Virtual Reality Headsets
There are a number of headsets available in the market today, each with their strengths and weaknesses. Each particular application requires different elements of a headset. With over 6 years of experience with most of the headsets on the market, our teams are able to ensure the correct headset is applied for each task.
Virtual Reality can be run autonomously in most headsets, using the small phone style computer built into the headset. This provides an easy to use, wire free experience, but with a limited amount of titles (depends on the headset manufacturers library), and lower quality graphical resolutions.
The largest range of VR Titles are available from PCVR, which most headsets can also run, either wirelessly, or sometimes, with a required cable. A few examples are listed on this page.
Pico 4: This budget-friendly standalone headset offers impressive 2,160 x 2,160 per-eye resolution, with a 90Hz refresh rate. It’s lightweight and well-balanced with a battery integrated into the back of the head strap for comfort. The Pico 4 supports SteamVR via PC connectivity, though its native game library is smaller compared to Meta’s. Its passthrough feature is useful for basic tasks, but it lacks the depth and clarity of higher-end models
The Pico 4 Ultra is a high-end VR headset designed to rival the Meta Quest 3, with a focus on immersive mixed-reality experiences. Powered by the Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chip and 12GB of RAM, it offers significant improvements over its predecessor, the Pico 4. It features 4K+ resolution displays (1920×1920 per eye), delivering enhanced visual clarity and immersive 3D depth, especially in spatial video recording with its dual 32-megapixel cameras. The addition of motion trackers allows for full-body tracking, making it ideal for both gaming and fitness activities
HTC Vive Pro 2: Designed primarily for high-end VR gaming, the Vive Pro 2 boasts a 5K resolution (2,448 x 2,448 pixels per eye) and a 120Hz refresh rate, delivering crisp visuals and smooth performance. It requires external base stations for tracking, which allows for precise room-scale experiences. This headset is best suited for users with a dedicated VR setup and a powerful PC, making it an option for enthusiasts rather than casual users
The new HTC Vive Focus builds upon the strengths of its predecessor, the Vive Focus 3, known for being a premium all-in-one VR headset designed primarily for enterprise applications. The Vive Focus 3.5 features an impressive 5K resolution (2448 x 2448 pixels per eye) that offers sharp visuals and a wide 120° field of view, providing users with a deeply immersive experience. The headset is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 platform, designed specifically for standalone VR devices, ensuring smooth performance. Its 90 Hz refresh rate enhances fluidity during interactions, while the inclusion of dual 3D speakers and microphones with echo cancellation helps deliver spatial audio that improves realism during sessions.
The headset is also designed for long-duration comfort with features like a counterbalanced design, swappable batteries, and an ergonomic fit that accommodates glasses wearers. This makes it ideal for extended business applications such as virtual training, collaboration, and simulation. One of its key strengths is its precise inside-out tracking system, allowing room-scale experiences without external sensors
Meta Quest 3: The Meta Quest 3 is currently one of the top mixed-reality headsets. It features a 2,064 x 2,208 per-eye resolution, a faster Qualcomm XR2 Gen 2 chip, and an improved design that makes it more comfortable and lightweight compared to its predecessor. Its color passthrough feature allows for seamless integration of mixed reality (MR) experiences, which has been a significant upgrade. It’s also compatible with PC VR gaming via a wired or wireless connection, making it a versatile option for both casual and serious VR users.
Meta Quest 3S: Is a budget-friendly virtual reality headset expected to be released as a mid-tier option between the Quest 2 and Quest 3. Designed to appeal to a broader audience, it retains familiar design elements from previous Quest models but introduces new features such as full-color passthrough for mixed reality experiences. Like the Quest 3, it is rumored to be powered by the Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chipset, providing solid performance for VR and mixed reality applications.
One of the major differences is the use of Fresnel lenses, similar to the Quest 2, which helps reduce costs while maintaining decent visual clarity. It may also feature gesture controls, allowing for a controller-less experience, similar to the approach taken by Apple with its Vision Pro. Despite these budget-conscious compromises, the Quest 3S is expected to support key features such as automated room setup and IR illuminators for tracking in dark environments, setting it apart from previous budget headsets.
Varjo XR-3: Varjo’s XR-3 is aimed at professionals and enterprise users, with an ultra-high-resolution display of 1,920 x 1,920 pixels per eye and an additional 3,000 x 3,000 center resolution foveated area. This allows it to achieve near-human-eye-level clarity, which is essential for industries like architecture, simulation, and design. It also integrates both VR and MR functionalities, making it one of the most advanced headsets available, albeit with a high price tag and hardware requirements
The Apple Vision Pro is Apple’s entry into the spatial computing space, blending augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR). Set for release in 2024, the Vision Pro is positioned as a high-end, immersive device aimed at both entertainment and productivity. It features dual 4K micro-OLED displays for ultra-high resolution and includes an array of 12 cameras and 5 sensors for precise spatial awareness. The Vision Pro uses Apple’s powerful M2 chip paired with an R1 chip dedicated to real-time sensor processing. With its sleek design, advanced optics, and intuitive gesture controls, Apple markets it as more than just a VR headset—it’s a platform for spatial computing, supporting various apps and services with a focus on seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem
