Comparison of VR headsets available in the market

VR headsets have made significant progress since the introduction of the Oculus Rift and HTC Vive six years ago. The Meta Quest 2 has been in the market for two years and has demonstrated remarkable portability and VR capabilities. Moreover, if you desire a more interactive and immersive experience, high-end PC headsets are becoming increasingly affordable and accessible at major retail stores. Although the VR market as a whole hasn't undergone substantial changes since last year (excluding the somewhat underwhelming Meta Quest Pro), there are abundant VR experiences available to explore.

In 2023, we can see more virtual reality headsets on the market than ever before. In this article, we try to make a comparison between these headsets.

VR headsets to look out for in 2023:

1. Bigscreen Beyond: This super-light, wired PC VR headset stands out for its small size and weight. It utilizes high-resolution OLED microdisplays and pancake lenses, offering a comfortable wearing experience. However, it requires SteamVR tracking and does not include base stations or controllers in the price.
2. HTC Vive XR Elite: HTC's all-in-one flagship headset combines the strengths of its predecessors, offering full VR capabilities, standalone operation, and mixed reality features. It features modular design with a removable battery and supports wired and wireless PC VR streaming. It aims to deliver an improved VR experience compared to previous models.
3. Lynx R1: Initially delayed due to supply chain issues, the Lynx R1 is designed for Mixed Reality applications. It is similar to the Meta Quest Pro in terms of technology but comes at a more affordable price. While hand tracking is currently available, VR controllers are planned for later release.
4. Meta Quest 3: Expected to be one of the top VR headsets on the market, the Meta Quest 3 (formerly Oculus Quest) offers wireless design, a wide gaming library, and improved visuals and performance compared to its predecessors. It is smaller and lighter than the Quest 2, utilizes "Pancake" lenses, and is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chip.
5. Shiftall MeganeX: Formerly a Panasonic prototype, the Shiftall MeganeX is now a PCVR headset designed for longer sessions. It features a lightweight design, Micro OLED 5.2K display, pancake lenses, and inside-out and outside-in tracking systems. It offers compatibility with SteamVR games and accessories.
6. Somnium VR1: The Somnium VR1 aims to deliver a cutting-edge virtual reality experience with its wide field of view, high-resolution display, pass-through camera technology, and eye tracking for foveated rendering. It is lightweight, comfortable, and customizable. Pricing, availability, and software details will be announced later.
7. Sony Playstation VR 2: The second generation of Playstation VR addresses the shortcomings of the first system with improved technology, dedicated VR controllers, eye tracking, and head haptics. It features an OLED display, adjustable lens separation, and a wide field of view. It communicates with the PS5 via USB Type-C.
8. Apple Vision Pro: Apple's VR headset boasts impressive hardware, including high-resolution panels, precise eye tracking, and gesture control. It features a comfortable design, real-time passthrough, and readable text thanks to its resolution. It aims to provide a superior VR experience with a focus on attention to detail, but comes at a higher price point.