Top VR Headsets for PC Gamers

When you're looking to dive into virtual worlds, pairing a VR headset with a great gaming PC can unlock a wealth of immersive experiences. While some top VR games can be played on standalone headsets, the majority of games deliver a superior experience when connected to a powerful PC.

TL;DR - The Best VR Headsets for PC:

Our Top Pick### Valve Index

7See it at AmazonSee it at Steam### Meta Quest 3S

3See it at AmazonSee it at Best Buy### HTC Vive Pro 2

1See it at Amazon### HTC Vive XR Elite

2See it at Amazon### PlayStation VR2

7See it at AmazonSee it at PlayStationSee it at Target

The best VR headsets for PC are those that boast sharp displays, comfortable designs, precise tracking, and seamless connectivity to your gaming PC or gaming laptop. While these premium features come at a cost, the Meta Quest 3S offers a great cheap VR headset option for PC users on a budget. For those with more to spend, the Valve Index stands out as the go-to choice for seamless Steam integration, while the PS VR2 offers a versatile option with minor adjustments for PC use.

Choosing a VR headset without trying it on can be challenging. That's why our experts have conducted thorough hands-on testing and research to help you find the perfect VR headset for your PC. Whether you're looking for a budget-friendly option or a high-end model that pushes graphical limits, one of our top five picks will meet your needs.

1. Valve Index

Best VR Headset for PC

Our Top Pick### Valve Index

7The Valve Index is the premier choice for PC VR enthusiasts, offering top-tier performance at a premium price.
See it at AmazonSee it at Steam

Product Specifications
Resolution (Per eye): 1440x1600
Refresh Rate: 120Hz (144Hz experimental mode)
Field of View: 130°
Tracking: 6DoF
Weight: 1.79lbs

Pros

• Powerful and convenient built-in speakers
  
• Best-in-class finger-tracking

Cons

• High price point

Our review of the Valve Index confirms its status as one of the most uncompromising PC VR headsets available. With a 120Hz refresh rate and 1440x1600 resolution, games and apps appear crisp and smooth, ideal for navigating intense environments in Half-Life Alyx or spotting hidden dangers in Alien: Rogue Incursion. The headset's premium padding and adjustable comfort dials ensure a snug fit, and despite its 1.79lb weight, ergonomic design keeps discomfort at bay.

Integrated flip-down speakers offer convenient audio, and the passthrough system allows quick transitions in and out of VR. Its integration with Steam makes it an excellent choice for accessing a vast library of VR games. The Valve Index uses external 'lighthouse' towers for precise roomscale VR tracking, and its 'Knuckles' controllers provide unmatched finger tracking. The high cost is justified by the premium experience, including the bundled game, Half-Life: Alyx.

Meta Quest 3S – Photos

10 Images

2. Meta Quest 3S

Best Budget VR Headset for PC

### Meta Quest 3S

3The Meta Quest 3S offers an affordable entry into standalone and PC VR with impressive performance and features.
See it at AmazonSee it at Best Buy

Product Specifications
Resolution (Per eye): 1832 x 1920
Refresh Rate: 120Hz
Field of View: 90°
Tracking: 6DoF
Weight: 1.13 pounds

Pros

• Pick up and play setup
  
• Full-color passthrough

Cons

• Not a native PC VR setup

The Meta Quest 3S proves that VR gaming on PC doesn't have to break the bank. It's a more affordable version of the Meta Quest 3, which we reviewed positively, retaining most of its features while dropping the price. Although primarily a standalone device, it can be used for PC VR with a link cable or streaming apps like Steam Link or Air Link, provided you have a robust Wi-Fi connection.

The lighter, slimmer design weighs just 1.13lbs and features a comfortable fabric Y-strap. However, our reviewer noted that the strap could loosen with vigorous movement. The Quest 3S uses 1832x1920, 20ppd Fresnel lenses, which are a downgrade from the Quest 3's pancake lenses, affecting clarity. Despite this, the full-color passthrough, well-balanced controllers, and superior head tracking make it a compelling choice, especially given its performance parity with the Quest 3.

3. HTC Vive Pro 2

Best VR Visuals

### HTC Vive Pro 2

1The HTC Vive Pro 2 delivers stunning visuals, making it the top choice for graphics enthusiasts.
See it at Amazon

Product Specifications
Resolution (Per eye): 2448 x 2448
Refresh Rate: 120Hz
Field of View: 120°
Tracking: 6DoF
Weight: 1.9 pounds

Pros

• Superb graphical fidelity
  
• High-quality audio suite

Cons

• Intense hardware requirements

The HTC Vive Pro 2 offers unparalleled visual quality with a 2448x2448 per-eye resolution, minimizing screen door effects. Coupled with a 90 to 120Hz refresh rate, it's perfect for enjoying detailed landscapes in Microsoft Flight Simulator. Its 120-degree field of view enhances immersion, but requires a powerful gaming PC to maintain performance.

While the design isn't groundbreaking, the headset is comfortable with balanced weight and supportive cushioning. Setting it up involves multiple cords and base stations, which can be cumbersome. However, its built-in high-resolution audio eliminates the need for a separate gaming headset. Although we haven't reviewed the Vive Pro 2 directly, our experience with the original HTC Vive Pro confirms its impressive image quality and comfort.

4. HTC Vive XR Elite

Best VR Headset for Work and Play

### HTC Vive XR Elite

2The HTC Vive XR Elite is ideal for those needing a versatile headset for both professional and gaming use.
See it at Amazon

Product Specifications
Resolution (Per eye): 1920 x 1920
Refresh Rate: 90Hz
Field of View: 110°
Tracking: 6DoF
Weight: 1.38 pounds

Pros

• Convenient wireless design
  
• Highly adaptable and comfortable to wear

Cons

• Not a native PC VR solution

The HTC Vive XR Elite stands out for its adaptability, suitable for professional and casual VR use, offering virtual, augmented, and mixed-reality experiences. While it requires a link cable or the Vive Streaming app for PC VR, its wireless design and unobtrusive speakers make it perfect for travel and work.

Its 1920x1920 resolution per eye and 110-degree field of view deliver clear visuals, and multiple adjustments ensure a comfortable fit. Though not the best in class for PC VR, the XR Elite's versatility makes it a valuable choice for those needing a multi-purpose headset.

PlayStation VR2 – Photos

11 Images

5. PlayStation VR2

Best VR for Console and PC

### PlayStation VR2

7The PlayStation VR2 offers a premium VR experience that extends beyond the PS5 to PC gaming.
See it at AmazonSee it at PlayStationSee it at Target

Product Specifications
Resolution (Per eye): 2,000 x 2,040
Refresh Rate: 120Hz
Field of View: 110°
Tracking: 6DoF
Weight: 1.24 pounds

Pros

• Crisp, smooth graphics
  
• Relatively simple setup

Cons

• Some features only available on PS5

The PlayStation VR2, initially designed for the PlayStation 5, now supports PC gaming with a PC adapter for $59.99. Setup involves connecting the adapter to the PS VR2's USB-C cord and using a DisplayPort 1.4 cable, compatible with most budget gaming PCs. Accessing Steam's VR library is straightforward, though some features like HDR, eye-tracking, and adaptive triggers are exclusive to the PS5.

Despite these limitations, the PS VR2 delivers crisp 4K visuals on PC with a 120Hz refresh rate and 110-degree field of view. Its comfortable fit, finger-touch detection, 3D audio, and see-through view enhance the PC VR experience. Our hands-on testing confirms its suitability for PC VR, making it a compelling choice, especially for PS5 owners considering the additional cost of the adapter.

How to Choose the Best VR Headsets for PC

Our selection of PC VR headsets is based on our expertise, hands-on testing, and user feedback. When choosing a VR headset, consider not only the technical specifications but also physical comfort factors like comfort dials, airflow, and build quality. The performance of the headset's components directly impacts your gaming experience, while features like tracking solutions, passthrough, and refresh rate contribute to overall usability and immersion.

PC VR FAQ

Do I need a powerful PC to use VR?

VR headsets and games have specific system requirements, similar to traditional PC games. Before purchasing, ensure your gaming PC meets these requirements, especially if you're targeting specific games. High-end hardware like powerful graphics cards and processors is often necessary for the most demanding VR titles. For budget-conscious gamers, standalone headsets offer a wireless alternative without the need for a PC.

What VR headsets don’t require a PC?

While PC VR headsets offer exceptional performance, standalone options like the Meta Quest series and the Pico 4 provide wireless VR experiences. The Apple Vision Pro is another powerful standalone option, seamlessly integrating with the Apple ecosystem. The PlayStation VR2 doesn't require a PC, but you'll need a PS5 for the full experience. Budget-friendly VR headsets that use your smartphone are also available, offering a fun, entry-level VR experience suitable for children.

How do you ensure the best VR headset for PC experience?

To maximize your VR experience, ensure your gaming PC meets the necessary requirements and choose a comfortable VR headset. Additionally, play in a well-lit space free of obstacles to maintain accurate tracking. Clearly mark your play area to avoid tripping hazards, and utilize the safety features provided by some headsets.

When do VR headsets usually go on sale?

The best times to find discounts on PC-compatible VR headsets are during major shopping events like Amazon Prime Day in July, and Black Friday and Cyber Monday in November. These sales often feature significant discounts on Meta Quest headsets, with occasional deals on other models as well.