Top 5 Best PCVR Headsets in 2024 – Guide to Choosing the Perfect PCVR Device

Virtual reality has come a long way, and with the rapid advancements in technology, finding the right PCVR headset in 2024 can be challenging. Whether you’re looking for the sharpest image quality, the most immersive experience, or a balance between performance and price, there’s a wide range of options on the market today. From the budget-friendly Meta Quest 3 to the high-end Pimax Crystal, this guide will help you navigate the best VR headsets available for PCVR enthusiasts.

1. Meta Quest 3: Best Value for Money

META Quest 3 – the budget friendly option.

The Meta Quest 3 has been widely praised for offering incredible value at a reasonable price point. It’s not just a standalone VR device but also excels in PCVR gaming, especially with a dedicated Wi-Fi 6 router or through a wired connection. Here’s why it’s the go-to headset for many:

• Price: Around $500 USD – $299 for the Quest 3S.
• Resolution & Clarity: It features high-resolution displays with excellent pancake lenses, delivering great image clarity.
• Standalone and PCVR: It works both as a standalone device and a PCVR headset, giving you flexibility whether you want to game wirelessly or with a cable.
• Comfort and Portability: Lightweight and easy to take anywhere, making it ideal for users who want a flexible, portable solution.
• Wireless Performance: With Virtual Desktop, you can wirelessly connect to a PC for a seamless experience with minimal latency.
• Mixed Reality: Its color passthrough feature allows for basic mixed reality applications, adding another layer of versatility to this headset.

Why Choose Meta Quest 3?
The Quest 3 is the best option for those looking for an affordable, versatile headset that delivers good visuals and performance, especially for PCVR gaming. It’s highly portable, and with a few accessories (like a dedicated head strap or battery pack), you can enhance its comfort for extended sessions.

2. Pimax Crystal: The Premium Option for PCVR

The Premium Option PCVR: Pimax Crystal.

For those willing to invest in the best visuals and immersion, the Pimax Crystal is a top-tier PCVR headset. It’s designed with high-end users in mind, providing sharp image quality and expansive field of view (FOV), making it a favorite for sim racers and enthusiasts.

• Price: Starts around $1,200 USD.
• Resolution: Features stunning clarity with high-resolution screens and aspheric lenses, though some users note that it doesn’t provide edge-to-edge clarity.
• Field of View: Offers a large horizontal FOV, though slightly less than some competitors like the Valve Index.
• Comfort: The headset is quite bulky, and users need to keep the battery connected for continuous use, which can last up to 2.5 hours before needing a charge.
• Build Quality: Pimax Crystal is designed for serious PCVR gamers who prioritize graphical fidelity, though the headset’s comfort can be affected by its weight.

Why Choose Pimax Crystal?
If you’re after the best visual experience in VR and are focused on games that require pinpoint graphical detail, like flight simulators or racing games, the Pimax Crystal is an exceptional choice. However, it comes with a hefty price tag and requires some compromises in comfort.

3. Bigscreen Beyond: Lightweight and Custom-Fitted

Bigscreen Beyond – The lightweight option

For those who value comfort and portability without sacrificing too much in the way of visuals, the Bigscreen Beyond is an exciting option. Its custom-fitted design ensures the perfect fit for each user, but this does make it harder to share or resell.

• Price: Starts at $999 USD, excluding controllers and base stations.
• Resolution: Equipped with micro-OLED displays that offer deep blacks and vibrant colors, though it is limited to 72Hz at its native resolution.
• Customization: The headset is made based on your personal facial scan, providing an unmatched level of comfort. However, this customization also means you can’t easily sell or share the headset.
• Comfort: At only 127g, it’s one of the lightest VR headsets available, making it ideal for long sessions without fatigue.
• Drawbacks: Requires base stations and controllers, which add to the overall cost.

Why Choose Bigscreen Beyond?
For users seeking a small, lightweight, and highly portable headset with excellent visual quality, the Bigscreen Beyond is a great choice. It’s especially appealing to those who prioritize comfort and are looking for a long-term solution.

4. HP Reverb G2: A Sweet Spot for PCVR

HP Reverb G2 – the balanced option

Although HP’s Reverb G2 is a bit older and Windows Mixed Reality (WMR) support is being phased out, it remains a favorite for those who want excellent image quality without breaking the bank.

• Price: Typically found for $500-600 USD, often discounted.
• Resolution: Offers 2160×2160 per eye, giving it one of the highest pixel densities on the market.
• Comfort and Audio: Known for its comfort and fantastic audio, thanks to the integrated speakers from Valve’s Index.
• Controllers: One of the major drawbacks is the poor quality of the controllers, which pale in comparison to those from the Meta Quest or Valve Index.
• Support: WMR support is set to end around 2026, which may limit the longevity of this headset for future games and applications.

Why Choose HP Reverb G2?
If you’re looking for crisp visuals and great comfort at a lower price point, the Reverb G2 is still a solid option for PCVR gaming. However, keep in mind the potential limitations in terms of long-term support and the lackluster controllers.

5. Valve Index: The Classic Enthusiast’s Choice

Valve Index – The Classic Enthusiast

Though the Valve Index is starting to show its age, it still remains one of the best options for those who want high-fidelity PCVR gaming, especially with its excellent controllers and tracking system.

• Price: Around $999 USD for the full kit.
• Resolution: The Valve Index has a lower resolution compared to newer headsets like the Quest 3 and Reverb G2, but it makes up for it with a 144Hz refresh rate and great FOV.
• Tracking: Its external base stations provide some of the best tracking in the VR market.
• Audio: The integrated speakers offer a top-tier audio experience.
• Comfort: Some users report that the headset can get quite warm during extended play sessions.

Why Choose Valve Index?
If you want a tried-and-tested PCVR headset with excellent tracking, FOV, and controllers, the Valve Index remains a favorite among dedicated VR enthusiasts. However, newer options may offer better resolution and comfort for a similar price.

Honorable Mentions:

• Pico 4: A budget alternative to the Quest 3, especially if you’re outside the U.S., though it lacks the same level of support and features as the Meta ecosystem.
• Varjo XR-4: A professional-grade headset with unmatched visuals, though it’s not ideal for gaming due to its high cost and specific software needs.

Feel free to share your own experiences or questions in the comments below—happy VR gaming!