Technology has become an integral part of our daily lives. The growth of technology helps us in being one step closer to a more connected future. Before stepping into the realm of the best VR headsets there are to offer, it’s vital to understand what VR is. Simply put, VR or virtual reality is a state-of-the art technology that is revolutionizing how we experience and connect with the digital world. VR is a technology that uses special headsets with near-eye displays, creating an illusion that you’re actually in the virtual environment. It uses sensors and special features like motion tracking to help us explore the 3-D world. Imagine standing on top of the Burj Khalifa or sky diving in Spain – VR can make it feel real!
There are various factors to look into when buying a VR headset as well. Budget, compatibility, and even nitty-gritty features like battery life and graphics form an important deciding factor.
Cost and Budget
When buying a VR headset, it is important to look into its price as well. VR headsets can be very pricey. They can either be a few thousand rupees or even tens of thousands depending on the purpose and features. There are many different types available, including headsets that can be connected to your smartphone and others that require a PC to function, the prices of which vary accordingly.
Compatibility
VR headsets come in various types like standalone VR headsets which are all-in-one devices that do not require a connection to an external device as well as tethered headsets which connect to a gaming console or computer. It is extremely important to ensure that when you’re buying a headset, it is compatible with all of your devices and one which caters to your needs as well.
Sought-after attributes
When buying a VR headset, every person would have a different purpose or use. Some would buy it for gaming while some would buy it for simple enjoyment. Your preference may also include a need for high storage space or a better battery life. Such factors can alter the decision making element while buying the best VR headset for you.
Top VR headset contenders in India-
Meta Quest Pro
Product dimensions- 265mm (L) x 127mm (H) x 196mm (W) 265mm
Product Weight- 722g
Hardware-
- 256GB storage
- 12GB RAM
- 10 advanced VR/MR sensor
- New Snapdragon XR2+ platform
Features-
- Full-color mixed reality
- Real-time expression tracking
- Thin pancake lenses
- Increased pixel density and local dimming
- Quantum dot technology
- Integrated speakers and microphone
- Spatial Audio support included
- Battery life- An average of 2.5 hours (Subjective to use)
What’s in the box?
- Meta Quest Pro Headset
- 2 Meta Quest Touch Pro Controllers
- Charging dock
- 45W USB-C power adapter
- Controller charge cable
- Charging cable (headset)
- 2 stylus tips
- 2 partial light blockers (left and right)
- Cable clip
- Protective cover
- Cleaning cloth
- 2 wrist straps
Why buy this?
The Meta Quest Pro VR headset is one of the most sought after, considered to be the best VR headsets to come. It is not only a great device for gaming, but it is also useful in businesses providing an all-rounder experience to the consumer.
2. Meta Quest 3
Hardware:
- Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2
- 8GB RAM
- 512 GB/128 GB storage
Features:
- 3D spatial audio
- Optics:
- Field of view- 110 degrees horizontal and 96 degrees vertical
- 2064 x 2208 Resolution Per Eye
- 72Hz, 80Hz, 90Hz, 120Hz Refresh Rate
- Slimmer optic profile- Pancake lens
- Direct touch hand tracking
- Supporting smoother gameplay
- Seamless immersion
- Vast library of more than 500 titles
What’s in the box?
- Meta Quest 3 Headset with adjustable pre-installed Standard Facial Interface
- 2 Touch Plus Controllers with wrist straps and 2 AA Batteries
- Charging cable & power adapter
Why buy this?
The Meta Quest 3 has been rated as one of the best wireless and standalone VR headsets in India. Apart from the fact that it is manufactured by one of the leading VR headset brands in India, it continues to offer an amazing immersive experience.
3. HTC Vive ProEye VR Headset
Features:
- Resolution- 1440 x 1600 pixels per eye (2880 x 1600 pixels combined)
- Screen- Dual OLED 3.5″ diagonal
- Refresh rate- 90 Hz
- Field of view- Up to 110 degrees
- Audio-
- Hi-Res-certified headset
- Hi-Res-certified headphones (removable)
- Dual Integrated microphones
- SteamVR Tracking (Controller)
- Eye tracking technology
- Compatible only with PC
- Wide range of compatible games and apps
- Precise Motion Tracking
What’s in the box?
- Pro Eye Headset
- Base Station 2.0
- Controllers
- Base Station power adapter
- Link Box
- Headset
- USB 3.0 Cable
- DisplayPort Cable
- Link Box Power Adapter
Why buy this?
The HTC Vive ProEye VR Headset has been rated as one of the best PC-connected VR headsets in India offering unparalleled audio and visual experience.
4. HTC Vive Cosmos Elite VR headset
Features:
- Resolution- 1440 x 1700 pixels per eye (2880 x 1700 pixels combined)
- Screen- Dual 3.4″ diagonal
- Refresh rate- 90 Hz
- Field of view- Upto 110 degrees
- Audio- Stereo Headphones
- Integrated microphones
- SteamVR Tracking (Controller)
- Sensors:
- G-sensor
- Gyroscope
- Eye Comfort Setting (IPD)
- Compatible with PC
- Wired Connectivity
- Flip-Up Design for Easy Transitions
What’s in the box?
- Cosmos Elite Headset
- Vive Base Station 1.0
- Vive Controller (with Lanyard)
- Headset Cable
- Converter
- Converter power adapter
- Mini DP to DP adapter
- Vive Controller power adapter
- Micro-USB cable *2
Why buy this?
- The HTC Vive Cosmos Elite VR headset is considered to be one of the best VR headsets in India where it not only features impeccable build quality but also is lightweight. It offers a great visual experience making it a great choice for gaming as well.
5. HTC Vive Pro 2 VR headset
Features:
- Resolution- 2448 x 2448 pixels per eye (4896 x 2448 pixels combined)
- Screen- Dual RGB low persistence LCD
- Refresh rate- 90/ 120 Hz
- Field of view- Upto 120 degrees
- Audio-
- Hi-Res certified headset (via USB-C analog signal)
- Hi-Res certified headphones (removable)
- High-impedance headphones support (via USB-C analog signal)
- Integrated dual microphones
- Sensors- G-sensor, gyroscope, proximity, IPD sensor, SteamVR Tracking V2.0
What’s in the box?
- VIVE Pro 2 headset
- All-in-one cable
- Link box (2.0)
- USB 3.0 cable
- DisplayPort cable
- Mini DP to DP Adapter
- Link box power adapter
- Controller (2018) with lanyard x 2
- Micro-USB cable x 2
- Power adapter x 2
- Base station 2.0 x 2
- Base station power adapter x 2
Why buy this?
The HTC Vive Pro 2 VR headset boasts 5K resolution clarity solidifying its stance as one of the Best VR headsets in India. It is considered to be the best VR headsets available for a smooth gaming experience.
Additional considerations-
Pocket-Friendly Options
PC-powered VR headsets can be quite expensive while those that use a mobile phone can offer the same immersive experience at half of the cost. So, if you’re on a tight budget, there are still many amazing options to consider. It is important to remember though that your smartphones or PC’s capability is directly related to the quality of the experience you may have on your VR headset.
PC vs. Standalone Headsets
As discussed above, standalone PCs are relatively cheaper than PC powered models, but that also comes at a cost. PC-powered headsets offer superior graphics and performance whereas Standalone Headsets do not require a PC which make them convenient, but in terms of graphics and processing power, they still lack. So it is important to understand which headset fit your requirements.
Comfort Comes First
Some headsets can be quite heavy, which can cause discomfort and headaches. So it’s important to consider factors such as weight, the design of the head strap and if the strap is adjustable so that you can have a comfortable VR session.
Availability of Games and Apps in India
Since VRis is a relatively new technology in India, it is still growing. This means that there is a possibility that some games and apps might be limited in India as compared to other countries. So it is important to examine what your VR Headset has to offer and make sure that it is to your liking.
Conclusion
There was a time when Virtual Reality was considered a far away dream, but now it has become a reality. It is continuously transforming the way we experience the digital world. It can be a very daunting experience sometimes to choose the perfect VR headset amongst the various options available. but by considering simple factors like budget, compatibility, comfort, and other important features you can make an informed decision. Believe us, the right VR headset is waiting just around the corner for you!