These Are The Best VR Headsets Of Different Categories In 2019

The CES 2019 electronics show in Las Vegas gave the world an insight into the great prospects of virtual reality (VR) technology. The VR technology is projected to grow strong in the near future, but for now, it is quite limited, especially in the consumer electronics sector. There are not many VR devices available on the market, and none of them could satisfy the great expectations for the technology.

Still, we could find great pleasure in trying out the VR experience that these devices provide. If you are interested in getting your own VR headset, this article will help by classifying the best VR headsets on the current market and describing some of the best options you can get in each category.

Tethered headsets

The tethered headsets provide the most vivacious visual and audio, which enhances user experience to an unmatched level in the VR world. A major drawback of tethered headsets, though, is the high hardware requirement for using them. However, you usually need to wire the headset to a high-end computer in order to run the software and, for some models, to connect with the camera sensor used for head tracking.

Oculus Rift

At the top of our list is the Oculus Rift, because of its highest-rated features such as a powerful control combination and a killer software package. These features, together with a compact design and a relatively soft price of Rs 24,129 make the Rift a top pick in the tethered VR headset segment.

HTC Vive

The HTC Vive ranks right after the Rift but that doesn’t mean it is a weaker product. Instead, the Vive provides even better user experience than the Rift, thanks to its full-room sensing feature, strong motion control and better visual. The reasons for the Vive being the second choice after the Rift are a lack of variation in controls, a high requirement of space for set-up and an expensive price of Rs 34,469.

However, if you are willing to invest more for a better virtual reality experience, HTC does provide an upgrade option that can satisfy you, the Vive Pro headset. This version comes with very high resolution (2800x1600), enhanced audio and, most importantly, a wireless adapter. It is also more pricey, charged at Rs 55,082.

Sony Playstation VR

One of the most user-friendly VR headsets on the market is the Sony Playstation VR. It is a must-have if you also own a Playstation 4, but otherwise not the best choice at its price level. It is simple to set up and convenient to use, but that comes with poorer motion tracking than the Rift or Vive. Sony charges Rs 15,511 for this piece.

Samsung HMD Odyssey+

A major drawback of tethered headsets is their high requirement for space and hardware. To help minimize this requirement, Microsoft cooperated with its PC partners in developing Windows Mixed Reality headsets which utilize inside-out motion tracking as a replacement for setting up camera sensors. The best among these models is the Samsung, which provides high-resolution displays and built-in AKG headphones. It sells at Rs 13,788.

Mobile headsets

For those of you who are interested in VR and want to try it out, but not sure how much you would want to invest, start with mobile headsets. These are cheaper than other VR models and more convenient to use. You don’t need a large set-up space or a high-end computer to run the software; these headsets are instead connected to your smartphone to run apps. We recommend Android models since the iPhone is compatible with only a limited number of simplest headsets such as the Google Cardboard.

Google Daydream View

Our top pick for mobile headsets is the Google Daydream View, which is compatible with various old and new Android phones at only Rs 4,136. Being also comfortable to wear and even having a controller, the Daydream View is just a well-rounded package that's worth every dollar you spent for it.

Samsung Gear VR

The Gear VR is the same as the Daydream View with respect to the controller feature and the large collection of apps powered by Oculus. However, it is solely compatible with Samsung phones, so only buy the Gear VR if you have one of those.

Standalone headsets

The latest generation of VR headsets, and probably the most expected technology in the VR industry, are the standalone headsets. As the name suggests, these headsets do not require any other devices like a computer or a smartphone to power its software. That means less space and hardware requirements plus more mobility and convenience as they are totally cord-free. The VR experience these headsets provide is also better than mobile headsets, although it is not as good as the Oculus Rift or the HTC Vive.

Oculus Go

The Oculus Go is probably the top pick in this category because everything about it is solid - from the sharp visual display and decent audio quality to a large menu of content and games powered by Oculus. The most attractive attribute of the Go, however, is its price. A Rs 13,788 price is particularly cheap considering that it has everything built-in, including speakers and a controller, and that it is ready to use without any hardware requirement.

Lenovo Mirage Solo with Daydream

This model is basically the Lenovo’s Windows Mixed Reality (WMR) headset without corded connection to a computer. The same inside-out motion tracking technology is used the in Mirage Solo as in the WMR version, but with the Mirage Solo, you don’t have to worry about connection distance. This means you can step, lean, jump and duck in the virtual reality with complete freedom, a feature which no other device can provide. However, its display and audio quality cannot compare to the Rift or Vive, and its price is also expensive at Rs 27,576.