Top VR Headsets for PC Gamers Revealed

If you're looking to dive into immersive virtual worlds, pairing a VR headset with a powerful gaming PC can significantly enhance your experience. While some top VR games can run on standalone headsets, the majority deliver superior graphics and performance when connected to a robust 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 top VR headsets for PC boast high-resolution displays, ergonomic designs, precise tracking, and seamless connectivity to a gaming PC or gaming laptop. Although premium options can be costly, the Meta Quest 3S offers an affordable entry point for budget-conscious buyers. For those willing to invest more, the Valve Index stands out for its seamless Steam integration, while the PS VR2 now supports PC VR with minimal compromises.

Unfortunately, it's rare to try these headsets before buying, so 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 versatility or top-tier graphics, one of our five recommendations will meet your PC VR needs.

1. Valve Index

Best VR Headset for PC

Our Top Pick### Valve Index

7The Valve Index is the ultimate choice for PC VR enthusiasts, though it comes with a higher price tag. 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, though a few years old, still holds that it's one of the most uncompromising PC VR headsets available. With a 120Hz refresh rate and 1440x1600 resolution, games and apps appear crisp, which is essential for dodging enemies in Half-Life Alyx or spotting threats in Alien: Rogue Incursion. The headset's premium padding and comfort dials ensure a snug fit, making the 1.79lb weight barely noticeable thanks to its ergonomic design.

The Index features flip-down speakers for audio and an easy-to-use passthrough system for quick VR transitions. Its integration with Steam makes it ideal for accessing a vast library of VR games. The use of external 'lighthouse' towers provides hyper-accurate tracking and roomscale VR, enhancing immersion. The 'Knuckles' controllers offer unparalleled hand tracking, though the high cost is a notable drawback. However, the included Half-Life: Alyx justifies the investment.

Meta Quest 3S – Photos

10 Images

2. Meta Quest 3S

Best Budget VR Headset for PC

### Meta Quest 3S

3The Meta Quest 3S is an excellent entry-level option for both standalone and PC VR, offering 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 a PC doesn't have to break the bank. It's based on the highly-rated Meta Quest 3 but is more affordable due to some feature cuts. Primarily a standalone device, it integrates seamlessly with Meta's ecosystem, but you can easily connect it to a PC VR library using a link cable or streaming apps like Steam Link or Air Link.

Its lightweight design at 1.13lbs and adjustable fabric Y-strap make it comfortable for extended use, though the strap may loosen with vigorous movement. The downgrade from the Quest 3's pancake lenses to the Quest 3S's 1832x1920, 20ppd Fresnel lenses affects clarity and can cause distortion. However, features like full-color passthrough, balanced controllers, and superior head tracking surpass the Quest 2 and many other headsets. With the same GPU, CPU, and RAM as the Quest 3, it delivers a smooth VR experience on both PC and standalone.

3. HTC Vive Pro 2

Best VR Visuals

### HTC Vive Pro 2

1The HTC Vive Pro 2 is perfect for those who demand the highest graphical fidelity in VR. 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 stunning visuals with a 2448x2448 per-eye resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate, making games like Microsoft Flight Simulator exceptionally immersive. Its 120-degree field of view adds to the realism, but this demands a powerful gaming PC.

While the design isn't groundbreaking, the headset is comfortable with balanced weight and supportive cushioning. However, it requires multiple cords and base stations for setup, which can be cumbersome. The built-in high-resolution audio eliminates the need for a separate gaming headset, enhancing the overall experience.

Although we haven't reviewed the HTC Vive Pro 2, our experience with the original HTC Vive Pro showed 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 versatile, suitable for both professional and casual VR 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 great choice for both work and play, offering virtual, augmented, and mixed reality experiences. It's not a native PC VR headset, requiring a link cable or the Vive Streaming app to access PC VR games, but its portability and suitability for professional settings are significant advantages.

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

PlayStation VR2 – Photos

11 Images

5. PlayStation VR2

Best VR for Console and PC

### PlayStation VR2

7The PlayStation VR2, originally designed for the PS5, now works on PC with an adapter, offering crisp graphics and smooth gameplay. 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, once exclusive to the PS5, now connects to PC with a $59.99 adapter, requiring a DisplayPort 1.4 cable and a compatible gaming PC. While some features like HDR support and eye-tracking aren't available on PC, you still enjoy 4K visuals, a 120Hz refresh rate, and a 110-degree FOV.

Our hands-on testing confirms that the PS VR2 is a strong contender for PC VR, offering a comfortable fit, finger-touch detection, rumble, 3D audio, and see-through view. Although it's pricey at over $600 with the adapter, it's a competitive choice 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 VR expertise, IGN reviews, and consumer feedback. When choosing a VR headset, consider not only the technical specifications but also physical comfort, such as comfort dials, airflow, and build quality. The technology inside, including resolution, refresh rate, and tracking solutions, significantly impacts your gaming experience.

PC VR FAQ

Do I need a powerful PC to use VR?

VR headsets and games have specific system requirements. For the best experience, especially with demanding titles, you'll need high-end hardware like potent graphics cards and processors. If building a gaming rig is beyond your budget, consider standalone headsets that don't require a PC.

What VR headsets don’t require a PC?

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

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

In addition to a powerful PC and a capable VR headset, ensure a well-lit play area for accurate tracking. Keep the space clear of obstacles to move freely, and consider using a rug or markers to indicate the play area boundaries. Some headsets offer built-in indicators to help with this.

When do VR headsets usually go on sale?

PC-compatible VR headsets often see price drops during major sales events. Amazon Prime Day in July, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday are prime times for discounts, with Meta Quest deals being particularly common during these periods.