VR
VR technology is quickly gaining traction, bringing sports, entertainment, live experiences and world travel right to your home. Image Credit: Unsplash/Minh Pham

Explore virtual worlds and immersive games with VR headsetsVirtual reality (VR) takes you places without you having to even leave your living room. This fascinating new technology, with its motion tracking and headset, offers you a virtual space so that you can travel to places you’ve always wanted to go, or be fully immersed in your favourite video game. Still a niche prospect, VR technology is quickly gaining traction, as developers rush to create compelling games and experiences. If you’re someone who’s interested in always staying ahead of the curve, dive into the fun, incredibly futuristic experience of owning a VR headset, and navigate to your next virtual adventure.

Pick up your headset through Amazon Prime and receive it with free, one-day delivery.

1. Best Overall: Meta Quest 2 B08HJWPKGW

Pros

  • Easy to set up
  • Excellent gaming library
  • 3D cinematic sound
  • Accurate motion tracking

Cons

  • Short battery life

Also known as the Oculus Quest 2, this VR headset is universally acknowledged as one of the best entry points into virtual reality. The newer rendition features a slicker design, with better display resolution and faster performance than its predecessor. Completely wireless, the Meta Quest 2 is perfect for practicing your flying skills in a flight simulator, or offering a fun alternative to your daily workout, thanks to a number of fitness games in its game library. Its backward compatibility feature allows you to enjoy old games, too. The headset is neat, well-made, and sturdy, so you know you’re in good hands.

2. Best for Consoles: PlayStation VR Starter Pack

Pros

  • Good game library
  • Immersive VR experience
  • Works with non-VR apps and games
  • Motion control support

Cons

  • Some issues with motion tracking in bright rooms

Although old – the PlayStation VR was released in 2016 – this starter pack is still worth considering, especially if you intend to use it for gaming on a PlayStation. The starter pack has everything you need to get started – a PlayStation headset, camera, and access to hundreds of games thanks to its expansive library. Many games don’t even need motion control – just use your DualShock 4 or DualSense controller and enjoy your favourite games like never before. Impressive visuals, 3D audio and intuitive controls will see you through your virtual experience.

Bonus: Buy with 0% installments and pay Dh87.25 for 12 months with select banks.

3. Best Tethered Headset: HP Reverb G2 

Pros

  • Excellent resolution
  • Immersive spatial audio
  • Comfortable headset
  • Ergonomically designed controllers

Cons

  • Camera-based tracking is not reliable
  • No noise isolation
  • Expensive

The redesigned HP Reverb G2 VR headset has a lot going for it – it’s one of the most comfortable headsets out there, and offers sharp picture quality thanks to its high resolution. The headset shows 2,160 by 2,160 pixels per eye at 90Hz – seriously impressive specs in the VR world. With loud and clear audio quality, the headset provides a good impression of space, since it floats above the ear. But it’s worth noting that the headset lacks noise isolation, so anything you hear can also be heard by people around you. And while its camera-based motion tracking is effective, some reviewers say it's not consistent.

Bonus: Buy with 0% installments and pay Dh180.15 for 12 months with select banks.

4. Best Budget: Pansonite VR Headset 

Pros

  • High-resolution imaging
  • Compatible with all smartphones
  • Suitable for people wearing glasses
  • Customisable pupil and focus distance

Cons

  • Reviewers say it doesn’t offer a secure fit

Inserting your smartphone into a VR headset is an affordable way to enjoy mobile gaming or even streaming movies in high-definition 3D. Pansonite’s VR headset offers a whole slew of features, from 360-degree views to the ability to answer incoming calls. It fits all smartphones and allows you to adjust the position of the spherical resin lens, so that there are no blurry moments in your VR experience. This headset comes with a handy remote control that becomes your control panel as you navigate through your game or adjust the volume.

5. Best for Children: DESTEK VR Dream Headset 

Pros

  • Adjustable lenses
  • Lightweight, comfortable fit
  • Anti-blue light reduces eye strain
  • Easy to set up

Cons

  • Compatible with only certain large smartphones

A great gift idea for a child, the DESTEK VR Dream Headset makes games and whole worlds come to life. It’s easy to set up and use, and its anti-blue light coating on its high-definition lenses ensures your children’s eyes are protected while they play. Your child can use the headset to explore space or meet marine life, right in your living room. It’s the perfect way to spark kids’ curiosity and imagination. The headset comes with a Bluetooth remote controller.

Our recommendations are independently chosen by Gulf News editors. If you decide to shop through links on our website, we may earn an affiliate commission, as we are part of Amazon Services LLC Associates Program.