Virtual Reality (VR) delivers an immersive experience. It allows gamers to step inside their favorite worlds, helps trainees develop skills through lifelike simulations, and adds a touch of realism for movie lovers.
In 2025, there are many different VR systems with various prices, display qualities, tracking features, and compatibilities – often tailored to suit specific use cases.
The wide range of VR systems can be used in numerous industries, including gaming, entertainment, and education. But it makes choosing the right system harder.
So, backed by the expert Cybernews research team, I analyzed the market. Using product specifications, customer reviews, and my own tech knowledge, I found and ranked the top VR sets for 2025.
In this article, I break down the six best VR systems – why these are the top of their game, which one suits each user most, and what the right choice is for you.
Top VR systems – shortlist
- Pimax Crystal Light – for all VR enthusiasts looking for high-end visuals
- Meta Quest 3S – for budget-conscious gamers and movie-lovers
- Sony PS VR2 – for PlayStation users looking for a next-level gaming experience
- HTC Vive Pro 2 – for professionals who need precision tracking
- Pico 4 Ultra – for maximum comfort in long VR sessions
The best VR systems compared
Compare the top VR systems by specs using the table below and quickly identify the best choice for your needs.
| VR system | Type | Resolution (per eye) | Display type | Max refresh rate | FOV (diagonal) | Tracking mode | IPD adjustment | Eye tracking | Haptics | Hand tracking | Weight | Battery life |
| Pimax Crystal Light | PC VR (tethered) | 2880 x 2880 | QLED + Mini-LED | 120Hz | 130° | 6DoF Inside-Out | 58-72mm (manual) | No | Standard | No | 815g | N/A (PC only) |
| Meta Quest 3S | Standalone & PC VR | 1832 x 1920 | LCD + Fresnel | 120Hz | 113.46° | Inside-out + hand tracking | 58-68mm (manual) | No | TruTouch Haptics | Yes | 514g | ~2.5 hours |
| Sony PS VR2 | Console VR (PS5) | 2000 x 2040 | OLED + Fresnel | 120Hz | 110° | Inside-out + eye tracking | 58-73mm | Yes | Advanced + adaptive triggers | No | 560g | N/A (tethered) |
| HTC Vive Pro 2 | PC VR (tethered) | 2448 x 2448 | LCD + Fresnel | 120Hz | 113.3° | External Lighthouse | 57-70mm | No | Standard | No | 850g | N/A (tethered) |
| Pico 4 Ultra | Standalone & PC VR | 2160 x 2160 | LCD + Pancake | 90Hz | 122.16° | Inside-out + hand tracking | 58-72mm | No | Standard | Yes | 580g | ~3 hours |
| Valve Index | PC VR (tethered) | 1440 x 1600 | LCD + Fresnel | 144Hz | 114.43° | External Lighthouse | 58-70mm | No | Advanced (Finger Haptics) | No | 809g | N/A (tethered) |
It’s important to note that out of the systems on my list:
- Pimax Crystal Light leads in resolution quality
- Meta Quest 3S is the lightest and most affordable
- HTC Vive Pro provides excellent precision with external tracking
- Valve Index offers a wide FOV, advanced haptics, and the best refresh rate
The best 6 VR systems – our detailed list
Let’s take a closer look at the different features and pros and cons of each of the top six VR systems.
1. Pimax Crystal Light – best VR system overall
| Type: | PC VR (tethered) |
| Resolution: | 2880 x 2880 per eye |
| Motion detection: | 6DoF Inside-Out |
| Hardware platform: | PC (high-end GPU needed) |
| Software platform: | SteamVR |
The Pimax Crystal Light is my favorite VR system, featuring excellent graphics, solid tracking, and reasonable comfort at a fair price. If you’re wondering what is the best VR headset, then this is it.
Display and resolution
With QLED, local dimming, and a 120Hz refresh rate, it delivers smooth, sharp visuals with rich contrast and vibrant colors. Plus, it’s ideal if you’re looking for expansive visuals with a 130° diagonal FOV.
Tracking and controllers
The VR system includes two Pimax Reality Controllers using 6DoF inside-out tracking for reliable movement monitoring. The kit requires a PC (with a high-end GPU for the best performance) and supports SteamVR.
Comfort and design
The Crystal Light is a comfortable fit for many head sizes thanks to its foam padding and retractable strap. Although weighing 815g, it’s a little heavier than others on my list – less comfortable in long sessions.
2. Meta Quest 3S – best budget-friendly option
| Type: | Standalone & PC VR |
| Resolution: | 1832 x 1920 per eye |
| Motion detection: | Inside-out + hand tracking |
| Hardware platform: | Standalone & PC (Air Link) |
| Software platform: | Quest Store, SteamVR |
The Meta Quest 3S offers reasonable graphics and a comfortable design at a fair and affordable price.
Display and resolution
It uses an LCD, Fresnel lenses, and an adjustable IPD for clear visuals. Although its resolution and FOV aren’t as good as the high-end VRs, the display is fantastic for its price point.
Tracking and controllers
The Meta Quest 3s tracks hand and body movements using 6DoF tracking to ensure accurate tracking. Each system includes two Meta Quest Touch Plus controllers featuring TruTouch haptics for reliable responsiveness. It also works as a standalone device or a PC VR.
Comfort and design
The headset is designed for comfort with adjustable straps and a foam interface for a snug fit. Plus, at 514g, the Quest 3S is lightweight, making it suitable for extended VR sessions.
3. Sony PS VR2 – best console VR system
| Type: | Console VR (PS5) |
| Resolution: | 2000 x 2040 per eye |
| Motion detection: | Inside-out + eye tracking |
| Hardware platform: | PS5 Only |
| Software platform: | PlayStation VR2 games |
The PS VR2 is the perfect choice for PlayStation gamers because of its advanced tracking, incredible graphics, and compatibility with the PS ecosystem.
Display and resolution
Its 2000 x 2040 resolution per eye and OLED tech supports rich colors and deep blacks. This, with its 110° FOV and 120Hz refresh rate, ensures a smooth display with impressive detail.
Tracking and controllers
It’s precise and highly responsive, featuring both inside-out and eye-tracking. The two Sense controllers also include advanced haptics and adaptive triggers for more tactile feedback – an impressive system all around.
Comfort and design
With a hard padded adjustable halo strap and lightweight materials, the PS VR2 is fairly comfortable. However, its rubber facial VR goggles may not suit all face types when it comes to long-term use.
4. HTC Vive Pro 2 – best for precise tracking
| Type: | PC VR (Tethered) |
| Resolution: | 2448 x 2448 per eye |
| Motion detection: | External Lighthouse |
| Hardware platform: | PC (high-end GPU needed) |
| Software platform: | SteamVR, Viveport |
The Vive Pro is on the higher-priced side of the market, but it’s worth the cost with an advanced tracking system and detailed graphics.
Display and resolution
It delivers stunning, smooth visuals often found in more expensive VR systems, 2448 x 2448 resolution per eye with a 120Hz refresh rate. However, with a 113.3° (diagonal) FOV, it doesn’t offer the most expansive visuals at its price point.
Tracking and controllers
The Vive Pro 2 system excels in precision with external Lighthouse tracking for a high-end VR experience. The Vive controllers included have standard haptic feedback but, unfortunately, don’t support hand tracking.
Comfort and design
With a padded retractable strap and the use of foam, the headset is quite comfortable. However, it's 850g, making it less suitable for lengthy VR sessions.
5. Pico 4 Ultra – for comfortable VR sessions
| Type: | Standalone & PC VR |
| Resolution: | 2160 x 2160 per eye |
| Motion detection: | Inside-out + hand tracking |
| Hardware platform: | Standalone & PC |
| Software platform: | Pico Store, SteamVR |
The 4 Ultra is a well-balanced system with high-resolution visuals, impressive tracking, and a comfort-first design.
Display and resolution
Displaying 2160 x 2160 per eye, the graphics are highly detailed, and its pancake lenses provide a highly immersive (122.16° diagonal) FOV. However, its refresh rate (90Hz) is relatively low for a premium system – not as smooth.
Tracking and controllers
With both inside-out and hand tracking, the system is reliable and responsive to user movements. The controllers support standard haptic feedback but lack more advanced capabilities, including finger tracking and foveated rendering.
Comfort and design
The Pico 4 Ultra has all the comfort features you expect in a high-end VR system. It has a counterbalance to offset the battery, an adjustable strap for a snug fit, foam padding for the face, and weighs just 580g.
6. Valve Index headset – for premium performance
| Type: | PC VR (Tethered) |
| Resolution: | 1440 x 1600 per eye |
| Motion detection: | External Lighthouse |
| Hardware platform: | PC (High-end GPU needed) |
| Software platform: | SteamVR |
The Valve Index Headset is expensive but includes some premium features that hardcore gamers, content creators, professional trainers, and researchers need. It is actually one of the top VR game systems on the market.
Display and resolution
It boasts an impressive refresh rate (144Hz) for smooth graphics. However, with 1440 x 1600 resolution per eye, there are VRs on my list offering better displays for less budget.
Tracking and controllers
Where the system really stands out is in its precise external tracking, which uses Lighthouse technology. Plus, its controllers support advanced haptic feedback and finger tracking. However, there’s still room for improvement – no foveated rendering or eye monitoring.
Comfort and design
This VR headset, including straps, weighs 809g, which can feel heavy on the head during long sessions. However, its slick design, soft foam padding, and adjustable strap make it a comfortable fit for most.
What is a VR system?
A Virtual Reality (VR) system is an advanced technology that immerses users in a computer-made world. Wearing a VR headset, you can see digitally-made surroundings in 3D, move around, and interact with objects as if they’re real.
VR systems have many uses – gaming, entertainment, training, virtual exploration, and fitness. But most VR systems work with the same core features:
- VR headsets – display the 3D virtual world with quality depending on resolution, refresh rate, and FOV
- Motion controllers – track movements for interactions such as hand, body, legs, or eyes (device dependent)
- Sensors and tracking systems – monitor your position and movement using tracking cameras, motion detectors, or other sensors
- Processors – handle the graphics; some have built-in chips, and others depend on your computer or console’s hardware
- Software – supports app libraries and manages the running of the VR experience
What is the difference between AR and VR systems?
Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) differ in how the systems interact with the real world.
Both digitally render 3D environments and allow for an immersive user experience. However, Augmented Reality (AR):
- Overlays digital elements such as images, text, and animations into your real environment
- Allows you to remain aware of your surroundings while you interact with these virtual objects
- Is available on certain smartphones and tablet apps (such as Pokémon GO) or through AR glasses (Google Glass)
On the other hand, Virtual Reality (VR):
- Blocks out the real world entirely, fully immersing its users in a computer-generated environment
- Requires VR headsets and controllers so you can interact with the digital space
- It’s commonly used for immersive VR gaming, training simulations, and virtual tourism
Essentially, AR blends digital elements with the real world, and VR fully replaces your environment with an entirely computer-generated one.
How to choose the best VR System for my needs
There are several factors to consider when choosing the best VR system for you. Below, I take a closer look at these factors to help you make the best choice.
Determine your use case
The features you need depend on your intended use. Take a look at the table below to find what suits you best.
| Use case | Features to look out for | VRs that have it |
| Gaming | High resolution, refresh rate, wide FOV | Pimax Crystal Light, Meta Quest 3S, Valve Index |
| Training | Accurate tracking, foveated rendering | Pimax Crystal Light, HTC Vive Pro 2, Valve Index |
| Fitness | Lightweight, motion tracking | Meta Quest 3S, Pico 4 Ultra |
| Social | Eye tracking, hand tracking, wide FOV | Meta Quest 3S, PS VR2, Pico 4 Ultra |
Consider platform compatibility
Ensure the VR you select works with the equipment you have. Some VRs are:
- PC dependent – needing a high-performing computer
- Console-based – often working exclusively on a particular console
- Standalone – requiring no additional hardware
Evaluate the display quality
To get optimal graphics, you must evaluate:
- Resolution – the clarity of the display, measured in pixels (1080p minimum)
- Refresh rate – how many frames per second (110Hz+ is ideal)
- FOV – how wide the VR display is, measured in degrees (110°–130° is best)
Assess comfort and fit
Comfort is also crucial when choosing a VR system, especially in longer sessions. Check:
- Weight – light headsets reduce head and neck strain (under 500g is preferred)
- Padding – soft, cushioned materials around the face reduce pressure
- Adjustability – VRs with customizable straps and lens positions offer a personalized fit
- Ventilation – look for headsets with breathable materials to avoid heat build-up
Check the price-to-value ratio
It’s also important to set your expectations based on your budget. I have compiled the table below to give you a better idea of the most affordable and pricey VR sets
| Budget | What to expect | Suitable VRs |
| Low | Basic tracking, standard features | Meta Quest 3S, Pico 4 Ultra |
| Medium | Inside-out or external tracking, 90Hz+ refresh rate, higher resolution | PS VR2, Pico 4 Ultra |
| High | Cutting-edge tracking features, wide FOV, high refresh rates | Pimax Crystal Light, Valve Index, HTC Vive Pro 2 |
Our methodology for picking the best VR headset
To find and rank the best Virtual Reality headset, I, with the support of the Cybernews research team, analyzed:
- Product pages: I used official manufacturer specifications on product pages to list all the relevant technical features. With this information, I figured out the appropriate use cases for each, categorized the VRs, and compared the ones serving similar purposes.
- Customer reviews: I reviewed customer feedback on sites such as Trustpilot and Amazon. I filtered through the feedback with keywords including “resolution,” “value,” and “tracking” to gauge what customers liked and disliked.
- Prices: I noted prices across official retail websites, considering shipping fees and promotions to measure costs accurately. Then, using customer feedback and key features to assess quality, I identified the VR systems that offer the best value for money.
It’s important to note that these VR systems haven’t undergone in-house testing. Instead, I relied exclusively on product specifications and feedback from customers.
Final word on the best VR systems
The Pimax Crystal Light is the best VR system, in my opinion. Its QLED display, 2880 x 2880 resolution per eye, and 130° FOV offer premium quality graphics at the very reasonable price. Plus, it’s got precise tracking (6DoF inside-out) and supports StreamVR’s vast library!
However, the best VR system for you depends on your individual needs. Perhaps you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option or a standalone VR system – in which case, I’d recommend the Meta Quest 3S.
Alternatively, for a console VR experience, the Sony PS VR2 is a great choice. It’s compatible with PS5, delivers excellent graphics, and features advanced tracking.
The HTC Vive Pro 2, Pico 4 Ultra, and Valve Index headset are also great VR systems. It’s just a matter of deciding what features you need and determining your budget to get the best deal.
FAQ
What is the best VR headset for gaming?
The Pimax Crustal Light is the best VR headset for gaming. It offers a high resolution (2880 x 2880 resolution per eye,) wide FOV (130°,) and a fast refresh rate (120Hz) for smooth gameplay.
Can I use a VR headset without a PC?
Yes, you can use a VR headset without a PC. However, it depends on your VR. Some VRs, including the Meta Quest 3S and Pico 4 Ultra, don’t need a PC, but other PC VR headsets, such as the Pimax Crystal Light, do.
Are VR headsets safe to use for extended periods?
It depends. Many users find VRs enjoyable, but some may experience discomfort, including eye strain and motion sickness with extended use. It’s best to take regular breaks from VR use and always follow the manufacturer's safety guidelines.
Which VR headset has the best resolution?
The Pimax Crystal Light offers the best resolution out of all the VRs I reviewed – 2880 x 2880 per eye.
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