If you’ve never purchased a virtual reality headset before, the market is new, and the items are unknown to many experts and consumers. However, if you know what you want to use virtual reality for and consider a few technical requirements, you may quickly get a headset without any difficulty.
This article will separate the headsets into three categories: low-level, mid-level, and high-level headsets.
Low-level
The basic type VR headsets are created from a pair of acrylic focal length camera lenses and a cardboard box, with a phone as the display. Even while it’s now often called “Google Cardboard,” the idea has existed for quite some time. Google Cardboard-compatible headsets may be purchased easily. Simply put, 360º goggles are best used for watching 360º videos. To name a few, they aren’t meant to be used for an extended period.
There is a cheap price tag for personalization and uncommon materials, including plastic models. Single-input headsets are required for Cardboard compatibility. With the most basic headsets, you only need a frame and lenses with a cutout for one finger or thumb to tap the screen directly.
Mid-level
Whereas Cardboard is just a funny-looking phone shell, these phone-powered headgears could incorporate extra tracking sensors, more complex built-in functions, focus wheels, or even their displays.
You should expect to pay anywhere from $75 to $125 for a good-quality headset that has a strap attached to it.
Mid-level headsets are at a strange spot. Google Cardboard’s portability is a plus, but these headsets offer a more immersive experience than the Google Cardboard. If you have ever had to untwist headset cords, the Gear VR is an excellent solution. It’s possible to get motion sickness if you use Google Cardboard and try out some of the more involved or fast-moving experiences.
Mid-level headset controllers are scattered all over the place. If you have a Bluetooth gamepad, you can theoretically use it to control your mobile phone. Still, it’s cumbersome and inconvenient, and it’s simply another piece of equipment to take around.
High-level
Virtual reality experiences of the highest quality can’t be run on a cell phone. There are three high-end headsets on the horizon: Oculus Rift, Vive from Valve and HTC, and PlayStation VR from Sony, all of which are powered by external computers or gaming consoles. This implies that they can provide sophisticated options like motion detection, high-resolution displays, and the greatest graphics available. Generally speaking, they are comfier, better at filtering out light, and less likely to cause nausea or motion sickness.
High-end headsets are expensive by practically any standard. The Oculus Rift retails for $599, not including the yet-to-be-determined price of the device’s motion controllers. The HTC Vive costs $799.
Conclusion
For the majority of individuals, the most important option will be which of the three general VR categories to choose from. Do you just want to dip your toes in the water and see what’s out there? Is your goal to have the best possible experience in your mind? Take a leap of faith.
