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Virtual reality aka VR started off as something only tech enthusiasts cared about but thanks to recent developments and push from companies, it is transitioning into the mainstream. Progress has been made on both hardware and software fronts to showcase to people what exactly VR is capable of. This is the reason we have more than ever VR headset options in the market and that too at different price points.
Those days are gone when enjoying immersive virtual reality experiences meant spending a fortune. The entry-level VR headset performance has come a long way, especially thanks to efforts from Oculus. We will talk about the best VR headsets that you should give a try in 2022. These are available at different prices so that you can choose based on your budget.
Meta Quest 2
Meta’s Quest 2 (previously known as Oculus Quest 2) is the best VR headset you can get without shelling out a lot of money. It is a standalone VR headset but supports PC tethering as well. It is quite compact in size and is also pretty lightweight without compromising on performance or user experience.
There is no need for wires except for charging or if you wish to connect it to your PC. It has a vast library of VR apps and games that are accessible on its own. It supports 1832 x 1920 pixels resolution per eye with up to 120Hz refresh rate, 100-degree field of view, and full-motion tracking for head-and-hand movement. It is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon X2 platform and comes with 6GB of RAM.
It lets you create a virtual boundary around yourself for a safer virtual reality experience and alerts when you get closer or cross it. There are two touch controllers to help you interact with the virtual environment. It costs just $299 for the 128GB model and if you want double the storage, you need to pay $100 more. The Oculus Link Cable that lets you connect the headset with the PC is sold separately.
Valve Index
The Valve Index is a premium PC-tethered virtual reality headset by all means. The most interesting thing about the device, other than the pricing, is its revolutionary controllers with full-finger tracking. These are capable of tracking the movements of each of the fingers. However, you will need games compatible with the tech which, if you can find them, will result in a much superior experience.
There is a 2880 x 1600 pixels resolution per eye with up to 120Hz refresh support and a 130-degree field of view. It offers up to 144Hz support via experimental mode. It is a performance powerhouse and delivers the best possible graphics that you can get. However, all that costs $999 and you will need a capable PC as well. The Index’s setup process is not a straightforward one either.
HTC Vive Pro 2
If a high-resolution display is all you want, the HTC Vive Pro 2 should be your definitive choice. It boasts 4896 x 2448 pixels with up to a 120Hz refresh rate and 120-degree field of view. In other words, you are set to get the best quality VR visuals in your favorite apps and games.
It is also a PC-tethered VR headset and as you would expect, you will need a high-end PC to take full advantage of what the Vivo Pro 2 has to offer. The pricing is set at $799 for the headset alone and if you want controllers and base stations, those will take the cost well above $1000. And yes, it will take a noticeable amount of time to get everything set up for the first time.
HTC Vive Cosmos Elite
The Vive Cosmos Elite could be your choice if you want a VR headset from HTC but the Vive Pro 2 is beyond your budget. It is capable of delivering superb VR experiences with accurate motion tracking. It has a combined resolution of 2880 x 1700 pixels with a 90Hz refresh rate and a 110-degree field of view.
The whole package is bundled with the controllers and base stations. There are six camera sensors and it supports inside-out tracking. The pricing is set at $899 which is still on the higher end of the spectrum but is definitely cheaper than the Vive Pro 2.
Sony PlayStation VR
As the name suggests, the PlayStation VR aks PSVR is the ideal choice if you want to experience PlayStation VR games. It connects with a PlayStation 4 console and PlayStation Camera and you are good to go. The good thing is that you can easily find bundles featuring both the VR headset and the camera.
It has a resolution of 960 x 1080 pixels per eye with up to a 120Hz refresh rate. While the resolution is certainly much lower in terms of modern trends, it still provides a quality VR gaming experience that you will not be disappointed with. However, it is the controller aspect that lags behind when compared with other modern options. This will cost you about $500 depending on the bundle.
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