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If you want to see for yourself what VR video is all about and have decided to buy your first virtual reality headset, then this article will be very useful to you.
First, it is worth clarifying that when making recommendations for VR headsets, we proceeded precisely from the convenience of watching VR videos. For this reason, the list did not include wired PC VR headsets. Only wireless, autonomous (standalone) headsets. Some PC virtual reality headsets may have better displays, resolution and viewing angle (FOV) than the one we offer. However, it is the wireless models that will provide you with the simplest and most convenient way to watch VR videos.
The best VR headset options for their price
Video for virtual reality is shot in very high quality. For this reason, there is a baseline level of display resolution that VR headsets must meet. Otherwise, it would be as unreasonable as watching 4K video on a small smartphone screen.
There are currently two VR headset models that have the necessary characteristics for modern VR video formats and won’t break the bank. These are the Oculus Quest 2 and the Pico 4. The previous models from these manufacturers (Quest 1, Pico 3, etc.) are not worth considering. They have low resolution displays and have already been discontinued.
The Pico 4 has slightly better image quality and viewing angle than the Quest 2. However, the Quest 2 will be better when it comes to the quality of the headset itself and the software for it. There are also many more games and apps available for Quest 2.
If you plan to use the headset in Standalone mode only for videos and games that run in the headset itself, the Quest 2 will suit you better. On the other hand, if you plan to connect the VR headset to a PC and use it as a PC VR headset, the Pico 4 looks like a better option for the same price.
The most advanced VR headsets for virtual reality videos
If you are not satisfied with the last generation models and want the most advanced VR headsets, you should choose between Meta Quest 3 and Pico 4 Ultra. In this case, you will not only have more performance, but also new features.
Quest 3 is superior to Quest 2 in every way. More display resolution, more viewing angles, more performance. The Pico 4 Ultra doesn’t outperform the past Pico 4 model by much in this regard. However, both of these VR headsets have a very important option – a color, binocular through-camera mode.
VR headsets for Passthrough video in virtual reality
There is a separate format of VR video, which is filmed on a special, monochromatic background. Subsequently, this background can be replaced with an image from the VR headset’s through-cameras. In this way, you can achieve the presence of any object from the video, right inside your real environment.
Quest 3 and Pico 4 Ultra are the first Standalone, consumer VR headsets with dedicated cameras for full passthrough viewing mode. In this mode, you can see what’s happening around you in the real world without removing the headset from your head.
In these models, the passthrough image is not only color, but also binocular. This means that if you enable passthrough video in Quest 3 and Pico 4 Ultra you will be able to see your surroundings in 3D and color. For comparison, similar functionality is available in Quest 2 and Pico 4, but there the passthrough image from the cameras will be of terrible quality and not three-dimensional. In the case of the Quest 2, it will also be in grayscale.
The most expensive VR headset for virtual reality videos
Speaking of virtual reality video, you can’t go past the Apple Vision Pro, the most expensive consumer (non-business) VR headset.
Apple positions its virtual reality headset as an MR device for work primarily, but you can also watch VR videos on it. Moreover, in the case of Apple Vision Pro, you will get the clearest and most realistic image when watching VR videos thanks to Micro-OLED displays with a total resolution of 7320 x 3200 pixels.
The Apple Vision Pro not only has the best image of any consumer VR headset, but also the best through-camera mode. You may have trouble playing some VR video formats, but this is solved by installing special VR players.
The cheapest VR headset for VR video
If you already have a smartphone with a high resolution (at least Full HD) and a gyroscope, you can try special VR glasses for your smartphone to immerse yourself in virtual reality.
Regardless of the model of VR headset for smartphone, the principle of operation remains the same. Before each viewing of VR video, you will need to launch a special VR player on your phone and insert the phone into the headset. The headset itself will simply be a plastic case with lenses. This makes the cost of such a system very low (without taking into account the price of the smartphone itself).
Thus, you will not achieve a high-quality picture and full immersion in virtual reality. However, it is quite possible to understand for yourself whether it is worth buying a full-fledged VR headset.
It is important to clarify – once you insert your smartphone into such a VR headset, you will not be able to touch the screen and control the content. We strongly recommend purchasing a Bluetooth controller with a gyroscope that will connect to your smartphone.
Hopefully the VR headset options we’ve suggested will help you get the most out of your virtual reality video experience! If you still have questions, ask them in the comments to this article.
