The best VR headsets in 2023

Mobile users on a very tight budget; For budget-conscious mobile users exploring VR for the first time, there's a wallet-friendly option to get a taste of the experience without breaking the bank. Consider starting with an affordable cardboard headset, which can be acquired for as little as £6. This way, you can test the waters without a significant investment. If VR doesn't resonate with you, no worries – you can easily recycle the headset. Another option is to borrow a headset from a friend, as many may already own an Oculus Quest or Quest 2, allowing you to dive into the world of VR without the upfront cost.

Samsung Gear© mobile headsets offer an affordable but considerably more comfortable alternative to cardboard models. These headsets are especially favored by Samsung smartphone enthusiasts. With an extensive library of approximately 800 apps, including games and experimental experiences, they provide a diverse VR experience. You can typically purchase a new Samsung Gear headset for around £60 - £90, but exploring options like eBay might lead to even more attractive deals.

For iPhone© enthusiasts, the Destek V4 or V5 VR headset is an excellent choice. These headsets offer compatibility with most iPhone models as well as a variety of Samsung mobile phones, providing a versatile VR experience. The Destek V5, their latest model, is available at an attractive price point, starting as low as £36, putting it in competition with leading mobile HMD manufacturers. Additionally, Destek offers a headset designed specifically for Daydream smartphones like the Google Pixel, Pixel XL, and Pixel 2, catering to a wider range of users.

Best all in one, wires free (standalone) headset; The Oculus© Quest 2, although soon to be succeeded by the Meta Quest 3, stands as a versatile all-in-one VR headset. It excels as a standalone, wire-free VR device, eliminating the hassle of cords. Alternatively, it seamlessly connects to a PC through "Quest Link," granting access to both Quest and Oculus/Meta Dash interfaces, including the entire library of Oculus Rift/S games.

In standalone mode, VR content resides on the device's built-in memory drive. The Quest 2 offers two storage options: the standard 64GB version and the robust 256GB variant tailored for avid gamers. It employs a single-stripe LCD RGB display, delivering an impressive resolution of 1832 x 1920 pixels per eye. This headset combines convenience with immersive visuals, making it an excellent choice for VR enthusiasts.

PC Tethered Headset; In the realm of VR, tethered headsets currently reign supreme. With a plethora of options available, selecting the right one can be a daunting task. Among the mid to high-end head-mounted displays (HMDs) available, the Oculus Rift S© and HTC© Vive/Vive Pro stand out. Despite being approximately four years old, these headsets garnered significant popularity and continue to maintain their appeal. If you're seeking a cost-effective option, exploring platforms like eBay might yield great deals on second-hand headsets. While newer models have entered the market, these veterans still offer compelling VR experiences and represent a budget-friendly entry point for those eager to dive into the virtual world.

Best Resolution - Gaming, Tethered Headset; For those in pursuit of exceptional resolution and can overlook the tethered connection, the HP Reverb G2 presents an irresistible choice. Released in November 2020, it represents HP's latest foray into PC-based Mixed Reality VR gaming. Dispensing with the need for base stations, this headset employs inside-out tracking, akin to the Oculus Rift S and Vive Cosmos. The G2 signifies a substantial leap forward from its predecessor, the G1, offering enhanced controllers, comfort, and manual IPD adjustment. When it comes to resolution, the G2 stands out as a favorite among avid gamers, delivering unparalleled picture quality for VR headsets available during its era (2019/2020). With an impressive resolution of 2160 x 2160 pixels per eye, it yields a combined resolution of 4320 x 2160 pixels, surpassing many tethered VR headsets. This gaming marvel hit the market in November 2020 and is currently priced at around £675 / $815.

Best and most expensive; For the most dedicated gamers with a flexible budget seeking the pinnacle of gaming experiences, several options stand out: the Valve Index, HTC Cosmos, HP Reverb G2, and Pimax 5K. Among these, the Valve Index distinguishes itself with exceptional tracking, thanks to its base stations, and acclaimed controllers. However, it comes with a substantial price tag and can be challenging to acquire. It's essential to tread carefully when making a choice, especially if your financial resources aren't limitless.

To aid in your decision-making process, peruse the reviews available on our website. Currently, for a dedicated, tethered gaming headset, our top recommendations include the HP Reverb G2. Additionally, it's worth mentioning the Meta Quest 3, although it's not a native tethered headset and is slated for release on October 10th, 2023. We'll continue to provide updates on that front to keep you informed.