Best VR headsets 2024: Performance, Price & Features
October 22, 2024

Imagine stepping into a living room that suddenly transforms into an ancient battlefield or a classroom where history lessons unfold as vivid, interactive adventures. As technology has advanced, so has our ability to explore new worlds, engage with content, and even redefine what it means to play, learn, and work. We at Next XR Group are headset agnostic and our team of experts delivers the best content that suits your needs. Our solutions are packaged as hardware and software solutions to make it a hassle-free experience for you.

With a wide range of options available, choosing the right VR headset can be daunting.

These headsets aren't just gadgets; they are gateways to experiences we once only dreamed of. We present a list of the best VR Headsets to help you navigate the market and find the perfect headset to suit your needs.

Best VR Headsets 2024

Meta Quest 3S

Performance:

The Meta Quest 3S offers impressive performance at affordable prices, making it an ideal choice for newcomers to mixed reality. It features fast processing, full-color passthrough, and improved Meta Horizon OS, enhancing support for apps like YouTube and Facebook. Upgraded spatial audio and passthrough technology provide a more immersive experience. Users can enjoy gaming, movies on a cinema-sized screen, and creative tools, while compatibility with a vast library of apps ensures versatility. The Quest 3S also introduces for on-the-go use, making mixed reality accessible and engaging for a broader audience.

Price:

  • 128GB: $499
  • 256GB:$669

Features

Codename: "Panther"

Developer: Reality Labs

Type: Virtual Reality Headset

Release Date: October 15, 2024

Operating System: Meta Horizon OS, based on Android source code

System on Chip: Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 for enhanced performance

Memory: 8 GB LPDDR5 for smooth multitasking

Storage Options: Available in 128 GB and 256 GB variants

Display: RGB LCD with a resolution of 1832x1920 per eye, supporting 90–120 Hz refresh rates for vibrant visuals

Graphics: Adreno 740 @ 599 MHz for immersive and responsive VR experiences

Sound: Equipped with 2 built-in speakers for high-quality audio

Controller Input: Touch Plus controllers for intuitive interaction

Cameras: 2× 4MP RGB cameras and 4× 400×400px IR cameras for precise tracking and mixed reality capabilities

Connectivity: Supports Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2 for seamless wireless performance

Online Services: Access to Meta Quest Store for apps and games

Predecessor: Quest 2, building on its foundation with enhanced capabilities

Related: Part of the Meta Quest 3 family, offering affordability and performance

Meta Quest 3

Performance: 

The Meta Quest 3 has taken the standalone VR experience to new heights. Powered by a next-gen Snapdragon XR2 processor, it delivers stunning visuals and smooth performance without the need for a PC or console. Its improved hand-tracking and haptic feedback elevate the immersion, making it a top choice for both gaming and productivity.

Price: 

  • $799(128GB)
  • $1049(512GB)

Features: 

  • Operating System: Meta Horizon OS, based on Android source code
  • System on a Chip: Qualcomm
  • Memory: 8 GB LPDDR5
  • Storage: 128 GB, 512 GB
  • Display: Dual 2064.03 × 2208p RGB-stripe LCD+ panels, one per eye @ 90–120 Hz
  • Graphics: Adreno 740
  • Sound: 2 built-in speakers
  • Controller Input: Touch Plus
  • Camera: 2× 4MP RGB cameras
                   4× 400×400px IR cameras
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2
  • Power: Li-ion 3.87 VDC, 4879 mAh
  • Mass: 515 g (18.2 oz)
  • Predecessor: Quest 2

Sony PlayStation VR2

Performance: 

Tailored for the PlayStation 5, the Sony PlayStation VR2 delivers console-quality gaming in virtual reality. The 4K OLED display and eye-tracking technology create breathtakingly realistic environments, while adaptive triggers and haptic feedback provide a tactile connection to the virtual world.

Price:  $879.95 

Features: 

Also Known As: PS VR2 (abbreviation)

Developer: Sony Interactive Entertainment

Manufacturer: Sony

Product Family: PlayStation

Type: Virtual Reality Headset

Generation: 2nd

Release Date: February 22, 2023

Display: OLED, HDR, 110° field of view

Graphics: "4K" PenTile (2000 × 2040 per eye; 90 or 120 Hz refresh rate)

Controller Input: PlayStation VR2 Sense controller, DualSense

Camera: 4 x outward-facing, 2 x inward-facing (for eye-tracking)

Platform: PlayStation 5, PC

Dimensions: 212×158×278 mm (w × h × l)

Mass: Approx. 560 grams

Backward Compatibility: No

Predecessor: PlayStation VR

AjnaLens Headsets

Performance:

The Ajnalens headsets redefine mixed reality experiences with their powerful Snapdragon XR2 platform, offering high-speed performance and crystal-clear visuals. Whether you're using it for training simulations or interactive applications, Ajnalens delivers exceptional responsiveness and immersive realism without the need for external hardware. Its advanced gesture tracking and intuitive user interface make it an ideal solution for both industrial and commercial use.

Price:

Pricing details are available upon request through the NextXR Group.

Features:

  • Operating System: Android-based OS
  • System on a Chip: Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2
  • Memory: 6 GB LPDDR5
  • Storage: 128 GB
  • Display: Dual 2160 × 2160p LCD panels, one per eye @ 90 Hz
  • Graphics: Adreno 650
  • Sound: 3D spatial audio with built-in speakers
  • Controller Input: Hand-tracking and controllers
  • Camera: 2× high-definition RGB cameras for AR/VR switching
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2
  • Power: Li-ion 5000 mAh battery
  • Mass: 530 g (18.7 oz)

NextXR Group is the exclusive distributor of Ajnalens headsets in Australia, partnering with Ajnalens to provide cutting-edge technology solutions to businesses across various industries.

HTC Vive XR Elite

Performance:

 The HTC Vive XR Elite is designed for those who demand the highest level of performance. With a 5K resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, and inside-out tracking, it delivers an ultra-responsive and visually stunning VR experience. This headset is perfect for professional applications as well as hardcore gaming.

Price:  $1599

Features: 

Developer: HTC

Type: Mixed Reality Headset

Release Date: 2023

CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon XR 2 chipset

Memory: 12GB RAM, 128GB storage

Display: 4K Resolution, 90 Hz refresh rate, 110-degree FOV

Platform: PC-Compatible, Android Screen Mirroring capable

Mass: 625g

Pico 4 Pro

Performance: 

The Pico 4 Pro is a strong contender in the all-in-one VR space. With a 4K+ resolution, 90Hz refresh rate, and powerful processing, it offers an impressive blend of performance and portability. The Pico 4 Pro is well-suited for gaming, entertainment, and social VR experiences.

Price:  $711

Features: 

Developer: ByteDance

Type: Virtual Reality Headset

Operating System: Pico system software, based on Android 10 source code

System on a Chip: Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2

Memory: 8 GB LPDDR4

Storage: 128 GB, 256 GB

Display: LCD 2160 x 2160 per eye @ 90 Hz

Graphics: Adreno 650 @ 0.59 GHz (Up to 1.25 TFLOPS FP32)

Connectivity: USB-C, Bluetooth 5.1, Wi-Fi 6

Power: Lithium-ion battery, 5300 mAh

Mass: 586 g

Valve Index 2

Performance:

 The Valve Index 2 is the successor to one of the most acclaimed VR headsets in the market. With a 144Hz refresh rate, ultra-low persistence, and a wide field of view, it sets a new standard for VR gaming. This headset is designed for those who want the best possible immersion and performance.

Price: $999 

Features: 

Developer: Valve

Manufacturer: Valve

Type: Virtual Reality Headset

Generation: Second

Operating System: Windows, Linux

Display: Two 1440×1600 LCD displays with full RGB per pixel, supporting refresh rates of 80 Hz, 90 Hz, 120 Hz, or 144 Hz

Sound: Integrated headphones, 3.5mm audio jack, built-in dual microphone array

Controller Input: Valve Index Controllers

Camera: Front-facing 960×960 stereo cameras

Connectivity: DisplayPort 1.2, USB 3.0 expansion port

Backward Compatibility: Supports HTC Vive and Vive Pro Controllers and HTC Vive and Vive Pro Base Stations

Oculus Quest 2

Performance: 

The Oculus Quest 2 delivers a remarkable standalone VR experience without the need for a PC or external sensors. Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 platform, it offers smooth performance with a 1832 x 1920 resolution per eye and a refresh rate of up to 120Hz. The Quest 2 ensures fluid gameplay and immersive visuals, making it suitable for a wide range of applications from gaming to virtual workouts.

Price: $499

Features:

Developer: Oculus VR

Type: Virtual Reality Headset

Release Date: May 21, 2019

Lifespan: 2019–2020

Introductory Price: US$399 (64 GB), US$499 (128 GB)

Discontinued: September 2020

Operating System: Quest system software, based on Android source code

  • Original: Android 7.1.1 "Nougat"
  • Current: Android 10

System on a Chip: Qualcomm Snapdragon 835

CPU: 4x Kryo 280 Gold (ARM Cortex-A73 based) @ 2.45 GHz + 4x Kryo 280 Silver (ARM Cortex-A73 based) @ 1.9 GHz

Memory: 4 GB LPDDR4X

Storage: 64 GB, 128 GB

Display: PenTile OLED 1440 × 1600 per eye @ 72 Hz

Graphics: Adreno 540 (545 - 567 GFLOPS)

Sound:

  • Integrated stereo speakers
  • 2 × 3.5 mm headphone jack

Input: 6DOF inside-out tracking through 4 built-in cameras

Controller Input: Oculus Touch

Camera: 4 cameras

Connectivity:

  • USB-C
  • Bluetooth 5
  • Wi-Fi 5

Mass: 571 g (20.1 oz)

Successor: Oculus Quest 2

Related: Oculus Rift S

Conclusion

The best VR headset for you in 2024 will depend on your specific needs, whether it's standalone convenience, console gaming integration, or high-end PC VR performance. Each of these headsets offers something unique, ensuring that there's a perfect match for every type of user. As VR technology continues to grow, the experiences these devices offer are becoming more immersive and accessible than ever before.

Ready to Explore our Unique solutions. 

Book a demo today. 

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