Virtual reality technology has continued to develop, offering a variety of headsets for casual users, gamers, and professionals. In 2025, the VR landscape includes options for standalone freedom as well as tethered performance, each designed to deliver immersive experiences with varying levels of graphical fidelity, motion tracking, and user control.
People has been testing VR devices since the original Oculus Rift Development Kit, reviewing every major headset along the way. Over the years, coverage has expanded to include experimental AR devices and smart glasses, though the focus remains on consumer-ready VR hardware. The current market offers models like the entry-level Meta Quest 3S and high-end devices such as the Apple Vision Pro, catering to a wide range of budgets and user requirements.
Best Gaming VR Headsets in 2025
Best Gaming VR Headsets in 2025
Apple Vision Pro
Top VR Headsets for 2025
Meta Quest 3 – Best Standalone VR Headset
- Rating: 4.5/5
- Pros: Color passthrough cameras, high-resolution display, powerful processor, comfortable
- Cons: Short battery life, lacks eye-tracking
The Meta Quest 3 offers a sharp and wide display with color passthrough cameras for mixed reality. Powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 processor, it provides a high-quality standalone VR experience without cables. It is ideal for users seeking convenience without sacrificing graphics or performance.
Specs: 6DOF motion tracking, 120Hz refresh rate, 2,064 × 2,208 resolution per eye, Meta Quest Touch controllers.
Check out the Meta Quest 3 now on Amazon.
Meta Quest 3S – Best Affordable VR Headset
- Rating: 4.5/5
- Pros: Affordable, fast processor, works standalone or tethered
- Cons: Grainy display, controllers must stay in view
The Quest 3S is a budget-friendly option for those new to VR. It shares the same processor as the Quest 3 but with a slightly lower-resolution display. It is suitable for casual VR users seeking a complete experience at a lower price.
Specs: 6DOF motion tracking, 120Hz refresh rate, 1,832 × 1,920 resolution per eye, Meta Quest Touch controllers.
Check out the Meta Quest 3S now on Amazon.
Sony PlayStation VR2 – Best for PlayStation 5 Gamers
- Rating: 4.5/5
- Pros: Eye-tracking, excellent graphics and sound, lightweight
- Cons: No backward compatibility, high price
The PlayStation VR2 combines the PS5’s power with eye-tracking and motion controls. Its OLED display delivers 2,000 × 2,040 pixels per eye, making it a strong choice for dedicated PlayStation gamers.
Specs: 6DOF motion tracking, 120Hz refresh rate, PS VR2 Sense controllers, tethered to PS5.
Check out the now Sony PlayStation VR2 on Amazon.
Valve Index VR Kit – Best Controllers
- Rating: 4.0/5
- Pros: Finger-tracking controllers, smooth 120Hz refresh rate, large software library
- Cons: Expensive, tethered design
The Valve Index excels with innovative controllers that track individual finger movements. Tethered to a PC, it delivers smooth graphics and access to a broad VR library via SteamVR.
Specs: 6DOF motion tracking, 120Hz refresh rate, Valve Index Controllers, PC platform.
Check out the Valve Index VR Kit on now on Amazon.
Apple Vision Pro – Best AR/VR Interface
- Rating: 4.0/5
- Pros: Eye and hand tracking, sharp display, no physical controllers needed
- Cons: Expensive, short battery life, front-heavy design
The Vision Pro functions as both a VR and AR device, relying entirely on eye and hand tracking. It runs on VisionOS and offers an intuitive interface for both work and entertainment, though its high price limits accessibility.
Specs: 6DOF motion tracking, 100Hz refresh rate, 22 million pixels, Apple M2 platform.
Check out the Apple Vision Pro now on Amazon.
Meta Quest Pro – Best for Pros and Enthusiasts
- Rating: 4.0/5
- Pros: Comfortable design, eye- and face-tracking, standalone operation
- Cons: Expensive, short battery life
The Quest Pro is geared toward professionals and enthusiasts. It supports advanced eye-tracking and face-tracking, offering a premium standalone VR experience without a PC.
Specs: 6DOF motion tracking, 90Hz refresh rate, 1,920 × 1,800 resolution per eye, motion controllers.
Check out the Meta Quest Pro now on Amazon.
HTC Vive Pro 2 – Best for High-Resolution VR
- Rating: 4.0/5
- Pros: High-resolution display, smooth motion tracking
- Cons: Expensive, base stations not included
The Vive Pro 2 delivers one of the sharpest VR displays at 2,448 × 2,448 pixels per eye. Tethered to a PC, it is suitable for enthusiasts and professionals seeking detailed visuals.
Specs: 6DOF motion tracking, 120Hz refresh rate, SteamVR compatible.
Check out the HTC Vive Pro 2 now on Amazon.
Buying Guide: Choosing the Right VR Headset
Modern VR headsets fall into two main categories: tethered and standalone.
- Tethered headsets connect to PCs or consoles. They provide higher performance and graphics quality but limit mobility due to cables. Examples include the HTC Vive Pro 2, PlayStation VR2, and Valve Index. They require additional hardware such as powerful PCs or consoles.
- Standalone headsets operate without a tethered device, offering greater freedom. The Meta Quest 3, Quest 3S, Quest Pro, and Apple Vision Pro use high-end mobile processors to deliver smooth graphics and support motion tracking. Some can also connect to PCs for additional content.
VR and the Metaverse
Meta promotes its Quest devices as entry points to the “metaverse,” though user adoption remains limited. Platforms like Roblox and VRChat offer more established virtual experiences without explicitly branding themselves as part of a metaverse. Quest devices remain the most accessible hardware for exploring these platforms.
AR Headsets
Augmented reality headsets like Microsoft HoloLens and Magic Leap One are primarily development devices. They use transparent lenses to overlay digital images onto real-world views, unlike VR headsets that fully replace the user’s vision. Consumer-friendly AR experiences are still limited, though Apple Vision Pro and Meta Quest Pro bring some AR features to a broader audience.
Make sure to check out our articles on best gaming gadgets in 2025:
Best Apple Products for Gaming
Best Nintendo Switch Accessories
Best Gaming Androids (phones)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between standalone and tethered VR headsets?
Standalone VR headsets operate without external hardware, offering untethered use with built-in processors. Tethered VR headsets connect to PCs or consoles and rely on external devices for graphics processing, providing higher performance and graphical fidelity.
Which VR headset is best for beginners?
The Meta Quest 3S is an affordable option for newcomers, providing a complete VR experience with both standalone and PC-tethered capabilities.
Can you play PC VR games on standalone headsets?
Yes, some standalone headsets like the Meta Quest 3 and Quest 3S can connect to a PC via a cable or wireless link to access PC VR content.
Are AR and VR headsets the same?
No. AR headsets overlay digital images onto the real world using transparent lenses, while VR headsets fully replace the user’s vision with a digital environment. Some devices, such as the Apple Vision Pro, combine both VR and AR features.
Which VR headset is suitable for the metaverse?
Meta Quest devices are the most accessible for exploring Meta’s metaverse applications. Other platforms like Roblox or VRChat can also be accessed with a range of VR hardware, depending on user preference.
