Have you ever wanted to be an Avenger? How about wandering through a dark dungeon, feeling its reality with all the cells of your body, or fighting your worst fear? Virtual reality is the way to fulfill these and many other desires.
We've looked at user reviews and expert opinions from Tech Radar, CNET, and Tom's Guide about the most popular VR glasses available for gaming PCs, smartphones and consoles, and we'll show you how to choose VR glasses that are ideal for price and performance.
The cheapest virtual reality glasses for smartphones under 2000 rubles
3. BOBOVR Z5
Average price - 1,822 rubles
Characteristics:
- virtual reality glasses
- the image is displayed on the smartphone screen
- suitable for smartphones with a diagonal of 4.7 - 6.2 ″
- device compatible with Android
- viewing angle 120 °
- adjustment of interpupillary and focal lengths
If you are interested in what virtual reality glasses are better to choose without overpaying a lot of money for a famous brand and unnecessary options, then the answer is in front of you.
The BOBOVR Z5 has a wide viewing angle and is equipped with built-in headphones. It sits comfortably on the head and does not put pressure, even with prolonged wear.
pros: light weight - 350 g, complete with the 2017 version there is a remote control (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 to control playback and sound, they are inconvenient to use during operation.
2. HIPER VRX
Average price - 841 rubles
Characteristics:
- virtual reality glasses
- the image is displayed on the smartphone screen
- suitable for smartphones with a diagonal of 4.3 - 6 "
- device is compatible with Android, iOS
- adjustment of interpupillary and focal lengths
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 and right.
Also very comfortable is the soft and adjustable strap that allows the HIPER VRX to stay on your head.
Another advantage of this model in comparison with cheaper competitors is the presence of a magnetic button for control in games. By moving the magnet downwards, you simulate a tap on the screen. This will allow, for example, to confirm the action in the game.
pros: light weight (360 g), high-quality assembly, there are special holes for the output of wires.
Minuses: The smartphone mount quickly breaks down as it is a sticky silicone pad. In addition, it is inconvenient, since you constantly have to tear off and re-glue the smartphone.
1. HOMIDO Grab
Average price - 990 rubles
Characteristics:
- virtual reality glasses
- the 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 °
Made of soft-touch plastic, these goggles have a comfortable phone holder, and the rim around the eyes is made of dense rubber to minimize discomfort during prolonged wear.
The HOMIDO Grab lid opens 90 degrees so you can easily fit your phone inside.
These simple VR glasses are perfect for exploring the world of 3D video as well as viewing 360 ° photos.
pros: light weight, many colors, magnetometer included.
Minuses: no head mount, you have to hold the glasses with your hands, no lens adjustment.
Best VR glasses for smartphones for price and quality
3. Xiaomi Mi VR Play 2
Average price - 2 190 rubles
Characteristics:
- virtual reality glasses
- the 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, it doesn't come with a dedicated virtual reality controller like the Samsung Galaxy Gear VR or Google Daydream.
The headset itself is lightweight (183 grams) and relatively comfortable, with plenty of padding around the mask area. The Velcro strap is easy to adjust and its soft material prevents it from irritating the user's skin.
It is important to consider the level of immersion when looking at this headset. It won't give you an advanced virtual reality experience. Its price range sits directly between the best VR headsets for smartphones like the Samsung Gear VR and cheaper options like Google Cardboard kits.
pros: Sturdy, tactile-friendly material, compatible with Google Cardboard VR apps.
Minuses: no interpupillary lens adjustment.
2. Google Daydream View (2017)
Average price - 8 900 rubles
Characteristics:
- virtual reality glasses
- the image is displayed on the smartphone screen
- suitable for smartphones
- device compatible with Android
- viewing angle 100 °
This is one of the most comfortable headsets currently available. The latest version of Daydream View comes in three attractive colors (including a stunning coral).
One of the biggest changes in the 2017 View is the wider field of view (from 90 degrees to 100), which improves immersion and puts these glasses on par with the Samsung Gear VR.
Google is also constantly expanding its content library with over 200 titles of VR games and applications. To increase the device's user base, Google has expanded its catalog of compatible phones. So, in addition to Pixel and Pixel XL, you can use Daydream View with one of the the best smartphones of 2019 according to Roskachestvo - 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 (261g), convenient game controller included.
Minuses: lack of embedded audio.
1. Samsung Gear VR
Average price - 7,170 rubles
Characteristics:
- virtual reality glasses
- the image is displayed on the smartphone screen
- suitable for smartphones
- device compatible with Android
- viewing angle 101 °
- focal length adjustment
Samsung Gear VR continues to be one of the most popular mobile VR headsets on the market. But this does not mean that the South Korean manufacturer is resting on its laurels.
The latest version of Gear VR introduces a controller, giving you a tactile experience that traditional gamepads can't match.
You can also use your voice to launch apps, re-center your position, or search.
Thanks to Samsung's partnership with Oculus, the Oculus Store has over 600 apps that this headset is compatible with. And every month there are more and more of them, both paid and free.
The performance of a headset depends entirely on the phone you install in it. Not a problem considering the power best Samsung phones... However, if you're using an older Galaxy phone, your VR travel experience may not be as impressive as expected.
pros: simple interface, user-friendly design, precise and responsive controller.
Minuses: not regulated interpupillary distance, presses on the head.
The best virtual reality glasses for PC
3. HTC Vive
Average price - 44,990 rubles
Characteristics:
- virtual reality glasses
- the image is displayed on its own screen
- suitable for pc
- display resolution 2160 × 1200 (1200 × 1080 for each eye)
- viewing angle 110 °
- adjustment of interpupillary and focal lengths
This model stands out for a number of key features, including the presence of Lighthouse positioning stations. Inside each of these stations are infrared LEDs that flash 60 times per second. Sensors on the helmet and controllers track these flashes, and the system counts the time between signals. This data allows HTC Vive to track the position and movement of the user as accurately as possible.
HTC also gives you the ability to access your phone while in virtual reality mode, as well as a front-facing camera that lets you see the real world when needed.
The Vive debuted a number of innovative accessories, including the Vive Trackers, which allow you to carry real-world objects like tennis rackets into a virtual world.
pros: lightweight helmet that is almost imperceptible on the head, excellent picture quality, integration with Steam.
Minuses: high price, massive cord that is easy to get your foot on (wireless module costs about $ 300), requires a powerful gaming PC with a good graphics card (GTX 1050 Ti can't do it).
2. Oculus Rift CV1
Average price - 41,990 rubles
Characteristics:
- virtual reality glasses
- the 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 the best experience, you'll need a gaming PC with some pretty powerful specs.
Oculus Rift CV1 touch controllers are by far the most convenient for long gaming sessions in the virtual space. The movement feels smooth and natural. You can also buy Oculus headphones for the ultimate virtual experience.
Since the launch of Rift, Oculus has expanded its library to over 1,000 games, including games from AAA game developers like Insomniac Games, Ubisoft, and Harmonix. In addition, the company has funded projects for many developers, maintaining a constant stream of content. And since Facebook owns Oculus VR, the company is constantly working to make virtual interactions more social through multiplayer games.
pros: easy setup, solid library of virtual games and applications, intuitive interface.
Minuses: demanding on computer hardware, high price, the front side is prone to scratches, expensive games.
1. Oculus Quest
Average price - 37 400 rubles
Characteristics:
- virtual reality glasses
- independent device
- the image is displayed on its own screen
- display resolution 3200 × 1440 (1600x1440 for each eye)
- viewing angle 100 °
- interpupillary distance adjustment
The best glasses in the 2019 ranking of virtual reality are a fully self-contained headset, which means they have no wire. At the same time, the headset supports a full six-axis tracking 6 DoF, like a fellow Oculus Rift.
With built-in sensors and smart computer algorithms, you can walk around your chosen play 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 is rapidly expanding its repertoire. Some of the games are multiplayer or have a cross-buy feature that will allow you to play with Oculus Rift and Go owners.
But the cherry on top is a casting feature that lets you share your VR experience with others by streaming the image to your smartphone or TV.
Oculus Touch controllers are still the best in the business.They are comfortable and lightweight, 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, works for 2-3 hours.
pros: Superior sound for 3D gaming, good tracking in any size room, mixed reality support (for example, the ability to type on a real keyboard without leaving the virtual space).
Minuses: Expensive games on Steam, difficult to install third-party applications.
Which virtual reality glasses are better to buy for console games
3. Avegant Glyph
Average price - 25,000 rubles
Characteristics:
- virtual reality glasses
- the 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 °
- adjustment of interpupillary and focal lengths
This versatile VR headset has a unique design, with built-in HD audio and no screen. The image is broadcast directly to the user's retina. According to the manufacturer, immersing yourself in virtual reality using 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. The Avegant Glyph connects to any HDMI-enabled device using a micro-HDMI cable.
pros: no wires, suitable for users with both normal and low vision (adjustable from +1 to -7 diopters).
Minuses: heavy (420 g), small viewing angle.
2. Nintendo Labo VR Kit + Starter Set
Average price - 2,590 rubles
Characteristics:
- Starter kit + blaster
With Labo VR Kit, you create a mobile virtual headset out of cardboard just like the old Google Cardboard headsets. And you already insert the Nintendo Switch into it.
Then you create other controllers, like the Toy-Con Blaster, and attach them to your headset to play games. It's fun and exciting and makes a great gift for a child or adult who is into both console games and virtual reality.
Included are Nintendo Switch apps, all the components for building a VR headset and Toy-Con blaster, a holder and a protective visor.
pros: unusual, interesting and fun, you can create your own games.
Minuses: The screen is much grander than any other available VR headset, there is no Russian translation of the interface.
1. Playstation VR
Average price - 17,990 rubles
Characteristics:
- virtual reality glasses
- the image is displayed on its own screen
- suitable for consoles
- display resolution 1920 × 1080 (960 × 1080 for each eye)
- viewing angle 100 °
Stylish and comfortable, the Sony headset supports exclusive heavy-duty games like 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 best game console of 2019 PS4 Pro - The PlayStation VR is by far the most affordable high-end VR option out there. And although it has a lower resolution (1920x1080) compared to the 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.