The Best VR Headsets for PC Gaming

Immersing yourself in virtual worlds is a thrilling experience, and having a VR headset connected to a powerful gaming PC can truly elevate your adventure. While some top VR games can run on standalone headsets, the majority of the best titles are optimized for PC VR, offering superior visuals and gameplay.

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 offer high-resolution displays, comfortable designs, precise tracking, and seamless integration with your gaming PC or gaming laptop. While these premium features come at a cost, options like the Meta Quest 3S provide a budget-friendly entry into PC VR. For those willing to invest more, the Valve Index offers unparalleled Steam integration, and the PlayStation VR2 now supports PC VR with a simple adapter, making it a versatile choice.

Unfortunately, it's often not possible to try these headsets before buying, so our experts have tested and researched them to ensure you find the perfect fit for your needs. Whether you're looking for top-tier performance or a budget-friendly option, one of our five picks will meet your PC VR requirements.

1. Valve Index

Best VR Headset for PC

Our Top Pick### Valve Index

7The Valve Index is the premier choice for PC VR enthusiasts, though it comes with a significant price tag. Its high cost is justified by its cutting-edge features and performance, making it a top-tier investment for serious gamers.See it at AmazonSee it at SteamProduct SpecificationsResolution (Per eye)1440x1600Refresh Rate120Hz (144Hz experimental mode)Field of View130°Tracking6DoFWeight1.79lbsPROSPowerful and convenient built-in speakersBest-in-class finger-trackingCONSHigh price pointOur review of the Valve Index highlights its status as one of the most advanced PC VR headsets available. With a 120Hz refresh rate and 1440x1600 resolution, the visuals are incredibly sharp and smooth, ideal for intense gaming sessions in titles like Half-Life Alyx or Alien: Rogue Incursion. The headset's design focuses on comfort with premium padding and adjustable dials, ensuring a snug fit despite its 1.79lb weight.

The Valve Index's built-in speakers and easy-to-use passthrough system enhance the user experience, allowing seamless transitions in and out of VR. Its integration with Steam provides access to a vast library of games, making it a top choice for dedicated VR gamers. The use of external 'lighthouse' towers for tracking ensures unparalleled accuracy and roomscale VR, although this requires additional setup. The 'Knuckles' controllers offer exceptional finger tracking, further immersing you in the virtual environment. The high cost is offset by the included Half-Life: Alyx, a system-selling title.

Meta Quest 3S – Photos

10 Images2. Meta Quest 3S

Best Budget VR Headset for PC

### Meta Quest 3S

3The Meta Quest 3S offers an affordable entry into VR with impressive performance and features, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious users looking to dive into PC VR gaming.See it at AmazonSee it at Best BuyProduct SpecificationsResolution (Per eye)1832 x 1920Refresh Rate120HzField of View90°Tracking6DoFWeight1.13 poundsPROSPick up and play setupFull-color passthroughCONSNot a native PC VR setupThe Meta Quest 3S is a testament to the fact that VR gaming on PC doesn't have to break the bank. It's primarily a standalone device but can connect to a PC via a link cable or streaming apps like Steam Link or Air Link, providing access to a wide range of PC VR titles. Its lightweight design at 1.13lbs and adjustable fabric Y-strap make it comfortable for extended use, though the strap may loosen during vigorous movements.

While the Quest 3S uses less advanced Fresnel lenses compared to the Quest 3, it still offers a strong VR experience with full-color passthrough, balanced controllers, and excellent head tracking. Its performance, powered by the same GPU, CPU, and RAM as the Quest 3, ensures a smooth and responsive experience on both standalone and PC setups.

3. HTC Vive Pro 2

Best VR Visuals

### HTC Vive Pro 2

1The HTC Vive Pro 2 is the ultimate choice for VR enthusiasts seeking the highest graphical fidelity available in a VR headset.See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsResolution (Per eye)2448 x 2448Refresh Rate120HzField of View120°Tracking6DoFWeight1.9 poundsPROSSuperb graphical fidelityHigh-quality audio suiteCONSIntense hardware requirementsThe HTC Vive Pro 2 delivers breathtaking visuals with its 2448x2448 per-eye resolution, minimizing the screen door effect for a more immersive experience. Its 120Hz refresh rate ensures smooth gameplay, perfect for titles like Microsoft Flight Simulator. The 120-degree field of view enhances immersion, though it requires a powerful gaming PC to maintain performance.

While the design isn't groundbreaking, the HTC Vive Pro 2 remains comfortable with balanced weight and supportive cushioning. However, setup can be cumbersome, requiring multiple cords and base stations. The built-in high-resolution audio enhances the experience, eliminating the need for a separate gaming headset. Although we haven't reviewed the Pro 2 directly, our experience with the original HTC Vive Pro confirms its commitment to 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 ideal for users looking for a versatile VR headset that can handle both professional and gaming needs, offering virtual, augmented, and mixed reality experiences.See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsResolution (Per eye)1920 x 1920Refresh Rate90HzField of View110°Tracking6DoFWeight1.38 poundsPROSConvenient wireless designHighly adaptable and comfortable to wearCONSNot a native PC VR solutionThe HTC Vive XR Elite's adaptability makes it a compelling choice for those needing a headset for both work and play. It's not a native PC VR solution, requiring a link cable or the Vive Streaming app to access PC VR games, but its wireless design and portability are perfect for on-the-go use. The 1920x1920 resolution per eye and 110-degree field of view provide clear visuals, and multiple adjustments ensure a comfortable fit for various users.

PlayStation VR2 – Photos

11 Images5. PlayStation VR2

Best VR for Console and PC

### PlayStation VR2

7The PlayStation VR2, originally designed for the PS5, now supports PC VR with a simple adapter, making it a versatile choice for gamers looking for high-quality VR experiences across platforms.See it at AmazonSee it at PlayStationSee it at TargetProduct SpecificationsResolution (Per eye)2,000 x 2,040Refresh Rate120HzField of View110°Tracking6DoFWeight1.24 poundsPROSCrisp, smooth graphicsRelatively simple setupCONSSome features only available on PS5The PlayStation VR2 can now connect to a PC with a $59.99 adapter, allowing access to Steam's vast VR library. Setup is straightforward, requiring a USB-C connection and a DisplayPort 1.4 cable, and most budget gaming PCs can handle the requirements. While some features like HDR, eye-tracking, and advanced haptics are not available on PC, the 4K OLED panels, 120Hz refresh rate, and 110-degree FOV still deliver a compelling experience.

Our hands-on testing confirms that the PlayStation VR2 is an excellent option for PC VR, especially for those already invested in the PS5 ecosystem. Though it's pricey, it offers a cost-effective alternative to other high-end PC VR headsets.

How to Choose the Best VR Headsets for PC

Our selection of PC VR headsets is based on extensive expertise, hands-on testing, and consumer feedback. When choosing a VR headset, consider not only the technical specifications but also the physical comfort, which is crucial for prolonged use. Factors like comfort dials, airflow, and build quality significantly impact the overall experience. Additionally, the technology inside the headset, such as the resolution, refresh rate, and tracking solutions, directly affects performance in your favorite games.

PC VR FAQ

Do I need a powerful PC to use VR?

VR headsets and games have specific system requirements that must be met for optimal performance. If you're targeting specific titles, check their requirements before purchasing a headset. High-end hardware, including powerful graphics cards and processors, is typically necessary for the most demanding VR games. If building a gaming rig is beyond your budget, consider standalone headsets that operate wirelessly without a PC.

What VR headsets don’t require a PC?

While PC VR headsets are highly capable, standalone options like the Meta Quest series and the Pico 4 offer wireless VR experiences without a PC. The Apple Vision Pro is another standalone powerhouse that integrates seamlessly with the Apple ecosystem. The PlayStation VR2, while not requiring a PC, needs a PS5 for its full feature set. Budget-friendly options also include smartphone-based VR headsets, ideal for casual use and younger audiences.

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

To maximize your VR experience, ensure your gaming PC is up to the task and choose a comfortable, feature-rich headset. A well-lit, obstacle-free play area is essential for accurate tracking and safe movement. Some headsets provide visual indicators to help you stay within your play space, enhancing safety and immersion.

When do VR headsets usually go on sale?

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