The Best VR Headsets for PC Gaming

Diving into virtual worlds can transform your gaming experience, and having a VR headset connected to a great gaming PC can unlock endless possibilities. While some top VR games work on standalone headsets, these are rare. Most games look and play better when your VR headset is tethered to a powerful 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 TargetThe best VR headsets for PC offer sharp displays, comfortable designs, accurate tracking, and seamless connectivity to a gaming PC or gaming laptop. These premium features come at a cost, but there are affordable options like the Meta 3S, a great cheap VR headset for PC users on a budget. For those with a bit more to spend, the Valve Index is an excellent choice for Steam integration, and the PS VR2 supports PC VR with only minor limitations.

Unfortunately, you often can’t try these headsets before buying, so our experts have done the hands-on testing and research to help you find the perfect VR headset for your PC. Whether you're looking for versatility or top-notch graphics, one of our five picks will meet your PC VR needs.

1. Valve Index

Best VR Headset for PC

Our Top Pick### Valve Index

7The Valve Index stands out as the premier VR headset for PC users, though it comes with a higher price tag.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 may be a few years old, but it remains one of the most uncompromising PC VR headsets available. With a 120Hz refresh rate and 1440x1600 resolution, games and apps look incredibly crisp, enhancing your experience in titles like Half-Life Alyx or Alien: Rogue Incursion. The headset's premium padding and comfort dials ensure a snug fit, and despite weighing 1.79lb, its ergonomic design minimizes discomfort.

The Valve Index features flip-down speakers and an easy-to-use passthrough system for quick transitions in and out of VR. Its integration with Steam offers access to a vast library of games, making it a top choice for serious VR gamers.

The Index uses external 'lighthouse' towers for precise roomscale tracking, which requires additional setup but delivers exceptional accuracy. Valve’s 'Knuckles' controllers provide unmatched hand-tracking, though the high price is a notable drawback. However, the inclusion of Half-Life: Alyx justifies the investment.

Meta Quest 3S – Photos

10 Images2. Meta Quest 3S

Best Budget VR Headset for PC

### Meta Quest 3S

3The Meta Quest 3S is an outstanding entry-level standalone/PC VR headset with impressive performance and full-color passthrough capabilities.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 setupVR gaming on PC doesn't have to break the bank, and the Meta Quest 3S proves it. It's a streamlined version of the Meta Quest 3, which we loved, offering a lower price while maintaining core features. Primarily a standalone device, it integrates seamlessly with Meta's ecosystem, but it can also access Steam VR titles using a link cable or streaming apps like Steam Link or Air Link with a robust Wi-Fi connection.

The Meta Quest 3S is lightweight at 1.13lbs and features a comfortable fabric Y-strap, though it may loosen during intense movement. The lenses are a downgrade from the Quest 3, using 1832x1920, 20ppd Fresnel lenses, which can cause some distortion. However, the full-color passthrough, well-balanced controllers, and top-notch head tracking are significant improvements over the Quest 2. With the same GPU, CPU, and RAM as the Quest 3, the Quest 3S 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 the ultimate choice for VR enthusiasts craving top-tier graphics.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 boasts a 2448x2448 per-eye resolution, minimizing the screen door effect and delivering stunning visuals. Its 90 to 120Hz refresh rate ensures smooth gameplay, perfect for immersive experiences in Microsoft Flight Simulator. The 120-degree field of view enhances immersion, though it demands a powerful gaming PC to perform at its best.

While the design isn't revolutionary, the HTC Vive Pro 2 is comfortable with balanced weight and supportive cushioning. However, setup can be cumbersome, requiring two base stations and multiple cords. The built-in headphones provide high-resolution audio, eliminating the need for a separate gaming headset.

Although we haven't reviewed the HTC Vive Pro 2, our experience with the original HTC Vive Pro highlighted its 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 ideal for those needing a versatile VR headset for both work and play, 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 excels in adaptability, making it suitable for professional and casual use. It supports virtual, augmented, and mixed-reality experiences, though you'll need a link cable or the Vive Streaming app to access PC VR games.

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

PlayStation VR2 – Photos

11 Images5. PlayStation VR2

Best VR for Console and PC

### PlayStation VR2

7The PlayStation VR2, designed for the PS5, now supports PC VR with a $59.99 adapter, offering crisp graphics and a relatively simple setup.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, once exclusive to the PlayStation 5, now connects to PCs with a PC adapter. Setup is straightforward: connect the adapter to the VR2's USB-C cord and use a DisplayPort 1.4 cable. Most budget gaming PCs meet the minimum requirements, allowing access to Steam's VR library.

While some features like HDR, eye-tracking, and adaptive triggers are unavailable on PC, the 2000x2040 per-eye OLED panels still deliver crisp 4K visuals with a 120Hz refresh rate and 110-degree FOV. You'll enjoy a comfortable fit, finger-touch detection, rumble, 3D audio, and see-through view.

Our hands-on testing confirms the PS VR2 is an excellent choice for PC VR. Though it's pricey at over $600 with the adapter, it's a cost-effective option 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 expertise, IGN reviews, and consumer feedback. When choosing a VR headset, consider not only the digital specifications but also physical comfort, which is crucial for long gaming sessions. Comfort dials, airflow, and build quality all impact the user experience. Additionally, the technology inside the headset, such as resolution, refresh rate, and tracking solutions, directly affects performance in VR games.

PC VR FAQ

Do I need a powerful PC to use VR?

VR headsets and games have specific system requirements, similar to PC games. If you're targeting specific titles, check their requirements before purchasing a headset. High-end hardware, including powerful graphics cards and processors, is necessary for the most demanding VR games. If building a gaming rig for VR 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 3S and the entire Quest lineup offer excellent wireless VR experiences. The Pico 4 is another great standalone headset. The Apple Vision Pro is a powerful standalone option that integrates seamlessly with the Apple ecosystem, ideal for use with the best MacBooks. The PlayStation VR2 doesn't require a PC but needs a PS5 for the full VR experience. Budget-friendly VR headsets that use your smartphone screen are also available, suitable for younger users.

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

To maximize your VR experience, ensure your gaming PC meets the headset's requirements. A well-lit space enhances tracking accuracy, and a clear, obstacle-free area allows for safe movement. Some headsets provide indicators to help you stay within the play area.

When do VR headsets usually go on sale?

The best times to find deals on PC-compatible VR headsets are during Amazon Prime Day in July, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday. These events often feature discounts on Meta Quest headsets, though other models may also be available at reduced prices.