Top VR Headsets for PC Gamers Revealed

Dive into the immersive world of virtual reality with a VR headset that connects to a great gaming PC. While standalone headsets offer some top VR games, the majority of titles deliver a richer experience when tethered to a capable PC. Let's explore the best VR headsets for PC that can elevate your gaming adventure to new heights.

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 TargetThe best VR headsets for PC boast sharp displays, ergonomic designs, precise tracking, and seamless integration with a gaming PC or gaming laptop. While these premium features come with a higher price tag, options like the Meta 3S offer a great cheap VR headset for PC users on a budget. For those willing to invest more, the Valve Index provides the best Steam integration, and the PS VR2 supports PC VR with minimal compromises.

Unfortunately, testing these headsets for fit and functionality before buying isn't always possible. That's where our experts come in, having done extensive hands-on testing and research to guide you to the perfect VR headset for your PC. Whether you're looking for versatility or top-notch graphics, one of our five picks will meet your PC VR needs.

1. Valve Index

Best VR Headset for PC

Our Top Pick### Valve Index

7The Valve Index stands out as the premier choice for PC VR, though it comes with a higher price tag. Its superior performance justifies the cost for serious gamers.

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 remains relevant, affirming its position as one of the most uncompromising PC VR headsets available. With a 120Hz refresh rate and 1440x1600 resolution, games and apps are rendered crisply, perfect for dynamic gameplay in titles like Half-Life Alyx or Alien: Rogue Incursion. The headset's premium padding and adjustable comfort dials ensure a snug fit, despite its 1.79lb weight.

The Valve Index features flip-down speakers and a user-friendly passthrough system for seamless transitions in and out of VR. Its integration with Steam provides access to a vast library of VR games, making it an excellent choice for avid gamers.

The Index's use of external 'lighthouse' towers for room mapping ensures hyper-accurate tracking and immersive roomscale VR. While this requires additional setup, the result is unparalleled. Valve’s 'Knuckles' controllers further enhance immersion with exceptional finger tracking. The high cost is offset by the bundled system seller, Half-Life: Alyx.

Meta Quest 3S – Photos

10 Images2. Meta Quest 3S

Best Budget VR Headset for PC

### Meta Quest 3S

3The Meta Quest 3S offers a budget-friendly entry into PC VR, with impressive performance and full-color passthrough.

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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 shares many features with the Meta Quest 3 – which we reviewed and loved but at a lower price point. While primarily a standalone device, connecting it to a PC for VR gaming is straightforward with a link cable or streaming apps like Steam Link or Air Link.

Its lightweight design at 1.13lbs and adjustable fabric Y-strap enhance comfort, though our reviewer noted the strap may loosen during intense movement. The lenses, while not as advanced as the Quest 3's pancake lenses, still offer a decent 1832x1920 resolution. The full-color passthrough, well-balanced controllers, and excellent head tracking are significant improvements over the Quest 2. With the same GPU, CPU, and RAM as the Quest 3, the Quest 3S delivers a smooth VR experience on both PC and standalone setups.

3. HTC Vive Pro 2

Best VR Visuals

### HTC Vive Pro 2

1The HTC Vive Pro 2 delivers stunning visuals, ideal 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's 2448x2448 per-eye resolution and 120Hz refresh rate provide crystal-clear visuals with minimal screen door effect, ideal for titles like Microsoft Flight Simulator. Its 120-degree field of view enhances immersion, though it demands a powerful gaming PC.

While the design isn't revolutionary, the headset is comfortable with balanced weight and supportive cushioning. Setup can be cumbersome, requiring two base stations and multiple cords. However, its built-in high-resolution audio eliminates the need for a separate gaming headset.

Though we haven't reviewed the HTC Vive Pro 2, our experience with the original HTC Vive Pro impressed us with its 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 versatile for both professional and gaming use, supporting virtual, augmented, and mixed reality.

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's adaptability makes it a strong contender for those needing a headset for both work and play. It supports virtual, augmented, and mixed reality, ideal for productivity and gaming. However, to access PC VR, you'll need a link cable or the Vive Streaming app.

Its wireless design and unobtrusive speakers make it perfect for travel. The 1920x1920 resolution per eye and 110-degree field of view provide clear visuals, while multiple adjustments ensure a comfortable fit.

PlayStation VR2 – Photos

11 Images5. PlayStation VR2

Best VR for Console and PC

### PlayStation VR2

7The PlayStation VR2, designed for the PS5, now also works with PCs, offering a versatile VR experience.

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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, originally designed for the PlayStation 5, now supports PC gaming with a PC adapter for $59.99. Setup is straightforward, requiring a DisplayPort 1.4 cable and a gaming PC that meets the minimum requirements, which most budget gaming PCs can handle. With a Steam account, you can access Steam's VR library.

While some PS VR2 features like HDR support, eye-tracking, adaptive triggers, headset feedback, and controller haptics aren't available on PC, the core experience remains compelling. You'll enjoy crisp 4K visuals, a 120Hz refresh rate, a 110-degree field of view, comfortable fit, finger-touch detection, rumble, 3D audio, and see-through view.

Our hands-on testing confirms the PS VR2's suitability for PC VR, making it a compelling choice, especially if you already own a PS5. Despite the total cost of over $600 with the adapter, it's a competitive option compared to other PC VR headsets.

How to Choose the Best VR Headsets for PC

Our selection of PC VR headsets is based on our extensive experience, IGN reviews, and consumer feedback. When choosing a VR headset, consider not only the digital specifications but also physical comfort, influenced by factors like comfort dials, airflow, and build quality. The technology inside, such as resolution, refresh rate, and tracking solutions, also plays a crucial role in performance and immersion.

PC VR FAQ

Do I need a powerful PC to use VR?

VR headsets and games have specific system requirements. For optimal performance, especially with demanding titles, a high-end gaming PC with powerful graphics cards and processors is necessary. If building such a rig is out of your budget, consider standalone headsets that don't require an external PC.

What VR headsets don’t require a PC?

Standalone headsets like the Meta Quest 3S and the entire Quest lineup offer wireless VR experiences. The Pico 4 and Apple Vision Pro are also excellent standalone options, with the latter integrating seamlessly with the Apple ecosystem. PlayStation VR2 doesn't require a PC but needs a PS5. Some budget VR headsets use your smartphone for a more accessible VR experience.

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. A well-lit, obstacle-free space enhances tracking accuracy, and using indicators like rugs can help define your play area.

When do VR headsets usually go on sale?

The best times to find discounts on PC-compatible VR headsets are during Amazon Prime Day in July, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday. These events often feature deals on Meta Quest headsets, though other brands may also offer discounts.