Best Virtual Reality Headsets

• What you need to know
• With the help of virtual reality (VR) goggles, users can immerse themselves in virtual worlds.
• VR headsets are not only used in the entertainment industry, but also in the scientific field.
• Versions for smartphones are mainly suitable for beginners. Gamers need more powerful models for PC and console gaming.
• Tracking of head and arm movements is done by several internal or external sensors.
• When choosing the right headset, the image quality, wearing comfort, and hardware and software compatibility are decisive factors in addition to the tracking technology.

The ticket to the virtual world

Would you like to be in the cockpit of a plane, on the moon, or twenty thousand leagues under the sea, all from the comfort of you sofa? What was once science fiction has now become one of the most exciting trends in the entertainment industry: with the help of virtual reality headsets, also known as VR headset or VR goggles, you dive into the depths of interactive worlds consisting of bits and bytes. VR headsets are head-mounted displays (HMDs), i.e. a device that displays a wide variety of content on a display that is worn directly on the head. It displays a separate image for each eye, which enables a three-dimensional representation. From one moment to the next, you are in a completely different place and the boundaries between the virtual and the real world become blurred. Whether you prefer a quiet, sunny day in New York’s Central Park or an action-packed battle, the wow effect is guaranteed.

For many, VR technology is like a futuristic gimmick that they have never come into contact with themselves. Yet, it has ankered itself firmly in the present and its popularity is fast on the rise. In the 1990s, NASA had already developed a precursor to today’s VR goggles. With the Virtual Boy, Nintendo made its first attempt to establish VR headsets as an entertainment system for the masses in 1995. However, from today’s perspective, the technology was not advanced enough to be applied in the gaming sector.

The breakthrough for VR goggles came in 2013 with the Oculus Rift. Today, the technology has made leaps and bounds, and anyone who dives into a virtual world with VR goggles for the first time will inevitably be amazed. After all, VR headsets make the experience deceptively real. Especially tech nerds and gamers should give VR headsets a try if interested in the next level of immersive gameplay.

Gaming fun and adventure within reach

VR headsets are used in a wide variety of areas, including sightseeing. They allow you to explore spectacular places from your living room as if you were really there: from underwater worlds to roller coasters to mountain landscapes. You can experience concerts and sporting events up close. Companies like Ikea and Volkswagen use VR content for marketing purposes. Especially in the gaming sector, VR goggles are increasingly used to create a particularly intense gaming experience. The porn industry also recognizes the potential and is now producing VR content.

However, VR technology is far more than just a toy. VR goggles can even be helpful in combating mental illness: in the context of exposure therapy, for example, those affected learn to better deal with their fears. For instance, people who are afraid of heights can first virtually climb to a height that is otherwise unconquerable before they dare take the next step in reality. Schools and universities use them for VR-supported learning. Aspiring pilots use it as a flight simulator, visualizations of complex surgical techniques help doctors before difficult surgeries, and a 3D preview of upcoming projects helps the many industries like architecture achieve optimal results. Even museum tours can be conducted with VR goggles.

Next-generation gaming: where does VR come into play?

Virtual reality is a technique for creating digital, interactive environments. With VR headsets, you can all but physically enter these virtual worlds. To allow you to move, look around, and interact freely without distraction, the headset completely seals you off from the outside world by blocking your vision and hearing.

A vision becomes reality: the creation of 3D images

VR images differ from ordinary ones in that they are three-dimensional with a wide, unrestricted field of vision. The VR goggles project a different image in front of each eye via two lenses. Since these are slightly different in perspective, the illusion of a three-dimensional environment is created (also known as a stereoscopy).

Double-eyed vision

Both eyes perceive a fixed object slightly differently. An “optical illusion” is created by an interaction of the left and right eye. To test this, hold an object in front of your eyes and alternately close your right and left eye. You will notice that the object appears to change position slightly.

The goggles themselves are usually a bulky headset. To prevent light from the outside from entering, they cover the entire area around the eyes. Through tracking, the viewing angle in the virtual world automatically follows the player’s head movements. Users look around in the virtual space by tilting their head and interact with it by moving their body and, if necessary, using two additional controllers with their hands.

VR goggles for every need

VR goggles are now compact, powerful, and suitable for everyday use. Although they have not been around for long, several models have already found their place in the market. These can be roughly divided into four categories: VR goggles for smartphones, gaming consoles, computers, and stand-alone headsets. While VR goggles for the PC and consoles are very similar, gaming VR goggles and ones for smartphones are worlds apart. Some VR headsets are available for as little as 40 euros, while higher-quality ones start at around 200 euros. Ultimately, your individual requirements and budget determine which model is right for you.

VR goggles for smartphones

If you are looking for an inexpensive introduction to the virtual world, VR goggles for your smartphone are a good choice. This version does not have its own screen, but uses the mobile phone as a display. Thus, they basically only serve as a holder for the smartphone. With the help of an app or a video player, images are generated to create an entry level virtual reality experience. The smartphone sensors register movements so that you can look around in the virtual environment.

The advantage of this version is its flexibility: you can take the goggles with you wherever you go and implement them in your everyday life. You don’t need external sensors, a PC, or console for this. However, this is not the case when it comes to freedom of movement: you cannot move around in virtual space, but are always tied to your seat. The input devices for controls are missing, since the touchscreen is in front of users’ heads. You also have to make concessions in terms of picture quality and wearing comfort. The goggles can only reproduce interactive content and games in low quality. In addition, you need a modern smartphone to be able to use the content.

Well-known examples are the Samsung Gear VR and the Google Cardboard. The latter is made of cardboard and is available for a few euros. Some goggles are also manufacturer-specific. Samsung Gear, for example, is only compatible with Galaxy smartphones. Destek V5, on the other hand, is suitable for both iPhones and Android devices. It can be operated via a Bluetooth remote control and impresses with its wearing comfort and sharp image. With a price of just under 50 euros, it is also a real bargain.

VR goggles for gaming consoles

If you want to experience virtual worlds with the greatest possible immersion and hunt, fly, or perform magic in them, you should take a look at VR headsets for consoles. The leader in this field is Sony with its VR gaming system for the PS4: the PlayStation VR. While Sony’s headsets are compatible with all PS4 models, they are not compatible with a computer or any other gaming console. The graphics are calculated on the PlayStation, the headset receives image and sound via an HDMI or USB connection, and tracking is done via sensor units and controllers. A separately installed camera detects the light points of the headset on the optionally usable controllers. In this way, your movements and posture are calculated. Due to the cable, however, you only have a movement range of about 15 feet.

The sophisticated weight distribution compensates for the comparatively high weight of the Playstation VR. A high level of comfort is thus ensured even during longer gaming sessions. The comfortable head strap is adjustable, similar to a bicycle helmet. The black plastic cover around the lenses prevents light from the outside from disturbing the field of vision. The distance between the lenses and the eyes can be adjusted via a slide control. This makes the headset suitable for people who wear glasses.

Thanks to its display technology, Sony presents sharp images, even though the resolution is nominally low. The razor-sharp images make the experience much more intense than with a smartphone. In addition, VR goggles for the console are much more comfortable to wear. However, with their high prices, these headsets are more suitable for passionate gamers and VR enthusiasts.

VR goggles for the computer

Just like the versions for the game console, VR goggles for the computer are also equipped with independent sensors. The headsets can be connected via a USB or HMDI cable to the computer on which the content is calculated. Some headsets even support a Bluetooth connection. This means that no cable restricts the user’s freedom of movement or becomes a tripping hazard. Due to the powerful basic hardware in combination with the high-quality headset technology, these versions offer a convincing, immersive VR experience. However, they also come at a higher price.

The market leaders in this field — and very similar to each other in terms of hardware — are Oculus and HTC. Their VR goggles do not require an overly expensive high-end PC. A reasonably up-to-date mid-range PC is quite sufficient. For their models, there are now not only numerous games, but also scientific and creative applications.

Oculus

The Oculus Rift S can only be operated via a Windows PC. It offers good image quality and a high level of comfort. Compared to its predecessor, the S version has a higher resolution (1,280 x 1,440 pixels per eye). In return, it no longer uses an OLED display, but an LC display, which cannot depict black quite as well. The integrated cameras in the headset recognize the player’s movements and the two touch controllers transfer the hand movements directly into the virtual reality. Thanks to new technology, the controllers represent the arm movements even more realistically. The goggles can be used both stationarily, such as when sitting on the couch, or in an area of about 21 square feet.

HTC

The HTC Vive Pro has an AMOLED display and an image resolution of 1,440 x 1,600 pixels per eye. With the wireless adapter, you can — in contrast to the previous version — move around in virtual reality without cables. With four base stations, the playing area is 1,000 square feet. The precise tracking processes the movements with millimeter accuracy. As soon as you move to the limits of the playing area, the system warns you. The Vive Cosmos already has all the tracking hardware in the headset. Six cameras ensure optimal calculation of the position or movement. The resolution of 1,440 x 1,700 pixels per eye provides a slightly sharper image than the Vive Pro. The goggles can be folded up in an instant via the flip-up design.

Windows Mixed Reality

VR devices from Lenovo, Dell, and Acer use Microsoft technology: Windows Mixed Reality. Hence, all these companies produce headsets under their own name, but have built in technology developed by Microsoft. Thanks to internal tracking, these goggles do not need any additional sensors. Two monochrome cameras take care of scanning the user, the surface, and the controller. Compared to the Oculus, they offer a higher resolution of 1,440 x 1,440 pixels. However, due to the LC displays, the color reproduction is somewhat weaker. In addition, the lenses in front of the display create a blur at the edges, which limits the immersion to some extent.

Virtual Reality vs. Augmented Reality vs. Mixed Reality

Virtual realities (VR) are completely artificial virtual worlds. This means there is no real background. Augmented realities (AR), on the other hand, enrich real images and environments with digital information. Originally, Mixed Reality meant the same thing as AR, but since the introduction of Microsoft’s technology there has been confusion. In essence, it is just VR.

The technology of the future: stand-alone VR goggles

The Oculus Quest is the first mobile VR headset that doesn’t need a PC, a gaming console, or a mobile phone to calculate the virtual environment. The goggles work completely autonomously thanks to sufficient computing power and 6DOF tracking. The four cameras on the headset detect the infrared light of the controller and headset. In the real environment, they orientate themselves using fixed points. In addition to complete freedom of movement, the stand-alone version also scores points with its simple set-up. OLED screens with a resolution of 1,600 x 1,200 pixels make the black and color reproduction look particularly good. Though the computing power is by no means comparable to a high-end gaming PC.

What to look out for

The image produced by VR goggles is the portal to a digital world. It must therefore appear as realistic as possible. High-quality devices translate the head movements without noticeable latencies and with precision, so that users can interact with the virtual environment as directly as possible without vexing glitches. As development has progressed, image quality and response times have improved significantly. However, there are still considerable differences between models in terms of tracking technology, image quality, wearing comfort, and compatibility with gaming platforms and other hardware.

Tracking technology

Free movement is particularly important for a fulfilling VR experience. With the help of tracking sensors, the headset locates the position and movement of the user. Only through an exact reflection of the movements can a virtual world spring to life convincingly.

A distinction is made between the tracking of the head, one’s position, and the hand controller. All models use head tracking. The goggles register the tilt, position, and movement of the head. As soon as the players move their heads, they also looks around in the virtual world.

Separate motion sensors, which are additionally placed in the room, register the player’s movements in the playing field. External tracking sensors such as those from Oculus and HTC must be placed in the room, but they also work much more precisely than the internal sensors of the Windows models. Gamers are better off with external sensors; although those who only want to watch VR videos and experience simple applications save themselves the trouble of placing additional sensors in their home and simply put on a headset with integrated sensors.

Modern devices such as the Oculus Rift S, the HTC Vive Cosmos, and the models with Windows Mixed Reality use so-called inside-out tracking, which covers as large an area as possible. For this, there are five cameras arranged on the headset that face in different directions. Therefore, no special lamps or other markings in the room are needed. In the gaming sector, a precise hand controller that detects the movements of the arms is also important. This allows users to grab, release, or throw things. Alternatively, so-called datagloves are used.

DOF: Degrees of freedom in space

Degrees of freedom (DOF) is a parameter that describes the freedom of movement of a rigid body in three-dimensional space. In three-dimensional space, a maximum of six DOF are possible, i.e. movement along the three axes as well as rotation in relation to each axis. VR goggles with 6DOF thus offer the exact detection of straight movements, but also rotations and tilts in virtual space.

The image quality

In addition to tracking, image quality is also a crucial factor for a realistic VR experience. A good image is influenced by the resolution, the field of view, and the refresh rate, among other things. The best image quality is currently provided by the models from Oculus and HTC.

Resolution

When it comes to resolution, improvements are constantly being made. The higher the resolution, meaning the more pixels, the sharper the image and the more successful the immersion. With lower resolutions, on the other hand, pixel grids are often visible, which disrupt the illusion. This is also called the screen-door effect.

A resolution of 1,440 x 1,440 pixels, for example, means that an image is 1,440 pixels wide and 1,440 pixels high. A particularly high-resolution image is produced by high-end models such as the HTC Vive Pro with a resolution of 2,880 x 1,600 pixels in total, i.e. 1,440 x 1,600 pixels per eye. For HD games or applications, the total resolution should be no less than 1,920 x 1,080 pixels.

The field of view

The field of view of VR headsets determines how wide the field of view is horizantally in the headset. The human eye has a field of view of about 180 degrees. With VR goggles, the value is usually between 90 and 110 degrees. Here too, the larger the field of vision, the more pronounced the immersion. Only when the field of vision is completely filled and no more edges are perceptible, can users immerse themselves completely in the virtual world.

The refresh rate

The refresh rate is also crucial for fast interaction and overall good picture quality. It determines how many frames per second are reproduced. In high-end models, the value is between 60 and 120 hertz (Hz). 90 hertz means 90 frames per second. This value is necessary for a streak-free, fluid, and at the same time natural VR perception. The higher the frequency, the better the illusion. What is more, excessive time delays often cause dizziness and nausea also known as motion sickness.

The wearing comfort

In order to enjoy the headsets even during longer gaming sessions, they should be as comfortable as possible. After all, wearing comfort has a great influence on the gaming experience. The weight should be distributed evenly over the entire head.

To ensure an optimal fit, it should be possible to adjust the headset to the respective head shape. Otherwise, the headset will slip or pinch after a while. Adjustable straps ensure individual adjustability, padding prevents painful pressure points on the face from forming. Additional face and head pads are particularly worthwhile for frequent and constant users. A double strap system consisting of a horizontal and an overhead strap is also practical.

The controllers should be ergonomically shaped and respond reliably to inputs. They should be as light as possible so that fatigue does not occur in the hands and arms during movement-intensive games.

Platform and operating system

The current bestsellers in the gaming industry are increasingly being optimised for VR. Numerous games are now available for both the console and the PC. With the Oculus Store, the Microsoft Store, the Viveport, and Steam VR, interested parties have four platforms for PC-based VR games at their disposal. However, the Oculus Store is exclusive for Oculus users, the Microsoft Store for Windows Mixed Reality users, and the Viveport for HTC users. Steam VR, in contrast, has established itself as the central platform. It is compatible with all three manufacturers and offers the largest catalogue of games.

The Playstation VR Store from Sony is also convincing with many top titles. The advantage here is that all games have been optimized for Playstation VR, whereas with Steam VR games, users have to make sure that a specific title is compatible with their VR goggles. Console-exclusive titles usually run more smoothly and are less prone to errors, while titles developed for different systems usually pay for this multi-compatibility with weaker graphics and higher bug-proneness.

Are VR goggles harmful to one’s health?

Sometimes, when using VR goggles, visual induced motion sickness can occur. The problem arises mainly when playing while sitting. The typical and most frequent triggers of motion sickness are certain types of games such as jump’n’run games or first-person shooters. The reason is that the eye perceives the movements in the virtual world, but the sense of balance in the ear does not register any actual movements. Hence, the sensory impressions do not match. Accordingly, the brain assumes you are ill. To protect itself, it initiates countermeasures such as dizziness, nausea, and headaches. You may have already experienced this during long car journeys.

A high resolution is also helpful. The higher it is, the better the eye perceives the image. To be on the safe side, take a ten-minute break after an hour in virtual reality. Get some fresh air or drink a glass of water. As a rule, the discomfort will subside after a few minutes.

In addition, there is an increased risk of accidents, especially if the device is not used as intended. Your own surroundings can also be dangerous. Therefore, you should not walk around your home when you are wearing your goggles. Use the goggles on a stable swivel chair, for example, so that you can rotate 360 degrees safely. Children should also only use VR goggles from the age of twelve, in order to avoid possible eye damage. Since the eyes are still growing and the vision is still developing, prolonged exposure to virtual 3D environments could irritate their vision. An adult should always be present during use.

Care and cleaning

Clean the lenses regularly with a soft (microfiber) cloth. Never use water, washing-up liquid, or other cleaning agents as it might damage the goggles.

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