As the digital age of AI and VR is pacing in the blink of an eye, VR is said to not only be limited to gaming or entertainment but also expand into other sectors, increasing its impact on our daily lives. Not to mention, the metaverse hype is making VR devices pretty tempting, making all of us want to jump on the bandwagon too. Well, update your carts already, because here are the best VR devices to buy in 2023?
Meta Quest 2
At $400, the Meta Quest 2 is considered a reasonable buy with quality performance. Powered by great hardware—the Qualcomm SnapDragon XR-2 SoC—the sleek design of Meta Quest 2 allows it to be a user-friendly product, primarily by being a standalone device. Meaning, it doesn’t need a computer. You can also use it via a USB tether or a WiFi connection, making it pretty convenient for a newbie as well. There are both 128 GB and 256 GB models, and the Meta Quest 2 can be used with your bare hands?
Meta Quest 2 does have battery life issues, allowing only 2-3 hours of usage between charges. However, you can double the time by purchasing the 129-dollar add-on Quest 2 Elite Strap with Battery and Carrying Case. This would only be worth it if you’re a serious gamer who wants longer sessions. However, the smooth experience it offers for such a low price has to be the highlight here.
Pimax Vision 5K Super VR Headset
Costing around 749 dollars, the Pimax Vision 5K Super VR Headset would be a good addition to your VR collection, thanks to the great field of view (FOV) experience it has. Quality is key with the 180 Hz refresh rate and higher frame rates offered by the Vision 5K Super. The Pimax headsets are angled in such a way that they wrap your face with sharp displays. The best part is that even if you don't know how to set up, the exceptional customer service takes you by your hand and guides you through the process?
Although the image clarity is excellent, slight colour distortion is seen around the edges. Being more on the expensive side, Vision 5K Super does have the cost factor as a drawback, as well. The comfort level of the Vision 5K Super is also an issue, as the headset is more on the heavier side, weighing you down. However, this isn’t something an additional support strap can’t fix.
Many users agree that the increased field of view more than makes up for the image distortion found by a few users. In conclusion, the Pimax Vision 5K Super VR Headset gives you the best of both worlds when it comes to performance and quality.
HTC Vive Cosmos Elite Virtual Reality System
If you’re looking for the most comfortable VR system in town, then the HTC Vive Cosmos Elite Virtual Reality System is your quick fix. HTC Vive features some of the best screens in the market with extremely comfortable adjustable straps. It doesn’t feel like you’re wearing one, nor do you feel tired after long-hour sessions of usage. That is, you can use it all day? This is especially important when using a VR device because qualities like this help it stand out in the VR market. While most VR headsets need an add-on for a more comfortable experience, the HTC Vive includes it into its VR headset seamlessly.
The drawback of the HTC Vive is its cost. The HTC Vive retails for 900 dollars, which may not be everybody’s cup of tea. It also takes up a lot of space, which shouldn’t be an issue if you really want it. If decluttering your house would free up space, then the HTC Vive might just be the newest member of your family?
PlayStation VR 2(PSVR)
The PSVR 2 is an affordable buy at $550 and will hit stores in February 2023. However, you can pre-order it now? The PSVR 2 is said to be conveniently light, but it needs the PS5 to work. It has a 2,000x2,040-pixel per-eye display, which is also higher than the Quest 2. They also use a technique called "foveated rendering." This technique means that the center of your eye’s vision will be very clear, in particular, i.e., the clarity will work according to your eyes. This would ensure that your VR experience is very real, as the game would literally work with your eyes!
The PSVR 2 has a USB tether to the PS5 and isn’t a standalone device. Another addition to the PSVR 2 is that Sony is working on something for all of you wearing prescription glasses? All those times choosing between your glasses and comfort can now be put aside thanks to the PSVR 2. These would be tailored to ensure that the eye gaze tracking worked for everyone. If you already have a PS5, then the PSVR 2 would be a good fit for you.
HP Reverb G2 Omnicept Edition VR Headset
The HP Reverb G2 Omnicept Edition VR Headset is one of the best VR headsets in town with the sharpest images. Despite its $1,249 price tag, the elevated experience with foveated rendering and heart rate tracking elevates it to a whole new level. The audio quality and camera-based tracking are just a few of the other features contained in the Reverb G2 Omnicept Edition VR Headset, making its overall performance the best for gamers. In fact, the HP Reverb contains everything you’d look for in a VR headset.
While being on the expensive side compared to its competitors, the HP Reverb G2 Omnicept Edition VR Headset also has issues with tracking. The device isn’t a standalone device either; however, performance quality and image clarity are what make the HP Reverb G2 Omnicept Edition VR Headset cancel the cons all out.
Go with the flow
Swaying along the VR tide? The VR industry is expected to drastically alter how we live our lives, and as time passes, the VR experience is going to be much more elevated. Starting your VR journey with an affordable VR headset would help you explore the much more exciting side of AR/VR and help you master it sooner as well.
