Virtual Reality Headsets

Virtual reality headsets are an artificial environment generated through computers, that expand your experience from just audio-visual, and make it more ‘immersive’. This means that you not only see and hear content, but you feel as if you are ‘inside’ the virtual world in front of you. You can manipulate or interact with objects within the virtual environment. 

The central piece of a virtual reality system is the headset, a device like a thick pair of goggles that goes over your eyes. VR headsets range from cheap to expensive: while the simplest ones cost just about $4, the high-end ones could set you back by over $500. The  higher quality headsets need to be connected to a computer to run apps and games, while some cheaper ones use a cellphone clipped to the front of the headset.

Mobile Headsets and Tethered headsets are the two main kinds of VR devices. technology. The former runs on the mobile devices while the later runs with the computers and other gaming devices. Here is a snapshot of the best Virtual Reality headsets out there for both these categories.

Virtual Reality headsets Models

Mobile headsets typically use smartphones for the display as well as processing. They are less expensive than Tethered headsets that are designed to be large and resource-intensive.

Samsung Gear VR Virtual Reality headset

PRICE: $129
Samsung Gear VR is a head-mounted housing unit for a Samsung Galaxy phone to enable virtual-reality experiences. Though the device needs a compatible Samsung phone to be able to use it, it is perfect for delving into 360 video or for educational experiences. Samsung has also put together a store of VR-enabled apps which gives users plenty of games to play.

Specifications:

• Lens (Field of view (FOV) / Interpupilary distance (IPD) / Eye relief)101˚ / 62mm (fixed) / 10mm
• Dimensions : 207.1 x 120.7 x 98.6 mm
• Weight : 345 g
• Gyro sensor / Proximity sensor

Get the Samsung Gear VR headset here.

Zeiss VR One Virtual Reality headset

PRICE: $130 – $150
Leading-edge optical design and ZEISS precision lenses for the ultimate immersive visual experience. ZEISS VR ONE Plus supports smartphones with display sizes between 4.7 and 5.5 inches and users can wear their eyeglasses as normal while using the headset. The VR ONE Plus’ lenses offer a sharp picture over the entire field of view of 100°. No manual adjustments are necessary, and the device even works for wearers of spectacles. 

Specifications:

• Compatible with iPhone® (from iPhone® 6) and Android™ smartphones with display sizes between 4.7 and 5.5 inches. 
• Weight 499g, 100 ° field of view
• Material: foam and plastic
• Smartphone sensors, smartphone resolution and display
•  

Get your Zeiss VR One here. 

Google Cardboard Virtual Reality headset

PRICE: $10 – $50
One cannot write about Virtual Reality without mentioning the simplest, most hassle-free one on the block for those VR enthusiasts who are keen on exploring VR without spending big bucks. Google Cardboard is a virtual reality (VR) platform developed by Google for use with a head mount for a smartphone. Google also encourages people to build their own basic VR headset by providing DIY instructions. The Google Cardboard utilizes well, cardboard,  and a pair of 40mm focal distance lenses (50mm for V2 of the product) to turn your phone into a virtual reality headset. It has magnets, a velcro strip and rubber band to hold it together. The contraption works when you place your phone at an ideal distance from the lenses, and with compatible apps, the lenses create an immersive 3D experience. Google Cardboard works with numerous apps and once can try it with Google Earth and YouTube for some fun. 

Specifications:

• Supports Android and iOS
• Conductive Foam Button
• 37mm in Diameter
• 50mm Focal Length
• 3 step assembly process

Get your Google Cardboard here. 

VR BOX 2.0 3D Virtual Reality headset Glasses

PRICE: $6.6

This mobile VR device is a step up from the plane Jane Google Cardboard, boasting of multi-layer coating and robotic polishing, and Japanese technology making the lenses clearer and brighter and promising reduction of visual fatigue.

Features:

• Material: ABS
• Video Input: Cell phone
• Resolution: 1080 x 720
• Lens: Aspheric optical lens design
• Compatibility: Android, iOS
• Suitable for 3.5-6 inch screen mobile phones
• 3D Glasses Type:Polarized
• Function: Social Entertainment

Get your VR Box here.

Xiaomi Mi VR Glasses Play 2 Virtual Reality headset

PRICE: $29.9

The Xiaomi Mi VR glasses have dedicated hardware-level motion sensors, which reduce motion sickness significantly. 16ms ultra-low latency, comes with 9-axis inertial motion controller.

Specifications:

• Weight:185 g
• Material:PC / ABS + high elastic cotton + high elastic nylon
• Lens:Aspherical lens without coating
• Lens visual angle:FOV 93 °
• Compatibility:4.7-5.7 inch
• Recommended resolution:1080P
• Compatible with Mi5, Mi5S, Mi5S Plus и Mi Note 2

Get the Xiami Mi VR headset here.

LG VR 360 Virtual Reality Headset

PRICE: $125

This sleek, compact and portable VR Headset has advantages including easy control apart from the 360 contents other headsets in this league offer.

Specifications:

• Dimension: 164.07 x 185.61 x 45.9 mm
• Connectivity: USB 2.0 + Type C Plug
• Sensors: Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope

Buy the LG VR 360 Headset here.

Tethered VR Headsets

While wireless headsets such as the Google Cardboard or the Gear VR are hassle-free in that they don’t have any cables, they tend to be clunky and heavier. Tethered headsets are not only more comfortable to use, but also reduce latency (the time lag between the user’s physical action and the corresponding movement in the VR environment).

Sony PlayStation VR Virtual Reality headset

PRICE: $449
Sony’s VR offering has been around since 2016 and is arguably the best headset in the category promising great quality for a reasonable price. The device is easy to set up and is comfortable to wear even with spectacles.
A PlayStation 4 gaming console, PlayStation Camera, and PlayStation Move Controllers are required for the full VR experience.

Specifications:

• PlayStation VR can handle 1080p games on its 920 x RGB x 1080 OLED display
• Response rate is around 18ms 
• Experience VR Gaming
• Comfortable, Adjustable Headset
• 3D Audio Technology
• Plug-and-Play

Get the Sony Playstation VR system here. 

Oculus Rift Virtual Reality headset

PRICE: $599 (includes the headset, Touch controllers, and a second Constellation camera)
Developed by the technology company founded by Palmer Luckey himself, the Oculus Rift has become somewhat definitive of VR equipment. 
The first of the next-generation VR headsets, the Oculus Rift offers a stylish and comfortable design and  a 360-degree intuitive and immersive interface.
Specifications:

• Sensors: Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Magnetometer, 360-degree positional tracking
• Field of View : 110 degrees
• Resolution per Eye: 1080 x 1200
• Rotational and positional tracking, and integrated headphones that provide a 3D audio effect

Get the Oculus Rift Virtual Reality system here. 

HTC Vive Virtual Reality headset

PRICE: $500
Noticeably heavier than other headsets in its league, you’ll realise that the HTC Vibe makes up for that with great features. The system is incredibly immersive and the hardware works very well. The VR headset is supplemented by precise and intuitive controls. All in all, the HTC Vive is an incredible machine and gives all other VR headset systems in its league a run for their money.

Specifications:

• Over 1500 games for SteamVR
• Precise, 360-degree controller and headset tracking, realistic graphics, directional audio and HD haptic feedback 
• Up to 15′ x 15′ Room-Scale Stage

Get the HTC Vive VR system here.

Oculus Go Standalone Virtual Reality headset

PRICE: $249

The Oculus Go can be thought of as the ‘lite’ version of the Oculus Rift and offers quite a bang for your buck. Reasonably priced and lightweight, this headset made of breathable fabrics and injection foam molding developed for professional athletes makes for a great purchase.

Specifications:

• Wide Quad, Fast-Switch LCD that dramatically improves visual clarity and reduces screen-door effect
• Next-generation Oculus Lenses — offering a wide field of view with significantly reduced glare
• Integrated Spatial Audio — speakers built into the headset, transporting you straight into VR and making the headset easy to share with someone else
• Standalone VR — no additional devices required while in VR (Oculus Go requires the Oculus Companion App, downloadable from the iOS and Android store on a smartphone).

Buy the Oculus Go standalone VR headset here.

PIMAX 4K VR Virtual Reality Glasses

PRICE: $410

The relatively new entrant, PIMAX 4K is a virtual reality 3D headset for PC. It offers an astounding 4K UHD image and 3840 x 2160P resolution, and claims to prevent your eyesight from laser-induced harm, with auto light adjustment system and auto demisting system. The PIMAX 4K adopts 1000Hz dual gyroscope, reducing the latency effect and related dizzy sensation effectively .

Specifications:

• 110 degree FOV, dual 53mm large aspherical optical lens
• Built-in 1000Hz gyroscope, acceleration sensor, magnetometer, range sensor, light sensor, only 18ms MTP
• Unique design detachable 3.5mm jack headphones, 40mm driver unit, with stereo sound stage virtual 5.1 sound track
• Self-adaption 58 – 71mm pupil distance
• Support under 500 degree myopia naked eye watching
• Lightweight design, feels no pressure after a long time wearing
• Strong compatibility, piplay independent driver, compatible with Steamvr, Oculus games

Get your Pimax 4K here.

AuraVisor All-In-One Virtual Reality VR Goggles 

PRICE: $906

The great thing about this headset by Damson Audio: No Phone, Cables, or Computer Needed! Since this is an all in one VR headset, it means you do not have to be limited by any cables or computers. It also means you don’t have to use your phone. The large high definition screen provides you with a crystal clear 360 degree experience with the ability to watch 3D video and play VR games. The device, however, requires headphones for audio.

Specifications:

• POWER – A powerful quad core processor drives the immersive 5.5 inch 1920×1080 high definition screen.
• Cable free with BLUETOOTH 4.0 and WIFI gives you complete 360 degree freedom.
• Running Android OS 5.1 gives you freedom to run many popular games and apps.
• 32 gigabytes of internal storage allows you to store all kinds of games and videos for use on the go

Buy the AuraVisor all-in-one goggles here.

Lenovo Mirage Solo with Daydream Virtual Reality headset

PRICE: $799

This sophisticated Standalone VR Headset comes with Worldsense Body Tracking, Ultra-Crisp QHD Display. With Worldsense technology, you can move naturally and truly explore your virtual world, free from external sensors. Lenovo Mirage Solo’s engineered to be comfortablem, and its weight-balanced body is coated with breathable, thick padding.

Features:

• Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 Mobile VR Platform, the Lenovo Mirage Solo delivers untethered high-quality, immersive VR experiences
• Ability to feature 6 degrees of freedom movement, 3D audio and 4K visuals with natural interactions.
• Lenovo Mirage Solo puts Daydream VR’s hundreds of incredible experiences at your fingertips-including YouTube, Netflix and much more.
• Product Dimensions(LxWxH) : 21x18x26cm ; 2018 g

Buy the Lenovo Mirage Solo Headset here.

ANTVR cyclop kit 2C Virtual Reality Headset

PRICE: $640

NTVR Cyclops 5.5″Dual OLED 2K VR Headset Glasses come with a 3D Helmet For PC Controllers. This reasonably priced PC VR Headset is compatible with Steam platform X-box games and is a competitor for the HTC Vive and Oculus Rift PS VR. The ANTVR Cyclops 2C is an immersive virtual reality headset kit which comes with X-box. . It has high hardware configuration with Resolution of 2160*1200: noteworthy for its price. It’s black and red body is designed to appeal to gamers (and/or X-Men fans).

Features:

• Compatible with Steam platform X-box games;
• High hardware configuration with Resolution: 2160*1200 Screen: OLED displays Refresh rate: 90HZ
• Adopt fresnel lens, 110 FOB nearly circular view, visual angle is larger
• Product Dimensions(LxWxH) : 20x12x14cm ; 1769 g

Get your AntVR Headset here.

Dell Visor Virtual Reality Headset

PRICE: $640

Dell – Visor Virtual Reality Headset and Controllers are compatible with Windows PCs. It’s many features include a weight-balanced, cushioned headband that takes the pressure off your nose and cheeks and offers comfort for long-lasting VR sessions, Bluetooth interface for an easy setup and Inside-out cameras that eliminate the need for external cameras and setup.

Features:

• Compatible OS : Must be connected by a cable to a PC running Windows 10 Fall Creators Update.
• Wireless controllers: Dell Visor Controllers allow smooth movement in VR and provide haptic feedback for a more immersive experience.
• Required connectors : Features an HDMI 2.0 video output, USB 3.0, and 3.5mm audio jack.Easy to wear and take off flip-up visor : Enables convenient transition from the virtual to the real world.
• Bend VR to your will :Includes a thumb stick, touchpad, trigger button, grab button, windows button, menu button, pairing button

Buy the Dell visor Virtual reality headset here.

ADA VR Virtual Reality Headset

PRICE: $392

The ADA ELITE All In One 3D Glasses Virtual Reality Headset with Geo-Gyroscope boasts 360° head somatic sensory control for a comfortable viewing experience for long VR sessions. The 3D virtual reality all in One glasses do not need a phone, and make for an ideal device for 3D private cinema and 3D gaming.

Features:

• Removable lenses, easy to clean with the included cloth, sound is wonderful by headphones
• 2560×1440 5.5 inch screen is gorgeous, refreshing at a headache-free, stretchy and thick headband
• Ultra portable – its built-in 4000 mAh battery means you can experience longer uninterrupted sessions of 2K VR.

You can buy the Ada VR virtual reality headset here.

GenBasic Standalone Virtual Reality Headset System

PRICE: $400

Enjoy virtual reality on the go with the GenBasic All-in-One Android-powered QuadHD VR Headset System. Enjoy a 2D or 3D movie in your own virtual private theater while on a flight or in a train, or relax to some Android games while on riding the subway or bus to and from work.

Features:

• Packed with Nibiru Android OS and Google Play Store, enjoy watching 360° videos, Android games, Google Expeditions, and Cardboard VR content.
• Specialized blue-reflective optics and Quad HD (2560×1440) 5.5″ display means twice the pixel density of Full HD (1920×1080)
• Works with 2D/3D and VR content with a simple mode switch
• Extra Large 40mm Blue Reflective Low Dispersion Aspheric Glass Lens Element
• 110° Field of View (FOV)
• Adjustable Focus/Display
• Compensates for Myopia/Nearsightedness up to -6.00

Get your GenBasic Virtual Reality headset here.

HUAWEI VR2 Virtual Reality glasses

PRICE: $349

The Huawei VR2 is a very comfortable virtual reality headset that connects to your phone, tablet or PC, for some serious VR gaming. The standalone device can be connected to a phone, tablet or even a PC to it via USB-C. Then you can enjoy your virtual worlds in 3K resolution – 1,600 x 1,440 per eye. With a 90Hz refresh rate, eye strain and motion sickness are kept to a minimum. The VR headset could be used with Huawei Mate 9 Pro, Huawei Mate 9 Porsche, Huawei P10 Plus, Huawei P9 Plus.

Features:

• Resolution: 128 * 128
• Sensing PAD area: 5mm * 5mm
• Size: Optical effective surface Φ <50mm
• Weight: 11.9g (with flange) (single piece)
• Display time, signal strength, Bluetooth on, power, WLAN strength, local playback, online cinema voice search
• Users will get the 20ms low latency and 95-degree field of view (it’s 96 degrees on Samsung’s Gear VR and 110 on the HTC Vive plus the Oculus Rift).
• There is also an anti-blue light filter for extra protection against eyestrain

You can get your own Huawei Virtual Reality headset here.