Video Gamer is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Prices subject to change. Learn more
If you’re looking for the best VR headset for gaming then you’re in the right place. We have many years of experience with leading models for PC and standalone that provide an unparalleled level of immersion. We’ve made the choices in our roundup based upon our own in-house testing, hardware knowledge, and the price to performance on display.
The most exciting thing about the best VR headset for gaming is that there’s no one size fits all solution here. That’s why we’re offering up a wealth of different options to suit all budgets and preferences. You’ll find bleeding edge PC-powered performers, all-in-one devices, and mid-range offerings that mean you’ll be able to find the right fit for you.
One thing’s for sure, for the best experience, you’re going to want to get VR-ready with one of the best GPUs for gaming as the best budget graphics cards just aren’t going to cut it. It’s possible you may have more luck with the best best value GPUs if you’re looking for the best price to performance to enter the virtual worlds without framerate drops and stuttering. With that said, let’s get into it.
The best VR headsets for gaming in 2023
1. Meta Quest 3 – The best overall VR headset for gaming
Meta Quest 3
Resolution
2064 x 2208 per eye
Platform
Standalone / PC
Features
Full color passthrough, 3D audio, Direct Touch
- Leading software support
- Excellent performance
- All day comfort
- PC gaming cable costs extra
The Meta Quest 3 takes the top spot in our buying guide thanks to its incredible standalone performance, support for PC VR, and competitive pricing. It’s the best of both worlds offering up an exceptional wireless gaming experience while also being able to cater to those wanting to push the graphical performance further.
In our testing we found that gaming on the Meta Quest 3 was a massive step up from its predecessors and was even able to rival some top-end PC VR models in terms of immersion. That’s thanks to the specs under the hood, including an impressive resolution of 2064 x 2208 per eye. Your games and media will look crisp and sharp whether you’re plugged into a more powerful system or relying on the native hardware to do the heavy lifting.
Speaking of the native performance, armed with a Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2, 8GB RAM, and capacities of either 128GB or 512GB, the Meta Quest 3 is more than up to the task of powering some seriously impressive titles. Take the likes of Assassin’s Creed Nexus VR and Asgard’s Wrath 2 for instance, two games pushing the boundaries of what’s possible from the current-generation of standalone hardware, and a sign of things to come for the future of the tech.
- Read more: Meta Quest 3 review
2. HP Reverb G2 – The best budget PC VR headset
HP Reverb G2
Resolution
2160 x 2160 per eye
Platform
PC
Features
four built-in cameras, adjustable IPD, speakers
- Competitively priced
- Strong PC gaming performance
- No need for a base station
- Motion tracking can be inconsistent
While the HP Reverb G2 may have been on the pricier side of things when it first released, that’s now no longer as much the case three years later. This PC VR gaming headset makes some impressive moves with its four built-in sensors meaning there’s no longer a need for any external sensors as you may find from some virtual reality models for the platform. There’s also an impressive resolution of 2160 x 2160 per eye which is among the highest you’ll find available even several years after launch.
Nowadays you can pick it up for under the $600 mark and you’ll be getting a machine that’s built for demanding PC software as long as your rig has enough go. A nice touch for added immersion is the speakers which sit off the ear by 10mm which mean they won’t be squeezing your ears as you play, and that same level of care can be applied to the face which can be adjusted magnetically.
As expected from PC VR, you’ve got a fair few cables to contend with, but HP has made the intelligent decision to have them all fed through one central line. One end goes into the HP Reverb G2 itself with the three cables on the other end (USB-C for power delivery and DisplayPort or mini-DisplayPort) going into your system. What’s more, the system is natively recognized by the likes of SteamVR and Windows Mixed Reality so you won’t need to worry about any troubles along the way.
3. PSVR 2 – The best VR headset for console gaming
PSVR 2
Resolution
2000 x 2040 per eye
Platform
PS5
Features
3D audio, eye tracking, headset feedback
- Good game library
- Stunning visuals
- Easy to set up
- Exclusives are lacking currently
While Sony’s first foray into the world of virtual reality was a bit of a mixed bag, the same cannot be said for the PSVR 2 which largely knocks it out of the park from the jump. Armed with some incredible specs under the hood, a single USB-C cable for power delivery and video output, as well as 3D audio, there’s an easy case for this sequel system to be considered the definitive gaming VR headset for consoles.
In our testing, we found that the PSVR 2 offers up an incredibly comfortable and immersive gaming experience which is bolstered by all the tech that the PS5 console is known for. That means 3D audio and haptic feedback but also up to 4K resolution at 120fps through the dual OLED panels complete with 2000 x 2040 resolution for each eye. It’s a high-end setup rivalling some PC VR setups for a more palatable price around the $550 mark.
The elephant in the room, however, is that PSVR 2 costs more than a PS5 which may make it a bit of a hard sell if you’re purely a console gamer. In our review we thought that the gaming performance “blows the competition out of the water” which is impressive given its sub-$600 price point. If you’re someone who doesn’t want to throw down thousands on a top-end machine to see what high-level VR can do then Sony’s offering is a more than viable alternative. What’s more, you’re benefiting from the company’s IPs such as Horizon and Gran Turismo as well as multi-platform releases, too.
- Read more: PSVR 2 review
Pimax Crystal
Resolution
2880 x 2880 per eye
Platform
PC / Standalone
Features
Hand and eye tracking, dual processor chip, DMAS headphones
- Leading resolution
- Setup is straightforward
- Hand and eye tracking work well
- Standalone isn’t great
- Incredibly expensive
If you’re after the bleeding edge of what PC VR is capable of then the Pimax Crystal stands head and shoulders above the rest from a technical perspective. While this leading gaming VR headset had some teething problems at release, a slew of steady and often updates have ensured that it’s now a top performer but with a high price tag to match. If you act fast, you may be able to buy with a coupon which can knock the MSRP down.
That’s because the Pimax Crystal retails for around $1,800 making it one of the most expensive options on the market to date. It’s armed with a staggering resolution of 2880 x 2880 per eye with Dual QLED Mini LED panels, which is seriously impressive in action. In our testing, we found that this gaming VR headset provided a level of immersion not seen from other leading brands, but you’re certainly paying a premium for the privilege.
What’s more, the Pimax Crystal also doubles as an all-in-one device like the Meta Quest 3 but this feature feels more like an afterthought than a genuine Meta killer. You see, the Pimax storefront is nowhere near as sophisticated or well stocked as Meta’s offering, so if you’re after a headset that does both, this isn’t the one for you. Regardless, with truly top tier visuals and performance for the hardware that can fuel it, you’re getting incredible performance further bolstered by eye and hand tracking ready for the enthusiasts.
5. Meta Quest 2 – The best entry-level VR headset for gaming
Meta Quest 2
Resolution
1832 x 1920 per eye
Platform
Standalone / PC
Features
3D audio, six-degree tracking, WiFi
- Aggressive pricing
- Tons of quality games
- Easy to use
- Replaced by Meta Quest 3
Although it’s since been replaced, the Meta Quest 2 remains an enticing and exciting gaming VR headset for standalone and PC play. This is in large part thanks to its recent price reduction down to around the $250 mark, making it one of the cheapest VR headsets on the market, which is supported by Meta’s outstanding game library.
Considering the price tag, the Meta Quest 2 impresses with its resolution of 1832 x 1920 per eye and support for resolutions of up to 90 Hz. There’s also 3D audio support if sound quality is paramount for you. Furthermore, there appear to be no plans to phase out this VR headset for quite some time. Chief Technology Officer of Meta, Andrew Bosworth, confirmed on Twitter that games will be playable on both Quest 2 and Quest 3 for the foreseeable future.
If you’re someone that wants to try out VR gaming without paying a premium then the Meta Quest 2 offers a powerful and affordable entryway to the tech. You won’t be getting the bleeding edge visuals of some exclusive PC VR models, however, for the asking price, there’s little more you could expect. Meta has over 500 games and software optimised for the device, so there’s plenty to keep you busy.
Best VR headsets – FAQs
We’re here to answer all your burning questions relating to the best VR headsets. That’s because they’re an investment regardless of which platform you buy for, so it helps to be informed.
What is the best VR headset right now?
The Meta Quest 3 is the best VR headset available on the market right now. That’s due to its powerful performance, leading game library, wireless functionality, and ability to be used for PC VR all for a competitive price.
Is the Meta Quest 3 worth it?
We think that the Meta Quest 3 is an incredible VR headset for gaming which features excellent visuals, strong performance, and games you won’t find anywhere else. It’s a massive leap up from the previous model and well worth considering.
Are there any negatives of VR gaming?
Some people may feel a little nauseous when playing games in VR for an extended period of time so it’s important that you take breaks, try out gaming both sitting and standing, and considering different settings in the games you’re playing. There’s no one size fits all solution, so take things at your pace.
