If you’re an avid gamer, you’ve probably dreamed of owning VR (virtual reality) kits to complete your perfect gaming setup.
Unfortunately, VR kits are not cheap — which means you can’t just go out and buy the first kit that you see on the market.
There are many factors, features, and specifications to consider. No worries though!
In this article, we will be talking about some selections of the best VR kits for your exceptional gaming experience. Let’s dive right in!
1. VIVE Focus 3
In May 2021, the well-known electronics brand, HTC has announced its latest standalone VR headset, the Vive Focus 3.
Released a month after on June 27th, the headset features the Snapdragon XR2 with a refresh rate of 90Hz and 8GB RAM.
This all-in-one VR headset is designed specifically for business and light gaming uses as it comes with a 45-degree arm for maximum comfort.
It supports a 50/50 weight distribution which makes it super comfortable to use all day long; the headset panel on the front and battery at the back.
This VIVE Focus 3 is equipped with one battery. Each battery can be used for up to 2 hours of heavy VR use and only takes an hour to recharge.
Luckily, you can also buy additional batteries directly from HTC; that way you’ll be able to work longer in VR without having to wait for a recharge.
What’s interesting, the VIVE Focus 3 comes with an ultra-wide 120-degree field-of-view, which is greater than most standalone headsets in its class.
It also offers a 6MP (2.448 x 2.448) resolution for each eye and the largest adjustable IPD range available at 57mm to 72mm.
In terms of audio quality, the VIVE Focus 3 uses immersive high-resolution 3D spatial sounds with open-back, dual-driver speakers.
To add, HTC states that the Vive Focus 3 will also join the hybrid approach by offering PC VR use via tethering or wireless methods.
As of right now, the Vive Focus 3 retails for $1,300 including a two-year business warranty and free US shipping fee from the company.
2. Oculus Quest 2
In the last quarter of 2020, Facebook has officially released its newest VR kit headset, the Oculus Quest 2, continuing its predecessor as a standalone VR headset.
Despite not having major changes when it comes to the looks, the Oculus Quest 2 actually comes with a series of significant updates to its display, resolution, and refresh rate.
Starting from its display, the Oculus Quest 2 now offers a resolution of 1832 x 1920 pixels per eye — about 50% higher than the first generation of Quest.
Besides improving the resolution, Oculus Quest 2 also comes with an increased refresh rate from 72 Hz to 90 Hz — now you can enjoy gameplays with no delay.
For its processor, the Oculus Quest 2 relies on the Snapdragon XR2, a new chipset that Qualcomm specifically designed for VR and AR headsets.
To complement the high power, the Quest 2 is equipped with 6 GB of RAM and a choice of internal storage between 64 GB and 256 GB.
All of these components are packaged in a new frame that is slightly smaller and lighter at only 503 grams, making it the perfect VR headset for longer uses.
Along with the headsets, the Oculus Touch has also been improved upon. It is claimed to be comfortable and energy-efficient compared to the previous version.
When it comes to the battery, the Quest 2 is claimed to have the same endurance as its predecessor, which is about 2-3 hours on a single charge.
The good news is that the Oculus Quest 2 is quite affordable. The headsets are retailed starting at $299, which is a lot cheaper than its predecessor.
3. PlayStation VR
If you’re a big fan of Sony and Playstation, you might have heard about the PlayStation VR. Released in 2016, this VR headset still stands tall among the others until today.
For a good reason too! Despite being released a few years ago, the PlayStation comes with a 360-degree field of view for the best gaming experience.
It also has a custom OLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate for the best and the most stunning visuals and complete immersion of the game.
In addition, it also comes with an incredible 3D audio technology that lets you enjoy gaming sounds in all their glory from all directions of the headset.
Not to mention, the dual lenses and 3D depth sensors also allow the PlayStation Camera to track the position of the headset and the controllers from every angle.
For controller choices, users can connect the PlayStation VR with the PlayStation Move and DUALSHOCK 4 — for more gaming flexibility and convenience.
As of right now, the PlayStation VR is available for purchase also on a bundle package on any-third party online retailer or Sony Authorized with a starting price of $300.
4. HP Reverb G2
For virtual reality fans who don’t mind using cables and prefer the best quality VR headset, the Reverb G2 from the well-known brand HP is the best choice.
Just like its predecessor, the Reverb G2 headset released in 2020 comes with a very high display resolution which is 2160 x 2160 pixels per eye.
The main difference is the lens used on the display. The new display is designed by Valve and is claimed to significantly improve image sharpness.
Unfortunately, the refresh rate is still 90 Hz, not 120 Hz as Valve Index has featured. The field of view is also exactly the same at 114 degrees.
In addition to improving visual quality, the Reverb G2 also offers better spatial audio quality thanks to the help of Valve-designed speakers.
The main tracking system used on the G2 is Windows Mixed Reality, but HP still equips the headsets with two front cameras to match its competitors.
In terms of design, the G2 reverb is very comfortable to use thanks to a thicker face pad as well as more balanced weight distribution.
The headset can also be folded 90° upwards so users don’t need to remove the headset completely when they want to see their surroundings.
As of right now, the G2 reverb is available for purchase in the United States for $599. It is compatible with Windows Mixed Reality and even SteamVR.
5. Valve Index
Released back in 2019, Valve Index promises a ‘superior’ experience in enjoying VR content both in terms of visuals, audio, and comfort of use.
When it comes to appearance, this head-mounted display VR Valve doesn’t look that different from the VR kits from Rift or Vive.
The VR is equipped with headphones, a head strap, as well as soft comfortable paddings. It has a semi-transparent glossy finish on the front part.
In terms of display, the Valve comes with a pair of 1440x1600p RGB LCD screens. It’s claimed to have a 50% higher pixel density compared to the OLED type.
In addition, the Valve Index screen offers a refresh rate of 120Hz, which can be lowered to 90Hz or increased to 144Hz to users’ desire.
The display also comes with a reduced illumination period of 0,33 to 0,53 milliseconds — ensuring focused and sharp images under any circumstances.
What’s interesting, the Valve Index comes with a 135-degree field of view which can be freely adjusted using the knobs on the outside and inside of the headsets.
For the most optimal performance, users will need a device with GeForce GTX 970/AMD Radeon RX480 graphics card and an 8GB RAM.
As of right now, a set of Valve Index is priced at $1,000, a hundred bucks more than the standalone Vive Focus Plus headset.
6. VIVE Pro 2
Back in the second quarter of 2021, HTC introduced two new VR kits. One of which is the Vive Pro 2, a VR headset aimed for personal and gaming uses.
Physically, the Vive Pro 2’s design looks pretty much identical to its predecessor. It comes with the same sturdy frame and comfortable paddings.
The biggest difference is its specification. Its panel display now comes with a 5K resolution which means it offers 448 x 2448 pixels per eye.
Users can also more of the virtual environment with its wide 120-degree horizontal field-of-view. This field of view expands the visual experience while using VR.
With an exceptional 120Hz refresh rate and an IPD adjustment, users will experience exceptional non-delayed gaming with minimum eye fatigue.
It also comes with precise SteamVR tracking that provides 360-degree movement coverage. You get to move around freely without worrying about visual loss.
Not to mention, this VR kit is also equipped with 3D spatial sound integration and a powerful amplifier from the integrated Hi-Res headphones.
At the time of this writing, the HTC Vive Pro 2 is retailed at $749 (headset only) $1,399 for a complete package that includes two base stations and two controllers.
7. Oculus Rift S
In 2019, Facebook, the owner of a Virtual Reality (VR) device company called Oculus, introduced a VR headset for PCs called the Oculus Rift S.
This device is the successor to the first generation Oculus Rift which was launched in 2016. It brings a number of improvements from the previous generation.
The Oculus Rift S is equipped with a fast-switch LCD screen with a resolution of 2560 x 1440 per eye — which is much greater than the Oculus Rift first generation.
With that resolution, the Oculus Rift S is claimed to be able to reduce the effect of the screen door or eliminate the lines that appear between pixels.
Unfortunately, the Oculus Rift S only supports up to an 80Hz refresh rate which can be a deal-breaker for some users who need smooth graphics changes.
In terms of its design, the Oculus Rift S joined forces with Lenovo to deliver the best style and comfort for its users with evenly distributed headset loads.
Meanwhile, for its camera sensor, the Oculus Rift S is equipped with 5 camera sensors on almost every side of the VR headset.
In addition, the Oculus Rift S is also equipped with a pair of motion controllers called Touch and a 3.5mm earphone jack for more connectivity.
At the time of this writing, the Oculus Rift S is already discontinued on its official website. However, you can still purchase it through third-party retailers for $399.
8. VIVE Cosmos Elite
Back in February 2020, HTC introduced three new variants of Vive Cosmos — the Vive Cosmos Elite is one of them.
Just like its predecessor, the Cosmos Elite is designed to focus on catering to the users’ flexibility and convenience.
Carrying the modular concept, these VR headsets allow users to take off the faceplate, attach a wireless adaptor, and many more.
Even so, as the name implies, the VIVE Cosmos Elite is the most high-end version among all the new versions released and the regular one.
It comes with all features and specs the regular version has and much more. In short, this variant is the complete VR package of all the VIVE Cosmos.
The Vive Cosmos Elite is supported by an External Tracking Faceplate, two SteamVR base stations, and a pair of Vive controllers which run on batteries.
It also supports Vive Tracker and Wireless Adapter. Now users get to experience using VR kits in more than one place! Such a great convenience, right?
HTC also stated that Cosmos Elite is designed to handle games that demand exceptional accuracies such as Pistol Whip and Superhot.
What’s even better, with all these specifications, the complete VR Kit Cosmos Elite retails for only $899 — not much different than the regular version!
9. VIVE Cosmos
Back on October 3rd, 2019, HTC announced a new VR headset called Vive Cosmos which is an upgraded version of their first generation of Vive head-mounted display.
HTC Vive Cosmos features an impressive 1440 x 1700px resolution per screen with a combined resolution of 2800 x 1700px — making it the highest resolution VR headset for commercial use.
Each screen measures 3.4” diagonally. It uses an RGB display which should limit and eliminate the screen-door effect (lines that appear between pixels) of your contents.
In addition, the Vive Cosmos’ expanded 110-degree field of view and 90Hz refresh rate is also highly appreciated to ensure the best immersive gaming experience for its users.
Not to mention, it also has six camera sensors assisted by the G-sensor and gyroscope. The VR also comes with an LED controller and a built-in sensor as well.
In terms of the audio, the VIVE Cosmos comes with a built-in headphone stereo which delivers good enough sounds for the best gaming experience.
The Vive Cosmos is now available for purchase at a price of $700. HTC also includes 6 months of Viveport Infinity VR subscription for each purchase.
Wrapping Up!
There you have it! In this article, we have given a short overview of the 9 best VR Kits for the Most Amazing Experience along with their prices and features.
We hope this article has been helpful! If you still have any questions regarding the best VR Kits, please don’t hesitate to comment down below.
See you in another article!
