There are currently four major VR headsets that are competing in the global market today: Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, Samsung Gear VR and PlayStation VR. The latter will soon to debut this coming Oct.13 and details about its specs and features are already out for the public to help them choose which VR headset suits their preference.
To give you a definitive guide on what VR headset is best for you; we've compiled a summary about the specs, prices and reviews of each device to help you narrow down your choice:
Oculus Rift
Oculus Rift is the latest immersive gaming platform of Facebook-owned Oculus. This VR headset can only be used on a PC which means you're tethered and limited to your desktop while running this device. The Oculus Rift comes with a sensor, an Xbox One controller and free in-game copies of Lucky's Tale and Eve: Valkyrie. It runs in a 2160 x 1200 resolution, 110 degrees field of view (approx.) and a built-in headphones and mic. Oculus Rift is currently priced at $600. Its minimal PC requirements are: Nvidia GTX 970 / AMD 290 equivalent or greater, Intel i5-4590 equivalent or greater, 8GB+ RAM, Compatible HDMI 1.3 video output (required), 2x USB 3.0 ports (required) and Windows 7 SP1 or newer (required)
HTC Vive
HTC Vive is the first VR headset realized through the partnership of HTC and Valve. Like the Oculus Rift, this headset is run via PC but the unique feature this device offers is that it encourages the user to stand and move around to perform actions in-game. It is equipped with Infrared emitters that allow an array of various physical movements and hand motions. It comes with a front-facing camera which enables you to see the real world thus avoiding collisions with concrete objects or walls (in case you get carried away while playing). When it comes to internal hardware, there's no significant difference between the Vive and Rift. This headset runs at 2160 x 1200 resolution with an approximate 110 degrees of field of view. The Vive also comes with a built-in audio and microphone. Its minimal PC requirements are: GPU: Nvidia GeForce GTX 970, AMD Radeon R9 290 equivalent or better, Intel i5-4590, AMD FX 8350 equivalent or better, 4 GB RAM or more, HDMI 1.4, DisplayPort 1.2 or newer, 1x USB 2.0 or better port and Windows 7 SP1, Windows 8.1 or Windows 10. HTCV Vive is currently priced at $800.
Samsung Gear VR
Samsung Gear VR is one of the hottest and low cost VR headsets in the market today. Unlike the first two headsets, this device uses specific Samsung smartphones in order to run. This means that you don't have to be tethered to a PC to enjoy this headset which gives you more freedom and the ability to be mobile at the same time. The downside is that the power of this device is limited to the specs of your Samsung smartphone which is clearly in a disadvantage when compared to a PC. Nevertheless, it's one of the best VR headsets if you're looking for a mobile immersive gaming experience. It's important to note that the resolution of this device is dependent to your phone. Its field of view is approximately 96 degrees and also has a built-in audio and microphone. It is only compatible to limited Samsung devices namely: Galaxy Note 5 and above, and S6 series and above. Samsung Gear VR is currently priced at $100.
PlayStation VR
PlayStation is about to unveil the first VR headset to specifically run in a console, the PSVR. This device can only be used on PS 4 and the upcoming PS 4 Pro which will support HDR and 4K resolution. PSVR has basic motion supports including head tracking, mobility tracking and controller tracking. The PSVR is set to be released on Oct. 13 of this year and will come with the headset ONLY. It is important to note that some key peripherals are to be purchased separately including connection cables, PlayStation Camera (sensor) and the controllers. PlayStation have released a statement that a PSVR bundle which will include the headset and all the peripherals will be released in North America. PSVR is set to be priced at $400.
So which VR suits the best for you? Let us know in the comments section down below!
