Best VR Brands For Beginners
Virtual Reality is perhaps one of the hottest technologies to hit the electronics market these days. Sensing the segment’s potential, top electronics manufacturers are now engaged in a heated competition to produce the number one VR gear in the market.
That explains why virtually overnight the market is now flooded with VR headsets and other accessories all vying for your attention. Since virtual reality is a new arena, it’s also a race for a brand to make a name for itself; to produce a product that will bring instant brand recognition when talking about VR. Thus, VR gadgets are aggressively marketed to potential buyers. It is inevitable that at one point, you will start to ask yourself if you should join the bandwagon and get yourself a VR headset.
But with the dizzying number of options to choose from, it is a challenged to figure out which VR brand would be the best brand to buy for beginners. Such question is a complex one because the perfect brand is different for each buyer. Each buyer will have a different priority when it comes to making a decision. It could be its price, its specs or how you intend to use the VR gadget.
Casual Or Serious
Are you a serious gamer? The question might come as a shock but answering it honestly can help point out the way for the right VR gadget for you. To help you understand, let’s talk about the different categories of VR users.
First, there are those casual and usually non-gaming type of users. They just want to have some interactive VR experience or view some 360-degree videos. For this particular type of users, Google’s Cardboard headset would fit the bill. There are other brands out there, but one thing that connects them all is that they are usually cheap.
For those who want to try out some of the simpler VR games that can run on a smartphone, Samsung’s Gear VR and Google’s Daydream will do the trick. Of course, there are other brands of VR headsets that are compatible with iOS or Android smartphones.
For serious gamers, longing for the ultimate in VR experience, the Oculus Rift or HTC Vive is among the high-end brands out there. Of course, to make the VR experience truly worthwhile, you will need to splurge a bit for an equally high-end PC on top of the VR headset.
VR Platform
What VR platform do you have? It makes sense to build on what you already have to save on costs unless you have extremely deep pockets and money is not a problem. If you own an iPhone, it does not make sense if you buy a Samsung Gear VR because it won’t work. Similarly, if you plan to buy a high-end VR headset like the HTC Vive, it would be best if you already own a PC that at least meets the minimum specs needed to make the headset run.
Mobile
If you already own a powerful smartphone, you can squeeze some VR juice out of your gadget. Models such as the Asus Zenfone AR, Google Pixel, Huawei Mate 9 Pro, Moto Z and Samsung Galaxy S8 can give you satisfying VR experience according to Telegraph. However, given the limited processor capacity of smartphones in general (as compared to PCs), you’ll be limited as to the kind of VR games you can play or the videos you can watch. That is an important point to mull over before you decide to go the mobile route.
Console
If you already own a PlayStation console, then the smart thing to do is to get the PSVR. Sony’s VR headset works seamlessly with both PS4 and PlayStation Camera, and you’ll soon be happily playing any of PlayStation’s numerous virtual reality games.
On the other hand, it is still unclear when Xbox’s VR headset will be arriving. While reports earlier this year Microsoft has already confirmed the development of an Xbox VR headset, no new development regarding the project has been released at the moment.
PC-Powered VR Experience
While the Oculus Rift and HTC Vive look really cool, don’t rush out to buy them yet. You need to remember that these high-end VR headsets require a PC to run. And it’s not just any PC at that. You’ll be needing a relatively expensive PC to meet the requirements of these two headsets. But once you do, you won’t be disappointed. They can run the most cutting-edge VR games around and could certainly give you a better VR experience when compared to mobile and even console. If you’re a serious gamer, this should be your ultimate VR goal.
VR Headsets Below $45
Now let’s talk about price. We’ve been talking about platforms and the different types of VR users, but a purchase will still require money. Given your budget, which VR headset is best for you?
Thankfully, Tom’s Guide already researched this area and has discovered that you can even buy VR headsets for less than $45. Listed below are a few of the recommendations. Keep in mind that none of these are tethered headsets like the Rift or Vive (they are expensive) but are designed for use with mobile phones.
Pansonite 3D VR Headset
This VR headset currently sells for just $42.99, which is way below what you will be paying for if you decide to get a Samsung Gear VR ($129.99) or the Google Daydream ($94.95). And yet, reviews have been generally positive with 9 out of 10 saying they liked the experience. Has built-in earphones with aux input and features a cloth front design.
VRIT V2 VR Headset
If you want something even cheaper, try out the VRIT V2 VR Headset which sells at a shockingly low price of just $14.99. Users generally had no complaints with it and gave it an 8 out of 10 rating. Not bad.
ETVR Virtual Reality 3.0
How about a $25.99 priced VR headset? If you can afford that price, ETVR Virtual Reality 3.0 can be yours. Buyers gave it a good rating of 8 out of 10. Some of its well-loved features include its focus control and the perforated face padding that gives good ventilation.
Have you decided to go for a mobile, console or a PC-powered VR experience? Weigh your options carefully before you take the plunge.
Sources:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/0/best-virtual-reality-headsets-can-buy-2017/
https://www.tomsguide.com/us/pictures-story/1044-best-cheap-vr-headsets.html#s4
http://www.techradar.com/news/wearables/the-best-vr-headsets-2015-1292087