What is the Best VR Headset You Can Get in 2023 according to Reddit?

Virtual reality (VR) technology has come a long way in recent years, with major improvements in visual fidelity, tracking, controllers, and overall user experience. With so many options on the market in 2023, it can be tough to determine which VR headset is right for you. This article will break down the top contenders and help you decide which VR system provides the best overall package.

Valve Index

The Valve Index is considered by many to be the top-of-the-line VR headset for PC gamers[1]. Released in 2019, the Valve Index features dual 1440×1600 LCD displays for a crisp image, a 120Hz (and experimental 144Hz mode) refresh rate for smooth visuals, and a 130° field of view for immersive VR worlds.

The Index also sports innovative “knuckle” controllers that track all five fingers, allowing for natural hand presence and gestures in VR. Redditor u/PCVR_HEADSETS_2023 praises the Valve Index for its “great clarity and field of view”[1].

Downsides of the Valve Index include its $999 price tag and the requirement of a gaming PC. You’ll need at least an Nvidia GTX 1070 or AMD RX Vega 56 graphics card to use it. The Index is also tethered via a cable to your PC.

Oculus Quest 2

The Oculus Quest 2 is a popular standalone wireless VR headset that doesn’t require a PC. Starting at just $299 for the 128GB model, the Quest 2 delivers surprisingly good graphics and performance for the price.

The Quest 2 features a 1832×1920 LCD display per eye, 6GB RAM, a Snapdragon XR2 processor, and a battery that lasts 2-3 hours per charge. It also offers 6 degrees of freedom motion tracking. The headset is quite comfortable with a lightweight design.

Reddit users like u/What_is_the_best_VR_headset praise the Quest 2’s affordability and wireless freedom[2]. Since it doesn’t need a PC, the Quest 2 is very easy to set up. Just create an Oculus account, and you’re ready to access the Oculus Store’s large catalog of VR games and apps.

Downsides are the lower 72Hz refresh rate and the Facebook account requirement. Visuals are compressed compared to PC VR due to the mobile processor.

HTC Vive Pro 2

For enthusiasts seeking a high-end PC VR experience, the HTC Vive Pro 2 is a top choice according to Redditor u/Good_vr_headset_2023[3]. This successor to the original Vive Pro was released in 2021 and bumps the displays up to 2448×2448 resolution per eye, 120Hz refresh rate, and 120° field of view.

The Vive Pro 2 delivers excellent visual clarity, comfort, and SteamVR/PC compatibility. It also supports up to 120Hz wireless play if you get the optional wireless adapter. The downsides are the $799 just for the headset and steep system requirements – you’ll need at least an RTX 2060 or RX 5700 XT GPU.

PlayStation VR2

Sony’s next-generation PlayStation VR2 headset is slated to launch in early 2023 and brings major upgrades over the original PSVR. The PSVR 2 offers 2000×2040 resolution per eye, HDR, a 110° field of view, inside-out tracking, eye tracking, haptic feedback, and Sense controllers with finger touch detection[4].

Redditor u/What_is_the_best_VR_headset argues the PSVR2 will provide the “best value” thanks to its cutting-edge features and integration with the PS5’s power[2]. The big caveat is that it requires a PS5 console, so this VR system will cost over $1000 total. But for console gamers, the PSVR 2 could provide a superior user experience compared to other headsets when it releases.

Summary

In conclusion, the Valve Index, Oculus Quest 2, HTC Vive Pro 2, and PlayStation VR2 are among the best VR headsets you can get in 2023. The Valve Index is the top choice for PC VR enthusiasts who want the ultimate VR experience. The Oculus Quest 2 is the most affordable and accessible wireless option. The Vive Pro 2 is ideal for high-end PC VR gaming. And the PSVR 2 will offer advanced next-gen VR once available. Consider your budget, platform, and needs to decide which of these cutting-edge headsets is right for you.