VR Headset Buying Guide: 2024 Popular Models Comparison and Recommendations

In 2024, the VR headset market has seen the emergence of many new products. Whether you pursue top-tier experience or an entry-level taste, there are suitable options. This article summarizes popular models from internationally renowned brands and domestic manufacturers to help you quickly find the VR product that suits you.

Flagship VR Headsets — The No-Expense-Spared Choice

Apple Vision Pro

• Rating: 4/5 (PCMAG)
• Price: $3499 (Expected to launch domestically within 2024)
• Core Advantages: Industry-leading AR/VR interface, unbeatable eye-tracking + gesture control experience, no controllers needed

Apple’s first spatial computing device, Vision Pro, leads the market with revolutionary control methods and top-tier hardware. It can be fully controlled with eyes and gestures, with tracking accuracy and naturalness surpassing all other products on the market. The VisionOS ecosystem is taking shape, with full functionality that is surprisingly complete. However, the high price of up to $3500 may deter most users, and the design flaw of front-heavy wearability, along with software compatibility issues, requires users to be psychologically prepared.

HTC Vive Pro 2

• Rating: 4/5 (PCMAG)
• Price: $1399 (Domestic price: 13,688 RMB)
• Core Advantages: Highest resolution on the market, preferred by professional enthusiasts

Targeted at professional users and VR enthusiasts, the Vive Pro 2 offers an ultra-high resolution of 2448×2448 pixels per eye, with top-tier clarity in the industry. Equipped with SteamVR ecosystem and Viveport subscription service, providing abundant game resources. Compatibility with Valve Index controllers can further enhance control experience. The downside is the high cost, requiring additional PC and base stations, with total costs exceeding $2000.

Balanced Cost-Performance — The Middle Ground for Professional and Entry-Level Users

Meta Quest 3

• Rating: 4.5/5 (PCMAG)
• Price: $499 (Expected to launch domestically in Q4 through Tencent partnership)
• Core Advantages: Color passthrough cameras, high resolution, powerful performance

Quest 3 is a significant upgrade from the previous Quest 2, with a $200 price increase but substantial sincerity. The new color passthrough feature allows users to see their surroundings clearly, with improved resolution and processing power, even surpassing the more expensive Quest Pro. This standalone headset requires no connection to a PC and is ready to use out of the box, making it the best choice for users seeking wireless VR experiences. The only regret is the lack of eye-tracking and less-than-ideal battery life.

Sony PlayStation VR2

• Rating: 4.5/5 (PCMAG)
• Price: $599.99 (Domestic price: 4299 RMB, already available)
• Core Advantages: Seamless integration with PS5, strong game library, immersive experience

PS VR2 is a qualitative leap from its predecessor. Combining the powerful performance of PS5 with new eye-tracking and motion control technology, each eye reaches a resolution of 2000×2040 pixels, with OLED screens delivering vivid colors. The launch lineup includes major titles like “Horizon: Call of the Mountain.” The drawbacks are incompatibility with previous-generation games and a price close to $600.

Valve Index VR Kit

• Rating: 4/5 (PCMAG)
• Price: $1397.83 (No domestic release planned)
• Core Advantages: Revolutionary finger-tracking controllers, the best experience on PC platform

The biggest selling point of this set is not the headset itself but the controllers. Each finger can be precisely tracked, greatly enhancing immersion—such as seeing finger movements in “Half-Life: Alyx,” with astonishing effects. The headset features a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth, clear visuals. It has a rich game library within the SteamVR ecosystem. The downsides are wired connection, high price, and the need for a high-end PC to support it.

Affordable Entry-Level — VR Recommendations for Beginners

Meta Quest 2

• Rating: 4.5/5 (PCMAG)
• Price: $199 (Original price: $249.99, domestically partnered with Tencent)
• Core Advantages: Best cost-performance ratio, standalone without external devices, abundant game resources

Quest 2 is an excellent choice for entry-level VR. Officially priced below $300, equipped with Qualcomm Snapdragon 865, offering sufficient performance. As a standalone headset, it requires no PC or phone, ready to use out of the box. The ecosystem is complete, with a rich library of experiences. For more complex PC-connected gaming, an additional $79 for the Link Cable is needed. Although the upgraded Quest 3 is better in all aspects, spending an extra $200 may not be cost-effective for budget-conscious users.

Meta Quest Pro

• Rating: 4/5 (PCMAG)
• Price: $999.99 (Domestic partnership with Tencent)
• Core Advantages: Eye and face tracking technology, ideal for professional applications

Quest Pro features impressive eye and face tracking, suitable for professional workers needing collaboration functions and VR enthusiasts seeking ultimate experience. It offers color passthrough, rechargeable controllers, and standalone operation without a PC. However, its price is several times that of Quest 2, so buyers should confirm whether they truly need these high-end features before purchasing.

Domestic VR Headsets — Localized Choices

PICO 4 Pro

• Reference Price: 3799 RMB
• Core Advantages: Most complete domestic ecosystem, equipped with the same flagship chip

As a leader in domestic VR, PICO 4 Pro uses the XR2 Gen1 chip found in Meta Quest Pro, operating independently without external devices. Its 220-degree wide field of view and eye and face tracking ensure immersive experience. The rear-mounted battery with 1:1 weight distribution effectively alleviates neck fatigue during long wear. PICO Store’s domestic app ecosystem is the most complete, though fewer than international platforms, but generally sufficient. It is one of the few domestic VR hardware companies that has persisted, with a continuously improving ecosystem.

Huawei Vision Glass

• Reference Price: 2589 RMB
• Core Advantages: Lightweight and portable, excellent viewing experience

Huawei’s product takes a differentiated approach, weighing only 112 grams, resembling high-tech sunglasses, used with other devices. Micro-OLED screens provide detailed, vibrant visuals. Supports independent adjustment for near-sightedness up to 500 degrees per eye, allowing clear viewing without glasses. Mainly aimed at viewing users; gaming requires an additional controller. Rumors suggest Huawei will soon release a self-developed chip version of the Vision headset, priced around 15,000 RMB.

Dapeng P1 Pro

• Reference Price: 1999 RMB
• Core Advantages: Large-screen experience, ready to use out of the box

Dapeng P1 Pro focuses solely on viewing, with no external devices needed—just wear and enjoy. Its 800-inch super-large screen with a custom ultra-clear LED display offers excellent detail and color. Comes with multiple viewing modes like cinema, bedroom, and seaside, with over 300 mini-games resources. However, gaming experience is average; the controller is more like a remote, and high-end controllers are needed for AAA titles.

Purchase Recommendations

Choosing a VR headset requires comprehensive consideration of budget, usage scenarios, and performance needs. For top-tier experience with ample funds, Vision Pro is the first choice; for balanced experience and cost-effectiveness, Quest 3 or domestic PICO 4 Pro are recommended; entry-level users can still consider Meta Quest 2; professional workers or PC gamers may look at Valve Index or Vive Pro 2; for viewing experience, Huawei or Dapeng series are suitable. The VR product lineup in 2024 is already quite complete, and you can always find the one that fits you.