Virtual reality has finally reached the point where I can recommend specific devices without a dozen caveats. When I talk about the best VR headsets 2024 has to offer, I am not talking about experimental toys. I am talking about serious tools for gaming, creation, work, and education that can fit different budgets and setups.
In this guide, I walk through what I consider the best VR headsets of 2024, why each one stands out, and how to decide which is right for you. I will focus on real trade‑offs like comfort, tracking, content libraries, and price, rather than just raw specs.
How I Chose The Best VR Headsets 2024
Before I get into individual models, it helps to be clear about what I looked for and why these specific headsets made the cut.
I prioritized:
- Visual clarity and comfort during long sessions
- Strong game and app libraries
- Reliable tracking and intuitive controls
- Reasonable setup complexity
- Value for money in the current market
I also separated headsets into three main categories, because what is “best” depends a lot on how you plan to use VR.
- Standalone headsets that work without a PC or console
- Console or PC‑tethered headsets that rely on powerful external hardware
- High‑end mixed reality devices that blur the line between VR and productivity tools
With that in mind, here is how each major headset fits into the 2024 landscape.
Meta Quest 3: Best Overall For Most People
When people ask me what to buy first, the Meta Quest 3 is usually my answer. It delivers the best blend of price, performance, and convenience in 2024.
According to both PCMag and CNET, the Meta Quest 3 is the top overall standalone VR headset this year. It has a high‑resolution display, a Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 processor, and high‑resolution color pass‑through cameras that enable convincing mixed reality experiences (PCMag, CNET).
Why The Quest 3 Stands Out
What sets the Quest 3 apart for me is how little friction there is between taking it out of the box and being inside a VR world. There are no wires to a PC, no base stations to mount, and no external tracking hardware to configure. I can put it on, draw a quick boundary, and be playing within minutes.
The visual experience is a clear step up from mainstream headsets of previous years. The lenses are sharper and clearer than the Quest 2, which cuts down on blurriness at the edges. The display resolution is higher as well, so text in apps and HUD elements in games are much easier to read.
Meta also redesigned the controllers to be smaller with improved haptics, so in‑game actions feel more precise and expressive. That matters in rhythm games, shooters, and creative tools where feedback needs to feel natural.
Who The Quest 3 Is Best For
I think the Meta Quest 3 is the best fit if you:
- Want one headset that can do a bit of everything
- Care about an easy setup and wireless freedom
- Play social VR or games like VRChat
- Are curious about mixed reality games and apps
It hits a sweet spot. At around 500 dollars, it is far less expensive than ultra‑high‑end devices like Apple Vision Pro, but it still feels like a genuine next‑generation experience (CNET).
If you have a capable gaming PC, you can also connect the Quest 3 to it and run PC VR titles, which stretches its value even further.
Meta Quest 3S: Best Budget VR Headset 2024
If price is your main concern and you want the best vr headsets 2024 can offer at the lower end of the budget spectrum, the Meta Quest 3S is where I would start looking.
PCMag calls the Quest 3S the best affordable standalone VR headset for 2024 (PCMag). CNET also highlights it as the best affordable option around 300 dollars, noting that it brings over many of the Quest 3’s core features while cutting costs in smart places (CNET).
Where The Quest 3S Saves Money
The Quest 3S is not just a Quest 3 with a lower price tag. It makes some clear compromises:
- The display is an LCD inherited from the Quest 2 rather than the higher‑end panel in the Quest 3
- The lenses are Fresnel, which are more prone to god rays and glare compared with the newer optics in the Quest 3
- The field of view is slightly narrower
In day‑to‑day use, what I notice most is that the picture is not quite as sharp and the image does not feel as expansive as on the Quest 3. But the core experience is surprisingly close, especially for casual gaming, fitness apps, and social VR.
One nice surprise is that it reportedly excels in hand tracking in low light, which is handy when you want controller‑free experiences (CNET).
Who The Quest 3S Is Best For
I would recommend the Quest 3S if you:
- Want a low‑cost entry into VR without giving up standalone freedom
- Plan to play mostly casual games and experiences, not obsess over pixel‑level clarity
- Are buying for kids or teens and want to limit your hardware spend
- Prefer something you can set up quickly and not think too much about
You are mainly trading visual polish for price. If your budget can stretch to the Quest 3, I still think the upgrade is worth it. But if it cannot, the Quest 3S delivers a lot of VR for the money.
PlayStation VR2: Best For Console Gamers
If you already own a PlayStation 5 and your main interest is gaming, I consider the Sony PlayStation VR2 one of the most compelling options in 2024.
PCMag names it the best VR headset for PlayStation 5 gamers, emphasizing its sharp OLED display and significantly improved tracking and sound over the original PS VR (PCMag). CNET also positions it as the best high‑end console gaming VR headset, with PC‑level benefits, and notes that it has been seen on sale around 300 dollars during holidays (CNET).
Why PS VR2 Feels So Immersive
What stands out immediately with PS VR2 is the display quality and the way it integrates with the DualSense‑style VR controllers.
The headset features an HDR OLED screen with 2,000 by 2,040 pixels per eye. That combination of resolution, deep blacks, and vivid colors makes games like Gran Turismo 7 and Horizon: Call of the Mountain look incredible. On top of that, eye tracking allows for foveated rendering, which can boost performance by focusing visual detail where you are actually looking.
The controllers have adaptive triggers and haptics that mirror what you get on the PS5 DualSense. That means pulling a bowstring or feeling recoil in VR is both visually and physically convincing.
Key Trade‑Offs With PS VR2
Although the experience is impressive, it comes with constraints.
The biggest one is that PS VR2 is tethered. You need a PlayStation 5, and the headset connects by cable. There is no standalone mode. So if your dream VR setup involves walking freely around a room with no wires, PS VR2 will feel more limiting than a Quest.
You are also confined to the PlayStation ecosystem. That is not a bad thing if you want console polish and exclusives, but you will not be using this headset for PC VR or general‑purpose productivity.
Who PS VR2 Is Best For
I find PS VR2 easiest to recommend to people who:
- Already own or plan to buy a PlayStation 5
- Want console‑quality VR games with minimal tweaking
- Value high‑end visuals and strong first‑party titles
- Do not mind a tethered cable in exchange for better graphics
If your goal is simply the best vr headsets 2024 can offer for pure gaming and you are happy to live inside Sony’s world, PS VR2 is a top choice.
HTC Vive Pro 2: Best For High‑End PC VR
For enthusiasts who want the highest‑resolution PC‑tethered VR right now, the HTC Vive Pro 2 deserves a serious look.
PCMag notes that the Vive Pro 2 offers 2,448 by 2,448 pixels per eye, which is currently one of the highest resolutions you can get in a mainstream VR headset (PCMag). It is a device aimed squarely at high‑end PC gamers, sim racers, and flight sim fans who want every possible detail rendered crisply.
What Makes The Vive Pro 2 Special
Resolution matters a lot in cockpit‑style games or detailed design work. With the Vive Pro 2, instrument panels, distant road signs, and interface text become much easier to read. Combined with a broad field of view, it makes VR feel more like looking out of a real window and less like peering through a porthole.
The Vive ecosystem is also built for more serious setups. It supports external base stations for precise tracking, various controller options, and accessories suited to arcades, training centers, and simulation rigs. If you want to build a dedicated VR room and fine‑tune every aspect, this platform is comfortable with that level of complexity.
Cost And Complexity Considerations
That power is not cheap. PCMag points out that the Vive Pro 2’s full kit can cost more than 1,300 dollars, and that does not include the high‑end PC you need to drive it (PCMag). The installation process is also more involved than a standalone headset.
You will likely need to:
- Mount base stations or tracking units
- Configure SteamVR and graphics settings
- Troubleshoot occasional driver or tracking quirks
If you just want to casually hop into VRChat or Beat Saber, this is more than you need.
Who The Vive Pro 2 Is Best For
I would aim the Vive Pro 2 at users who:
- Already own or plan to buy a powerful gaming PC
- Play a lot of racing or flight simulators
- Care about maximum resolution and tracking precision
- Are comfortable tinkering with hardware and settings
If you fit that profile, the Vive Pro 2 can deliver one of the most detailed and immersive VR experiences available today.
Apple Vision Pro: Most Advanced Mixed Reality
Apple Vision Pro sits in a category of its own in 2024. It is less a straightforward gaming headset and more a high‑end mixed reality computer you wear on your face.
PCMag calls it the most advanced mixed reality headset on the market, pointing to its eye and hand tracking and spatial computing interface (PCMag). CNET describes it as the leading standalone high‑end mixed reality headset, with 4K micro‑OLED displays and a powerful M‑series processor, but also notes that its price and tethered battery pack limit it mainly to professionals and early adopters (CNET).
How Vision Pro Changes The Experience
What has impressed me most about Vision Pro is the control scheme. Instead of relying primarily on handheld controllers, it leans heavily on eye tracking and hand gestures. That means you can select and manipulate objects by looking at them and making small finger movements. It feels closer to using a futuristic desktop than playing with a console.
The displays are also extremely sharp, with each eye getting a 4K‑level image. That makes long reading sessions, productivity apps, and detailed 3D visualization more comfortable than on most consumer headsets. On top of that, you can run iOS and iPad apps, which turns the device into a kind of floating multi‑monitor workstation.
The Big Catch: Price And Purpose
The obvious drawback is cost. PCMag quotes a price around 3,500 dollars and CNET mentions a roughly 3,000 dollar level, either way it is an order of magnitude more expensive than mainstream VR headsets (PCMag, CNET). There is also a tethered battery, which affects ergonomics.
For pure gaming, I do not consider Vision Pro a value choice. If your main goal is playing VR games or social apps, the Quest 3 or PS VR2 will meet your needs at a fraction of the price.
Where Vision Pro makes sense is if you:
- Want to experiment with spatial computing for work
- Plan to build or test mixed reality applications
- Need an ultra‑high‑end device for design, visualization, or virtual office setups
- Have a budget aligned with professional or enterprise hardware
It is arguably the most advanced headset in this list, but not the one I would call “best” for most people.
Future Watch: Valve Steam Frame VR
One device I have an eye on, even though it is not out yet, is Valve’s rumored Steam Frame VR headset.
CNET reports that this standalone VR device is expected around 2026 and is likely to support both Steam 2D and VR games, streaming from PCs, and controllers with a full d‑pad and buttons. It is expected to run on SteamOS, which would make it a kind of Steam Deck for VR in standalone form (CNET).
Since it is not available in 2024, I do not factor it into my “best vr headsets 2024” recommendations. But if you are someone who likes to plan ahead, it is a platform to watch, especially if you prefer Valve’s ecosystem and already invest heavily in Steam games.
Standalone vs Tethered: Which Is Better For You
Across all these headsets, the decision often comes down to standalone freedom versus tethered performance. I find it helpful to think about a few key questions.
If you choose a standalone device like Quest 3 or Quest 3S, you get:
- Wireless freedom to move around
- Quick setup with no PC or console required
- Portability for travel or different rooms
You give up some graphical fidelity compared to high‑end PC VR, but for many people the convenience outweighs that trade‑off.
If you choose a tethered device like PS VR2 or Vive Pro 2, you get:
- Higher graphical quality and more complex game worlds
- Access to deep PC or console libraries
- Better performance for simulation and serious applications
In return, you accept cables, more complex setups, and being tied to a single spot.
Apple Vision Pro is a bit of a hybrid, with a standalone brain but a tethered battery and a focus on spatial computing rather than pure gaming.
There is no one right answer here. The best choice really comes down to how often you plan to use VR, what you want to do in it, and how much friction you are willing to tolerate.
Quick Comparison Of The Top Headsets
To put everything into perspective, here is a concise comparison of the main contenders discussed above.
| Headset | Best For | Platform | Key Strengths | Main Drawbacks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Meta Quest 3 | Most people, mixed use | Standalone, optional PC link | Great overall value, clear lenses, mixed reality pass‑through, strong library | Not as high‑end as PC‑only rigs or Vision Pro |
| Meta Quest 3S | Budget buyers, beginners | Standalone | Low price, good hand tracking, similar experience to Quest 3 | Lower‑quality LCD, Fresnel lenses, narrower FOV |
| PlayStation VR2 | Console gamers | PS5 tethered | HDR OLED, eye tracking, strong exclusives, adaptive controllers (PCMag, CNET) | Requires PS5, wired, PlayStation ecosystem only |
| HTC Vive Pro 2 | High‑end PC VR, sim fans | PC tethered | Very high resolution, precise tracking, flexible setups (PCMag) | Expensive, needs powerful PC, complex setup |
| Apple Vision Pro | Early adopters, MR pros | Standalone spatial computer | 4K micro‑OLED per eye, eye and hand tracking, runs iOS and iPad apps (PCMag, CNET) | Extremely expensive, battery tether, overkill for casual gaming |
How To Choose The Right Headset For You
When I help someone pick among the best vr headsets 2024 offers, I usually walk through three practical questions.
1. What Will You Actually Do In VR?
If you mostly want games, especially console‑style experiences, PS VR2 is hard to beat if you have a PS5. If you want a little bit of everything, including fitness apps and social spaces, Quest 3 is more flexible.
For sim racing, flight sims, or detailed design work, I look at Vive Pro 2 or similar PC‑tethered headsets. For productivity and experimental mixed reality, Vision Pro is the strongest, though not the most economical.
2. What Is Your Realistic Budget?
It is easy to get swept up in specs and forget that you might also need a PC or a console.
- On a tight budget, a Quest 3S gives you a solid standalone experience
- With more to spend, the Quest 3 offers a better long‑term investment
- If you have a PS5 already, PS VR2’s effective cost may be more reasonable
- If you need a powerful PC for work or gaming anyway, investing in a PC VR headset starts to make more sense
If the total system cost starts to approach Vision Pro territory, then you should be very clear about whether you actually need its unique features.
3. How Much Setup Are You Willing To Handle?
If you want VR to feel as casual as watching a TV show, standalone devices win every time. If you enjoy fine‑tuning settings, building rigs, and squeezing every bit of performance out of a GPU, then PC VR can be more rewarding.
Personally, I tend to favor standalone headsets for daily use and keep tethered setups for more deliberate, planned sessions.
Final Thoughts
2024 is a strong year for VR. The Meta Quest 3 gives most people a straightforward answer to the question of which headset to buy first, while the Quest 3S opens the door for budget‑conscious newcomers. On the higher end, PS VR2, HTC Vive Pro 2, and Apple Vision Pro serve very different but equally clear purposes, from console gaming to professional mixed reality.
If you are unsure where to start, I would try to match one primary use case to one headset, rather than chasing every possible scenario with a single device. Once you know whether you care more about games, creation, work, or simulation, choosing among the best VR headsets 2024 offers becomes much easier.