Best VR headset 2020: the perfect digital actuality headsets for PC

With the current launch of Half-Life: Alyx, there’s by no means been a greater time to leap into the world of VR, so we’ve put collectively our greatest VR headset suggestions under that can assist you resolve which VR headset is best for you. We’ve examined all the main VR headsets for PC during the last couple of months, placing the Oculus Rift S in opposition to the HTC Vive Cosmos, and the Vive Cosmos Elite in opposition to the Valve Index. We’ve additionally examined the standalone Oculus Quest, too, because the current Oculus Link beta means now you can use this wi-fi VR headset along with your PC through a high-speed USB-C cable.

Admittedly, the demand for the perfect VR headsets has been at an all-time excessive since Half-Life: Alyx got here out, and a number of other headsets have been out of inventory for weeks. The Oculus Rift S and Oculus Quest have been significantly troublesome to pay money for, however in the case of shopping for the perfect VR headset, it actually does pay to attend till the proper one’s obtainable. After all, VR headsets are a giant buy, so that you don’t need to lumber your self with the improper one simply because the perfect isn’t obtainable.

Best VR headset 2020

Right now, the perfect VR headset is the Oculus Rift S. Read on for why it’s our alternative of the bunch, and our different choose in case you’ve acquired more cash to spend.

When I get a VR headset in for testing, I pay significantly consideration to how snug it’s to put on, and the accuracy of its monitoring. External trackers which can be used on higher-end headsets such because the Vive Cosmos Elite and Valve Index present the best degree of digital actuality monitoring, however cheaper VR headsets such because the Oculus Rift S, Oculus Quest and HTC Vive Cosmos use a way referred to as inside-out monitoring, the place all of the sensors are constructed into the headset and controllers.

This means you don’t have to scramble round discovering additional plug sockets or configure your room in a particular solution to accommodate any exterior trackers in an effort to do full room-scale VR, as all the pieces you want is constructed instantly into the {hardware}. This is the simplest and most price efficient solution to get into VR nowadays, however Oculus’ inside-out monitoring is noticeably higher than what you get on the HTC Vive Cosmos. The Oculus Rift S additionally helps all of the best VR games, too, making it an incredible alternative for these seeking to purchase their first VR headset for PC, or the best VR headset for Half-Life: Alyx.

However, in case you do need that additional degree of exterior monitoring constancy and have the price range for it, then I’d advocate going with the Valve Index. It’s the costliest VR headset you should buy in the intervening time (once more, when it’s in inventory), nevertheless it’s considerably higher than the equally priced HTC Vive Cosmos Elite, as you’ll quickly see under. The Index can also be an incredible alternative on your first VR headset when you’ve got the money for it, however I’d say it’s a greater match for these seeking to improve their VR headset than these searching for a hassle-free first-time purchase.

Why we chose the Oculus Rift S
Why we chose the Valve Index
What PC specs do I need for a VR headset?

Oculus Rift S – the perfect low cost VR headset for PC

If you’re shopping for your first VR headset for PC and wish the very best expertise with out breaking the financial institution, the Oculus Rift S is the perfect VR headset you should buy proper now (no less than if you could find it in inventory someplace). Some of its specs will not be fairly nearly as good as its nearest rival, the HTC Vive Cosmos, reminiscent of its barely decrease refresh charge and display decision, however its hassle-free inside-out monitoring is second to none.

Accurate monitoring is rather more essential than a mildly sharper display in my eyes, particularly when each shows seemed just about the identical after I examined them one after the opposite. I additionally didn’t discover any distinction within the refresh charge, both, as each headsets gave the impression to be simply as clean as one another after I was transferring round in digital actuality. Plus, the Oculus Rift S’ inside-out monitoring works in all lighting situations, whereas the Vive Cosmos is much more temperamental, as I discovered it struggled to trace my palms precisely in shiny sunshine and enjoying with the lights on at night time.

The Oculus Rift S has the biggest library of VR games, too, as you’ve not solely acquired what’s on the Oculus Store, however each SteamVR game on Steam plus chosen titles on HTC’s Viveport Store. It’s additionally tremendous snug to put on for lengthy intervals of time, and its mild Touch controllers have plenty of tactile suggestions. Simply put, it’s the perfect VR headset for the lots, and a significantly better purchase than the costlier Vive Cosmos. It could also be out of inventory in the intervening time, nevertheless it’s value ready for in case you’re seeking to purchase a brand new VR headset.

As for whether or not you need to get the Rift S over the standalone Oculus Quest, this may rely very a lot on how a lot you need the flexibility to play VR games wirelessly in addition to in your PC. In my view, the Quest is arguably simply nearly as good because the Oculus Rift S by way of total expertise (and it’s straightforward to setup, too as you’ll be able to see in my How to play Half-Life: Alyx on Oculus Quest article), nevertheless it’s merely not snug sufficient to put on for lengthy intervals of time. If I have been shopping for a brand new VR headset as we speak, I’d be shopping for a Rift S.

Read our full Oculus Rift S review.

Valve Index – the perfect VR headset for PC

For those that need the best possible VR headset for PC, although, then the Valve Index is the one to purchase. Perhaps you’ve had a VR headset beforehand and want to improve, or possibly you’ve simply acquired buckets of money and wish in on the very high of the VR meals chain from the phrase go. Either manner, it actually doesn’t get significantly better than the Valve Index.

Its key benefits over the Rift S embrace a lot increased refresh charge choices, going all the best way as much as 144Hz for tremendous clean VR gaming, a wider subject of view and completely beautiful built-in headphones. The audio system on the Rift S are nice, however the Index’s off-ear headphones are one thing else fully, providing a wealthy, full-bodied sound that actually heightens your sense of immersion.

You’ll want a fairly highly effective PC in an effort to benefit from the Index’s increased refresh charges, in fact, however even in case you don’t have a super-powered PC proper now, it does no less than give the headset room for enchancment while you subsequent come to improve. The Rift S, then again, might be caught at 80Hz for the period.

As I discussed above, you don’t technically have to spend virtually a grand to get an incredible VR expertise, and for most individuals the Oculus Rift S might be completely nice. However, in case you’ve acquired the house and the money and wish absolutely the bestest finest VR headset cash can presumably purchase, then the Valve Index is a significantly better purchase than the HTC Vive Cosmos Elite.

Read our full Valve Index review for extra.

What PC specs do I would like for a VR headset?

If you’re shopping for a VR headset for PC, you then’re going to want to ensure your PC’s highly effective sufficient to run it. Thankfully, the minimal necessities for many of as we speak’s finest VR headsets are fairly low, so that you shouldn’t have a lot hassle getting your VR headset up and operating in case you’ve lately upgraded your PC. For the total listing of minimal necessities, have a learn of the desk under.

If you’re in want of some new elements, then you should definitely take a look at our best graphics card and best gaming CPU lists for all of our high suggestions, in addition to our best SSD for gaming in case your PC’s in want of some extra storage.