Last updated Jan, 22 2020

Whether you are in need of a headset for a VR Arcade, virtual tour, or trade show exhibit or education/training,  the world of VR has a multitude of different, often confusing array of products to choose from. With this guide, we’ve organized the best brands of VR headsets to help narrow down the selection for your specific needs.

Google Cardboard

The Google Cardboard headset uses your phone as a display for showing off VR apps. It was released on June 25th, 2014 with compatibility for both Android and iOS devices. It also features an SDK for the popular software Unity. While arguably the most used mobile VR method, it offers limited interactivity and is best utilized for simple engagements and media viewing, such as 360° images and video. User interaction is either managed by a simple button press on the headset or by asking the user to look at an on-screen button for a few seconds. While the name implies a cardboard headset, more refined plastic headsets can be purchased on Amazon for a reasonable price. 

Type: Phone-compatible headset (Android or iOS).

Cons: 

• No head tracking capability (the VR world is unaware of your location)
• Lack of controller functionality.
• Resolution and quality is limited by the phone’s display.

Price Range: $

Our Recommendation: Best used for limited budget public apps, websites, and social media posts containing 360º media, and not requiring complex user interactions.

 

Google Daydream View

The Google Daydream View was released on November 10th, 2016, to accompany Google’s own Daydream VR application platform. It’s a slight upgrade from Cardboard, featuring a motion (but not tracked) controller, a comfortable plush headset, and requiring a higher-performance phone. The headset (and apps) are compatible with Android phones with Daydream software support for Samsung, HTC, LG, Xiaomi, Huawei, ZTE, Asus and Alcatel brand phones. See a complete list of supported models. Note that Google has somewhat stopped supporting Google Daydream, but we can develop apps for it, if needed.

Type: Phone-compatible headset (Android only).

Cons: 

• Works with daydream compatible handsets only.
• Small controller (the platform will work with 2 controllers, but as of this writing nearly all available software works with just one).
• No head or controller tracking
• Some light leakage on the edges of the display detract from immersion.

Price Range: $

Our Recommendation: Best used for limited budget public apps and games with only basic user interactions. Virtual product demos, VR training, multimedia, simple games, where you need multiple untethered headsets and do not need realistic position and hand tracking.

 

Samsung Gear VR

Developed by Samsung in a collaboration with Oculus, the Samsung Gear VR released on September 3rd, 2014 with a number of other revisions that have been made over the years to fit their flagship smartphones. It offers an experience slightly edging out Google Daydream View while also being a lot cheaper, especially if you have Samsung phones on hand. Support for Samsung Gear VR has been quite adequate and it offers an experience on par with the Daydream View. Gear VR works with an optional gyroscopic control pad (not tracked).

Type: Samsung smartphone compatible headset

Cons:

• Only works with supported flagship Samsung smartphones
• Mobile platform only
• Controller purchased separately

Price Range: $

Our Recommendation: The Samsung Gear VR is a very good option for a mobile VR platform. It’s price range and quality makes it a far more compelling option than the Google Daydream View or the Google Cardboard with optimal performance if your phone is the latest.

 

Oculus Go

The Oculus Go is a very compelling option for those who are looking for a non tethered, mobile VR experience. Made in conjunction with Qualcomm and Xiaomi, the Android-based Oculus Go released on October 11th, 2017 with a Snapdragon 821 processor and a resolution of 1280 x 1440 per eye (with refresh rates of 60Hz or 70Hz). It features an integrated microphone, directional speakers for a casual experience and a controller that offers rotational tracking.

Type: Standalone Headset (Android-based).

Cons:

• Does not track position.
• Underpowered compared to other options.
• Limited options for software library compared to PC tethered Oculus.
• No head or hand tracking.

Price Range: $$

Our Recommendation: The Oculus Go is a good choice option for a cordless VR experience for multimedia, social experiences (such as vr chat), casual games, and demonstrations requiring moderate levels of interactivity.

 

Oculus Quest

Released on May 21, 2019, Standalone Oculus Quest features a powerful Snapdragon 835 processor and a resolution of 1600 x 1440 per eye with high contrast OLED displays. What separates this standalone headset from the rest is its 6DOF (6 Degrees of Freedom) tracking with its pair of controllers and room-scale tracking without the need for base stations. Facebook’s cloud point tracking allow for easy development of multiplayer VR experiences, while the spacial mapping features offer limited skinning of real environments. The integrated spacial audio speakers eliminate the need for a headset. Since release, Oculus has added hand tracking support (eliminating the need for controllers),  and added the ability to stream Desktop VR to the headset (using Oculus Link). 3rd-party wireless streaming is also available through Remote Desktop and ALVR.

Type: Standalone wireless (Android-based), but also supports Desktop VR through streaming.

Cons:

• Wireless experience, albeit with some loss of graphical power.
• Barry lasts about 2 hours with moderate use.
• Dynamic environments (such as busy trade show floors and changing lighting) may cause the spacial mapping to flake out.

Price Range: $$

Our Recommendation: An all-around good performer for a variety of uses, especially those requiring advanced user and hand tracking for interactivity. Great for used that require mild degrees of environmental mapping of static environments. One of the most versatile headsets offering a wide range of features across both mobile and desktop VR platforms.

 

Pico Neo 2 and Neo 2 Eye 

Shipping in 2020, the Pico Neo 2 and Neo 2 Eye aim to be a promising mobile VR headset for professional high end usage. One of their staple features is the introduction of occlusion-resistant electromagnetic tracking, meaning you have the freedom of using wireless controllers without having to keep your headset pointed in the direction of the controllers. The Neo 2 Eye also features eye tracking without requiring calibration, which allows VR software to know where the user is looking and optimize performance in that areas of the screen as well as use that data to trigger events in the software. Powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 854, the Pico Neo 2 is an absolute performance beast for a mobile headset , and it’s also quite comfortable to wear, as it has a counterweight system to evenly distribute weight across the headset.

Type: Standalone headset (Android-based)

Cons:

• While this is the highest performing standalone headset, its power still can’t compare to desktop platform VR
• Controllers are a bit on the heavy side due to housing electromagnetic components
• Not ideal for gaming
• No streaming features announced.

Price Range: $$

Our Recommendation: The Pico Neo 2 and Neo 2 Eye are one of the most compelling options for a wireless headset for exhibitions and installations. Thanks to its innovative electromagnetic design, for the first time ever, users can experience excellent wireless tracking from virtually any position. If eye tracking is needed for your application, the Pico Neo 2 Eye is a no-brainer.

 

HTC Vive

Released June 7th, 2016, the Vive comes with a resolution of 1080 x 1200 per eye with a refresh rate of 90hz, setting a new standard for VR image quality. The Vive is the very first model in its lineup. Included with your Vive comes the Vive motion controllers and two base stations, which aid in head and controller tracking for a full 10 foot cube of movement around your position.

Type: PC Tethered headset (Windows only).

Cons:

• While once the leader in this area, the resolution has been surpassed by newly released headsets.
• Requires a fairly powerful PC.
• Wires.
• A decent amount of clear space is needed for the installation.
• Can be a little complex for new users.

Price Range: $$$

Our Recommendation: For high-detail, high performance games and demonstrations. Exhibits and training exercises that need head and hand tracking or complex user interactions.

 

HP Reverb

The HP Reverb is aimed for use with corporations and professionals right from the get go. It also has one of the highest resolutions ever for a vr headset at 2,160 × 2,160 per eye; which is more than double the amount of pixels compared to its Oculus and HTC competitors. It features built-in headphones and has full 360 degree tracking without any external sensors. A new Revive backpack (although bulky) allows for complete portability of the system.

Type: PC Tethered (Windows) – Portable Backpack available.

Cons:

• While there is less screen door effect than other models, the display brightness and coloring is inconsistent across the frame.
• Uses Windows Mixed Reality controllers which are not as great as some of the other types of controllers that competitors use.
• Lacks a hardware IPD adjustment for optical sensors to match different user’s eye positions.

Price Range: $$$

Our Recommendation: The HP Reverb is best suited for professionals who need a high resolution as the highest priority and are looking for one of the most powerful VR experiences that can be portable (with optional backpack).

 

Varjo XR-1

The Varjo XR-1 is a beastly new headset aimed for professionals who require stunning resolution for their next VR project. However, the 1,440 x 1,600 per eye resolution becomes quite the understatement when taking a look at the XR-1’s other impressive features. The XR-1’s built in front facing dual 12 megapixel camera makes it both a virtual and mixed reality headset! Not only that, but the XR-1 is also the world’s first headset that can track users’ eye movements at 100hz across photorealistic mixed reality scenarios.                                             

Type: PC Tethered (Windows only)

Cons:

• Recommends very pricy computer specs
• Better suited (and priced) for Mixed Reality purposes.
• Most expensive headset on this entire list (as of June 2019)

Price Range: $$$$$

Our Recommendation: If budget isn’t a concern, the Varjo XR-1 is the be all, end all option for professionals who are looking to expand their capabilities from VR to XR. Do  keep in mind this baby needs some strong hardware to accompany it, as Varjo’s website recommends an i7- 8700, an RTX 2080, and 32 Gigs of RAM to run the XR-1. Fro agencies and exhibits that need the flexibility of Virtual and Augmented reality out of the gear, this is the top choice. 

Oculus Rift S

The Oculus Rift S is the newest introduction to the Oculus lineup. Released on March 20th, 2019, the Rift S increases the original Rift’s resolution to 1,280 by 1,440 per eye with a refresh rate of 80Hz. It ditches the external stations, opting to use an innovative in-headset tracking system similar to the Oculus Quest. The S model also utilizes the same tracking controllers as the Quest. The headset is designed to be lightweight and comfortable for extended periods of use.

Type: PC Tethered headset (Windows only)

Cons:

• Displayport connection only
• Lower refresh rate than the original Oculus.
• Lower resolution than Oculus Quest

Price Range: $$$

Our Recommendation: The Oculus Rift S is an suitable alternative to the Vive models, especially for long VR sessions.  

 

HTC Vive Focus Plus

The Vive Focus Plus is an outstanding standalone VR headset for use in business applications. It features an improved comfort design for long term use and easier cleaning. Kiosk Mode simplifies the first time user experience with simple app launching. VIVE Enterprise allows professional monitoring and management of multiple headsets. The integrated Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 powers the 1140×1600 per eye displays and motion tracked 6DOF (degrees of freedom) controllers offer a quality experience for an unteathered headset.

Type: Standalone wireless (Android-based)

Cons:

• Because the headset is targeted towards business applications, game support may be limited. That doesn’t mean games can not be developed for it!
• A bit more expensive than other base models.
• Premium features for business have additional fees.
• Tracking may not be reliable in dynamic environments, such as busy trade show floors.

Price Range: $$$$

Our Recommendation: The Focus Plus is a great option for business looking to for VR training kiosks, virtual tours, and exhibit demos (within an enclosed space) that do not require high end visuals. The tracking and controllers allow for detailed user interactions, while the lack of tethering is convenient and offers a degree of portability. The VIVE Enterprise platform allows for easy cross device installations, updates, and monitoring.

 

HTC Vive Pro

The HTC Vive Pro is by far one of the most powerful VR headsets on the market. Released on January 8th, 2018, The Vive Pro comes with an impressive resolution of 1440 x 1600 per eye at a refresh rate of 90Hz. It also comes with built in headphones, which is great for user-to-user handoff. The housing also seems to be more robust than the original Vive, making this an excellent choice for VR-arcades, trade shows, and other high-traffic exhibits.  It uses the same motion controllers and base-stations as the original Vive, allowing for precise tracking of the hands and head position.

Type: PC Tethered headset (Windows only).

Cons:

• One of the more expensive options for VR headsets
• Requires a high-end PC.
• Base Stations and Motion Controllers must be purchased separately.

Price Range: $$$$

Our Recommendation: The Vive Pro seems built for multiple users in rapid succession, making this our top pick for trade shows, long-term exhibits, VR arcades. The controllers and head tracking allow for a great deal of user interaction and movement, while the tethered PC can really push some high-end experiences. 

 

HTC Vive Cosmos

The newest model in HTC’s lineup features a resolution of 1440 x 1700 per eye at 90hz, which is a bit higher resolution than the Valve Index. It also features a good 110 degrees of tracking with built in headphones included. The Cosmos it the first of HTC’s headsets to feature internal tracking (similar to the Oculus Quest), meaning no more pesky baystations. Unfortunately the Cosmos’ tracking is not the best, suffering from issues with tracking in bad lighting and registering when the user tries to bend over. Additionally the headset suffers from software complications as well. Since HTC no longer uses the Steam VR platform natively, they’ve created their own proprietary UI which is quite confusing to navigate. 

Type: PC Tethered Headset (Windows only for now)

Cons:

• Phone app support not yet added but will be coming in the future.
• Tracking problems occur when in a low light environment.
• The new UI isn’t very user friendly compared to other models.

Price Range: $$$

Our Recommendation: The Vive Cosmos quickly gets overshadowed by it’s competition in terms of notable features and price range. At a price tag of $699.00 USD, the Cosmos becomes a lot harder to justify considering the Oculus Rift S and Oculus Quest have had the same features for quite some time, and at a much lower cost. The spotty tracking issues it suffers from is also a big punch in the face for the Cosmos. At best, this headset serves as a good model for what could be, as HTC plans to release hardware upgrade kits for it. 

 

Valve Index

The Valve Index is an absolute powerhouse when it comes to raw performance. Boasting a resolution of 1,440 × 1,600 per eye at a refresh rate of up to144hz, it offers excellent image quality across a wide (100°) FOV, with an unbeatable refresh rate (which helps reduce motion sickness). The Index also features its own spin on built-in headphones, which Valve is calling “nearfield off-ear speakers.” Essentially, the speakers hang a bit farther away from the headset which makes it easier to take on and off. The base stations for the Index are also compatible with any VR headsets using SteamVR 2.0, so if you’re looking to switch to the Index from a Vive Pro, you won’t need to buy new base stations. Along with the advanced power and image quality, the Index was designed with comfort for long use sessions in mind.

Type: PC Tethered Headset (Windows Only)

Cons:

• It’s pricey, and hard to come by right after launch.
• To get the maximum frame rate, you need a pretty powerful gaming PC.

Price Range: $$$$

Our Recommendation: The Valve Index is an absolute dream to use if you have the hardware to back it up. We recommend this headset if you have the game or application that really pushes graphics or requires long sessions. For exhibits requiring the best detail and a wider field of view, while keeping the potential of motion sickness at a minimum, this is a solid candidate. The unique controllers have little support in popular games, but for custom software builds it will be no problem.

 

Vrgineers XTAL

Featuring a sleek geometric design with a 5k display, the XTAL has a wide variety of notable features that makes high end VR more realistic. To aid in usability, the XTAL is the first ever headset to offer an automatic IPD system, meaning the headset can detect and adjust the position of the lenses to best suit your eyes without manual adjustment. Like the Oculus Quest, it also features hand tracking for a controller free experience (powered by Leap Motion). The headset also has a built in microphone. Most importantly, the modularity of the headset allows the user to connect to a range of different tracking systems, with support for multiple types of vr controllers being a major plus as well. Built for high-end use, it is the best option for uncompromising VR experiences, simulations, and blowing people’s minds.

Type: PC Tethered Headset (Windows Only)

Cons:

• Bulky headset design
• While the 3rd party hardware compatibility can be a pro, it often can be a hassle to combine hardware across multiple manufacturers
• To get the maximum frame rate, you need a pretty powerful custom PC setup.

Price Range: $$$$$

Our Recommendation: This headset is very heavily marketed to a professional audience for use in high end demes and simulations. It claims ample security with no backdoors. That being said this headset is very expensive, with a launch price of EUR 6,190 (6893.49 US). There are other headsets with good resolution for a much lower price. But if you’re looking for a realistic, high end graphical experience with tracking and integrated mic, this is a worthwhile investment.

 

Pimax 8KX

Slated for release later in 2020, the Pimax 8KX promises to be one of the first true 4k per eye VR headset and demonstrations have shown promising results. As the name implies, a total resolution of 8k running at 72Hz, it’s a very good contender for people looking to prioritise resolution and field of view (which is a whopping 200°). The only problem being the price is very hefty, it relies on 3rd party tracking and controllers, and the headset will missing some very key features at launch. Comparing the price point to other ultra-high resolution headsets, it makes our recommended list.

Type: PC Tethered Headset (Windows Only)

Cons:

• Will not ship with controllers or base stations, meaning you’ll have to buy another tracking system (such as Vive’s options)
• Despite the gorgeous resolution, this headset demands a lot of pc power. Most high end PCs even have trouble running a 5k headset. A custom build is recommended.

Price Range: $$$$

Our Recommendation: Unfortunately, this headset demands processing power that will add a lot of cost into the PC-end of the setup. The fact that this headset doesn’t ship with any type of tracking or controllers makes its price tag and complexity a lot harder to justify. 

 

LYNX R-1

The LYNX R-1 is a very versatile Mixed Reality headset aimed for professionals with military, medical, and industrial use-cases, hence its very plain and straightforward aesthetic. The headset comes equipped with a Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2, 6 gigs of RAM, and 128 gigs of storage, making it more powerful than the Oculus Quest. It comes with a resolution of 1,600 x 1600 per eye at a refresh rate of 90Hz with a 90 degree field of view and 18 pixels per degree. The R-1 is notably a lot less bulky and more lightweight compared to other headsets. It also has integrated audio as an added bonus. Preorders are available for the LYNX R-1 which is set to release in the summer of 2020.

Type: Standalone wireless (Android-based)

Cons:

• Claims only to have “2 active hours of battery life.”
• The 1600 x 1600 per eye resolution is comparatively lackluster compared to other headsets, LYNK attempts to alleviate this issue by using a special lens that breaks the resolution down into quadrants of 800 px and layers them on top of each other. 

Price Range: $$$$

Our Recommendation: While the combination of both AR and VR is an enticing feature, the headset’s price of $1,500 USD is a hard sell to make when other Mixed Reality headsets like the Samsung Odyssey and the HP Mixed Reality headset are far cheaper, while those platforms are more readily available to developers. The methodology LYNX uses to upscale the headset’s resolution can also be met with a bit of skepticism. If a solid wireless mixed reality experience is needed, this device seems to have a decent combination of power and portability.

 

Workinman Interactive – Engaging Virtual Reality Exhibits

Hardware aside, it’s the software experience that will win over your users. Need a full-service developer for your VR business application, trade show, interactive exhibit, or game? As premier Unity Engine developers we support all platforms and all headsets, and can help you craft a rich, captivating experience to win over your customers. From product demos for trade-shows to virtual tours of campuses or museums, we put together highly memorable experiences for the budget conscious. Chat with us today to get started on your next AR or VR project.

Services

• Game Development
• Interactive exhibits
• VR and AR guides and tours
• Product demonstrations
• Product and process training in VR
• Interactive builders and designers
• Custom business VR and AR applications
• Education