April 2024
VR Headsets: MetaRanking
This page highlights the aggregate summary of VR headsets rankings posted by key online experts, as of April 2024.
Summary
On 3 Apr 2024, ReviewFinder team examined a total of 57 VR headset endorsements from 10 reputable publishers.
16 VR headsets were endorsed in total, only 11 made it into this month's ranking. (ReviewFinder requires a minimum of 2 endorsements to be included)
As of 3 Apr 2024, Meta Quest 2 takes the cake as the most critically-acclaimed VR headset with 9 expert endorsements. 3 experts out of 9 recommended it as the '#1 VR headset' this month.
Brand breakdown
-
Meta: 3 VR headsets
(#1 is Meta Quest 2)
-
HTC: 3 VR headsets
(#1 is HTC Vive Pro 2)
-
Pimax: 2 VR headsets
(#1 is Pimax Vision 8K X)
-
Apple: 1 VR headsets
(#1 is Apple Vision Pro)
-
Playstation: 1 VR headsets
(#1 is PlayStation VR 2)
Price breakdown
At a glance - April Ranking
| Rank | Change | Price | VR Headset |
Forbes
|
PC Gamer
|
PCMag
|
WIRED
|
Pocket-lint
|
Tom's Hardware
|
BestReviews
|
TechRadar
|
Tom's Guide
|
CNET
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1
|
- | $198 |
Meta Quest 2
The Oculus Quest 2 is a virtual reality headset that offers improved graphics, accurate tracking, decent battery life, and reasonably good comfort, making it suitable for various use cases and providing a diverse range of gaming experiences.
|
1
|
2
|
4
|
1
|
2
|
1
|
2
|
-
|
4
|
2
|
|
2
|
- | $489 |
Meta Quest 3
The Meta Quest 3 VR headset receives positive reviews for its graphics capabilities, accurate tracking system, comfort, and diverse content library, making it a top choice for gaming enthusiasts.
|
-
|
1
|
2
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
4
|
1
|
1
|
1
|
|
3
|
- | $781 |
Meta Quest Pro
The Meta Quest Pro VR headset receives positive reviews for its graphics, tracking system, comfort, and potential for business applications, making it a versatile and immersive VR headset.
|
5
|
-
|
3
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
7
|
5
|
-
|
|
4
|
- | Check price |
Apple Vision Pro
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
4
|
2
|
4
|
|
5
|
- | Check price |
PlayStation VR 2
The PlayStation VR 2 is a highly praised VR headset with impressive graphics, comfortable design, accurate tracking, and a growing library of immersive games.
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
5
|
3
|
3
|
|
6
|
- | Check price |
Valve Index
The Valve Index is a highly praised virtual reality headset that offers impressive graphics, accurate tracking, comfortable design, and a diverse content library, making it suitable for a wide range of users.
|
6
|
3
|
6
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
6
|
|
7
|
- | $707 |
HTC Vive Pro 2
The HTC Vive Pro 2 is a high-quality virtual reality headset with impressive graphics, accurate tracking, decent battery life, and comfortable wear, making it suitable for a wide range of applications.
|
2
|
-
|
7
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
-
|
-
|
|
8
|
- | Check price |
HP Reverb G2
The HP Reverb G2 VR headset offers impressive graphics, a comfortable design, and a comprehensive content library, although its tracking system may not be as strong as some other VR headsets.
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
5
|
|
9
|
- | Check price |
Pico 4
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
10
|
- | Check price |
Varjo Aero
The Varjo Aero VR headset is highly praised for its exceptional graphics capabilities, accurate tracking system, comfort, and comprehensive content library, making it a top choice for users seeking a highly immersive VR experience.
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
11
|
- | $1990 |
HTC Vive Focus 3
The HTC Vive Focus 3 is a highly praised virtual reality headset with impressive graphics, accurate tracking, comfortable design, and a diverse content library, making it suitable for various applications.
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
We ranked Meta Quest 2 #1 in April 2024 because:
- 9 independent experts mentioned it in their “best VR headsets” rankings.
- Out of those, 3 experts ranked Meta Quest 2 as #1.
Forbes
Best VR Headset Overall
|
Doesn’t require additional hardware
High resolution
Good library of first and third-party games and experiences
|
Refresh rate not as high as on PC-centric models
Inside-out tracking has some occlusion issues
|
PC Gamer
The best budget VR headset
|
Oculus Link tethering
Improved graphics
Great price
Steady updates
|
Fiddly strap
Now $100 more expensive
Quest 3 is coming soon
|
PCMag
Best Affordable VR Headset / Editors' Choice
|
Doesn't require any cables
Sharp display
Powerful processor
Accurate motion tracking
Optional PC tethering via accessory cable
|
Short battery life
|
Pocket-lint
Best budget VR headset
|
Amazing value
Standalone
Comfortable
|
Not as impressive as wired headsets
|
Tom's Hardware
Best VR Headset
|
Amazing resolution
Much more powerful than original Quest
|
White picks up dirt and grime
Poor controller ergonomics
|
BestReviews
Best Bang for the Buck
|
There are more than 350 games, media players, fitness apps, entertainment hubs, and more. The intuitive controls are easy to figure out. Untethered capabilities don't require a console or PC to set up. It can be connected to a PC for even more games options.
|
Must have a Meta account to use the headset.
|
Tom's Guide
Best entry-level VR headset
|
Seamless all-in-one VR system
Can connect to PCs
Capable of room-scale VR
Large library of apps
|
Controllers aren’t rechargeable
Requires Facebook account
|
CNET
Best affordable VR headset
|
High-res display
Great self-contained gaming experience
Doubles as PC VR headset
Works well with a handful of fitness apps
|
Only 2 to 3 hours of battery life
Not designed for younger kids
|
We ranked Meta Quest 3 #2 in April 2024 because:
- 7 independent experts mentioned it in their “best VR headsets” rankings.
- Out of those, 5 experts ranked Meta Quest 3 as #1.
PC Gamer
The best overall VR headset
|
Easy setup
Compact, comfy design
Great display
An actual affordable VR headset
|
Unproven Mixed Reality content
Expensive accessories
Modest performance upgrades
|
PCMag
Best Standalone VR Headset / Editors' Choice
|
Color pass-through cameras allow you to clearly see your surroundings
High-resolution picture
Powerful processor
Comfortable design
|
Short battery life
Lacks eye-tracking tech
|
Pocket-lint
Best VR headset
|
Great passthrough quality for MR
Improved graphics and performance
Slimmed-down headset and controllers
|
More expensive than its predecessor
|
BestReviews
Feature-packed
|
Immersive 4K+ Infinite resolution that makes images pop. Responsive performance with balanced 3d audio and cordless operation. Provides access to more than 500 apps that offer gaming, social, fitness, entertainment, and wellness experiences.
|
Requires a Meta account. Battery life is average.
|
TechRadar
The best VR headset overall
|
Vastly better graphics than Quest 2
Improved mixed reality
Incredible suite of software
|
Pricier than the Quest 2 at launch
No eye-tracking
|
Tom's Guide
Best VR headset overall
|
More comfortable design than Quest 2
Vibrant LCD display
Excellent Touch Plus controllers
Impressive full-color passthrough
|
Mixed reality features lacking
Short battery life
Hand tracking isn’t quite useful yet
|
CNET
Best mixed reality VR headset for $500
|
Crisp high-res displays
Improved new processor
Mixed reality with better color cameras
Smaller controllers with better haptics
|
More expensive than Quest 2
Few unique apps and games at launch
Straps and comfort still aren't great
Still only 2-3 hours battery life
|
Methodology: combine opinions of key experts
Identify Experts
We identify key publishers and experts that consistently review and recommend VR headsets.
Capture Rankings
For each publisher we find a currently recommended "top 10" list of VR headsets, it must be updated in the last 9 months.
Aggregate Rankings
We put all those lists together and aggregate them. The more frequently a product is recommended, the higher it is in our ranking
Experts chosen for April 2024 ranking
Forbes
PC Gamer
PCMag
WIRED
Pocket-lint
Tom's Hardware
BestReviews
TechRadar
Tom's Guide
CNET
We ranked Meta Quest Pro #3 in April 2024 because:
- 6 independent experts mentioned it in their “best VR headsets” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Meta Quest Pro as #1.
Forbes
Best Enthusiast VR Headset
|
Impressive facial and eye tracking
VR visuals have enhanced color and contrast
Controllers are light and intuitive
|
Very expensive compared to its competition
The Horizon Metaverse will be more interesting once more people buy the headset
|
PCMag
Best for Pros and Enthusiasts
|
Improved design with a more comfortable fit than the Quest 2
Cool eye- and face-tracking tech
Color pass-through camera
Rechargeable headset and controllers
Doesn't require a PC to operate
|
Expensive
Meta Horizon's metaverse is often empty and sometimes buggy
Short battery life
|
BestReviews
Best of the Best
|
The company's premier VR headset includes a high-quality screen and top-of-the-line control schemes for a comprehensive experience. There's 256 GB of onboard storage and 12 GB of RAM with spatial audio and movement/face sensors.
|
The Metaverse itself fails to live up to the tech and other uses.
|
TechRadar
The best headset for comfort
|
Comfortable for long sessions
Impressive performance
Sleek controller design
|
Short battery life
One of the more expensive options
|
Tom's Guide
The best VR headset for working
|
Comfortable to wear
Doesn't isolate you from the real world
Convincing spatial audio
|
Very expensive
Short battery life
Working in VR is still unintuitive
|
We ranked Apple Vision Pro #4 in April 2024 because:
- 5 independent experts mentioned it in their “best VR headsets” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Apple Vision Pro as #1.
PCMag
Best AR/VR Interface
|
Best AR/VR interface we've seen
Class-leading eye and hand tracking
No physical controllers needed
Sharp, colorful display
Outstanding video passthrough
Plenty of visionOS apps and features
|
Expensive
Short battery life
Front-heavy design gets uncomfortable
Gaps in iPad app compatibility
|
BestReviews
Premium Mode
|
Turns your room into a space for movies and apps that can be expanded and arranged however you please. Each eye has a display with more pixels than a 4K TV. Features a 3D camera that captures spatial photos and videos. Apple's Light Seal and cushioned headband offer immersion and comfort.
|
The battery only lasts about 2 hours and requires an additional tethered pack to use.
|
TechRadar
The best premium VR headset
|
Controls are intuitive and precise
Unmatched visual experience
Superb spatial video functionality
|
On the heavier side
Requires a battery pack
|
Tom's Guide
Best premium VR headset
|
Amazing eye- and hand-tracking interface
Jaw-dropping 3D movies and Apple Immersive Video
Impressive Spatial video and photos
Works magically with MacBooks
Great AR apps and experiences
|
Super expensive
Big apps missing like Netflix and YouTube
Personas need work
Tethered battery can be annoying
|
CNET
Best standalone VR/AR computer
|
Amazing micro-OLED display
A mostly fluid hand-eye control interface
Blends the real and virtual worlds impressively
iOS support folds in tons of familiar apps for work
Playing back personal 3D memories feels transporting
|
Extremely expensive
Hand-eye interface isn't always perfect
Not many VisionOS optimized apps yet
External battery and cord required for use
Doesn't work over glasses
|
We ranked PlayStation VR 2 #5 in April 2024 because:
- 6 independent experts mentioned it in their “best VR headsets” rankings.
PCMag
Best for PlayStation 5 Gamers / Editors' Choice
|
Excellent graphics and sound
Strong launch library
Useful eye-tracking tech
Lightweight build
Easy to set up
|
Not compatible with PlayStation VR games
|
BestReviews
Trusted Brand
|
Provides realistic experiences thanks to the 4K HDR resolution, vivid graphics, and spacious field of view. Straightforward to set up with a PS5 console. Offers "feel real" eye tracking, emotions, and other sensations. Impressive audio quality. Fun exclusive experiences.
|
A PS5 console is required which can make the set up fairly expensive.
|
TechRadar
The best VR headset for console
|
Superb image quality
Simple setup
Comfortable in-game experience
Pin-sharp responsiveness
|
Expensive
Occasional image ghosting
Poor controller battery life
|
Tom's Guide
The best VR gaming headset
|
Easy to set up
Great controls with haptic feedback
Gorgeous display
Overall excellent VR experience
|
Costs more than a PS5
Controller straps are awkward
|
CNET
Best high-end console gaming VR headset
|
Vivid, high-res OLED display
Comfortable fit
Excellent controllers
Realistic vibrations
Powerful graphics potential
|
Expensive
Needs to be cabled to PS5
Included earbuds are just OK
Doesn't work with old PSVR games
Game library needs more exclusives
|
We ranked Valve Index #6 in April 2024 because:
- 6 independent experts mentioned it in their “best VR headsets” rankings.
Forbes
Best VR Headset For Hand Controls
|
High refresh rate delivers smoother VR
Crisp visuals
External Lighthouse sensors offer excellent tracking
|
No wireless option
Expensive
|
PC Gamer
The most immersive VR headset
|
Best in class hardware
Comfortable to wear
Virtually no SDE
|
Setup is awkward
|
PCMag
Best Controllers / Editors' Choice
|
Immersive, finger-tracking controllers
High, 120Hz refresh rate delivers smooth motion
Lots of VR software available on PC via SteamVR
|
Expensive
Occasionally frustrating tethered design
|
Tom's Hardware
Best VR Headset for PC
|
RGB subpixel array eliminates screen-door effect
Wider FOV than comparable headsets
Excellent audio quality
|
Very heavy
Less comfortable than the HTC Vive Pro
Cushions are glued on
|
TechRadar
The best headset for PC gaming
|
Widest field of view
'Knuckle' controllers great for tracking
Well-supported game library
|
Requires a high-end GPU
Still expensive compared to competition
|
CNET
Still one of the best Steam VR hardware platforms
|
Excellent SteamVR compatibility
Good audio
Innovative controllers
|
Requires external room sensors for tracking
Display resolution lags behind current headsets
|
We ranked HTC Vive Pro 2 #7 in April 2024 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best VR headsets” rankings.
Forbes
Best VR Headset For PC
|
Big library of SteamVR content
Wireless option
Very high resolution
|
Wireless mode limits resolution
LCD screens lack contrast
|
PCMag
Best for the Highest-Resolution VR
|
The best resolution for VR gaming
Smooth motion tracking
Works with Valve Index controllers
|
Expensive
Doesn't include necessary base stations or controllers
|
Pocket-lint
Best VR headset for PC
|
Amazing display
Nice and comfortable
Plays nice with most games
|
You'll need a fancy PC
|
TechRadar
The best high-resolution VR headset
|
Very high resolution
Wide field of view
Access to great games
|
Expensive
Can get hot
Lots of cables
|
We ranked HP Reverb G2 #8 in April 2024 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best VR headsets” rankings.
Forbes
Best Value VR Headset For PC
|
One of the highest resolution VR headsets available
Inside-out tracking makes it easy to setup and use
Capable motion controllers come as standard
|
Inside-out tracking has some occlusion issues
Lacks high refresh rate of some other VR headsets
|
TechRadar
The best budget VR headset for PC
|
No screen door effect
Easy to set up
Incredibly high-resolution lens
|
Motion Tracking lacks some precision
Requires a decent gaming PC
|
CNET
Best PC VR headset for higher-res gaming
|
Higher-res display
Wider field of view
Great audio
|
Controllers feel cheap
No headphone jack
|
We ranked Pico 4 #9 in April 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best VR headsets” rankings.
PC Gamer
The best alternate VR headset
|
Crisp visuals
Aces price to performance
Accurate tracking
Easy IPD and headset adjustment
Great colour passthrough
|
Difficult to buy in the US
A little front weighted
Struggles a bit streaming wirelessly
|
Pocket-lint
Best Quest alternative
|
Extremely comfortable
Improved visuals
Great standalone and tethered performance
|
The standalone library is much smaller than Meta's
Not available in the US
|
We ranked Varjo Aero #10 in April 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best VR headsets” rankings.
Pocket-lint
Premium PC VR headset
|
Incredibly clear display
Comfortable and immersive fit
Excellent features
Useful software
|
Very costly
Requires additional purchase to work
No built-in speakers
|
Tom's Hardware
Best VR Headset Image Clarity
|
Ultra-clear display
Adjustability
Automatic IPD
Standard USB-C cable
|
Headphones, base stations & controllers not included
Expensive
A little heavy
|
We ranked HTC Vive Focus 3 #11 in April 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best VR headsets” rankings.
Tom's Hardware
Best Standalone VR Headset for Business
|
Widest FOV in a standalone headset
Well-balanced weight
|
Expensive
Mediocre controller ergonomics
|