Have you ever wanted to become an Avenger? How about wandering through a gloomy dungeon, feeling its reality with all the cells of the body, or fighting your worst fear? Virtual reality is the way to fulfill these and many other desires.
We have studied user reviews and expert opinions with Tech Radar, CNET and Tom`s Guide about the most popular VR glasses available for gaming PCs, smartphones and consoles, and show you how to choose virtual reality glasses that are ideal for price and performance.
The cheapest virtual reality glasses for smartphones up to 2000 rubles
3. BOBOVR Z5
The average price is 1 822 rubles
Specifications:
- virtual reality glasses
- image is displayed on the smartphone screen
- suitable for smartphones with a diagonal of 4.7 - 6.2 ″
- Android compatible device
- 120 ° viewing angle
- Interpupillary and focal length adjustment
If you are interested in which virtual reality glasses it is better to choose without overpaying a ton of money for a famous brand and unnecessary options, then the answer is before you.
The BOBOVR Z5 model has a wide viewing angle and is equipped with built-in headphones. She sits comfortably on her head and does not press even with prolonged wear.
pros: light weight - 350 g, there is a remote control complete with the version from 2017 (the 2018 version does not have it), the interpupillary distance is adjustable from 60 to 72 mm.
Minuses: Although this headset in the 2018 version has additional buttons for controlling playback and sound, they are inconvenient to use when working.
2. HIPER VRX
The average price is 841 rubles
Specifications:
- virtual reality glasses
- image is displayed on the smartphone screen
- suitable for smartphones with a diagonal of 4.3 - 6 ″
- device is compatible with Android, iOS
- Interpupillary and focal length adjustment
A significant advantage of this inexpensive model, made of black plastic, is the ability to fit the lenses. They can be adjusted both back and forth and left-right.
The padded and adjustable strap, which allows the HIPER VRX to stay on your head, is also very convenient.
Another advantage of this model compared to cheaper competitors is the presence of a magnetic button for control in games. By moving the magnet down you simulate clicking on the screen. This will, for example, confirm the action in the game.
pros: light weight (360 g), high-quality assembly, there are special openings for wire output.
Minuses: The smartphone mount quickly fails, as it is a sticky silicone pad. In addition, it is inconvenient, since you constantly have to peel off and again stick the smartphone.
1. HOMIDO Grab
The average price is 990 rubles
Specifications:
- virtual reality glasses
- image is displayed on the smartphone screen
- suitable for smartphones with a diagonal of 4.5 - 5.7 ″
- device is compatible with Android, iOS
- viewing angle 100 °
These glasses, made of plastic that is pleasant to the touch, have a convenient mount for the phone, and the rim around the eyes is made of thick rubber to minimize discomfort during prolonged wear.
The HOMIDO Grab cover opens 90 degrees so that you can easily put the phone inside.
These simple VR glasses are ideal for exploring the world of 3D video as well as viewing 360 ° photos.
pros: light weight, many colors, there is a magnetometer.
Minuses: no mount for the head, you have to hold glasses with your hands, no lens settings
Best VR glasses for smartphones in price and quality
3. Xiaomi Mi VR Play 2
The average price is 2 190 rubles
Specifications:
- virtual reality glasses
- image is displayed on the smartphone screen
- suitable for smartphones with a diagonal of 4.7 - 5.7 ″
- device is compatible with Android, iOS
- viewing angle 103 °
- focal length adjustment
Xiaomi's Mi VR Play 2 looks exactly like the more expensive Google Daydream headset. However, bundled with it there is no special controller for virtual reality, such as Samsung Galaxy Gear VR or Google Daydream.
The headset itself is light (183 grams) and relatively comfortable, with a lot of pads around the mask area. The Velcro strap is easy to adjust and its soft material prevents it from irritating the user's skin.
When looking at this headset, it is important to consider the level of immersion. She will not give you the advanced experience of virtual reality. Its price range lies directly between the best VR glasses for smartphones, such as Samsung Gear VR, and cheaper options, such as Google Cardboard sets.
pros: Durable, made of nice tactile material, compatible with Google Cardboard VR applications.
Minuses: no interpupillary lens adjustment.
2. Google Daydream View (2017)
The average price is 8 900 rubles
Specifications:
- virtual reality glasses
- image is displayed on the smartphone screen
- suitable for smartphones
- Android compatible device
- viewing angle 100 °
This is one of the most comfortable headsets currently available. The latest version of Daydream View comes in three eye-catching colors (including stunning coral).
One of the biggest changes in the 2017 View of the release is an expanded field of view (from 90 degrees to 100), which increases the immersion coefficient and puts these glasses on a par with Samsung Gear VR.
Google is also constantly expanding its content library, offering over 200 titles of games and applications for virtual reality. To increase the user base of the device, Google has expanded the catalog of compatible phones. So, in addition to the Pixel and Pixel XL, you can use Daydream View with some of the best smartphones of 2019 according to the Roskachestvo version - Samsung Galaxy S8, S8 +, S9, S9 + and Note 8, Huawei Mate 9, ZTE Axon 7, LG V30, Motorola Moto Z, Z2 and Asus ZenFone.
pros: stylish design, light weight (261 grams), a convenient game controller is included.
Minuses: not enough built-in sound.
1. Samsung Gear VR
The average price is 7,170 rubles
Specifications:
- virtual reality glasses
- image is displayed on the smartphone screen
- suitable for smartphones
- Android compatible device
- viewing angle 101 °
- focal length adjustment
Samsung Gear VR continues to be one of the most popular VR mobile headsets on the market. But this does not mean that the South Korean manufacturer rests on its laurels.
A controller has appeared in the latest version of Gear VR, which gives you a tactile feel that traditional gamepads cannot match.
You can also use your voice to launch applications, re-center your position or search.
Thanks to Samsung’s partnership with Oculus, the Oculus store has over 600 app titles compatible with this headset. And every month there are more and more of them, both paid and free.
The performance of the headset is completely dependent on the phone that you install in it. This is not a problem considering the power of the best Samsung phones. However, if you are using an old Galaxy phone, your virtual reality travel experience may not be as impressive as expected.
pros: simple interface, user-friendly design, accurate and responsive controller.
Minuses: interpupillary distance is not regulated, presses on the head.
The best virtual reality glasses for PC
3. HTC Vive
The average price is 44 990 rubles
Specifications:
- virtual reality glasses
- image is displayed on its own screen
- suitable for pc
- display resolution 2160 × 1200 (1200 × 1080 for each eye)
- viewing angle 110 °
- Interpupillary and focal length adjustment
This model stands out for a number of key functions, including the presence of Lighthouse positioning stations. Inside each of these stations are infrared LEDs blinking 60 times per second. Sensors located on the helmet itself and the controllers track these flashes, and the system counts the time between signals. These data allow HTC Vive to accurately track the position and movement of the user.
HTC also gives you the opportunity to access your phone while in virtual reality mode, as well as to the front camera, which, if necessary, allows you to look at the real world.
Vive debuted with a number of innovative accessories, including Vive Trackers, which allow you to carry real-world items, such as tennis rackets, into the virtual.
pros: lightweight helmet, which is almost not felt on the head, excellent picture quality, integration with Steam.
Minuses: high price, massive cord, which is easy to catch on foot (a wireless module costs about $ 300), requires a powerful gaming PC with a good graphics card (GTX 1050 Ti can’t cope).
2. Oculus Rift CV1
The average price is 41 990 rubles
Specifications:
- virtual reality glasses
- image is displayed on its own screen
- suitable for pc
- display resolution for each eye 1200 × 1080
- viewing angle 110 °
This headset can work with mid-range graphics cards, such as the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050 Ti, thanks to proprietary Asynchronous Spacewarp technology. However, for a better experience, you will need a gaming PC with fairly powerful features.
Oculus Rift CV1 touch controllers are by far the most convenient for long gaming sessions in the virtual space. The movements feel smooth and natural. You can also buy Oculus headphones to maximize your virtual immersion experience.
Since the launch of Rift, Oculus has expanded its library to over 1,000 games, including games from AAA game developers such as Insomniac Games, Ubisoft, and Harmonix. In addition, the company financed the projects of many developers, maintaining a constant flow of content. And since Facebook owns Oculus VR, the company is constantly working to make virtual interaction more social with the help of multiplayer games.
pros: Easy setup, solid library of virtual games and applications with an intuitive interface.
Minuses: demanding on computer hardware, high price, the front side is prone to scratches, expensive games.
1. Oculus Quest
The average price is 37,400 rubles
Specifications:
- virtual reality glasses
- standalone device
- image is displayed on its own screen
- display resolution 3200 × 1440 (1600х1440 for each eye)
- viewing angle 100 °
- interpupillary distance adjustment
The best points in the 2019 ranking of virtual reality are a fully autonomous headset, which means that they do not have a wire. At the same time, the headset supports a full six-axis 6 DoF tracking, like the Oculus Rift brother.
Thanks to built-in sensors and smart computer algorithms, you can walk around the selected gaming space without worrying about colliding with a wall or piece of furniture.
The system comes with 50+ titles (Dead and Buried, Face Your Fears 2, The Climb, etc.) but quickly expands its repertoire. Some of the games are multiplayer or have a cross-buy feature that allows you to play with the owners of Oculus Rift and Go.
But the cherry on the cake is a casting function that allows you to share your impressions of virtual reality with others by broadcasting the image to a smartphone or TV.
Oculus Touch controllers are still the best in their field. They are convenient and light, which is important for long sessions in the virtual world. But the best thing about touch controllers is how believable they are, like your "surrogate" hands.
The battery in the Oculus Touch, according to the manufacturer, lasts for 2-3 hours.
pros: excellent sound that provides 3D sound in games, good quality tracking in rooms of any size, support for mixed reality (for example, the ability to type on a real keyboard without leaving the virtual space).
Minuses: expensive games on Steam, it is difficult to install third-party applications.
What virtual reality glasses are better to buy for console games
3. Avegant Glyph
The average price is 25 000 rubles
Specifications:
- virtual reality glasses
- image is displayed on its own screen
- suitable for PC, for consoles, for smartphones
- device is compatible with Android, iOS
- display resolution for each eye 1280 × 720
- viewing angle 45 °
- Interpupillary and focal length adjustment
This versatile VR headset has a unique design, with built-in HD audio and no screen. The image is transmitted directly to the retina of the user. According to the manufacturer, immersing yourself in virtual reality with Avegant Glyph is easy, comfortable and without side effects.
This technology allows the user to be aware of what is happening around him, and at the same time enjoy the experience of virtual reality. Avegant Glyph connects to any HDMI-enabled device using a micro-HDMI cable.
pros: lack of wires, suitable for users with both normal and low vision (adjustable from +1 to -7 diopters).
Minuses: heavy (420 gr), small viewing angle.
2. Nintendo Labo VR Kit + Starter Set
The average price is 2 590 rubles
Specifications:
- Starter Kit + Blaster
With the help of Labo VR Kit, you create a mobile virtual headset made of cardboard, like the old Google Cardboard headsets. And you already insert Nintendo Switch into it.
Then you create other controllers, such as the Toy-Con blaster, and attach them to the headset to play games. It is fun and exciting, and is a great gift for a child or adult who is keen on both console games and virtual reality.
The package includes applications for the Nintendo Switch, all components for creating VR glasses and Toy-Con blaster, a holder and a protective visor.
pros: unusual, interesting and exciting, you can create your own games.
Minuses: the screen is much more granular than any other available VR headset, there is no Russian translation of the interface.
1. Playstation VR
The average price is 17 990 rubles
Specifications:
- virtual reality glasses
- image is displayed on its own screen
- suitable for consoles
- display resolution 1920 × 1080 (960 × 1080 for each eye)
- viewing angle 100 °
Sony's stylish and comfortable headset supports exclusive heavy games such as Batman: Arkham VR and Star Wars Battlefront: Rogue One X-Wing Mission, as well as famous virtual hits like Eve: Valkyrie and Job Simulator.
If you already have the best game console of 2019 - PS4 Pro - then PlayStation VR is by far the most affordable high-end VR option available. And although it has a lower resolution (1920x1080) compared to Vive or Rift, it compensates for this with a high refresh rate - up to 120 Hz depending on the game.
pros: stylish, convenient gadget, securely fixed on the head, accurate tracking.
Minuses: lenses get dirty very quickly, sound quality is not the best.
