Metaverse has enabled people to look beyond the screens of gadgets and enter into the virtual world themselves. But how do people experience this virtual world? Well, the answer is simple, you put on a simple gadget called the VR (virtual reality) headset, plug it into the virtual experience device and enter the digital world.
VR headsets are like goggles that let the users enter the metaverse in a digital form. It projects a 3D world in front of the users' eyes and lets them feel as if they are physically present in the metaverse.
The VR headset market is growing fast. Leading companies, including Meta, Google, and Microsoft, are developing headsets that enable users to both explore and actively engage in the metaverse, similar to real-world interactions.
A lot of tech-savvy users are taking an interest in VR headsets to explore the metaverse.
So, here is the curated list of best VR headsets that you can purchase today, and explore the Metaverse.
Meta Quest 2
Oculus has been at the forefront of letting people experience the Metaverse. The company launched its lineup of Meta Quest VR headsets to let people enter the metaverse through a very simple process.
The Meta Quest 2 is their most successful VR headset in this lineup. As of Q1 2023 reports, nearly 20 million units of this product were sold worldwide. It allows the users to play multiplayer games and have social experiences, all within the metaverse.
Features
- The all-in-one design allows the users to use it as a gaming device in itself. Users do not require a separate PC to use it.
- It comes in 128 GB and 256 GB storage variants.
- 1832x1920 pixels per eye make the user experience highly immersive.
- High refresh rate, i.e. up to 90Hz.
- The Quest 2 comes with a large library of games and metaverse experiences.
The Meta Quest 2 is the perfect choice for people who like to take on new experiences. Users can even host DJ parties using these headsets and feel as if they stand in Austria, experiencing the live party.
Visit → Official Site
HTC Vive Cosmos
HTC has launched one of the world’s most advanced VR headsets. It allows the users to not only view and stand in the metaverse but feel it through all the sensors embedded in the device.
Six camera sensors and the latest software optimizations allow this device to improve the first-person experience for the users. Not only that, it has provided a wider degree of viewing and 6 different degrees of freedom.
Now what does that mean? Well, it means that the users can have more movements than just linearly roaming around in the metaverse.
Features
- 6 camera sensors and 6 degrees of freedom
- 2880x1700 pixel resolution with an all-new LCD panel
- Plug-and-play ready device with inside-out tracking
- It has a crown fit that easily fits the users and reduces disruptions
- New controllers with a clickable thumbstick
The six camera sensors on the headset allow motion tracking and positioning without the need for any external sensor. It also makes the user experience more immersive by reducing the tracking latency.
Visit → Official Site
Valve Index
The Valve Index ranks among the top-selling VR headsets worldwide. It is sold as part of a metaverse experience kit, which includes the headset, controllers, immersive sound speakers, and additional accessories.
The standout feature of this gadget is its finger-tracking system, which interprets users' desired movements and interactions through finger motions. Additionally, its high refresh rate ensures a smoother metaverse experience.
The Valve Index also offers a vast library of games and experiences available for download from Steam VR.
Features
- 1660x1440 pixels per eye resolution for a far more immersive experience.
- 120Hz refresh rate which is higher than any other headset.
- 6 degrees of freedom for better movement
- Individual finger tracking system for better gaming experience.
- Plug and play feature supported with PCs.
People are purchasing the Valve Index mostly for the finger-tracking feature that it has. So, if you already have a Vive headset and base station, purchasing the Valve controllers will be more affordable for you.
Visit → Official Site
Think Reality A3
As the name suggests, Think Reality is a gadget that re-imagines the whole user experience in the metaverse. The device is like goggles or smart glasses that can be worn to attend business meetings, concerts, project data and multiple other use cases.
It adapts to many use cases depending upon the requirements of the users. Users just have to connect the glasses to their laptops or even Motorola mobiles to experience different features of the gadget.
Features
- Weighing just 130 grams, they are the lightest gadgets to experience metaverse and augmented reality.
- Binocular 1080p resolution and 45PPD.
- Dual fish eye cameras for 6 degrees of freedom.
- 8MP RGC camera for tracking.
- Qualcomm XR-1 Smartviewer support
- IP54 rating and integrated speakers
Visit → Official Site
Sony PlayStation VR
Sony has been in the business of gaming for a long time. The Sony PlayStation VR allows their users to enter the games as if they are the characters themselves. The players can enjoy the game from a first-person perspective.
The accessories even let the players feel all the motion and jerks and other enhancements of the games. It is one of the most popular VR headsets in the world for exploring the virtual world.
Features
- Sony’s console ecosystem allows users to play popular games like Resident Evil with VR experience.
- 5.7-inch OLED display for best resolution.
- 120Hz refresh rate for a smoother experience
- Spatial recognition allows the gadget to track user movement precisely.
- Compatibility with multiple metaverse apps and experiences as well.
The PSVR lets gamers and techies unite and experience the metaverse in an even better manner. It even has room scanning to make the user experience feel even more real.
Visit → Official Site
HP Reverb G2
If you are looking for an entry-level VR headset that lets you explore the metaverse and does not hurt your pocket, then Reverb G2 is the best choice. Launched in 2020, it has quickly gained a substantial user base for HP. Its compatibility with Steam VR grants users access to a wide range of games and social experiences.
Features
- High-resolution LCD screen with great speakers
- Great motion control system
- Reliable with Steam VR
- Great built quality
Visit → Official Site
PICO 4
Now this is the gadget that may feel as if it came straight out of the future. It has a 105-degree viewing angle and much better resolution as well. It makes use of high-quality lenses which make the gadget lighter and easier to use as well.
For users who want to experience the metaverse as if it were the real world itself, then PICO 4 is the best choice.
Features
- Pico 4 has a 4K+ super-vision display with a refresh rate of up to 90Hz.
- Comes with two motion controllers.
- The settings menu allows for exact adjustment of the inter-pupillary distance through a motorized mechanism.
- It has screencasting options built into the OS. You can cast to a smart TV, web browser, or smartphone.
Visit → Official Site
Conclusion
These are the top 7 VR headsets that users can purchase today to explore the metaverse at its best. Some of them are quite affordable like the HP Reverb G2 while some are on the costlier side as well.
So, depending on your budget, you can choose any of these gadgets to enter the virtual world and experience something new. Also, keep in mind that some of these gadgets are compatible with only top-quality PC setups. So, before purchasing any VR headset, it is best that you also have a good PC setup as well.
