6 VR glasses to watch out for in 2023

1. HTC Vive Pro 2

• Platform: PC.
• Connection: DisplayPort 1.2, USB 3.0.
• Display type: LCD.
• Permission: 4896 × 2448 pixels.
• Update frequency: 120 Hz.
• Viewing angle: 120°.

The model from the premium segment is intended for enthusiasts and professionals working on projects in virtual reality. It offers one of the highest image resolutions among VR helmets - 2448 × 2448 pixels for each eye.

HTC Vive Pro 2 produces a picture with update rate up to 120 Hz and a wide viewing angle of 120°. This affects the control of movements and ease of movement. In such a helmet, dynamic games are easier to perceive, while the gaze can cover many objects in front of you without distracting frames.

The helmet works only in conjunction with a computer, without standalone mode. It supports the SteamVR system with thousands of games and is also linked to its own Viveport VR software store.

To play comfortably with HTC Vive Pro 2, you need a powerful PC. It is desirable that this be a system with an up-to-date processor and video card like the GeForce RTX 4080 or 4090. Then you will be able to run demanding games at maximum graphics settings without freezing.

To computer headset connects via the 5 meter cable included in the kit. You can also connect the helmet to a PC using a wireless Wi‑Fi‑adapter. But it will have to be ordered separately. The picture in this case will be broadcast at a frequency not higher than 90 Hz, which will negatively affect the perception of the gameplay.

The HTC Vive Pro 2 does not have built-in motion tracking sensors, so the headset must be connected to external sensors. They are not in the basic configuration - you will have to buy a complete set of Vive Pro Full Kit or use elements from a previous version of the system.

Price: 154,900 rubles for a complete set.

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2. Valve Index

• Platform: PC.
• Connection: DisplayPort, USB 3.0, USB 2.0.
• Display type: LCD.
• Permission: 2880 × 1600 pixels.
• Update frequency: 144 Hz.
• Viewing angle: 130°.

The Valve Index is still the go-to VR system, even though it's been four years since its release. There are LCD displays with a resolution of 1440 × 1600 pixels for each eye. The helmet has a very wide 130° field of view and a screen with a refresh rate of up to 144Hz in experimental mode. In terms of picture quality, this is still an excellent model, although it is gradually losing its flagship position.

One of the important features of the Valve Index is the controllers that can track the movements of the hands and fingers. Manipulators can be fixed so that you do not have to constantly hold them. However, they do not fall off during the game. It is important to note that not all SteamVR games use finger tracking, but this feature continues to gain popularity among developers.

The headset also has built-in speakers for playback sound. And these are not standard headphones, but a near-field audio system that transmits sound without completely blocking the auricles. This approach allows you to create a volumetric effect without quick overwork.

The helmet is connected to the computer only via a cable. To track the movements of the player, you will need external sensors, which are only in the full Index set.

Price: 169,990 rubles for a complete set.

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3. Oculus Quest 2

• Platform: PC, offline.
• Connection: USB‑C.
• Display type: LCD.
• Permission: 3664 × 1920 pixels.
• Update frequency: 120 Hz.
• Viewing angle: 90°.

Quest 2 is one of the most popular VR headsets right now. The model was released three years ago, so it is inferior to newer systems in terms of its capabilities. But it still stands out with a favorable ratio of cost and its characteristics.

The helmet has a display with a resolution of 1,832 × 1,920 pixels for each eye. An important feature of the headset is its autonomy. Quest 2 allows you to run games optimized for built-in hardware. You can also stream apps from your computer via an Oculus Link cable or Wi-Fi. To install programs inside, a storage of 128 or 256 GB is provided. The amount of memory depends on the configuration.

The battery capacity is enough for about two hours of battery life if you run games on the headset. When transferring an image from a PC, the battery runs out in about an hour and a half. To track the position in space, the helmet has built-in sensors.

To use the device in Russia, you will have to use VPN: Direct connection to servers is closed for software downloads and updates.

Quest 2 should be replaced by a new version of the headset - Quest 3 - with increased resolution, a more powerful processor and improved controllers in the fall of 2023.

Price: 38,227 rubles.

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4. PlayStation VR2

• Platform: PS5.
• Connection: USB‑C.
• Display type: OLED HDR.
• Permission: 4000 × 2040 pixels.
• Update frequency: 120 Hz.
• Viewing angle: 110°.

A new version of the VR system for the PlayStation 5 game console. The helmet has OLED displays with a resolution of 2,000 × 2,040 pixels for each eye. The screen matrix is ​​compatible with HDR technology, which allows you to produce a picture with high contrast.

PS VR2 supports user eye tracking. This helps to control menu items with a glance and quickly focus on game objects. In addition, the tracking system helps to reduce the load on the console. During graphics processing, only those parts of the frame where player is watching at the moment.

The headset monitors the user's location using built-in sensors, without external accessories. PlayStation VR2 controllers are capable of detecting finger movements, like the Valve Index. Also, vibration motors are built into the helmet and manipulators to enhance the immersion effect.

The headset is connected to the console only via wire, the developers decided not to add other connection options.

There aren't many games available for PlayStation VR2 at the moment, compared to the large library of thousands of applications for PC. At the same time, projects from the first version of the headset do not work with PS VR2. Number of new products for virtual reality from Sony is gradually increasing, but so far it is happening slowly.

Price: 52,590 rubles.

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5. Vive Cosmos Elite

• Platform: PC.
• Connection: DisplayPort 1.2, USB 3.0.
• Display type: LCD.
• Permission: 2880 × 1770 pixels.
• Update frequency: 90 Hz.
• Viewing angle: 110°.

The Vive Cosmos Elite is an option for those who lack the features of budget headsets, but do not want to buy the most expensive flagship systems. A series of helmets Cosmos appeared a few years ago and gradually gained popularity in the middle price segment.

The modular system can be supplemented with various accessories and bases with tracking sensors. Cosmos Elite, like other HTC models, works in conjunction with a PC via a wired connection or via Wi‑Fi. In the second case, you will need an additional adapter, which is not included in the kit. Games can be launched from SteamVR or the Vive store.

The headset is inferior to more recent models in terms of its characteristics. But it is still capable of producing a high-quality picture with good graphics, if you use the stuffing to the maximum.

Price: 96,500 rubles.

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6. Pico 4

• Platform: PC, offline.
• Connection: USB-C, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.1.
• Display type: LCD.
• Permission: 4320 × 2160 pixels.
• Update frequency: 90 Hz.
• Viewing angle: 105°.

The Pico 4 stands out from other models with its lens type. It uses thin pancake lenses, which are a more compact solution than common Fresnel lenses. The resolution of the LCD displays is 2160 × 2160 pixels for each eye. A built-in speaker is provided for sound output, but there is also a 3.5 mm jack for external headphones.

The helmet is able to work autonomously under the Android operating system. To install games, a storage of 128 or 256 GB is provided. Applications can be downloaded from the company's store, but you won't be able to pay for them with a Russian bank card.

Pico 4 is also compatible with SteamVR on PC. You can connect your headset to your computer with a cable or via Wi-Fi. There are no wires included with the device - you will have to order separately.

Battery capacity is enough for two hours of battery life or approximately 90 minutes of signal streaming from a computer.

Price: 48,990 rubles.

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Please note: prices are valid at the time of publication of the article. Stores can update the cost of goods during the day.