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I've been covering virtual reality since the original Oculus Rift Development Kit launched more than a decade ago. Since then, I've tested every major VR headset, including experimental AR devices like Google Glass and the Microsoft HoloLens (not to mention the growing variety of smart glasses). These days, there are headsets in every shape, size, and price, ranging from the entry-level, wire-free Meta Quest 3S to the class-leading Apple Vision Pro. I've thoroughly tested all of these models, evaluating their graphical capabilities, motion tracking, software libraries, comfort, user experience, and value. The Meta Quest 3 is our top pick for standalone headsets, but it's far from the only model we recommend. Read on for our other recommendations, followed by everything you need to know about buying a VR headset.
Our Top Tested Picks
Meta Quest 3
Bottom Line
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
The Meta Quest 3 is the gold standard for standalone VR headsets thanks to its swift processor, high resolution, and color pass-through cameras that enable high-quality augmented reality.
Pros
- Color pass-through cameras allow you to clearly see your surroundings
- High-resolution picture
- Powerful processor
- Comfortable design
Cons
- Short battery life
- Lacks eye-tracking tech
Meta Quest 3S
Bottom Line
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
The Meta Quest 3S is all you need to get started with VR, thanks to its color pass-through cameras, reliable controls, and affordable price.
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Fast processor
- Color pass-through camera
- Works standalone or tethered to PC
- Many apps and games
Cons
- Occasionally grainy display
- Controllers must be in view of the headset for accurate tracking
Sony PlayStation VR2
Bottom Line
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
The PlayStation VR2 is a comprehensive upgrade that tops its predecessor in terms of graphics, sound, and tracking technology, making it a must-buy headset for PS5 owners interested in virtual reality.
Pros
- Excellent graphics and sound
- Strong launch library
- Useful eye-tracking tech
- Lightweight build
- Easy to set up
Cons
- Not compatible with PlayStation VR games
Apple Vision Pro (M5)
Bottom Line
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
The M5 Vision Pro refines the already best-in-class mixed reality headset with meaningful comfort and performance gains, but at $3,499, it remains best suited for Apple devotees who want the absolute cutting edge regardless of cost.
Pros
- Much more comfortable than the original
- Powerful M5 chip
- Incredibly intuitive control system
- Super-sharp display
Cons
- Still very expensive
- Several software omissions
HTC Vive Pro 2
Bottom Line
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
The Vive Pro 2 is the highest-resolution VR headset we've seen yet, with a price to match. It's worth considering if you want the best VR experience available, and don't mind mixing and matching components.
Pros
- The best resolution for VR gaming
- Smooth motion tracking
- Works with Valve Index controllers
Cons
- Expensive
- Doesn't include necessary base stations or controllers
Our experts have tested this product and selected it for this story. Its inclusion and description here solely reflect findings from our independent review. The company has paid for highlighted placement on this page.
Meta Quest 3
The Best VR Headset Deals This Week*
- Meta Quest 3S 128GB With 3-Month Trial of Meta Horizon+ — $348
- Meta Quest 3S 256GB With Batman: Arkham Shadow and... — $448
- Meta Quest 3 512GB With 3-Month Trial of Meta Horizon+ — $599
- HTC Vive XR Elite VR Headset Deluxe Pack — $649 ($899) Save $249.01
EDITORS' NOTE
May 5, 2026: With this update, we added the Apple Vision Pro (M5), replacing the original Apple Vision Pro. Our remaining picks have been vetted for currency and availability.
- Color pass-through cameras allow you to clearly see your surroundings
- High-resolution picture
- Powerful processor
- Comfortable design
- Short battery life
- Lacks eye-tracking tech
The Quest 3 is Meta's main headset, with a higher resolution and wider field of view that help justify the price compared with the company's lower-cost option. It's also just a well-equipped standalone VR headset, featuring a color pass-through camera for mixed reality and a powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 processor. Meta just increased the price of the Quest 3 by $100 because of increasing memory costs, but even at $600 it's the best all-around mainstream VR device available.
VR enthusiasts: For simply using VR however you'd like, the Quest 3 is the best choice. It can run many games and apps, and you can optionally tether it to a PC. Its visual improvements over its less expensive sibling are worth the expense if you regularly work and play in VR.
VRChat players: The Quest 3 is an excellent headset for exploring the VR side of VRChat and immersing yourself in its diverse virtual worlds and communities.
- Inexpensive
- Fast processor
- Color pass-through camera
- Works standalone or tethered to PC
- Many apps and games
- Occasionally grainy display
- Controllers must be in view of the headset for accurate tracking
The Meta Quest 3S is the least expensive way to get into VR without making major compromises. It's a standalone VR headset with color pass-through cameras and the same processor that powers the higher-end Quest 3 model. In fact, it's nearly identical except for the display; it isn't nearly as sharp, and doesn't have as wide a field of view. Still, it looks good for the price, even if that price was also just bumped by $50.
VR newbies: If you want to explore virtual reality without making a big investment, the Quest 3S is an ideal introductory headset. It comes with everything you need to start playing in VR and costs $250 less than the Quest 3 while retaining all the same features. The only real disadvantage is in its graphical quality, with a display that's merely good, not great.
Budget VR users: This is the headset to get for the most comprehensive VR experience at the lowest price. You can pay more for a better view, but otherwise, this is all you need.
- Excellent graphics and sound
- Strong launch library
- Useful eye-tracking tech
- Lightweight build
- Easy to set up
- Not compatible with PlayStation VR games
The PlayStation VR 2 is a significant upgrade over the original model. It combines the PlayStation 5's power with new eye-tracking and motion-control technology to make VR games even more immersive. The lightweight headset features impressive specifications, including a sharp OLED display that delivers a 2,000-by-2,040-pixel image to each eye.
PS5 gamers: It's right in the name. The PlayStation VR 2 is for playing in VR on a PlayStation, specifically the PlayStation 5. Keep in mind that it doesn't have as massive a library of VR games as Meta or SteamVR, and it seems that Sony's VR enthusiasm has cooled down a bit since it came out in 2023. On the bright side, unlike Meta's headsets, Sony's is actually less expensive than it was at launch, and now you can pick it up for just $400.
- Much more comfortable than the original
- Powerful M5 chip
- Incredibly intuitive control system
- Super-sharp display
- Still very expensive
- Several software omissions
The Vision Pro is Apple's foray into AR and VR, though the company is careful to describe it as a "spatial computer" rather than a headset. Whatever you call it (we consider it an AR/VR/mixed reality headset), the Vision Pro is an incredibly ambitious device that's good for work or play. The headset relies entirely on eye-and-hand tracking controls, enabling a far more intuitive and natural control system than any we've tested. It's incredibly full-featured, with some of the best hardware ever put into a head-mounted display.
Early adopters: The Apple Vision Pro remains cutting-edge technology in the XR space, and anyone interested in using it is an early adopter. It's leaps and bounds ahead of almost any other headset in terms of control and interface, with only Samsung's Galaxy XR coming close.
Mixed reality enthusiasts: If you've been playing around with a Meta headset and want something more polished, intuitive, and powerful, the Vision Pro is a splurge-worthy upgrade. Apple's eye and hand tracking is revolutionary compared with the Quest's controller-based input system, and currently offers the best mixed reality experience, period.
Virtual office users: There's something to be said about a completely customizable virtual workstation only you can see, and the Vision Pro offers just that. Pair a Bluetooth keyboard with it, open multiple windows as if they were monitors, and move and resize them on the fly. With the Vision Pro, you can customize your workflow without taking up desk space.
- The best resolution for VR gaming
- Smooth motion tracking
- Works with Valve Index controllers
- Expensive
- Doesn't include necessary base stations or controllers
The HTC Vive Pro 2 targets enthusiasts and professionals with the sharpest VR picture available at 2,448 by 2,448 pixels per eye. It works with SteamVR and has its own VR software store (Viveport). The store offers the subscription-based Viveport Infinity service (starting at $5.99 per month), which provides unlimited access to VR experiences—a nice bonus.
High-end PC gamers: For the best tethered VR experience available without diving into pro-level extremes, the Vive Pro 2, combined with Valve Index controllers, is the ideal choice (if you can find the controllers for sale). It'll cost you at least $1,300 before factoring in a PC with the necessary specs to take full advantage of the headset's capabilities, but you'll enjoy amazing visuals and controls.
Racing and flight sim fans: If you're interested in building a racing or flight cockpit around VR, you want the sharpest picture possible. The Vive Pro 2 can be easily integrated into a PC sim setup, and since you'll be using purpose-built controls with a wheel or flight yoke, pedals, levers, and knobs, you don't have to worry about getting dedicated motion controllers to use with the headset.
The Best VR Headsets for 2026 Compare Specs
Which VR Headset Is the Best: Standalone vs. Tethered?
Modern VR headsets fit under one of two categories: standalone or tethered.
Standalone VR headsets offer incredible physical freedom by eliminating cables and the need for an external device to handle video processing. For example, the Meta Quest 3 and Quest 3S use outward-facing cameras to provide motion tracking and motion controls. They lack the processing power of a dedicated gaming PC, but their high-end mobile processors push detailed, smooth graphics.
The Apple Vision Pro is the most advanced standalone headset, and the most advanced headset overall. Apple doesn't refer to its hardware as a VR headset, but rather a "spatial computer." It relies entirely on eye and hand tracking for control and has the most intuitive interface we've seen in testing. It costs an incredible $3,500, which is a huge ask compared with any other headset on this list. It's also a first-generation model on a new platform, even if the platform (VisionOS) is built on iOS, iPadOS, and macOS.
Tethered headsets, such as the HTC Vive Pro 2 and Valve Index, are physically connected to PCs. Their cables make them unwieldy, especially since they also usually require base stations to be placed around a room to function. However, by putting all the video processing in a box, you don't need to directly strap it to your face; your VR experience can be much more complex.
Purely tethered headsets have gone out of favor with the presence of Quest headsets and similar standalone devices. Even Valve is pulling away from mandatory tethering, and the upcoming Steam Frame will be standalone with an available wireless connection to your PC. It's difficult to recommend PC-tethered headsets over standalone models. Meta's headsets also work tethered to PCs using an accessory cable—and they're much less expensive.
On the console side, the PS VR2 is compatible with the PlayStation 5. Since there are no standalone PlayStation VR headsets, a tethered option is your only choice if you want a VR experience on PlayStation.
XR Headsets vs. Smart Glasses
Virtually all VR headsets can now be considered mixed reality (XR) headsets as well. These use color pass-through cameras and other sensors to let you see your surroundings and display information in that setting. Instead of completely blocking out everything around you and replacing it with a virtual environment, they add to what's already there.
The Apple Vision Pro is by far the most advanced device in this regard, offering the best view and the most intuitive controls. Its eye-tracking and hand-tracking let you simply look at a given web page, app, or virtual object, pinch it, and rearrange it wherever you want. You can sit back on the couch with a huge virtual movie screen in front of you and your social feeds floating to the side, available at a glance. Meta's headsets also have mixed reality functions and color pass-through views, but their cameras aren't nearly as sharp, and their controls are clunkier.
Samsung entered the mixed reality market last year with its first headset that directly matches the Vision Pro. The Galaxy XR is Samsung's equivalent of the Vision Pro, like a Galaxy phone is to an iPhone. It has largely the same features and functions, including a clear view and intuitive controls that use your eyes and hands instead of physical controllers. It's also the first consumer device to utilize Google's Android XR platform, which means it could serve as a template for future mixed reality devices from Samsung and other manufacturers.
Adding digital information to what you're looking at isn't limited to bulky headsets, though. Smart glasses, specifically display-equipped models, offer a more comfortable and easier-to-wear alternative. They use tiny projectors to display images on lenses built into devices that aren't too much larger or heavier than normal glasses. They're much easier to put on, take off, and wear for extended periods than full headsets. The trade-off is that their fields of view are significantly smaller, occupying a rectangular area in front of your vision rather than fully spanning it.
Display-based smart glasses are separated into two categories, though neither is truly VR. The closest to VR are prism-based display smart glasses like the Viture Beast and XReal One Pro that can show big, high-resolution pictures that take up a large chunk of your vision, effectively giving you the experience of having a private big-screen TV or theater screen in front of your eyes. Some have head-tracking to make that screen stay fixed in place even as you move your head, and enable useful features like simulating an ultrawide monitor, but strictly speaking, they aren't AR or VR because they aren't intended to overlay useful information on top of your physical surroundings like AR, but they don't completely replace your vision with a different environment like VR. I find them really useful, though, simply because they let me enjoy a huge display for working, watching movies, or playing games when I'm away from my desk or couch.
Waveguide smart glasses are a completely different beast. They're light, wireless smart glasses that use waveguides etched into their lenses to redirect a picture projected by a microprojector built into the frames, transposing notifications, captions, translations, and other information on top of your surroundings. They're truly augmented reality (AR) technology, letting you see the world around you completely unimpeded by their displays. Waveguide projection systems produce a much smaller, lower-resolution picture than prism projection systems, so that information occupies only a small rectangle in your field of view instead of covering it, and typically use monochrome green displays instead of full color. The only full-color model I've reviewed so far, the Meta Ray-Ban Display, is held back by several strange design decisions and frustrating limitations, and while the green-only Even Realities G2 is much more flexible, it's still clunky to use. There's a lot of potential in waveguide glasses, and they might be the future of wearable displays, but they're still very immature and need much more development and polish before I can recommend any of them.
With that in mind, we'll continue to track the best new VR headsets as they are released, so please check back soon for updates. And after you find the right headset, check out our list of the best VR games.
