Virtual reality gaming, or VR, as we all know it today, has come a long way. It offers a transformative way to experience games in a new immersive way.
To dive in to the world of VR gaming you will need two key things: a powerful gaming PC capable of handling demanding VR titles with ease, and a VR headset with the features that you want.
In this article we will start by giving you some suggestions on the best VR headsets for gaming. We’ll consider the price and features of each. Then we will give you a list of VR ready gaming PCs that will make the perfect pair to your headset.
Best VR Headsets in 2024
The best VR headsets will immerse you in a game’s world. In 2024, there is lot’s of different headsets to choose from. All of them can play the top VR games when paired with a gaming PC. Currently, as many suggest, the Meta Quest 3 is the top pick for VR headsets.
Best Overall Headset – Meta Quest 3
Specifications
Display Resolution: 2064×2208 pixels per eye. 4K+ Infinite Display with 25PPD and 1218 PPI
Refresh Rate: 72 Hz, 80 Hz, 90 Hz, 120 Hz
Field of View: 110 degrees horizontal & 96 degrees vertical
Controller: Meta Quest Touch Plus
Connection: USB-C, 3.5mm, WiFi 6E
Reason to Buy
The perfect all-around headset to get started with VR gaming. Ease of access allows you to play games either on the Quest alone, or more demanding VR titles run from your PC. If you want to use the Quest 3 wirelessly on your PC make sure you have top notch WiFi and a 6E router.
Best Headset on a Budget – Meta Quest 2
If you are looking to get started and VR and don’t want to commit to one of the pricier headsets, than the predecessor to the Meta Quest 3, the Quest 2 is the perfect option.
Specifications
- Display: 1832 x 1920 pixels per Eye
- Refresh Rate: up to 120 Hz
- Field of View: 100 Degrees
- Controller: Meta Quest 2 Controller
- Connections: USB Type-C, 3.5mm Headphone Jack
Reason to Consider
Like it’s newer counterpart, the Meta Quest 2 is a great all-around VR headset. It doesn’t quiet have the fidelity of the Quest 3, but it get’s you in to VR at a much more accessible price point. You can play standalone games on the headset itself, or connect to your gaming PC via USB-C, Oculus Link, or WiFi connection. If you plan on only playing VR games from your PC you can save more money by opting for the lowest internal storage model.
Best VR Headset for Immersion- Valve Index
The Valve Index does so many things right for VR gaming on PC. Despite it’s lower resolution on paper compared to more modern headsets like the Meta Quest 3, the Index’s RGB LCD screen delivers crisp visuals with best in class 130 degree FOV. The headset is complemented by the Index controllers which use both typical motion controls and hand and finger tracking. Built in near-field speakers fill your ears with three dimensional surround sound. If you have the space for it, Index offers the best pure VR gaming experience on PC.
Specifications
- Display: RGB LCD 1440 x 1600 pixels per eye
- Refresh Rate: 120 Hz, up to 144 hz
- Field of View: 130 Degrees
- Controller: Index Controllers
- Connections: Display Port, USB 3.0, USB 2.0
Reason to Consider
If you have the space to support the Index’s room-scale experience, which requires base station sensors around your play area, and want the most immersive VR gaming experience – the Index is a no brainer. All of it’s features feed in to a VR experience that is best in class. It’s certainly not as convenient as the Meta Quest headsets on this list, but if you want to experience VR gaming to the fullest, Index is it. The complete Index package is on the pricier side, at $999 on Steam, and you’ll need a gaming PC to connect to and run games.
What kind of PC do you need for VR?
Pretty much any of our gaming pcs will be able to support VR gaming. Like any other PC game, you’ll want to take a look at the system requirements of the games you want to play, and make sure you PC has the performance to play at the framerates and graphic settings you want. A strong graphics card, a fast processor, and at least 16GB of RAM should be perfect for playing todays VR games.
Besides your gaming PC itself, you’ll want to make sure that you have the physical space to play VR. Having enough room to move around and swing your arms without worry will make your VR experience not only more enjoyable, but safer.