VR headset buying guide
VR gaming on mind? Whether it's for gaming or productivity - let's help you choose the best virtual reality headset for your needs.
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Virtual Reality (VR): the basics
What is virtual reality (VR)?
What if... you could walk into the war zone of your game, collaborate with your team, exercise on the beach, or just attend a concert happening miles away, all from the comfort of your home? Well, VR has made it possible. It is a computer-generated 3D environment in which you can interact with or explore pretty much anything using VR headsets and controllers.
What is a VR headset?
Also known as VR Goggles, it is a head-mounted device that covers your eyes to help you see and experience the virtual world around you. It provides a separate image for both your eyes to let you see in 3D and includes stereo sound and onboard tracking cameras to track your pose to align with the display. You get a lifelike experience.
How can you use VR?
VR is predominantly used for gaming, but it is becoming increasingly useful and popular as a productivity tool and a streaming device.
What are you using a VR headset for?
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Getting started - What products do you need to enjoy VR?
It all depends on the VR platform you want to use...
Every VR platform has something different to offer. From gaming to viewing and working out to streaming - look for a kit that best support your needs. Some products will include everything you need to experience VR, but not all. So, we suggest you check what is included before you make your purchase.
To begin with, there are 3 VR platforms to choose from:
To start VR gaming, if you already have a console or a PC, pick a VR headset that supports it. If you don't, then a standalone VR headset is a great option.
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Standalone VR
Standalone VR (like Meta Quest) are best suited for those who want to use VR on the go.
Console-based VR
Console-based VR (like PlayStation VR) are for gamers who want to level up on their gaming experience making it more immersive.
PC-based VR
PC-based VR (like HTC VIVE) is for gamers and professionals allowing more flexibility.
Accessories to complete your VR set-up
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How do you want to play VR?
Meta Quest
Looking for a wider variety of content for your VR experience? Meta Quest (earlier Oculus) is the one for you. From gaming to productivity and everything in between, explore our range of Meta Quest products to find just the right fit for you.
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Meta Quest 3
- Ideal for gaming, productivity, entertainment, fitness activities, and streaming.
- No other hardware required (WiFi and mobile App needed for initial set-up).
- 500+ brand new titles across gaming, fitness, entertainment and more. Also lets you revisit games you already love with backwards compatibility.
- Comes with 2 LCD panels with 4K+ Infinite Display. Allows full-colour passthrough, a feature that gives a real-time view of your surroundings even while wearing the VR for mixed reality experiences.
- 90Hz refresh rate with a 120Hz experimental refresh rate.
- Built-in audio with an option to use your wired headphones or wireless headphones via Bluetooth. Has a 40% louder volume range than Quest 2.
- Rechargeable controllers.
- Suitable for both entry-level and advanced users looking for an upgrade without breaking the bank.
- Includes options that let you wear your headset over glasses.
- Controllers have haptic feedback.
Meta Quest 2
- Great for gaming, productivity, fitness workouts and streaming.
- No other hardware required (WiFi and mobile App needed for initial set-up).
- Has a big library of games and can be connected to a PC to access the Rift library of games (higher fidelity game - a gaming PC is recommended for this).
- Fast Switch LCD screen for lifelike picture quality.
- 120hz refresh rate.
- Built-in audio with an option to use your wired headphones or wireless headphones via Bluetooth.
- Controllers are not rechargeable and require batteries.
- Wireless.
- Entry-level.
- Medium-weight.
More VR sets
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Pico 4
- Great for gaming, productivity, fitness workouts and streaming.
- No other hardware required (WiFi and mobile App needed for initial set-up).
- Smaller library of games (but can be used connected to a gaming PC to access 1000’s of PC VR titles).
- LCD screen with 4K clarity for sharper images.
- 90hz refresh rate.
- No headphone socket. You can use built-in audio or wireless headphones via Bluetooth.
- Controllers are not rechargeable and require batteries.
- Wireless.
- Entry-level.
- Light-weight.
- Controllers have haptic feedback.
PlayStation VR2
- Great for gaming.
- Requires wired connection for all activity.
- Has a limited library of games to choose from. Compatible with games you may already own.
- HDR OLED display gives a very clear picture.
- 120hz refresh rate.
- Built-in audio with an option to use your wired headphones or wireless headphones via Bluetooth.
- Rechargeable controllers.
- Wireless.
- Mid-range to advanced.
- Eye tracking – it knows exactly where you're looking and this also allows for foveated rendering, meaning it renders the part of the screen you are looking at in high resolution, whilst the other parts are rendered at a lower resolution to save on processing power.
- Medium-weight.
- Headset has haptic feedback.
HTC VIVE XR
- Great for gaming and streaming.
- No other hardware required (WiFi and mobile App needed for initial set-up). Can be connected to a PC but not essential.
- Has a limited library of games to choose from. Compatible with games you may already own.
- LCD display with 1920 x 1920 resolution for each eye, making it a great option for heavy-duty graphics.
- 90hz refresh rate.
- Built-in audio with an option to use your wired headphones or wireless headphones via Bluetooth.
- Rechargeable controllers.
- Wireless.
- Advanced.
- Light-weight.
- Controllers have haptic feedback
Games with VR support
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How do you buy games for VR?
You can find a wide selection of games on the PS Store within the PS5 operating system.
Meta Quest games can only be purchased through Meta's dedicated VR store. You can purchase Meta Currency from Argos as gift cards.
For Pico VR games, you can buy the games directly from the Pico store, accessible within the VR headset or the Pico App. You can also connect Pico headsets to a gaming PC and access a vast library of PC VR titles there.
Can you play other games on VR?
You can play some non-VR games on VR headsets. All PS5 games can be played through the PS VR2 headset and all PS4 games can be played using the PS VR1 headset in cinematic mode (as a big virtual 2D screen).
How much space do you need for VR?
Set up your room for VR
Many VR games allow you to choose the preferred level of movement within the virtual environment. This means you can adapt the game to suit the space you have. For instance, driving games are designed to be played while seated, providing an immersive experience without the need for extensive movement. On the other hand, some games may offer options to explore the virtual world more extensively.
As a guide, the minimum clear space you will need for seated VR experiences is approximately 1 square metre. This allows you to sit and move comfortably within the virtual environment.
If you want to move around more, it is recommended to have at least 2 metres of clear space. This will allow you to physically navigate within the virtual environment and enhance the experience by providing more room for movement and interaction.
How do I set parental controls on my VR headset?
VR headsets are not recommended for children under 13, as they are at greater risk of injury, and can impact eye development. While they offer tons of options, parental controls help you in ensuring age-appropriate experiences, limit access to certain apps or content, and manage usage time to promote safe and responsible VR use.
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Meta
As a safety measure, Meta account set-up is not permitted for under-13’s. Also, to keep a tab on what your teen is consuming, Meta Quest allows you to monitor its usage via the Meta Quest app.
To set up parental control, you can simply send an invite link from your child's Meta quest app to your own Meta quest app. This will sync the accounts allowing you to share games & apps with your teen and block anything that isn't teen-friendly.Pico
To ensure safety, whenever a user is trying to set up an account on Pico, they're asked to input their age. This helps Pico restrict the content available to the user.
So, it's advisable for you as a parent or a guardian to supervise the device when the account is set up.
PS VR2
PS VR2 headset is for anyone who is 13 and older. It has parental controls linked to your PlayStation console, allowing you to manage those experiences in the same way you would manage your kid's traditional video games on the platform.
You can restrict their usage as necessary by following the below steps:
Head to Settings > Family and Parental Controls where you can set restrictions for your child.
FAQs and VR terms
What is AR or Augmented Reality and how is it different from VR?
Augmented reality (AR) is a blend of the real world and VR. Images are rendered as an overlay on top of what you see in the real world. On the other hand, VR is completely computer-generated and the scenes in it appear to be real to make you feel immersed.
What is Mixed Reality?
If you've ever used Instagram and Snapchat filters, you have already experienced mixed reality (MR). It is a blend of the real world and the digital world where elements can interact with each other.
What is Field of View (FOV)?
FOV is the area you can see when you put the VR headset on. A wider field of view means you can see more of the virtual world around you. It's like having a larger window that lets you take in more of the virtual environment.
Is refresh rate or resolution really important for VR?
Choosing a headset with a high-resolution display allows you a crisp and immersive visual experience. Plus, a higher refresh rate means the images on the VR headset's display change more frequently, creating smoother movements. It helps to reduce motion blur and makes the virtual world feel more realistic.
What is Foveated Rendering?
It renders the part of the screen you are looking at in high resolution, whilst the other parts are rendered at a lower resolution to save on processing power.
Is wireless VR good?
A wireless VR headset offers freedom of movement without being connected to a computer or console, making the immersive experience better. It allows you to freely explore virtual environments, eliminates the risk of tripping over wires and cables, and provides greater convenience for both gaming and non-gaming applications.
Why is tracking important in VR?
Tracking systems determine how accurately a headset tracks your movements. Many VR systems need an external sensor or camera to track your physical movements with accuracy, helping determine the position of your headset and controllers in the virtual environment.
How do you recharge VR headsets?
VR headsets generally use a USB-C port for charging, but some require batteries. If you are travelling, it’s best to have a power bank with suitable output and adequate capacity to charge your VR headset (or just carry replacement batteries).
Why is comfort important in VR?
VR sessions are generally lengthy, so comfort is key. Always look for a headset with adjustable straps, enough padding, and good weight distribution. Factors like ergonomics and ventilation ensure a comfortable fit.
What is an LCD quantum dot display?
Quantum dot displays are great as they show vibrant and lifelike colours, offering an improved picture quality. This makes them popular in a range of electronic items, including televisions, computer monitors, and mobile devices. They emit pure red, green, and blue light when stimulated by electricity. In a quantum dot display, these dots are placed in a layer above the backlight. When the backlight shines through the dots, they convert the blue light into vivid red and green lights, resulting in more accurate colours on your screen.
What is haptic feedback? What is the difference between having haptic feedback in the headset and in the controllers?
Haptic feedback are the vibrations that match the action on the screen. Headset haptics vibrate the whole headset, and that's unique to PS VR2. Most other platforms use controller haptics to add a level of realism to your interactions with the VR world.
What is Oculus?
Oculus is simply the old name for Meta Quest. Meta changed the name of the Oculus range to Meta Quest in 2022.
Can I wear glasses with a VR headset?
Yes, you can wear glasses with a VR headset. The glasses may get pressed against your head slightly, so smaller glasses frames are better to reduce this. Some headsets also have additional spacers to create more room around the eyes to make wearing glasses more comfortable. It is advisable to put the VR headset over your glasses first and then stretch the strap over the back of your head second to avoid any sudden pressure on your glasses and face.
