5 Best VR Headsets in 2023

Each year, gaming makes unprecedented strides in performance due to advances in technology. This has been demonstrated repeatedly by next-generation consoles and the limitless retainer of PC gaming. The best VR headsets, on the other hand, have been on a slow rise to deliver gaming's next level of immersive content.

Admittedly, right out of the gate VR was quite expensive and you had to drop top dollar to enjoy everything it had to offer. However, now in 2023, VR headsets' performance and price have reached a middle ground. As a result, pretty much anybody can get in on the fun, whether it's with a casual, console, or PC VR headset. So, if you're just diving into VR gaming in 2023, these are the top five VR Headsets to turn your attention to.

5. Meta Quest 2

Though it was released back in 2020, the Meta Quest 2 is still the best bang for your buck when it comes to VR gaming. Especially for those that want the ease of just throwing on the headset and getting right into the action. This is due to the fact that Meta Quest 2 does not require a phone, console, or PC to run. It's a stand-alone VR headset, and that's how it's made a name for itself. The best part is that it still holds up on the performance end.

Each eye has a resolution of 1832×1920 in each lens, as well as a refresh rate of 90Hz. Furthermore, the base model includes 128GB of storage, which is more than enough to experience its roster of games. So, if you're just getting started with VR and aren't sure if you want to fully commit to an extensive more high-end setup, the Meta Quest 2 is the best introductory setup of all the VR Headsets on this list.

Price: $399

Buy Here: Meta Quest 2

4. PlayStation VR2

The biggest headset to release this year for next-gen is the PlayStation VR2. Sorry, Xbox gamers, but PlayStation has seized control of console VR gaming with the second iteration of their VR Headset. Though it is slightly more expensive than the Meta Quest 2 and requires a PS5 to run, the PlayStation VR 2 is currently unmatched in the competition for the best VR headsets on console.

The PlayStation VR2 comes equipped with dual 2k OLED HDR screens (effectively 4k quality), eye-tracking, and haptics for the headset and controller. To give you that next-level immersion of not only appearing to be in the game but also feeling it. When you consider this, you are truly receiving one of the best VR headsets on the market, already complete with exclusive games like Gran Turismo 7, Resident Evil Village, and Horizon: Call of the Mountain. So, if you're already gaming on PS5, do yourself a favor and jump on the PlayStation VR2 bandwagon as soon as possible.

Price: $549

Buy Here: PlayStation VR2

3. HP Reverb G2

We've talked about standalone and console VR headsets, but what about wired PC VR? The frontrunner in that category, at its price point, would have to be the HP Reverb G2. This VR headset has 2,160 pixels per eye, a refresh rate of 90 hertz, and a 114-degree field of view.

Though it is significantly more expensive than the Meta Quest 2, it is only marginally more expensive than the PlayStation VR2. And, when you consider the performance and cast of games that the HP Reverb G2 offers over the previous two, we'd have to say the payoff is well worth it. So, if you're a dual gamer who plays on both next-gen and PC, and is undecided about which path to take, we recommend the HP Reverb G2. Because you are getting a significantly better performance for only a slight price increase. Which will surely heighten your immersion and overall VR experience.

Price: $599

Buy Here: HP Reverb G2

2. Valve Index VR Kit

The Valve Index VR Kit is the step up in wired VR gaming for PC. Built by Valve, and meant to be used in conjunction with their Steam game store. If you main Steam for your PC gaming needs, it may be worth saving up a little more money to ball out on the Valve Index. And that's not just considering the massive number of games available through Steam, of which there are many, as the boundaries for VR gaming are undoubtedly being pushed by the VR games being developed and released on Steam.

Aside from a great cast of VR Games, the Valve Index features a 1,440×1600 pixel resolution per eye. Though the resolution is not as impressive as some of the less expensive options on this list, it does outperform the competition with a 144Hz refresh rate and a 130-degree field of view. Furthermore, the Valve Index controllers track the movement of all five fingers, for an even more enhanced experience. Considering that, and the mass of VR games you can add to your steam library, it's hard not to consider the Valve Index one of the best VR headsets of 2023.

Price: $999

Buy Here: Valve Index VR Kit

1. HTC Vive Pro 2

If you want the best PC VR headset available, the HTC Vive Pro 2 is it. It's safe to say that the headset isn't cheap, but it also doesn't skimp on performance. It has a combined resolution of 4896×2448, a refresh rate of 120Hz, and a field of view of 120 degrees. Altogether, that makes for the best wired VR experience you can get on PC.

What's more is that you can just get the headset itself, which works with the Valve Index controllers, for the most immersive experience possible. But that would really be going all out. As a result, we only recommend the HTC Vive Pro 2 to hardcore gamers who want to get the most out of their VR experience. If you're new to the scene, we recommend one of our other, cheaper picks for the best VR headsets of 2023.

Price: $1,399

Buy Here: HTC Vive Pro 2

So, what's your take? Do you agree with our top five? Are there other VR headsets you think are best? Let us know in the comments below or over on our socials here!