When you want to escape to virtual worlds, having a VR headset that connects to a great gaming PC can unlock even more possibilities. Sure, some of the top VR titles work on standalone headsets like the Meta Quest 3. But those devices are few and far between, while most games look and play better if your VR headset is hooked up to a capable PC.
TL;DR – The Best VR Headsets for PC:
- Valve Index – Best Overall
- Meta Quest 3 – Budget Pick
- HTC Vive Pro 2 – Best Visuals
- HTC Vive XR Elite – Best for Work and Play
- PlayStation VR2 – Best for Console and PC
The best VR headsets for PC offer sharp displays, comfortable designs, accurate tracking, and a seamless connection to a gaming PC or gaming laptop. Admittedly, finding a headset with all these capabilities doesn’t come cheap. However, at Meta Connect 2024, the Meta 3S, an alternative to the Meta Quest 3 that costs $200 less than the original is available on October 15th. It could wind up being a great cheap VR headset for PC for those on a tighter budget. But if you have a little more wiggle room, the Valve Index is the simplest option for Steam integration and even PSVR2 now supports PC VR with minimal caveats.
Unfortunately, you often don’t get to try out these headsets for fit and functionality before purchasing. So, our experts have done the hands-on testing and research for you, ensuring you get the best VR headset for PC that suits your needs. Whether you’re after versatility or something ready to push graphics to the extreme, one of our five picks will fit your PC VR needs.
1. Valve Index
Best VR Headset for PC
Our review of the Valve Index might be a few years old, yet we still stand by our opinion that it is one of the most uncompromising PC VR headsets on the market. The 120Hz refresh rate and 1440×1600 resolution mean apps and games look crisp as you move around and turn your head – super handy when you’re dodging headcrabs in Half-Life Alyx. The Index is also flush with premium padding and comfort dials that you can manipulate to create a snug fit. Even though it weighs 1.79lb, you rarely feel uncomfortable thanks to the well-constructed frame and ergonomic considerations.
Convenient and comfortable flip-down speakers flank your ears, and an easy-to-use passthrough system lets you quickly dip in and out of VR at will. The Index’s ties to Steam also make it a formidable choice for serious VR gamers who want access to an enormous library of games.
Unlike other options on our list, the Valve Index uses external ‘lighthouse’ towers to map the room for hyper-accurate tracking and roomscale VR. Naturally, this summons extra playspace considerations, but the results are worth it. Valve’s ‘Knuckles’ controller solution also deserves praise, offering peerless hands-free immersion finger tracking. The only downside is the price point, but in this case, you certainly get what you pay for – and the platform’s system seller (Half-Life: Alyx) comes bundled in.
2. Meta Quest 3
Best Budget VR Headset for PC
There are few headsets on the market with a more straightforward set-up process than what we found in our hands-on review of the Meta Quest 3. If you want to pick up and play, here’s your best option. While the Quest 3 works primarily with the Meta Store, you can access the PC VR library by purchasing a link cable or by using the streaming apps Steam Link or Air Link – which require a solid home WiFi connection.
Because the Quest 3 doesn’t require a PC, it may seem like an odd choice for PC VR, but if you have top-class internet and don’t want to break the bank, Meta’s headsets are a compelling option. Beginning at $499, the Quest 3 is cheaper than most headsets on the market and lighter, too, at a nimble 1.13 pounds. You can also manipulate the fit with an (admittedly small) range of optical and headband dials.
Outside of its PC VR capabilities, The Quest 3 offers a plethora of bleeding edge mixed reality experiences, controller-free hand tracking and full-color passthrough. The specs under the hood are nothing to grumble at either, boasting an impressive 2064×2208 per-eye resolution.
3. HTC Vive Pro 2
Best VR Visuals
The HTC Vive Pro 2 keeps everything looking sharp and detailed with minimal screen door effect thanks to its 2448×2448 per-eye resolution. That’s paired with a butter-smooth 90 to 120Hz refresh rate ready to make the most of vibrant vistas and realism in Microsoft Flight Simulator. Its fast-switch LCD panels even support a 120-degree field of view for deeper immersion in all the action. However, these optics are demanding, so a beefy gaming PC is required to keep up.
The HTC Vive Pro may offer an impressive 5K resolution, but its design isn’t as revolutionary. Don’t get us wrong: This VR headset is comfortable enough, keeping weight well-balanced and offering supportive cushioning, an excellent adjustable head strap, and the ability to tweak the distance between lenses; it’s just a little bit clunky and a pain to set up. The headset requires two base stations and several cords just to get it powered on and working with your PC. Guess that’s the price you pay for unmatched fidelity.
Though the main focus of a VR headset may be visual, the HTC Vive Pro also excels in audio performance, so investing in a gaming headset isn’t necessary. Instead, headphones are built-in, producing booming hi-res audio to place you at the center of the action.
Although we haven't reviewed the HTC Vive Pro 2 ourselves, we did go hands-on with the original HTC Vive Pro and were overall impresed by the image quality and comfort it provided.
4. HTC Vive XR Elite
Best VR Headset for Work and Play
Adaptability is a massive bonus when picking a PC VR headset, and the HTC Vive XR Elite is a smart choice if you’re looking for an HMD that suits both professional and casual settings and offers virtual, augmented, and mixed-reality experiences. If you want to get some work done at a virtual desk and experience the intensity of PC VR gaming, the XR Elite is worth considering.
The main caveat with the XR Elite is that, like the Quest 3, you’ll have to use a link cable or the Vive Streaming app to access the PC VR library. The tradeoff here is the device's portability and viability for working environments versus the raw power offered by true PC VR headsets like the Valve Index.
The HTC Vive XR Elite’s wireless design and unobtrusive speakers make it a handy traveling companion, a solution for business trips and play sessions on the road. Although it's not best-in-class, the 1920×1920 resolution per eye and 110-degree field of view provide bright and clear visuals. Like its sibling, the HTC Vive Pro, the XR Elite also offers multiple lens and band adjustments for a secure fit.
5. PlayStation VR2
Best for Console and PC
That’s right: the PlayStation VR2 works on PC. The VR headset, which was once exclusively for PlayStation 5, now can connect to another device with a PC adapter for $59.99. The setup is fairly simple: You just need to connect the adapter to the single USB-C cord that comes on the PSVR2. A DisplayPort 1.4 cable is also required, and, of course, like most headsets, you’ll need a gaming PC that meets the minimum requirements to run. Luckily, most budget gaming PCs fit the bill. From there, with a Steam account, you can play Steam’s impressive library of VR games, including Half-Life: Alyx and Fallout 4 VR.
There is a catch, as not all of the PSVR2 features will work when playing on PC. You will no longer get HDR support on the 2,000×2,040 per-eye OLED panels, but action should still look crisp in 4K with no screen door effect and feel immersive, especially thanks to the 120Hz refresh rate and 110-degree FOV. Other features like eye-tracking, adaptive triggers, headset feedback, and controller haptics won’t be available. Though these extras would be nice, we don’t think they're deal breakers. At least, you can still enjoy a comfortable fit, finger-touch detection, rumble, 3D audio, and see-through view when PC gaming.
Beyond a few caveats, our hands-on testing of PSVR2 shows that it's a great option for PC VR. If you’ve got a PS5 and are on the fence about buying the VR headset, we think this new functionality makes a great case for the purchase. It’s expensive, costing over $600 with the adapter, but it’s still a steal compared to many of our other PC VR headset picks.
Upcoming VR Headsets for PC
In 2021, YouTuber Brad Lynch (SadlyItsBradley) reported spotting references to a new Valve device called “Deckard” within SteamVR code. Lynch went on to detail that the information uncovered references to a series of iterations on the headset, one of which being a ‘proof of concept’ for the device. Further fuel to the fire came in 2022, as Valve submitted a patent for a headset that featured some visual similarities to the Meta Quest lineup. Patents do not always mean a product is on the way, however, and it’s best to take this information with a pinch of salt.
A new XR/VR headset from Samsung and Google meant to rival the Apple Vision Pro is expected to be announced in the not-too-distant future, but it'll be a standalone device that doesn't require a PC. HTC is releasing the Focus Vision, a high-end headset meant to rival VR arcades, while Meta announced the Quest 3S, a more affordable version of the Quest 3, at Meta Connect 2024. Both of these VR headsets will be available in mid-October.
How to Choose the Best VR Headsets for PC
We’ve chosen these PC VR Headsets based on our expertise and experience with VR, as well as IGN reviews and consumer feedback. When buying a VR headset, there are more than just digital specifications to consider, with physical comfort being an essential facet of the experience. For example, comfort dials, airflow, and build quality impact how the headset will feel when used. However, it’s also necessary to consider the technology under the hood, with the efficacy of a headset’s parts correlating with performance in the games you wish to play.
Then there are quality-of-life features to consider, like the efficacy and style of a headset’s tracking solution or passthrough and refresh rate, which governs the fluidity you experience inside a given game.
PC VR FAQ
Are cheaper VR headsets worth buying?
While the more expensive headsets on our list offer improved tracking and better graphical performance, more affordable headsets, like the Meta Quest 3, are compatible with PC VR. Crucially, wireless headsets like the Quest 3 do not offer a native PC VR experience, as they are contained devices that don’t require a PC to function. However, apps like Steam Link and Air Link allow players to stream intense PC VR games from their gaming rig to the headset via WiFi, and this technology has come a long way in recent years. If your home internet setup is strong enough, and you have a powerful gaming rig, you can get away with streaming the PC VR library to a cheaper headset such as the Quest 3 if you want to experience PC VR on a budget. The added benefit of this approach is that the Quest 3 is rather powerful in and of itself, features many exclusive games and features, and is a wireless device that you can take anywhere.
Do I need a powerful PC to use VR?
Like PC games, VR headsets and VR games have minimum and recommended system requirements that you’ll need to meet to get the associated applications working smoothly. If you’re jumping into PC VR to play a specific set of games, it’s worth investigating their system requirements before making any big purchases to ensure you’ll be able to make the most of your proposed headset. Generally speaking, you will need high-end hardware in your gaming rig, such as potent graphics cards and processors, to play the most demanding VR games. If building a gaming rig for PC VR is out of your budget, it’s worth considering some of the standalone headsets on the market, which work wirelessly without needing an external computer.
What VR headsets don’t require a PC?
VR headsets for PC are mighty capable. But if you’d like to play away from home or even in a different room from your computer, you’ll need to find another option. The Meta Quest 3 and the entire Quest lineup are great hybrid options that excel as standalone VR headsets. The Pico 4 works similarly to the Meta Quest and is great for those who don’t want a tether. We’d be remiss not to mention the brilliant, Apple Vision Pro; it’s wildly powerful solo or seamlessly integrates into the Apple ecosystem, proving an innovative way to work on the best MacBooks.
PlayStation VR2 doesn’t require a PC. However, you’ll need the PS5 to enjoy the truly spectacular VR experience. Some ultra-cheap VR headsets also use the screen of your smartphone for a fun, more immersive experience that’s especially well-suited for children.
How do you ensure the best VR headset for PC experience?
Beyond having a powerful gaming PC and a capable, comfortable VR headset, there are several other factors to consider to make the most of your VR experience. A well-lit space ensures you have the most accurate tracking. You’ll also want the freedom to move around the area you’re playing in. So, the space should be free of obstacles or furniture that could trip you up or get tangled in wires. It may be helpful to place a rug or other objects that indicate when you’re leaving the dedicated play area. Luckily, some headsets come with their own indicators.
When do VR headsets usually go on sale?
Almost all of the best VR headsets that are PC compatible will drop in prices a few different times every year. One of the overall best shopping events for VR discounts is Amazon Prime Day, which takes place in July every year. After that, Black Friday and Cyber Monday tend to have the best overall deals consistently. Both events tend to primarily offer Meta Quest deals, but sometimes other headsets are avaialable at a discount.
Sarah Thwaites is a freelance tech writer at IGN, with bylines at GameInformer, TrustedReviews, NME and more.
