Best VR Headsets: Which VR Headphones to Choose in 2025?
The VR headphone market has evolved a lot in recent years. Three or four major players compete in this market where reference models are not large. However, knowing which VR headset to choose is not a question that can be solved immediately. From the Oculus Quest 2 to the Valve and PSVR headphones, your choice will depend on your budget on the one hand, but also on the experience you are looking for.
HTC VIVE Casque de Réalité virtuelle Cosmos - 99HARL018-00
Whether you are taking your first steps in virtual reality or looking for an alternative to the old virtual reality headset, you will have to think carefully to choose the model that best meets your needs. Many are turning to the Oculus Quest, especially the second-generation model, which has the advantage of being available as well as providing complete freedom of movement.
But Meta (don't say Facebook anymore) hasn't come out of the competition yet. The Valve indicator is still very popular and HTC regularly renews its offer of high-end VR headphones. So the choice is not as simple as it seems. This buying guide aims to help you decide which VR headset suits your needs.
Standalone VR Headsets
The VR headset works autonomously. In other words, they don't need a computer or smartphone to give you a VR experience. All processing components are built inside and have their own storage space to house your content. VR headphones are now the preferred choice for those looking for a mobility-focused experience. They also replace VR headphones for smartphones that are on their way out.
OCULUS QUEST 2: THE BEST STANDALONE VR HEADSET
With its ease of use and powerful features, Oculus Quest 2 is the best way to dive into the virtual reality world while enjoying comfort and immersion to ensure a high-quality experience. This VR headset is cheaper and less complicated than the Oculus Rifit range for PCs. You do not need any device to operate it, it is completely autonomous, moreover, wireless, which gives you great freedom of movement.
In terms of features, the Oculus Quest 2 improves the first-generation model in several aspects. The Snapdragon XR2 processor is more powerful than its predecessor Snapdragon 835. It has 6 GB of RAM and up to 256 GB of storage. The screen also improves thanks to its definition twice the height: 1,832 × 1,920 per eye, and the refresh rate has also increased from 72 Hz to 120 Hz to improve liquidity .
Oculus Quest 2 is an independent VR headset, but it remains compatible with computers over a cable connection. But thanks to the recent firmware update, wireless connectivity is also possible on PC . So you can enjoy both virtual reality apps and games from the Oculus Rift store, but also PC games, especially those in Steam VR. This great versatility makes it the best VR headset on the market from our point of view, taking into account all considerations.
The speaker is available in 128 and 256 GB versions, the first available at a price of 349.99 euros and the second 100 euros at a higher price of 449.99 euros.
PC VR Headsets
PC VR offers the best possible virtual reality experience, but headphones in this category cost a lot. Also, for the full experience, you need a computer that complies with the requirements. The Valve Index headset requires, for example, an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 graphics card at least (recommended configuration). No lightning bolt is needed, but not everyone necessarily has a compatible computer.
LED indicator
The Valve indicator was launched in June 2019. It's the most popular VR headset on Steam after Oculus Quest 2 and that's no coincidence. As for completely wired headphones, they offer the best value overall. The Valve Index has two LCD screens with a definition of 1440 × 1600 per eye, which corresponds to a total definition of 2880 × 1600 pixels. The panels are fully RGB and can operate at refresh rates of up to 144Hz, which is higher than the competition. The proposed viewing angle is 130 degrees.
The headset uses an improved version of the Valve's Lighthouse tracking system found in the original HTC Vive, a headset that, as a reminder, is the result of a collaboration between HTC and Valve. So you need at least two base stations for tracking. If these accessories make installation more difficult, they have the advantage of offering more accurate follow-up.
The Valve indicator alone is sold at the recommended price of 539 euros. But if you do not have any accessories, you will necessarily need the base stations and two controllers. The full package is sold at the recommended price of 1079 euros. Helmet is often not available. Follow the link below to check availability.
HTC Vive Cosmos is the successor to the original Vive headset. Launched in 2019, it is no longer very young, but it is still one of the best at the moment. The brand has made many improvements to the original model. The fastening system provides more ergonomics with a fixed headband that places the mask well in front of the wearer's eyes. The Halo stabilization system is inspired by PSVR or Oculus headphones and provides more comfort for the gamer.
Another advantage of the Vive Cosmos compared to the first generation model is that it uses an inside-out tracking system thanks to 6 cameras installed on board . No need to put outdoor beacons in the room. But those who prefer the accuracy of this system can always opt for external tracking tags with the Elite version of HTC Vive Cosmos. However, the two copies are identical.
How is that possible? Simply because the HTC Vive Cosmos is a modular VR headset the front panel can be removed. Thus the user can replace the tracking cameras with laser detectors that connect to the Steam VR base stations. These signals are constantly sent to the headset and controllers. Thus, the HTC Vive Cosmos Elite is delivered with the necessary accessories to provide a second traceability.
For the rest, the helmet has two LCD screens with a definition of 1440 × 1700 pixels each for a total of 2880 × 1700p. The refresh rate is 90 Hz and the angle of view is 110 degrees. For the minimum recommended configuration, you will need a computer with an Intel Core i5-4590 / AMD FX 8350 processor or later models. The recommended GPU is the Nvidia GeForce GTX 970 / AMD Radeon R9290 or later models.
The HTC Vive Cosmos was launched at 799 euros and this is still the recommended price, but it is found at the best price in Boulanger at the moment at 524.90 euros. Vive Cosmos Elite with additional accessories costs € 799 instead of € 999.
HTC VIVE PRO 2
HTC Vive Pro 2 is the brand's second-generation VR Pro headphones. Compared to Cosmos, it stands out for its high-resolution screens which are better in terms of definition, viewing angle and refresh rate. Each eye already offers a definition of 2.448 × 2.448 pixels for a total of up to 5K. 120Hz refresh rate for ultra-smooth experience and 120° viewing angle.
To use Vive Pro 2, the manufacturer recommends a computer with an Intel Core i5-4590 / AMD Ryzen 1500 processor or later models. The graphics card must be GeForce GTX 1060 / AMD Radeon RX 480 or any other newer model. Note that for an experience in Full HD mode, HTC recommends at least GeForce RTX 20 Series or AMD Radeon 5000 (Navi) generations.
The HTC Vive Pro 2 headset requires external base stations for tracking. It is sold without its accessories at the recommended price of 799 euros. But you will find it at the best price in Boulanger at 599 €. If you do not yet have the necessary accessories to make it work, the Full Kit package including the Steam VR V2.0 slime stations and two consoles are sold for 1399 euros.
Oculus Rift S
Oculus Rift S is officially discontinued, but hopefully you'll find it at select retailers. It is an improved version of the classic Rift. It offers a better technical datasheet that is generally close to that of its direct competitor at the time, the classic HTC Vive. Its screen offers a total definition of 2560 × 1440 pixels (1280 × 1440 per eye), or 42% more than the old version. This corresponds to a resolution of 600 pixels per inch.
The proposed field of view is 115° and the refresh rate is 80Hz.The optics are optimized to deliver more vivid and vivid colors while reducing the effect of the "screen door". Finally, unlike the original Oculus Rift which relies on external sensors to track the position of controllers and headphones, the Rift S uses "inside out" tracking thanks to the five built-in cameras. This VR headset is also offered with Oculus Touch, an improved version of the original consoles.
VIRTUAL REALITY HEADSETS FOR CONSOLES: SONY PLAYSTATION VR
Do you have a PS4 or PS5 and want to test VR? These are the only home consoles that offer this possibility. They represent perhaps the easiest way to take their first steps in this universe for those who already have one of these controllers. As long as you are willing to pay the price. The PlayStation Store is full of virtual reality games that offer a variety of experiences.
To access the technical part, this helmet offers a definition of 960 × 1080 pixels per eye, with a total of 1920 × 1080p. The refresh rate reaches 120 Hz and the field of view is 100 degrees. It is worth noting that the PlayStation camera is also required to power the VR headset.
For those who have a PS5, an adapter is required to operate the headset and it is free . PlayStation VR has regularly run out of stock in recent months.
What happens to smartphone VR headsets?
The smartphone is an easy entry point into the world of virtual reality. VR smart headphones were more accessible than those that worked with a computer or console. Unfortunately, all the major players in this market have withdrawn. Thus, the classic Google Cardboard and Daydream as well as the Samsung Gear VR are no longer marketed.
So much for our buying guide for the best VR headphones right now. Thanks to virtual reality, you can dive into an alternative world with almost unlimited possibilities. Thus, VR headphones make it possible to evolve in a variety of video game environments. And to live sensory experiences that include sight and hearing and why not smell and touch soon thanks to technological developments.