One of the best VR headsets for 2025

Selecting the most effective VR headset for you is step one into a few of the most immersive gaming, leisure and digital work experiences out there as we speak. Whether or not you’re exploring new worlds, understanding in digital gyms or collaborating in 3D environments, a fantastic headset could make all of the distinction. The most recent fashions provide high-resolution shows, improved FOV (area of view) and ergonomic head strap designs that preserve issues snug throughout prolonged classes. Many additionally help Bluetooth for connecting exterior equipment like controllers or earbuds.

Because the tech has matured, you’ll now discover headsets that steadiness efficiency with portability, and a few even provide a wider area of view to reinforce your sense of presence in digital areas. From beginner-friendly choices to high-end gadgets constructed for lovers, there is a VR headset on the market for each kind of consumer — and this information will show you how to discover the one that matches your wants greatest.

Desk of contents

Greatest VR headsets for 2025

Photograph by Devindra Hardawar / Engadget

Learn our full Meta Quest 3 VR headset review

Storage capability: 128GB | Battery life: 2.2 hours | Discipline of view: 110 levels (horizontal), 96 levels (vertical) | Max refresh fee: 120Hz

The long-awaited follow-up to the Quest 2 is an improve in each respect: It’s extra snug to put on, it has increased high quality screens and it has full-color combined actuality cameras, permitting you to see the true world alongside digital parts. Whereas it’s dearer at $500, it’s additionally a much more succesful headset than the Quest 2 and the brand new Quest 3S, with {hardware} and optics that can preserve you fortunately immersed in VR for years.

The Quest 3 is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chip, which Meta says has double the graphics energy of the Quest 2. That further energy is noticeable in video games like Crimson Matter 2, which characteristic up to date textures that ship an expertise nearer to PC VR. The Quest 3’s new shows run at 2,064 by 2,208 pixels per eye, providing a good higher expertise than the PlayStation VR2. Its combined actuality cameras additionally allow you to simply see the true world, in case you’ll want to shortly reply a textual content or Slack message. And so they allow video games that may be constructed round your room.

What makes the Quest 3 attention-grabbing is that it presents extra than simply stable VR: It additionally offers you a glimpse at what a combined actuality future could possibly be. Whereas it’s not as sharp or succesful as Apple’s Imaginative and prescient Professional, that’s comprehensible. And similar to earlier Quest headsets, you too can plug it right into a gaming PC for increased high quality VR experiences.

Professionals

Sharp new screens and lenses
Sooner efficiency
Blended actuality cameras make it simpler to see the true world
Adjustable for glasses

Cons

Costlier than earlier than
Solely 128GB of storage to begin
No battery life enhancements

$480 at Amazon

Photograph by Devindra Hardawar / Engadget

Learn our full Apple Vision Pro review

Storage capability: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | Battery life: 2 hours | Discipline of view: 100 levels | Max refresh fee: 100Hz

With the Vision Pro, Apple is trying to do for VR what the iPod did for media gamers, and what the iPhone did for smartphones. It’s a daring, $3,500 gamble to reshape the world of VR round Apple’s concept of “spatial computing.” It’s extremely costly, considerably uncomfortable and surprisingly buggy, however the Vision Pro is the largest leap ahead we’ve seen within the stagnating VR trade in years. Most individuals shouldn’t purchase it, however in case you’re a developer or somebody with cash to burn and wish the most effective immersive headset as we speak, it’s really in a league of its personal.

Professionals

Unimaginable Micro-OLED screens
Intuitive gesture controls
Convincing Spatial Audio
Immersive Video is astoundingly practical

Cons

Extremely costly
visionOS may be very buggy
Heavy in comparison with different headsets
Exterior battery is annoying and does not final lengthy
Not many native visionOS apps

$3,500 at Apple

Photograph by Devindra Hardawar / Engadget

Learn our full Meta Quest 3S VR headset review

Storage capability: 128GB, 256GB | Battery life: 2-3 hours | Discipline of view: 96 levels | Max refresh fee: 120Hz

The Quest 3S is Meta’s newest entry-level VR headset, however don’t let its affordable $300 worth idiot you: It’s additionally a outstanding achievement for the corporate. It sports activities the identical Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chip because the Quest 3, in addition to a wholesome 8GB of RAM, permitting it to energy the identical experiences as its pricier sibling. It additionally options Meta’s glorious Contact Plus controllers, which ship stable movement controls, in addition to responsive joysticks and buttons.

The one main draw back is that the Quest 3S isn’t almost as sharp because the Quest 3. It options the identical 1,830 by 1,920 pixel per eye display screen from the Quest 2, whereas the Quest 3’s display screen presents 30 % extra pixels (2,264 by 2,208 pixels per eye), to ship a sharper and extra practical picture.

VR newbies most likely gained’t discover the distinction a lot although, and that’s what actually issues. The Quest 3S is simply as snug because the Quest 3 to put on, and it will possibly simply entry the identical apps and video games on the Meta Quest Retailer. There’s no headphone jack both, however its built-in audio system ship stable enveloping audio for video games like Maestro, and you would additionally plug in a USB-C to three.5mm adapter, or simply pair wi-fi headphones.

The Quest 3S can hook up with gaming PCs over USB-C or wirelessly to play extra intense VR experiences. It will probably additionally wirelessly stream your gameplay to Chromecast gadgets, or to AirPlay gadgets by mirroring the Quest app from an iPhone. If you happen to’re nonetheless holding onto the Quest 2, or an authentic Quest, the Quest 3S is exactly the cheap improve you’ve been ready for.

Professionals

Quick efficiency
Comfy to put on
Wonderful controllers
Giant app library

Cons

Older Fresnel lenses result in artifacts
No headphone jack
Common combined actuality cameras

$299 at Amazon

Photograph By Devindra Hardawar / Engadget

Learn our full PlayStation VR2 headset review

Storage capability: 128GB, 256GB | Battery life: 3 hours | Discipline of view: 110 levels | Max refresh fee: 120Hz

The PS VR2 is without doubt one of the greatest headset we’ve examined. It presents twin 2K OLED HDR screens, successfully providing you with 4K high quality. It’s one of the snug headsets round. And it has some genuinely refreshing new options, like eye monitoring and headset haptics. (Sure, it will possibly actually rock your noggin.) Better of all, the PS VR2 delivers high-quality digital actuality with out the necessity for a $1,000+ gaming PC – all you want is a PlayStation 5.

Now, our suggestion comes with a couple of caveats. At $550, the PS VR2 is dearer than the PS5 itself. And it’s unclear how shortly its recreation library will refill. The preliminary run has just a few exclusives, like Horizon VR and Gran Turismo 7, and we haven’t seen many new titles since then. However it’s nonetheless the simplest option to expertise high-end VR, and it’s a serious improve over the unique PS VR.

Professionals

Wonderful OLED shows
Comfy match
Headset haptics really feel immersive
Sense controllers are stable

Cons

Extremely excessive launch worth
Restricted new titles
Long run improvement is suspect

$350 at Sony

Photograph by Devindra Hardawar / Engadget

Learn our full Valve Index VR kit review

Storage capability: N/A | Battery life: 7 hours | Discipline of view: 108 levels | Max refresh fee: 120Hz

Valve’s Index kit stays the most effective high-end options in the marketplace that gives a very immersive VR expertise. For $999 you get the Index headset, Valve’s finger monitoring controllers and two SteamVR base stations. Whereas we have seen higher-resolution headsets arrive within the final two years, it is nonetheless a really stable choice, with a 1,440 by 1,600 pixel decision, an eye-watering 144Hz refresh fee and an enormous 130-degree area of view. I would gladly lose a couple of pixels for the Index’s smoother and extra expansive display screen, that are nonetheless far past most different shopper headsets.

As a SteamVR product, the Index requires putting in two sensors at reverse corners of your room. And naturally, it is wired to your PC. However that clunkiness is price it for the upper refresh fee and extra correct monitoring. Positive, it is not as straightforward to make use of because the Quest 3S, however at this worth vary, we assume you may undergo a little bit of inconvenience to get a very high-quality VR expertise.

Valve’s finger monitoring controllers are incredible as properly, with a handy strap that locks them onto your palms. They make enjoying Half-Life: Alyx really feel like a dream. It is unlucky that different VR video games have not totally taken benefit of the finger monitoring although.

Professionals

144Hz refresh fee with a 130-degree area of view
Wonderful finger-tracking controllers
Stellar efficiency

Cons

Requires putting in sensors in your room
Wired design

$999 at Steam

Photograph by Devindra Hardawar / Engadget

Learn our full Bigscreen Beyond VR headset review

Storage capability: N/A | Battery life: 2 hours | Discipline of view: 102 levels | Max refresh fee: 90Hz

Basically an improve for the Index, the Beyond is a novel spin on a VR headset from Bigscreen, the developer of a well-liked app for watching video in VR. It appears to be like extra like an outsized pair of goggles than an enormous VR headset. The $999 Past is the lightest VR choice we’ve ever seen (it weighs a tad greater than a deck of enjoying playing cards), and its Micro-OLED screens are sharp and provide near-perfect distinction. In contrast to LCD screens, black can look genuinely black with the Past.

The draw back, although, is that the Bigscreen Past is dear. It’s $999 by itself in case you’re simply upgrading a Valve Index setup. If you happen to’re ranging from scratch, although, you’ll additionally want to purchase two Steam VR base stations and a pair of Index controllers. That provides as much as a whopping $1,578.

The Bigscreen Past additionally requires a customized face cushion, which is constructed from a 3D facescan once you place your order. Sadly, that makes it tougher to share than different headsets. There’s additionally no room for glasses, because it’s so slim. You should purchase prescription lens inserts from Bigscreen for a further price. And naturally, you’ll must reside with a cable tethered to your PC, there’s not one of the freedom of the cordless Meta Quest headsets.

For all of its complexity, although, the Bigscreen Past delivers essentially the most immersive PC VR expertise I’ve ever seen. Because it’s so mild, you’ll be able to simply put on it for hours. Along with its wonderful screens, it’s the best choice for VR lovers who don’t thoughts coping with price and complexity for true immersion.

Professionals

Extremely mild and comfy
Sharp and vivid Micro-OLED screens
Works alongside current Valve Index equipment

Cons

Costly
No built-in audio
Nonetheless reveals artifacting like different VR headsets

$999 at Bigscreen

How we take a look at VR headsets

I have a tendency to guage candidates for the most effective VR headset on a couple of primary standards: Ergonomics, immersion and controls. It is not that tough to shove a cell show right into a plastic headset and strap some low cost elastic headbands onto it. However it takes actual design talent to craft one thing that is properly balanced, features a supportive headstrap, and does not really feel uncomfortable after half-hour.

My take a look at for ergonomics is pretty easy: How lengthy can I put on a headset till I begin to really feel discomfort? For essentially the most ergonomic gadgets, just like the Quest 3, that might simply be an hour or two. However heavier PC {hardware} typically feels cumbersome after simply quarter-hour — you gained’t discover these sorts of gadgets in our record of the most effective VR headsets.

Immersion, in the meantime, comes from having excessive decision screens with quick refresh charges, like a 120Hz refresh fee, so every thing appears to be like sharp and easy. Discipline of view can be a serious component, because it describes how properly VR screens can cowl what you see. A slim FOV makes it really feel such as you’re peering by a pair of binoculars, which limits your sense of “presence.” One of the best VR headsets intention for a wider area of view, serving to digital environments really feel extra pure and totally encompass you.

A large area of view, then again, could make it appear to be you’re truly flying over the globe in Google Earth. We have a look at a couple of well-liked video video games, like Superhot, Beat Saber and Pistol Whip, on each headset to guage how immersed we really feel and the way pleasing the gaming expertise is total.

One of the best controllers match naturally in your palms and provide correct monitoring. The trade has mainly adopted the design of Meta’s glorious contact controllers, however we’re additionally seeing intriguing leaps ahead like Valve’s finger monitoring gamepads. We choose controllers primarily based on how straightforward they’re to carry, how they maintain as much as sweaty gameplay classes and the way simply headsets can observe their place in house.

Nevertheless, it’s necessary to take a look at a digital actuality headset’s specs as a complete. Relying on what you’re on the lookout for in yourVR headset, you’ll need to think about elements like your PC’s CPU and graphics card in case you plan to make use of the headset to play the most effective VR video games. You won’t want a brilliant highly effective PC, however you must verify the minimal necessities for the headset you’re seeking to buy. If you happen to’re not seeking to spend money on a VR headset solely for gaming, options like head monitoring help you discover your surroundings simply by merely transferring your head within the simulator. This typically ends in a extra immersive and practical expertise.

Different VR headsets we’ve examined

HTC Vive Focus Imaginative and prescient

The Vive Focus Vision is a modern premium standalone VR headset that may additionally ship stable PC VR. However it’s additionally operating growing older {hardware}, it’s riddled with software program points and it’s costly in comparison with the Meta Quest 3.

Meta Quest Professional

As nice because the Meta Quest 3 is, the Quest 2 continues to be an excellent entry-level VR headset, and it’s price contemplating if it’s on sale under its present $250 record worth. The Meta Quest Pro, on the the hand, is an costly boondoggle greatest ignored.

HTC Vive Professional 2

Outdoors of Meta’s {hardware}, the HTC Vive Pro 2 stays a incredible PC headset, nevertheless it’s far dearer than the Valve Index, which is extra snug and presents higher audio.

VR headset FAQs

How do VR headsets work?

On the most elementary stage, a VR headset is solely a top quality display screen that you just’re holding as much as your face. For a wired headset, the precise work of rendering a recreation is finished on both a PC or recreation console. For utterly wi-fi gadgets, just like the Meta Quest 3, that work is dealt with proper on the headset. They depend on both exterior sensors, or sensors constructed into the headsets, to map your bodily house. Whereas you need to use a conventional gamepad or keyboard and mouse in VR, they sometimes use movement monitoring controllers to immerse you of their 3D environments.

What VR headset is greatest for full physique monitoring?

Whereas we’re nonetheless ready for a very nice haptic VR bodysuit to reach, you’ll be able to nonetheless obtain correct physique monitoring with most Steam VR-compatible PC headsets. The Valve Index and HTC Vive Professional 2 each depend on room-tracking sensors that may map your physique extra successfully than the built-in sensors on opponents. You can too add HTC Vive Trackers to wrist and leg straps, in addition to belts, for even higher protection. The Meta Quest 3 doesn’t have any straightforward physique monitoring options, however you’ll be able to add Vive trackers when it’s plugged into your PC to imitate a Steam VR headset.

Just a few experiences, like VRChat, make the most of full physique monitoring in the meanwhile. Presently there aren’t any physique monitoring options for the PlayStation VR and VR2, however we’re intrigued by the corporate’s Mocopi body trackers, which had been actually introduced in Japan.

What VR headsets are higher than Oculus?

Oculus is the earlier title for Meta’s VR {hardware}. Presently, Meta solely helps the Quest 3, Quest 3S and Quest Professional, all of that are wi-fi headsets. As we clarify above, PC VR headsets can usually obtain higher high quality digital actuality, since they depend on extra highly effective graphics {hardware}.