quest 2 offers, it's the simplest way for PlayStation fans to experience VR.
It's also the home of familiar PlayStation brands like "Gran Turismo 7," which offer VR content you won't find elsewhere. If you want to enjoy new games and spin-offs from popular PlayStation titles, you'll want to get a PlayStation VR.
Best VR headset for PC gamers: Valve Index: $999
The Valve Index is anything but affordable, but it's a high-end VR option for PC gamers looking for the utmost quality, especially in terms of controllers.
It doesn't excel when it comes to resolution, hovering at 1440 x 1600 pixels, but it has a ridiculous refresh rate of 144Hz and a 130-degree field of view, which put it leagues beyond other headsets on the market. Of course, you'll pay for the luxury, as the Index is quite pricey.
It also requires the installation of two sensors ahead of use, and it must remain connected to your PC, which means you should already have a PC that can handle the latest and greatest games if you want to use the Index.
Still, that's not a bad tradeoff for controllers with excellent finger tracking and a super high refresh rate that can turn your favorite games into seriously amazing immersive sessions.
Best premium VR headset: HTC Vive Pro 2: $1,200
If price isn't an object and you're mostly concerned with performance and quality, the HTC Vive Pro 2 is your best bet. It's the most premium VR experience you'll get right now, but you need a computer that's up to snuff to power it.
It boasts a 5K screen with an eye-popping 120Hz refresh rate. But you will be paying for the boost in graphical prowess. Just about everything in this package feels premium, from the comfortable headset itself to the controllers, which are comparable in size and function to the Meta Quest 2. This is the best-looking VR headset you'll see on the market right now, and that's no exaggeration.
The complete Vive Pro 2 kit comes with a headset, two SteamVR sensors and controllers. You can buy the headset separately for a hefty discount, but it's still a hefty price here at the time of writing.
Also, keep in mind that if you want to go wireless, you'll have to buy the separate Vive wireless adapter.
