6 Best VR Headsets of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

The product analysts at the Good Housekeeping Institute are already fans of the Meta Quest 2, but we like the latest iteration of Meta’s popular VR headset even better.

The first difference we noticed with the Meta Quest 3 is the improved passthrough that makes it easier to see your surrounding space, as well as impressive mixed reality experiences that blend your physical space with a virtual one; this means you don’t have to be fully immersed at all times. But if you are, a quick double tap on the side of the headset will pull you out of full VR. Our pros also appreciate the Meta Quest 3's improved room tracking that automatically scans your space so you don't have to do so manually.

When testing the device, we found setup just as easy as the Meta Quest 2, but noticed immediately that the resolution is improved so you can expect to see sharper graphics and clearer visuals. Best of all, you’ll still have access to Meta’s vast library of immersive experiences, including games, fitness experiences, entertainment and more.

While the device may still feel heavy to some despite its slimmer profile, the strap is lighter and easier to adjust for a secure fit. We also like how the controllers no longer feature rings and straps so they’re more compact, though we do wish battery life was longer than the claimed 2.2 hours (or roughly the same amount as the previous generation).

Just because the Meta Quest 3 is now available doesn't mean the previous generation isn't worth considering. Formerly known as the Oculus Quest 2, this VR headset has excellent value and, as a standalone device, doesn’t require the purchase of an additional gaming console. All you need is the headset and its controllers to get started (no cellphone or PC required)!

Our pros found it extremely easy to set up once you create a Meta account or connect through Facebook — it only took our test engineer Alec Scherma around 30 minutes — and we were impressed by the intuitive controllers, excellent controller tracking and the wide variety of games and other immersive experiences available.

Though the Meta Quest 2 can start to feel heavy after prolonged use and doesn't always seal properly against the face (especially if wearing glasses), it remains relatively comfortable and is 10 percent lighter than the previous iteration, the Oculus Quest. In Lab tests, Scherma found the headset’s performance both fast and responsive, and described the graphics as what you would expect from a VR headset: “nothing exceptional, but decent.” For the best quality, he suggests finding games that are optimized for VR.

READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Is the Meta Quest 2 Worth It?

Apple’s latest innovation, the Apple Vision Pro, blew our tech experts away during a hands-on demo. Though this headset is by far the most expensive on this list, it has Apple’s high-quality design and intuitive interface to help justify the steep price tag. Not only does the Vision Pro look and feel premium, but the resolution is stunning whether you’re streaming shows from Apple TV+ or flipping through spatial photos you shot yourself.

Perhaps one of our favorite features is the headset’s super responsive and accurate eye tracking and hand gestures which enable you to navigate among apps by pointing your eyes in the right direction and using your fingers. Though the Vision Pro admittedly won’t be for everyone, it’s an excellent choice for those seeking immersive content from one of the coolest gadgets out there right now. Just keep in mind that while it’s mostly comfortable, it can feel heavy after a while like other VR headsets and needs to be plugged into a portable battery pack while in use.

READ OUR FULL REVIEW: I Loved (Almost) Everything About the Apple Vision Pro

The Sony PlayStation VR2 Headset is a worthy investment for PlayStation fans who already own a console and are familiar with the PS ecosystem and popular gaming library. “If you already have a PS5 and you don’t want to purchase separate equipment, this is a quality enough headset for you to enjoy the variety of games available," Scherma says.

Though we wish a cable connection wasn’t required as this limits where you can use your headset, Scherma found it fairly easy to set up and points out that the controllers are not only intuitive and comfortable, but they’re a huge improvement over Sony’s first VR headset. “I like how easy it is to charge the controllers with the provided dock,” Scherma says. He does warn, however, that the headset is heavier than most.

Other testers like how the headset is able to scan the room automatically and create play boundaries, as opposed to having to draw them yourself. There's even a handy button you can press when you want to remove yourself from the VR world and see your space. And unlike other headsets on this list, this model comes with wired headphones that you can use alongside your headset, so you’re truly immersed in the game with surround 3D audio that doesn't bother anyone around you.

If you’re looking for a standalone VR headset that doesn’t need to connect to anything and gets rid of all pesky cables, this is the one.

You can use it at home or take it with you on the go, making it an excellent choice for VR enthusiasts. Scherma was impressed not only by how easy it was to charge, but how comfortable and lightweight it was to wear. “I didn’t need to wear glasses while using it because I could individually adjust each eye to match my prescription,” he says.

Our pros like that the headset includes controllers but can be used with your hands, which Scherma found “surprisingly accurate and useful.” Though the setup was initially a bit confusing, once you’re able to access the tutorial on how to operate the headset and controllers, it should be smooth sailing from there.

Head to the Viverse content library to browse among 1,600+ games that you can play with your headset.

Though the Valve Index requires a PC and several wire connections, what sets it apart from other VR headsets is that it connects to Steam’s vast gaming platform and community, which features more than 30,000 games and VR titles.

This headset is one of the more expensive on this list and a better choice for gaming enthusiasts versus novices, due in part to the more complex nature of set up. “You need a lot of space and a powerful PC to properly take advantage of all the headset’s features, and if you don’t have the correct ports on your PC you’ll need adapters,” Scherma says.

Our test engineers like the headset’s vast field of view plus the two included cameras that enable you to better map out the room you’re playing in for a more immersive experience and better tracking.

Speakers are integrated into the headset to offer surround sound, and the screen’s resolution is crisp. While the headset may feel heavier than others, it remains comfortable and well constructed. We also love the intuitive controllers, which strap onto your hands and feature finger-tracking that pulls you further into the game.