The future is here, and it’s virtual!

Virtual reality (VR) is not only for gamers anymore. It is a strong tool that could change many parts of our lives.

It can revolutionize entertainment, education, medical treatments, and much more creating endless possibilities, you may find in different posts.

Hey, what is virtual reality or VR, and how does it work?

Users wear a headset or other device to experience a virtual world. It is different from Smart Glasses, Argument Reality, or Mixed Reality.

Although they have similar origins we will see, are not the same tech and is the reason why we covered each in separate topics.

Virtual reality (VR) is an technology that creates an incredible digital world that is very similar to our natural environment. When you wear a VR headset with one or two screens attached close to your eyes, you can immerse yourself in this lifelike environment.

These screens are equipped with lenses that focus and reshape the images for each eye, resulting in an immersive stereoscopic three-dimensional (3D) experience.

When you move your head, the headset tracks your movements and adjusts the display accordingly to ensure that your real actions are reflected in the virtual world.

The all-encompassing view provided by the headset and the ability to see and interact with motion-controlled hands or other appendages make you feel like you’ve entered another reality.

Each virtual reality system is unique in its own way. It offers the user a certain experience based on quality, performance, and various functions and features.

Now, if we are looking for the best VR system, let’s take this example. Let’s say you’re looking for the best computer or laptop.

Such as looking for the best VR system, there are lots of features starting with the brands, HP, Lenovo, etc., performance, memory, processor, graphics, etc., displays, and so on. Because there are so many options for each, you want to find the best one that suits you.

The global VR market size was projected to increase from less than 12 billion U.S. dollars in 2022 to more than 22 billion U.S. dollars by 2025 according to statista.

In the meantime, there are lots of things happening in the virtual field.

From experience a trip to the Great Wall of China or try on new clothes to shop from the comfort of your home. VR Technology also offers health treatments for disabilities, phobias, and much more.

Soon, we may replace the screens with glasses.

We encourage you to spend extra time before forming an opinion or considering options.

A Brief Introduction of the Best VR System

We want to believe that everyone is doing their best. Finding the best VR system goes a long way as they’re constantly improving.

With so many VR systems on the market, it can be difficult to know which one is best for you. To make it easier to understand this tech trend, we’ve divided it into different sections.

This helps us summarize the complexity using simple criteria.

It’s a whole new frontier of human experience with lots to come and lots to be discovered.

Suggestions are closely connected to the content. Experts, researchers, and users all agree on the best systems that offer good value.

Additionally, you’ll find updates on the latest virtual world developments and tips.

Before forming an opinion on this technology, we should understand what to look for before considering up.

Now buckle up, because we’re going to get technical. In the next sections, we’ll look at the performance metrics that distinguish the best VR system.

Here we’re talking about processing power and graphics capabilities:

a. The top systems should create detailed virtual environments without any delays or interruptions.

b. The design and ergonomics should be comfortable and intuitive. This allows users to get lost in the virtual world without getting lost in the hardware.

c. The quality of the headset’s image and sound reproduction for a truly immersive experience.

d. The price, entertainment stuff such as apps and games availability, and the industry key companies.

Let’s dive in with a few words about VR’s earliest years first.

Early Years of Virtual Reality

VR started in the late 1950s and early 1960s. Pioneers like Ivan Sutherland and Morton Heilig experimented with immersive technology.

Sega and Nintendo attempted to make VR popular in the 1980s and 1990s. They created Sega VR and Nintendo Virtual Boy, but these products were not too successful.

VR didn’t become popular until the 2010s when companies like Oculus, HTC, and Sony released better and cheaper headsets.

It’s pretty crazy to think that the roots of VR go back to the late 1950’s! It was a pretty humble beginning!

These days, VR headsets are so light that you can wear them comfortably for hours, and they can display high-resolution images in full color.

The progress in just a few decades is pretty mind-blowing.

1. Types of VR systems

Standalone VR: These headsets are standalone and don’t require a PC or a console to function. Examples: Oculus Quest 2, HTC Vive Focus, and Pico Neo.

Mobile VR: Designed for use with smartphones, these headsets use the phone’s processing power and screen. Examples: Google Cardboard, Samsung Gear VR, and Oculus Go.

PC-based VR: Headsets are connected to a powerful PC. They need specialized graphics cards and processors for high-quality VR experiences. Examples: Valve Index, HTC Vive, and Oculus Rift S.

Console-powered VR: These headsets are designed for gaming consoles such as the PlayStation VR.

Standalone and Mobile VR are easier to carry and use. PC-powered and Console-powered VR has better graphics.

Standalone and Mobile VR are cheaper and easier to use but have lower power and graphics.

Differences are a trade-off between portability, performance, and price.

There are different levels of immersion, performance, and price points for these systems. It’s important to research and understand which one fits best for you.

2. Key Features to Look For

a. Resolution:

The number of pixels on the screen determines how sharp and detailed the image is. Higher resolution means better image quality.

Most VR headsets have a resolution between 1080p and 4K. Anything below 1080p will result in a blurry, pixelated image.

b. GPU (Graphics Processing Unit):

This is the main factor for the performance of VR. It renders the complex graphics in real time. Top-tier VR systems will have a high-end GPU with at least 6GB of VRAM (Video RAM).

c. CPU (Central Processing Unit):

This is the brain of the system, driving everything from physics to artificial intelligence to audio. Look for a quad-core processor with a clock speed of at least 3 GHz.

d. FOV (Field of view)

This refers to how much of the virtual world you can see at once.

A larger field of view can create a more immersive experience.

For a truly immersive experience, aim for at least 110 degrees.

e. Refresh rate:

The number of refreshes per second. A higher refresh rate means smoother, more realistic motion.

Aim for at least 90 Hz (90 frames per second) to get smooth, judder-free motion.

f. Tracking

This refers to how accurately the headset can track your movements so you can interact more naturally with the virtual world.

Inside-out tracking (where the cameras are on the headset itself) is becoming more common which is ideal.

Outside-in tracking (where cameras are placed in the room) can provide more accurate tracking but is more cumbersome to set up.

g. Latency:

Latency is the time delay between the movement of your head and the update of the image in the headset.

Low latency which is less than 20 milliseconds or more is important to avoid motion problems and feel fully immersed in the room.

3. Controllers Matter

The controllers are how you interact with the virtual world, so they’re pretty important!

a. Some systems use handheld controllers with buttons and joysticks.

b. Others use hand tracking where you can use your hands as controllers.

Hand tracking is generally more immersive but can be less precise, even so it’s getting better.

Hand tracking is becoming more common in games. It’s improving and has a promising future in VR.

c. Certain systems provide haptic feedback through special controllers or clothing with haptic devices.

These devices make you feel touch in the virtual world, making the experience more realistic and immersive. They also give feedback on your actions.

4. The Sound of VR

The tone is critical to immersion. You want to feel like you’re really in the virtual world, and that means hearing everything around you in 3D.

Many systems from VR have built-in headphones or speakers and support for external headphones or both. Actually, most VR systems support both.

Some VR systems have built-in speakers instead of headphones. The speakers are in the headset and can make spatial audio, like headphones. They may be more comfy, but the sound may not be as immersive.

You can connect external headphones/speakers in two ways: wired (using a 3.5mm audio jack or USB) or wireless (Bluetooth/Wi-Fi).

For the best possible VR experience, it’s a good idea to use headphones or speakers that are specifically optimized for the VR headset. The external support availability gives more options and flexibility.

Then we want to check if the VR headset supports binaural audio, spatial audio, and HRTF, as these are crucial for an immersive audio experience.

Binaural audio enhances VR sound design with lifelike, 3D sound using separate channels for each ear. Spatial audio simulates sound wave interaction in virtual space and listener position.

HRTF models how sound reaches our ears from different directions. It improves binaural or spatial audio.

When these two technologies are combined It’s like your ears are in the virtual world, instead of just listening to it.

It’s important to check if the VR headset itself supports binaural, spatial audio, and HRTF.

Some VR systems have haptic audio that vibrates to mimic sound effects like footsteps or explosions.

5. Accessibility and Ease of Setup

VR systems are widely available, but some are more accessible than others.

There are two types of systems: ready-to-use and ones that require setup. Ready-to-use systems have all the necessary hardware and software built in.

Systems that require setup need cables to plug, software, drivers, and wireless or Bluetooth apps.

They all come with instructions to follow.

The standalone is quicker to set up and more portable, but may not have the same graphics or power as wired or wireless systems.

You can connect the other types by using cables like USB, HDMI, and DisplayPort. You may need to install some software, which could take a little longer to set up.

a. USB 3.0 is the most common type of connection via cable which offers a high bandwidth and low latency but can be limited by the length of the cable.

b. HDMI, which is not as common anymore for it doesn’t support the high refresh rates that newer headsets require.

c. And lastly DisplayPort is similar to HDMI but with a higher bandwidth, which is a good choice for high-end VR systems.

Cables can provide a more reliable and low-latency connection but can be cumbersome and limit movement.

Some wireless headsets also have the ability to connect via a cable for a more stable connection when needed.

Wireless options like Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are usually the quickest and easiest to set up.

Wireless devices give you more freedom, but they might have connection problems. These problems include interference and latency, which depend on your band connection.

We suggest using a wireless headset, connected to a base station with a cable when needed. This hybrid approach offers both freedom of movement and a reliable connection.

Also in some VR systems, you may need to put sensors or cameras in your room for tracking. This setup can be more difficult, but it’s worth it for better tracking.

6. The Price of Virtual Reality

VR systems come in a range of prices. Entry-level models start at $200, while high-end options like the HTC Vive Pro 2 can cost over $1,000 or $3,499 such as the latest Apple Vision Pro.

The Vision Pro however is rumored to be a mixed-reality headset, we’ll cover that with another post.

The more you spend, the more features and power you get.

However, it’s crucial to strike a good balance between your budget and what you require. Remember, you might need a robust computer or gaming console for some advanced VR systems.

To achieve optimal performance, you will need a high-end graphics card, such as a GTX. Additionally, a high-end Intel Core i7 with 8 GB RAM is necessary, and it is recommended to have 16 GB or more.

Lastly, a high-speed Internet connection, preferably fiber or cable with at least 50 Mbit/s, is required.

So, factor that in the cost even for the best VR systems.

In terms of console types, PS4 and PS5 support PlayStation VR, and PS5 supports PlayStation VB 2.

We have review posts that cover the best products for different budgets and preferences.

Our suggestions are based on thorough research and consumer experience but first, let’s not forget about the fun stuff.

7. The Fun Stuff – Entertainment, Apps and Games

The ecosystem of apps and games on each platform also affects the VR experience.

There are so many great apps and games available for VR. You can explore virtual worlds, play games, and connect with others in virtual spaces.

Some of the most popular apps and games for VR, you may have heard of:

Beat Saber: a rhythm game where you slash blocks with lightsabers to the beat of the music.

Superhot VR: a first-person shooter game where time moves only when you move.

Job Simulator: a comedic game where you experience what it’s like to work in various jobs in a virtual world.

Rec Room: a social VR app where you can hang out with friends, play games, and participate in community events.

8. VR Industry

In recent years, the virtual reality industry has grown a lot. Many companies are working on VR technologies and products.

It is difficult to name all the companies, as the potential of this area becomes clearer with every new development.

Here is an overview of the most important companies in the VR industry on the market with product exemples.

The Most Important Companies in the VR Industry:

Oculus (of Meta Platforms, Inc.) is a leading player in the VR market, known for its Oculus Rift and Oculus Quest series with the recent release of Oculus Meta Quest 3 VR headsets. These headsets offer a variety of VR experiences, including gaming and social interaction. They also have a wide selection of content.

HTC with The HTC Vive and HTC Vive Pro are well-known for their amazing virtual reality experiences. They also have excellent tracking technology that fills the entire room.

Sony with Sony’s PlayStation VR is a popular virtual reality platform for gamers using the PlayStation console. It offers many games and experiences for console players.

Valve Corporation is behind the SteamVR platform and the Valve Index VR headset. SteamVR is known for its extensive library of VR content, and the Valve Index offers a high-quality, immersive VR experience.

Microsoft has created Windows Mixed Reality, a platform for VR and mixed-reality headsets. Companies like Samsung, HP, and Dell have developed VR headsets that are compatible with Windows Mixed Reality.

Apple in 2023 introduced the Apple Vision Pro, a headset that allows users to view and interact with digital objects in a real-world environment. It features Apple’s first 3D camera and the first spatial operating system, known as Vision OS.

HP with The HP Reverb G2, a PC-powered VR headset that offers a high-resolution VR experience.

Samsung is another major technology company that has entered the VR industry. In 2015, the company launched the Gear VR powered by Meta Quest. Samsung’s VR products are specifically designed to be compatible with Galaxy mobile devices and are intended to offer a variety of VR experiences.

Pimax is famous for its VR headsets that have a wide field of view. These headsets give VR users a more immersive visual experience.

Google has made virtual reality more accessible for mobile devices with Daydream and Cardboard.

Varjo makes VR headsets for industries like aviation, car design, and healthcare. They are top-notch.

Unity Technologies offers virtual reality imaging to car manufacturers and movie makers for testing and creation.

Pico is famous in the VR industry for their immersive all-in-one VR headsets. They provide interactive VR experiences with their latest VR headset Pico 4.

There are rumors about Pico developing three new headsets to release in April 2024: Pico 5, Pico 5 Pro, and Pico 5 Pro Max.

NVIDIA is a big name in VR. They make powerful graphics cards for high processing demands. They also have VR Works, a tool that helps developers create virtual reality experiences. It provides APIs and libraries.

Qualcomm is a top company in the VR industry. They make powerful Snapdragon processors for mobile VR headsets.

AppliedVR is a company that creates digital medicines, like virtual reality therapeutics. They are leading the way in this field.

Lenovo in the late 2018 released the Lenovo Explorer VR headset and more recent, Lenovo ThinkReality VRX, and Lenovo Mirage Solo.

These are just a few examples of companies working in the VR industry. Keep in mind that the landscape is always changing. Tech giants and startups are joining the market.

According to rnrmarketresearch, the global virtual reality (VR) market will grow from US$7719.6 million in 2020 to US$26860 million in 2027, at a CAGR of 19.0% between 2021 and 2027.

Tips To Keep in Mind

To have a good VR experience, be comfortable, and know how to use the technology well.

Virtual reality can be intense, so it’s crucial to rest your eyes and brain occasionally.

Start with less intense experiences and work your way up. Think of it like training for a marathon.

Take breaks every 20-30 minutes.

Whenever possible, try to turn your body instead of using the thumbstick. If your game has a teleportation mode, use it to reduce motion intensity.

It’s also important to keep your GPU drivers up-to-date to ensure optimal performance. That means to often see if there are any upgrades available.

Same for the apps or software you may use.

Keep it clean. When you’re not using it, keep it preferably in its own box or cover, far from dust and other objects.

So…, What is the Best VR System?

In summary, the best VR system depends on the price, needs, e.g. gaming or education, and preferences, whether you prefer mobility, graphical quality, or ease of setup.

But remember, no matter which one you choose, you’re in for a wild ride through virtual worlds.

And the best part? It’s constantly evolving. New apps and games are constantly being created.

This means there are always new things to find and the experience is becoming more real and immersive.

FAQ

What is the best budget VR headset?

Best VR headset friendly budget is Meta Quest 2. Not only is friendly buget, its also worth till at the last penny. The VR offers a wide range of content, high-quality performance and is easy to use, making it popular among beginners and experts.

What is the best standalone VR headset?

Meta Quest 3 is considered to be the best standalone VR headset, due to its high performance and reasonable price.

Recommendation

Now that we understand how VR works, we can explore the top 5 we recommend, utilities, and different areas it covers.

We encourage you to make a step further with us in this journey, where we have a close look at the best products, utilities and features of this tech trend.

We value your feedback and questions, whether you’re new in the VR journey, an expert, curious or just shopping for VR.

Also we invite you to contact us for possible improvements or corrections to the website.

Please feel free to do so, by leaving a comment below or by email.

Our team is dedicated to assisting you with answers and in making informed choices to enhance your VR experience.

We can create a better world together!

All the best,

Leonard