Virtual reality headsets have been on the market for several years, but the arrival of the Metaverse is driving their sales more than ever. Although this space is still being defined and built, it's clear that intelligent headsets will be necessary to immerse ourselves and enjoy the experience to the fullest.
However, the utility of these devices extends beyond the Metaverse. Currently, their most widespread use is in video games and virtual experiences, attracting significant investment interest from major technology companies such as Microsoft or Facebook.
If you're considering purchasing or upgrading your VR headset, we invite you to read this guide featuring a selection of the best devices available in the market for 2022.
Oculus Quest 2
Price: €349
In late 2020, Facebook (now Meta) launched the Oculus Quest headsets, which represented a revolution in the sector, positioning the brand as a reference in the creation of virtual reality viewers. A year later, the Quest 2 was released, an improved evolution of this device.
With the Quest 2, you have access to a wide range of content, such as video games and experiences for all tastes. Like its predecessor, it is a standalone device, meaning it doesn't require a smartphone or connection to a computer to operate, although thanks to the Oculus Link cable, it's possible to connect it to a PC to enjoy more content.
The success of these headsets is due to their high performance, resolution, and the comfort they offer thanks to their reduced weight. It enables a fully immersive experience with 6 degrees of freedom to move through the virtual space as if it were real. Its field of view is close to 90 degrees, slightly lower than other models, and its refresh rate is 120 Hz.
- Pros: Among other improvements compared to the Quest 1, it includes a processor upgrade from the Snapdragon 835 to the Snapdragon XR2, an increase in RAM to 6 GB, the ability to choose between 64, 128 or 256 GB of internal memory, and an LCD screen with improved resolution and image quality, of 1920 x 1832 pixels.
- Cons: To use the device, it's essential to log in with a Facebook account. The battery lasts 2 to 3 hours.
HP Reverb G2
Price: €598
HP, in collaboration with Valve and Microsoft, also presented its HP Reverb G2 glasses in 2020, a model that remains a very interesting purchase option in 2022.
This device adapts to each user, as thanks to its flexible material and padded cushion, it's possible to adjust the lenses according to the size or shape of the face and the distance between the eyes.
Regarding entertainment options, its library works through Windows Mixed Reality, a platform that offers a large number of virtual reality applications and content with more than five thousand applications compared to the one thousand of Oculus.
The refresh rate is 90 Hz, featuring 6 degrees of freedom tracking and a 114-degree field of view, effectively capturing the user's peripheral vision. However, its strength lies in 4K resolution, with a resolution of 2160 pixels per eye and a total resolution of 4320 x 2160 pixels. This enables an experience primarily catering to gamers who prioritize highly immersive games.
- Pros: It is compatible with both PC and television, includes two 2K LCD screens, integrated headphones and microphone, and a 3D spatial audio system that dynamically adjusts based on head movement, achieving complete immersion.
- Cons: It requires a powerful computer to operate correctly.
HTC Vive Pro 2
Price: 779 €.
The HTC Vive Pro 2 belongs to the premium VR headset category, being the first headset with a 5K resolution display and boasting the most extensive technical specifications.
This investment delivers enhanced visual quality, thanks to its 120-degree field of view and 120Hz refresh rate, allowing the image to optimally follow movements and improve the user experience.
Furthermore, the device supports Display Stream Compression (DSC), a function that ensures optimal performance and minimizes visual loss by providing minimal motion blur.
- Pros: 5K resolution (2448 x 2448 pixels per eye), extremely sharp image, high frame rate, and highly precise tracking.
- Cons: High price and requires a powerful computer. HTC recommends an Intel Core i5 or higher processor, as well as a NVIDIA GTX 1060 or AMD Radeon RX480 graphics card.
PlayStation VR2: Upcoming launch scheduled for 2022
Price: Yet to be defined.
The PSVR2, the new virtual reality headset for the PlayStation 5, is expected to arrive this year. Although the official launch date is yet to be confirmed, the brand has already revealed its specifications.
It will feature a 4K HDR monitor with two 2040 x 2040 pixel OLED screens, enabling a clear focus with high dynamic range images. The headset includes four integrated cameras to accurately reflect movements and gaze direction within the game, and also detects eye movement, allowing for enhanced expression when interacting with other online players.
Its field of view is 110 degrees and it includes a lens adjustment dial, allowing users to customize focus based on their preferences. It also incorporates 3D audio and haptic feedback for immersive vibrations during gameplay.
Additionally, the PSVR2 Sense controller will be launched to enable more immersive interactions in virtual spaces thanks to haptic feedback, adaptive triggers, precise tracking, and finger detection.
If you enjoy the world of virtual reality, don't miss our guides from previous years:
Guide 2018: Virtual Reality Glasses