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Nov 03, 2024

The best VR headset in 2024: all the latest platforms compared | GamesRadar+

PSVR 2, the Meta Quest 3, or something from HTC Vive? It's an interesting year to shop around for the best VR headsets. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate

PSVR 2, the Meta Quest 3, or something from HTC Vive? It's an interesting year to shop around for the best VR headsets.

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

The best VR headsets are gearing up for a very competitive month this November. Black Friday is fast approaching, and with so many excellent VR headsets on the shelves right now, all of them will be jostling for position, hopefully with some great discounts. But which is the right one for you and your setup? That's what I'm here to help you determine.

Paying $3.5 grand for Apple's ski mask probably isn't the most appealing option for the majority of VR gamers, and it's for that reason we're excited by the rumors that have been circulating around a cheaper version of the Meta Quest 3. You'll be glad to know that it is possible to find some of the best VR headsets for between $300 and $600 at the moment, but we're always supportive of cheaper alternatives. Premium options from the likes of HTC, Meta, and Valve can still trickle into the four-figure mark, but not nearly to the tune of $3,500 (thanks, Apple).

To help you navigate this often complicated-seeming market, we've rounded up the best VR headsets you can buy at the moment down below. We've put this guide together based on both our own hands-on experience and by balancing spec lists and price points to find the best value. I'm currently testing the new Meta Quest 3S to figure out where it sits on this list, so if you're looking for something on the lower-end of the budget, maybe wait until I can give you my verdict on that one.

Best overall

The best VR headset for gaming overall

Sony's second venture into VR blends top specs, value, and innovative features. With a growing library of games every month, this is our top pick overall.

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Best standalone

The best standalone VR headset

If you don't want to rely on a high-end PC or console for your VR gaming, the Meta Quest 3 is the best independent headset on the market. It's great value, too.

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Best Meta alternative

The best Meta alternative

The Pico 4 Ultra may only be available in the UK, but it gives the Meta Quest 3 a serious run for its money. With better specs and a cheaper price, this is worth a look.

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Best premium

Best premium VR headset for PC

If it's the most premium feeling VR headset for gaming you want, the Valve Index might just take the cake. But be warned, it doesn't come cheap.

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Best PC VR headset

The best VR headset for PC

The Vive Pro 2 has some of the best specs on the market, and can turn any doubter of VR into a believer. It's pricey, and there's a lot to set up, but it's just brilliant.

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Most affordable

The most affordable VR headset

The Meta Quest 2 still packs a punch, and is still worth buying despite the Quest 3 being so close. If you'd struggle to afford another headset, go for this one.

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Best for mid-range PCs

The best VR headset for mid-range PCs

If your PC doesn't have the beefy specs a lot of VR headsets require, you might be better suited to a less demanding headset like the Vive Cosmos Elite.

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I've always been a lover of VR gaming. It frustrates me when I see headlines about the doom and gloom of headset sales or how devices can still give you motion sickness, but I believe VR is simply a different way to experience video games - and one that's only growing from this point on. I'd argue that VR headsets are more than the sum of their spec sheets, and I take joy in testing the latest models out to find the ones worth buying.

Our expert review:

PSVR 2's list of impressive tech specs adds up to a highly cohesive VR package. This is a headset that absolutely oozes value for money, especially when you add up the costs of VR gaming on a PC. A high-end PC that will make the most of the other VR powerhouses on this list will likely set you back more than a grand. Add in the thousand or so you'll spend on one of those headsets alone, and you've got quite the investment. Meanwhile, a PS5 will set you back around $500, with PSVR 2 setting you back $549. For that amount, you get an incredible VR platform and a growing number of must-play games.

Now that we know PC support is on the way, it's just become even more tempting.

✅You play games on a PS5 anyway: If PS5 is your platform of choice, it makes total sense for you to grab yourself a PlayStation VR headset.

✅You don't have a powerful gaming PC: If you don't have a beefy CPU and GPU, and can't afford to build a PC that's VR-ready, a PSVR 2 saves a lot of hassle.

✅You want the best VR features for cheaper: PSVR 2 has some features that are exclusive to high-end PC VR headsets - and thanks to some great innovations, even beats them. Despite that, it's cheaper than the majority of them.

❌You don't have a PS5: It goes without saying, but if you don't have a PS5, PSVR 2 won't work on its own or with a PC. Hopefully, it gets PC compatibility at some point.

❌You won't use it: VR isn't for everyone, and being a lifelong PlayStation gamer, I know what it's like to want the next bit of hardware just because it's available. This is a hefty investment. If you aren't going to use it for VR, give this a miss.

❌You want access to loads of games right away: PSVR 2's library of games is still growing, and it isn't a patch on Steam's options or Meta's expansive library. If you want more games right away, look elsewhere.

Design: The aesthetics of PSVR 2 are a beautiful evolution of Sony's first visor. Subtly rounded corners and camera placement on the corners of the headset's front panel make it look futuristic. The raised headband design makes it feel lighter than the original as well, although can put some uncomfortable pressure on your noggin.

Features: For your money, you get a slew of impressive features that ground you in VR experiences like never before. Haptic feedback in the excellent VR2 Sense controllers, the headband, and some light trigger resistance - these features arguably feel more at home in VR than they do on the DualSense. The OLED panel looks astounding whether you're fully immersed in the 110-degree FOV, or whether you're playing non-VR content in cinematic mode. The clever integrations thanks to really solid eye-tracking and foveated rendering will have your jaw continually hitting the floor too.

Performance: PSVR 2's well of high-end VR features all add up to such a great platform to experience gaming on. It's admittedly hamstrung by its lack of compatibility with PSVR1, or indeed PC. Its list of games is growing though, and barring a couple of exceptions, each game that's released for it is capable of turning a lot of heads (pun intended).

The OLED panel technology inside PSVR 2 is second-to-none. It makes a device that's just over $500 feel like something worth double that. Visual fidelity in this headset is breathtaking, and combining OLED tech with foveated rendering is a work of genius.

When it comes to room tracking, you always feel safe. PSVR 2 never fails to warn you if you're overstepping the mark. Continual software updates have helped improve performance, and Cinematic Mode is continually one of my favorite uses of this device. Outer Wilds, Returnal, HUNT: Showdown - games that are totally immersive at the best of times get a heart-pounding boost played like this.

In terms of specs, features, and value for money, PSVR 2 has blasted its way onto the scene, leaving the rest of the VR gaming competition in its wake with a stellar all-round package.

Our expert review:

Following on from the successes of the Quest 2, the Meta Quest 3 blends some excellent standalone VR power with some great mixed-reality versatility. Available in both 128GB and 512GB models, this is the best VR headset for gaming if you don't want to be at the mercy of a PS5 or high-end gaming PC.

✅You want a standalone headset: You won't be tethered to another device.

✅You want mixed reality features: The passthrough cameras here are the best you'll find, and integrating games into your spaces may help with motion sickness.

✅You want more than a gaming device: The age of spatial computing is upon us, and this device will help you access it.

❌You already have a PS5 or PC: There are better gaming features to be had with PSVR 2 and a clearer resolution with the Vive Pro 2.

❌You need good battery life: If 2 hours isn't enough for you, invest in charging options, or another headset.

❌You aren't a fan of Meta: While privacy concerns aren't as serious here, you will still be beholden to Meta's privacy track record.

Design: The face of the Quest 3 tells you everything you need to know about it. This is a clear successor to the Oculus Quest 2, but one that uses its frontal cameras to blend it into a mixed reality headset. In practical terms, the Quest 3 feels extremely similar to the Quest 2 in terms of fit and comfort. The central headband will, admittedly, still mess up your hair do, but it adjusts far easier than the one on the Quest 2.

Features: The biggest differences that separate the Quest 3 from its predecessor, and indeed, its rivals, have to be its pancake lenses and Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 processor. The latter makes the experience of using the headset much smoother, while the former massively increases the areas of the display that appear clearly, creating less blur, and much better periphery when playing VR games. 3D audio is at play here too, and it works a charm. The integrated speakers are so much better than the ones on the Quest 2, although their extra bulk can sometimes mean the user feels more pressure on the side of their head, especially if glasses are being worn.

Performance: The biggest drawback to a standalone headset - even one as good as the Quest 3 - is battery life. The lifespan here is better than on the Quest Pro, but if you don't invest in an additional headstrap with a battery pack, you'll be stuck with around two hours or so before having to recharge. The passthrough cameras are truly brilliant, and mean you can do some fun spatial computing if you want to. Annoyingly, the display and controllers feel virtually identical to the Quest 2's, meaning besides the pancake lenses, processor, and beefed up audio, there's not a massive difference between the two headsets.

Regardless, this is one of the best VR headsets going. If it had a few more innovative features aimed at gaming, it may have taken the top spot for its value for money. As it stands, it has access to an amazing library of games, but PSVR 2 edges it out with eye-tracking, an OLED display, and better haptics.

Our expert review:

The Pico 4 Ultra is by far the best alternative to a Meta Quest 3, and if you're in the UK, it might even be a better option for gaming. To be honest, it's a little hard to find a winner between the two headsets, especially since their internals are so similar. Still, the Pico 4 Ultra should be on the radar of anyone who's intrigued by a standalone VR headset.

✅You don't want to buy products made by Meta: It's understandable if you don't trust Meta with your data. This could be a solid alternative.

✅You want a light headset: The Pico 4 Ultra feels beautifully light on your head while gaming.

✅You want great passthrough: The passthrough cameras here can't read text on a phone screen, but its mixed-reality prowess is here in abundance.

❌ You want the maximum number of games: Meta's Quest store does have access to more games than Pico's.

❌You plan to use wired headphones: Strangely, there's no 3.5mm headphone jack built-in here, so you won't be able to wire up a headset.

❌You're in the US: Frustratingly, the Pico 4 Ultra isn't available in the US unless you're a company looking for an enterprise package.

Design and Features: The design of the Pico 4 Ultra is nice and light, and doesn't stray too far from the original Pico 4. The device weighs 580g, but its weight is so well-balanced that it doesn't put pressure on your head. There's a USB-C connector, some integrated volume buttons, and a power button, but no 3.5mm headphone jack. The stock facial interface is cushioned well, and there's plenty of space for glasses to fit inside it without scratching at the device's pancake lenses.

That's right, for anyone comparing specs with the Meta Quest 3, you'll notice that the Pico 4 Ultra uses the same lenses. Not only that, but the headsets share the same Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 processor. Also inside is an LCD display with a 2160 x 2160 resolution per eye that refreshes at 90Hz. You get more memory in the Pico 4 Ultra though, which arguably might future-proof it for larger levels in VR games as time goes on. When wearing the headset, you'll get a wide 105 degree field of view, and a generous area of focus thanks to those lenses.

On the outside, you'll benefit from two 32MP cameras and some integrated speakers. These speakers aren't quite as powerful as Meta's, but they more than do the trick when playing a game. The 4 Ultra features a 7,500mHh battery which can last anywhere from two to four hours depending on your usage, and charges up via USB-C.

The headset comes with two controllers that ditch the tracking rings used by older VR devices. If you're willing to spend a little more money, you can also get some tracking devices that strap around your ankles to give you full body tracking when gaming.

Performance: You won't need me to tell you that such similar (and sometimes better specs) to the Quest 3 will add up to a brilliant gaming experience. The Pico 4 Ultra's display even gives the OLED power of PSVR 2 a serious run for its money, and that's saying something. The light feel on your face here also adds immersion, and I found that it reduced any feelings of motion sickness I sometimes suffer from when gaming in VR. From immediate performance comparisons with the Quest 3, I actually found that the Pico 4 Ultra outshone the Quest 3 in demanding games, suffering fewer frame rate dips and jaggy lines.

Annoyingly, controller tracking wasn't the best, and I wonder whether keeping hold of the tracking rings used on the Pico 4 would have prevented this from being a problem. Tracking issues didn't prevent me from playing games or take me out of any experiences, but they did occasionally slip up where it mattered, like in Blade & Sorcery when my sword definitely should have been facing a different way than it was on screen. That said, the controllers of the Pico 4 Ultra are longer than the Quest 3, and I think they're better suited to people with larger hands. They come with some additional buttons that help navigate menus too, which is a nice addition.

Annoyingly, the Pico 4 Ultra isn't available in the US (yet), and I hope that changes during the device's lifespan. This is, in many ways, the ideal competitor to the Quest 3, and although it's hard to pick a winner between such close rivals, I do want a larger market to have more choice. If you're in the UK, this is seriously worth considering over a Quest 3.

The Valve Index is one of the go-to VR choices for PC gamers, and for good reason. This is a total luxury device that will match anyone who has a beefy gaming PC already. It isn't pricey though, and arguably these days you can get better all-round performance for less cash.

Design and Features: There are a few features of the Valve Index that we need to get out of the way right at the start. First up is that finger tracking system. Rather than relying on per-controller tracking, the Valve Index has stepped where no VR headset has gone before - adding sensors for each individual finger via a touch-sensitive panel. The second is a 120Hz refresh rate that will cover for a slightly lower resolution by allowing games to slide across the screen without a hint of a flicker.

✅You play a lot of Steam games anyway: This is an excellent choice for anyone who has a massive Steam library already.

✅You want a premium-feeling device: Just by looking at it, you can tell the Valve Index is a luxury device, even in the VR market.

✅You want gaming features more than resolution: It's a close call between the Index and HTC, if you'd rather go with Valve's option, you will miss out on some extra visual oomph.

❌You're short on cash: There are plenty of great headsets that are cheaper but are still worth buying. You don't need to go high-end if your budget won't allow it.

❌You don't have a high-end gaming PC: This is a headset that you'll get more value out of if you have a powerful gaming PC waiting for it at home.

❌You're worried about futureproofing: The Valve Index is still a powerhouse these days, but if you want something even more future-proofed in 2023, maybe wait for a newer model.

Performance: The Valve Index is a VR headset for those fully invested in the PC gaming space, the specialists that already have the PC humming away in the corner and are looking to put it to the test. While the headset itself costs £499 / £459, the full kit will set you back $999 / £919. That's cheaper than the full price of the HTC Vive Pro 2 and all of its gadgets, though you're favoring tracking over resolution here

With the whole of Steam behind it, you'd be hard-pressed to be bored in this headset's list of virtual worlds. However, it is worth noting that fewer Steam titles can take full advantage of these unique tracking features so you're certainly proofing yourself for the future rather than enjoying better visuals in every game.

Our expert review:

If you're after the best VR headset for PC gaming money can buy, we'd point you in the direction of the HTC Vive Pro 2. This is certainly a big kid's toy, coming in at $800 for the headset alone, without taking the extra required accessories and high-end PC into account. However, for specialists and budget-busting enthusiasts, the HTC Vive Pro 2's 4896 x 2448 resolution, pinpoint motion tracking, and Steam VR integrations make it a must-see.

✅You have a powerful PC: VR can be CPU and GPU-intensive. If you want to make use of this headset's visuals, make sure your rig is equipped for it.

✅You want the best visuals possible: If you don't have a beefy CPU and GPU, and can't afford to build a PC that's VR-ready, a PSVR 2 saves a lot of hassle.

✅You're okay with a VR setup dominating a room: HTC Vive Pro 2 does require a mapped-out space with dedicated sensors that are a faff to install every time you want to use them. If you're happy with VR being a mainstay, buy away.

❌You don't have the funds: VR is expensive, especially if it's this headset. If you want VR but can't afford this and a hefty gaming PC, go for a cheaper option.

❌You don't have a powerful PC: To get the most bang for your buck, you'll need a hefty rig. If you don't have one, go for a standalone headset.

❌You don't have the space: If a permanent PCVR setup isn't something you can fit in your living room, maybe don't go for this one.

Design and Features: That 4896 x 2448 per eye resolution sits at the very top of the current market, offering up super clean visuals that you won't find on cheaper headsets. You are tethered to a PC here, and that's going to need to be capable of the heavy lifting required for that visual fidelity.

Combine that incredible resolution with the gargantuan 120° field of view and refresh rate of up to 120Hz, and you're onto a high-end headset. Everything encasing all that tech is also incredibly premium. We love the futuristic external aesthetic, but not as much as the lightweight design.

Performance: The quality of the HTC Vive Pro 2 does reveal itself over time. It took our reviewer a couple of days to fully adopt the correct settings for his eyes, so it's worth noting that you'll need some extra tinkering time for the best result. However, once you're there, the investment you've made is well worth it.

Make no mistake, as far as all-round PC VR performance goes, the HTC Vive Pro 2 is up there with the best on the market. Sure, there are competitors that do certain aspects just as well, but those can be even more pricey, and even then, you won't get this graphical fidelity.

We did find the setup process a little tedious in our testing, plotting out the base stations took a long time, and we'd heavily recommend wall-mounting them for the best effect (which will take even longer). You'll need to pick up two Steam VR base stations and motion controllers for the full experience, which will set you back around $600 extra all in. However, once you do there's a new level of tracking and motion at your fingertips - one that other VR headsets can sometimes struggle to match unless doing so while sacrificing other features.

Our expert review:

The Meta Quest 2 is still the best value VR headset on the market for the majority of players, even if it's staring down the barrel of the Quest 3's launch. This remains one of the cheapest mid-range VR options out there, so if you're looking for no-fuss VR on a budget, this is just the headset for you.

✅You're on a budget: VR is an expensive hobby. If you want to give it a try without investing too heavily in a PC or high-end device, the Quest 2 is your dream come true.

✅You want no strings attached: This is a fully standalone device, so there's no fussy setup process and you aren't tethered to a gaming PC or PS5.

✅You want to do more than just game: The Meta Quest 2 has a library of tonnes of apps and media streaming services. If you're into the age of spatial computing, a Meta Quest Pro might help you step into it.

❌You're okay with battery life gripes: Not that we'd recommend playing VR games for more than 30 or 40 minutes without a break, but the battery life will drain if you do that fairly often.

❌You don't mind privacy concerns, and trust Meta: Facebook and Instagram, now owned by Meta, don't have the cleanest track record when it comes to privacy and data protection. This device falls under that same company umbrella, so if you're alright with that, go right ahead.

❌You won't get decent use out of it: VR is a really fun novelty to try out, but if you aren't certain you'll use it regularly, there's not all that much point in buying a Meta Quest 2. That said, if you don't plan to use a VR headset often, this is one of the best to go for.

Design and features: While we were a little disappointed to find the Oculus Quest 2 felt a little cheaper than its predecessor, it's actually very comfortable to wear, and there are plenty of great Meta Quest 2 accessories if you want the perfect feel for you.

The Quest 2 is lighter than most other headsets on the market, with a weight of 503g. The resolution of 3664 x 1920 per eye may not be all that impressive compared to newer headsets, or ones that can utilize gaming PC power, but for a standalone this works just brilliantly. Similarly, 100 degrees of FOV is more than enough for something of this price - you won't need to sustain your disbelief with specs like these.

In our Meta Quest Pro review, we found the battery life and AR features made it much less viable than the Meta Quest 2 remains today. The Quest 2 will last just over 2 hours on a full charge, and that's without the Elite Strap that can give you an extra battery pack boost. To be fair, whoever is gaming solidly in one VR session for over two hours, we salute you. Please remember to play responsibly and keep hydrated!

Performance: With the Quest 2, you're free to roam your surroundings with no limiting tracking area and a super flexible setup overall. This is an all-in-one self-contained unit with a speedy processor and plenty of RAM for today's games. That means you won't need to invest in a high-end gaming PC to keep things running smoothly here - you're all good to go straight out of the box. And it's difficult to understate just how important that is to Meta Quest 2's value.

With so many of the best VR headsets costing well over $500 / £500 (and still requiring a separate PC brain or PS5 to function), packing the tracking features, high-resolution display, 90Hz framerate, and comfortable experience into a sub-$400 / £400 price point is incredibly impressive.

If the HTC Vive Pro 2, or indeed the Valve Index looks a little pricey, the Vive Cosmos Elite system might be the best VR headset for those looking for something mid-range. HTC launched its Cosmos headset to very little fanfare a few years ago, and on its own, the headset sits as a fully modular system that you can upgrade with a different faceplate and SteamVR tracking bases as you please. However, its final form is the Vive Cosmos Elite, making this iteration the best VR headset in its line.

Design and Features: While the resolution is behind the much cheaper Oculus Quest 2 (the full Cosmos Elite system will do over $800 worth of damage, there's enough power in that 2880 x 1700 display to keep up with the premium Valve Index system. That means no screen door effect and a clear display (supported by a 90Hz refresh rate). If you're after a full suite of tracking sensors, then, this is the most affordable option available to you right now - and it still does a solid job of rendering everything in high-quality graphics.

The best VR headset for gaming has to be PSVR 2. It punches well above its weight thanks to its all-around features and price, especially now that PC compatibility is coming. Of course, for a large proportion of people, the Meta Quest 3 is going to offer the most versatile experience if they're into mixed reality and general use beyond gaming. If you're glued to your gaming PC, then an HTC Vive Pro 2 or Valve Index is still viable.

Although it's the latest release from the folks at Oculus, we found that the Meta Quest Pro couldn't escape the DNA of its Meta rebrand. As a standalone gaming VR headset, it has some impressive specs, but it has a lot of Metaversal fluff that can't be avoided, and that brings some serious privacy concerns into play. Unfortunately, we can't recommend it over the Meta Quest 2 in any real capacity, especially due to the extremely poor battery life that didn't even live up to the 10 hours Meta quotes for it.

Certainly in terms of the Apple Vision Pro specs and hardware features we know so far, it could very well be one of the best VR headsets for gaming. Having said that, it's not designed specifically for gaming, so it could also swing the other way. There are no controllers for Apple Vision Pro, and the battery life with the small battery pack you're tethered to will only last you up to two hours, so it might not be ideal. We also don't know what kind of video game library we'll get for it yet.

The Oculus, or Meta Quest 2 is definitely one of the best VR headsets on the market, whether you want something for gaming or more general VR use. Perhaps the best thing about it is that it it's wireless, and doesn't need to be linked to a PS5 or PC in order to play at full power. Of course, it can be linked to a PC, but the fact it's independent of more expensive hardware means it's highly accessible for folks who can't afford it all. Oculus also has an expansive digital library of games since its one of the original names in VR gaming.

The first thing you'll need to get started in the world of virtual reality is a VR headset. Of course, finding the right model is easier said than done, but if you're looking for a solid experience while just starting out, we'd recommend sticking with the Oculus Quest 2. It's a fully standalone headset, which means you won't need a premium gaming PC to run it (or the cables to hook it up).

However, if you're opting for something a little more luxurious, you will likely need a PC with at least an Nvidia GTX 1060 graphics card, 8GB RAM, and an Intel i5 processor - better specs will produce a far better result, of course.

On top of that, you may also need to purchase additional controllers and tracking stations to complete your setup.

Technically, the HTC Vive Pro 2 has the highest resolution display on our list. Per-eye, you get 4896 x 2448 pixels. For gaming, it doesn't get much better than that up or down the price bracket. Having said that, PSVR 2 gets pretty close with a resolution of 2000 x 2040 PPE, and since it has an OLED panel to the Vive Pro 2's LCD one, its visuals are also stunning.

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Speaking broadly, all VR headsets will give you a sensation of realism like no other type of gaming. The entire appeal of the platform is that it puts your sensations in the middle of whatever virtual experience you want. In terms of realistic visuals, however, one headset beats out the rest by having a stronger resolution. If you want the best of the best, our top pick would need to be the HTC Vive Pro 2, which has a 120 degree field of view and a 2448p LCD display.

One of the biggest factors when choosing the best VR headset for you will likely be your budget. If cash is your only factor, you'll find a breakdown of the best VR headsets in each price range just below, but be aware that there's plenty more to this story if you're browsing above $600.

Beyond cash value, there are a number of features that separate budget, mid-range, and high-end headsets. Generally, these are screen resolution, panel type, field of view, and tracking support.

Screen resolution

The best VR headset for you might be the one with the highest resolution. That's because resolution is such an important aspect of the virtual reality experience, and a high-quality display will remove the screen door effect and keep your games feeling fresh and immersive. If you're spending more than $600 on your headset, you'll want to make sure you're getting a resolution of above 3664 x 1920.

Panel type

VR headsets are quickly adopting OLED displays moving forwards, thanks to the increased color contrast and vividity. If you want to remain on the cusp of emerging developments, then, it might be worth waiting for the perfect headset with an OLED panel (many of the best options today still use an LCD).

Field of view

The average field of view among the best VR headsets is around 100 degrees, with variances running around 10 degrees either way. The higher the field of view, the more you're going to be able to see around you, and the better the headset will recreate natural human vision. If you're looking to use your VR headset for gaming, then, it's well worth making sure you're hitting at least 100-110°.

Tracking support

Cheaper VR headsets use onboard cameras to track their placement, and your heads, within a virtual world. However, moving up the price scale, more specialist devices often employ additional hardware like tracking bases to set up room-scale tracking with far greater accuracy. You can game on a headset with onboard tracking, and if you're simply looking for casual entertainment, we'd recommend sticking with this far more affordable solution. However, if you're splashing some cash, it's well worth investing in a rig that can accurately track your whole play space.

Many of the best gaming laptops are also VR-ready now, but if you're keeping your search strictly to headwear, check out our guide to PSVR vs HTC Vive vs Oculus for more buying advice. Find out more about how we make our recommendations with the full GamesRadar+ Hardware Policy.

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Ever since playing Journey at the age of 15, I’ve been desperate to cover video games for a living. After graduating from Edinburgh Napier University with a degree in Journalism, I contributed to the Scottish Games Network and completed an Editorial Internship over at Expert Reviews. Besides that, I’ve been managing my own YouTube channel and Podcast for the last 7 years. It’s been a long road, but all that experience somehow landed me a dream job covering gaming hardware. I’m a self-confessing PlayStation fanboy, but my experience covering the larger business and developer side of the whole industry has given me a strong knowledge of all platforms. When I’m not testing out every peripheral I can get my hands on, I’m probably either playing tennis or dissecting game design for an upcoming video essay. Now, I better stop myself here before I get talking about my favourite games like HUNT: Showdown, Dishonored, and Towerfall Ascension.Location: UK Remote

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