Two recommended VR goggles and headsets. I actually experienced and chose the best model!
The headset itself may be a page of history.
I love games, but VR is something I haven't touched yet. I would like to try the real thing before purchasing, such as the wearing feeling of the headset and the tracking function like "a bridge to the future" that I could not think of before, but I can not try it at the store now. Therefore, this time we will introduce the "best VR goggles / headsets" that the review site Wirecutter actually played and carefully selected, so please check the latest information on the latest gadgets.
Virtual Reality (VR) is a new technology that allows you to step into a virtual world full of dreams and charm. It may not be a gadget that will appeal to everyone, but it is the ultimate entertainment item that allows you to experience the world of games and movies more realistically.
After actually trying out various headsets with Wirecutter and carefully selecting them, the VR headset that most users will be satisfied with was decided to be Quest 2 of Meta (formerly Oculus)! It is a recommended device that is easy to use and allows you to enjoy various games and experiences. The manufacturer Oculus is now part of Meta, the brand name has changed from Oculus to Meta, and you need a Facebook account to use Quest 2.
Cordless, sufficient content and comfortable usability are recommended: Meta Quest 2
The best standalone VR headset. It boasts a code-free design and a convincing hand tracking function.
If you pursue the best specs with a VR headset, you will fly 100,000 yen. But what matters is comfort and ease of use. Going there, Meta Quest 2, which has both easy-to-use cordless specifications and sufficient specifications, is a clear winner. If you connect it to a PC, you can use it even more.
The controller is intuitive and easy to hold, and keeps track of you as you move around the room. Setup is not too difficult. The Meta Quest store and Steam VR library have a wide range of content, so you can download them and enjoy a rich game and movie experience.
High-end model recommended for PC users: HTC Vive Pro 2 headset
A powerful headset for PC users. The display overwhelms the competitors.You need a high-end PC to get the most out of it
A must-have item for enjoying VR with the HTC Vive Pro 2
Controller VR controller "Valve Index" loved by many people. An upgraded version of HTC's genuine controller for maximum comfort and accurate tracking.
The essential VR accessory "HTC Steam VR Base Station 2.0". Two Base Stations are required to operate the HTC Vive Pro 2 headset.
For players looking for the latest and greatest VR headset, the combination of the HTC Vive Pro2 headset with the Valve Index controller and the HTC Steam VR Base Station 2.0 is the best choice. The Vive Pro 2 screen is the most vibrant I've ever tested. However, you need a powerful PC to get the most out of it. The Valve Index controller is a gem that combines comfort with the best hand tracking capabilities. You can enjoy a VR experience with outstanding immersive feeling.
Those who want to recommend a VR headset
The real thrill of VR is the experience of traveling to another world. You can feel the amazingly innovative technology on your skin. A wide range of VR entertainment is available, including short films, puzzles, and SNS, but the main content is probably games. So, VR headsets will be recommended for gamers who love games, or for tech enthusiasts who are crazy about the latest technology.
But keep in mind that VR is still a new and developing technology. It's important to understand that I'm in a position to play and lead to better headset development.
VR games are different from traditional console games such as Xbox and PlayStation. The motion tracking controller is an item that takes only your hand to the virtual world, and even beginners can operate it intuitively. Swinging a sword, throwing a mug at an enemy robot, and swiftly dodging enemy attacks are all immersive, unlike traditional games where you have to press the buttons on the controller in the correct order to hear what the in-game characters say. You can enjoy the intuitive play of the type.
Whenever you try VR, don't forget "open mind" and "adventurous mind". There are some great VR experiences like the exciting “Beat Saber”, but the headset itself is expected to become a “relic of the past” in the near future. Once the Korona-ka has subsided, you should try the VR system at the store before buying it. Especially, if you still have doubts about VR, please do not rush and consider it carefully.
Cordless, sufficient content and comfortable usability are recommended: Meta Quest 2
Meta Quest 2 is a gadget that is relatively affordable and allows you to easily and enjoyably experience VR without a cable or PC. There are two compatible controllers, and they are compatible with the games we recommend. With a size that fits in a tote bag or backpack, it is sure to be exciting even at offices and parties.
It takes about 1 minute from setting to playing. With two touch controllers and a built-in sensor that tracks user movements, you won't lose sight of the player as you move around the room. In other words, it's the best option to get out of hand than a headset that costs twice or even five times as much.
The default for Quest 2 is cordless. The headset and controller have a built-in sensor that tracks the movement of the head and hands, so you can walk around the room. It moves around in the same way in the virtual world. Valve Index and HTC Vive Pro 2 with more accurate tracking function have high motion reproduction rate, and it is unlikely that unrealistic problems such as floating hands will occur, but Quest 2 is still the first of "realism". I think the hurdle is well over. It's cordless, so don't worry if you trip over the cable and pull it back into the real world.
Many high-quality VR games exceed the processing power of the headset, so you need to connect it to your PC to supplement the power. The Oculus Link cable is recommended for Quest 2 owners as it allows them to play PC games and take full advantage of the game platform Meta Quest and the Steam VR library.
There is a rich lineup of games that you can enjoy with the Quest 2 headset. The revival of classic games such as the addictive Beat Saber seems worth buying Quest 2. I also like The Matrix-like "Superhot", the 3D painting experience "Tilt Brush", the battle royale style "Population: ONE" and the adventure puzzle game "Moss". You can also play the popular first-person shooter "Half-Life: Alyx" by connecting it to your PC with the Oculus Link cable.
The LCD screen of Quest 2 is 1832 x 1920 pixels. Since the screen style is different, it is not possible to make a simple comparison, but it is a number that is comparable to high-end models such as Valve Index. The first headset that does not easily cause the so-called "screen gore phenomenon", in which a mesh pattern appears on the screen, is also a noteworthy spec. The maximum refresh rate at this stage is 120Hz, which is comparable to the HTC Vive Pro 2. It is said that if the refresh rate is too high, you will easily get motion sickness, so it is important to moderate it.
The weight is 503g, which is a little heavier than ideal. However, the part that hits the face is a highly cushioned foam pad, and there is also an adjustable strap that reaches the back of the head, so the fit is comfortable if you play for about an hour (adjustment is necessary at first). However, the quality and comfort of the strap seems to be downgraded compared to the conventional Meta headset. It is also possible to purchase an additional Elite Strap for around 5,000 yen.
The Quest 2 touch controller is close to the original Rift Touch controller and I really like it. Designed to fit in your hand, the index finger is on the trigger and the middle finger is on the "grip" button, and the thumb is used to operate the small joystick and the A, B, and Home buttons. A sensor built into the headset tracks the position of the controller, so moving your hand physically moves the controller in VR. The controller is intuitive to use and will not be painful for long periods of use.
It doesn't have an external sensor to carefully reproduce hand movements in VR, as seen on the HTC Vive Pro 2, but it doesn't feel frustrating and frustrate even at the difficult levels of Beat Saber. I was able to.
Quest 2 also has the option to operate menus and some games by hand without using a controller. However, the accuracy of tracking will be reduced, and if both hands are too far apart, the headset will lose sight of the hand and become inoperable. In the future, hand tracking will lead to more natural gameplay, but it's still not as intuitive as a controller.
Headphones are not included with Quest 2, but they do have built-in speakers that output 3D sound to your ears. Audio performance isn't as clear as high-performance headphones, but it's good enough for immersive VR. I am grateful to be able to connect your headphones (or earphones recommended by Meta). There are speakers, but they may not be in great demand.
According to Meta, the battery lasts for 2 to 3 hours, but in reality it's just over 2 hours. Either way, it's enough to play alone. However, if you use it cordlessly with a friend, you will almost always run out of power on the way. You can play by wire, but the drawback is that you can't move around. I've played Beat Saber with the chords plugged in, but after a while I ended up pulling out the chords.
Points to be worried about
Currently, you need to log in with your Facebook account to use the Meta headset. So it will be a minus point for those who are not using Facebook or who do not want to connect to their account. If you're concerned about privacy, you may prefer the HTC headset.
The strap of the VR headset needs to be adjusted for fit. I usually wear straps with long hair down or ponytails, but it doesn't work because it slips or gets caught in my hair. The Quest 2 straps don't have pads and don't distribute the weight on the back of the head like the Halo straps, so I'm sure many people will upgrade to the Elite Strap. However, it does not interfere with gameplay.
The Quest 2 touch controller is easy to hold and use, but I often lose track of my hands when compared to headsets that track the position of my body and hands by placing external sensors around the room.
By the way, Quest 2 adopts the "inside-out tracking function" that the headset tracks the light emitted by the controller with the camera. If both hands move out of the range of the sensor, moving the controller may stop responding. It's okay if you hold the controller in front of you in a bright room.
During play, the inside of Quest 2 gets hot, so when you're playing an active game, your facepad quickly gets soaked with sweat. It is ◎ to prepare several disposable masks when you use them alternately with your friends.
What you need to pay attention to when wearing a VR headset is the "pupillary distance". The interpupillary distance varies depending on the size of the face and eyesight, and Quest 2 can also adjust the lens. However, I was a little surprised that there is no adjustment lever on the outside of the headset, and it is a primitive method of putting your hand in and pushing the lens directly. It cannot be adjusted with the headset on, and the drawback is that the lens may get dirty.
Finally, there is the fundamental question of whether it is worth spending more than 30,000 yen on technology that can be said to be in its infancy. It can be said that Quest 2 is cheaper than competing products, but I decided to purchase additional accessories that are standard equipment on higher-end models. For the time being, to get the most out of Quest 2, you should have a PC and a link cable.
High-end model recommended for PC users: HTC Vive Pro 2 headset
If you want a powerful headset that keeps the distance between VR and reality as close as possible (or avoid headsets that work with Facebook), buy the HTC Vive Pro 2 headset with a Valve Index controller and HTC Steam VRBase Station 2. It is recommended to pair with .0 (2 units). You'll need a fast gaming PC to do that, and you'll have to be prepared for about five times the cost of Quest 2, but with a crisp screen, tracking capabilities that track you wherever you go in the room, and the best. VR game is available. It's not enough to take the entire VR industry to the next level, but you can get specs that go one step further at a price that was a dream story just 10 years ago.
While Quest 2 is standalone and emphasizes freedom of movement and ease of use, Vive Pro 2 aims to capture body and hand movements in VR in as much detail as possible. When setting up, place the two HTC Steam VR Base Stations in a high position. By connecting them to a headset or controller, you can create a high-quality presence in VR. If the user moves or walks, the in-game body will move as well, creating a very compelling experience.
By using Vive Pro 2 and Base Station 2.0 together, your hands will not disappear or float as you did with Quest 2. If you have 4 Base Stations, the VR play space can be expanded up to 10.5 x 10.5m (apart from playing in such a place). If you taste the cordless of Quest 2, it may be annoying to be tied to the cord.
Steam VR has a lot of VR games for Vive Pro2 such as "Half-Life: Alyx" that stimulates adrenaline and "Beat Saber" that is deeply popular, so it is highly recommended for those who are already using Steam. By the way, the screen of Vive Pro 2 is 5K, and the resolution of the LCD screen is 2448 x 2448 pixels on each side. The Quest 2 has 1832 x 1920 pixels, so the Vive Pro 2 is sharper. The field of view is as wide as 120 degrees, and the refresh rate is up to 120Hz (90Hz for wireless use). When you actually use it, you may be worried about the reflection of light in high-contrast images such as white characters on a black background. However, black is clear and the action in the game is smooth. It's a compelling experience that allows you to focus on what you're doing, not what you're looking at.
The actual weight is 850g, which is a little more bulky than the 503g Quest 2. There were some complaints on the internet that the Vive headset didn't fit the shape of my head, but I think it's not unreasonable because I can't try it out at the store because of infection control. Halo style headsets are easy to adjust the fit. I like the foam face cushion because it's easier to keep clean than the one in Quest 2.
I would love to get a Valve Index controller. It tracks each finger and has both a joystick and a trackpad (one trackpad on a regular controller). It's easy to hold, and it's been called the best VR controller.
The Vive Pro2 headset comes with on-ear headphones, which is good enough for an immersive VR experience. However, if you have an extraordinary commitment to audio, you can use USB-C headphones instead. Or get a cheaper Valve Index headset, but the difference in sound quality isn't that big.
What about mobile VR?
A mobile VR headset is like eating cup noodles when you want to eat ramen. I can't deny that it's unsatisfactory, but it feels like a reliable guy when it's cheap. The main body is mainly made of plastic, and the design allows you to set a high-end smartphone. You can access content such as a wide range of short films (adults and children), adventure games, and puzzles for less than $ 50. It's easy to set up, and you can easily take it to an airplane or a friend's house. As the mobile name suggests, portability is outstanding.
It's not as good as Quest 2, but if you want to get a VR headset as cheaply as possible, we recommend the Merge VR headset. It is the highest rank as a model that uses a smartphone as a screen. This time, I tried 7 similar low-priced headsets, and the balance between price, comfort, and adjustment was the best. It can also be used for augmented reality (AR) and can be combined with Merge's VR library or augmented reality accessory Cube. It's not inspiring, but it's enough to give you a VR / AR experience.
However, think of mobile headsets as a gadget for trying out a basic VR experience at a low price. The real thrill of VR is to enjoy the literal virtual world where movies and games feel like they're happening in the real world. It's underpowered on mobile, and you can't enjoy high-end games or track hand movements. It's still a confusing field, with major headsets such as Google Daydream View and Samsung Gear VR being discontinued, and it's unclear which models will remain a year later.
Of course, mobile will be useful in situations where a large amount of cheap VR equipment is needed (although it is a very niche), such as education-related, real estate industry, training, etc. However, when it comes to preparing a smartphone that supports it, Quest 2 will be a bargain.
What to do before buying a VR headset
If you want to get the most out of your Quest 2 or PC headset, you need a powerful gaming PC and space to install it (Quest 2 is preferably about 2m x 2m). HTC has a page that introduces compatible VR-enabled PCs and bundles, with minimum and recommended PC specs (here). We have also released a tool to test whether your PC is compatible with VR, so you can download and use it as well. Headset requirements are almost the same for both HTC and Meta, so if your PC runs on HTC, Meta should be fine.
By the way, a desktop PC with the minimum specifications for running a VR headset costs about $ 800 (about 92,000 yen) without a monitor, mouse, keyboard, and speakers. Ideal if you can spend a little more budget. IGN and Logical Increments provide a budget-based parts list for those who want to make their own.
Other recommended VR headsets
The Valve Index is recommended for those who want a PC-connected headset because it doesn't have to be super high spec. For 138,380 yen, the headset itself, the popular Valve Index controller, and two Base Stations are all comics. This will give you a more accurate and immersive room-filled VR experience than Meta Quest 2. Also, Index audio has higher sound quality than HTC Vive Pro 2. However, Vive Pro 2 has more options such as screen performance and wireless function. Apparently, there are rumors that Index 2 will be released soon.
There are others!Notable VR headsets
PC headset
The Oculus Rift S and Oculus Rift were good products, but Meta was discontinued. HTC sells a wide variety of headsets, some of which have been recommended in the past. Vive Pro 2 is overwhelmingly recommended for game lovers, but if the specs and needs match, I think it's a good idea to buy another HTC product. I think there is no loss in the Vive brand, and it is also a high point to be able to access the huge game library of Steam VR.
In our experience, Windows Mixed Reality headsets are dissatisfied with less reliable tracking and less content than those from Meta and HTC. The performance of the controller is also not good. HP Reverb G2 is recommended.
Pimax has a diverse product lineup. You can choose between 8K and 5K, and add eye tracking. However, the impression I experienced at CES was that it was not yet sophisticated. This year we plan to test the company's 12K headset.
Stand-alone headset
If you're thinking, "You can add 100,000 yen to escape from Meta!", Why not consider HTC Vive Focus 3? The screen has a higher resolution and a wider field of view than Meta Quest 2. However, the controller is better on Quest 2.
The original Quest is still a great product to look at, and can even be used as a PC headset with a link cable. It hasn't been available since Quest 2 was released, but you can buy it if it's pre-sold at a reasonable price.
The discontinued Oculus Go was packed with games and experiences that could be enjoyed for hours, but the screen, controller, and content were the quest 2's overwhelming victory.
The Lenovo Mirage Solo, which was also discontinued, has the same excellent features as the original Quest. It boasted a built-in sensor that realized 6 degrees of freedom, which is higher than 3 degrees of freedom, such as Oculus Go and mobile VR headsets. However, the attached single controller has only 3 degrees of freedom, so it seems better to choose Meta's controller.
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