For those new to VR, there are two headsets you’ve probably heard of – Oculus Quest 2 and PSVR.
There is no doubt that Quest 2 and PSVR are the most popular and well-known headsets for those with just a passing interest or limited VR knowledge. However, it can be difficult to figure out which one is best for you and what the differences are between the two.
Here’s our breakdown of how these headsets differ and why you choose them on top of each other.
The big picture
Oculus Quest 2: Overview
The Quest 2 is one of the most versatile headsets on the market. It’s the latest headset from Facebook, released in late 2020, and features modern, current, and (for the most part) industry-leading hardware.
The real benefit of the Quest 2 is that for $ 299, you get a standalone headset that works out of the box – no additional devices are required – so it’s completely wireless and standalone. It also has a selection of the best experiences and games on every platform. The big downside, however, is that you have to sign in to a Facebook account in order to use the headset. There’s no way around it.
If you’re okay with that, the Quest 2 has some tremendous advantages. You can take it anywhere, use it anywhere, and let everyone else try the headset in seconds. The Quest 2 offers the lowest friction of any currently available headset.
Provided you don’t mind the required Facebook login, the Quest 2 is our recommended headset for any VR newbie. With a $ 299 purchase, you’ve got everything you need to get started in wireless, cutting-edge VR. There are even some amazing free quest games out there that you can try out right away.
The Quest 2 is available from Amazon and is often sold in and out. When in stock, the 64GB model is priced at $ 299 and the 256GB model is priced at $ 399.
It’s also worth noting that if you have a gaming PC that is powerful enough to support a VR headset, you can also plug the Quest 2 into your PC for even more VR games. Many of the best VR games are only available on PC and not on Quest 2 itself. So this is a great way to expand the library. Quest can even play PC VR games wirelessly. Here is a guide on how to play PC VR games on Quest.
PlayStation VR: overview
The PlayStation VR headset is an accessory for current PlayStation consoles. Without a console, the headset can’t play anything or do nothing at all. This means that you will need to purchase (or already own) a PS4 or PS5 separately in order to use the headset. PSVR uses a wired connection to a processor box which is then connected to the console. So it has to be connected the entire time you use it. The PS camera must also work.
PlayStation VR isn’t a newer or more modern technology since its release in 2016. As a result, the headset’s hardware is now quite outdated compared to other current headsets like Quest 2. From tracking to screen resolution to controllers, everything is significantly worse on PSVR than other headsets simply because a lot of technological advances have been made since its release nearly 5 years ago. That being said, with its (at the time) innovative Halo strap design, it’s quite comfortable and has a nice field of vision.
Many PlayStation VR bundles only come with the headset and PSVR camera connected to your console. Some PSVR games require (or improve with) PlayStation Move controllers or the PS Aim controller, which are usually sold separately but are occasionally included with the headset. This means you will need a PlayStation console, headset, and controllers that you may need to purchase separately.
PSVR has some great exclusive games that aren’t available on other headsets, but almost the entire non-exclusive game library is available on Quest 2 (where it will likely perform better). While this has not yet been announced, we believe that a new PSVR headset will be released in the next few years that is likely to improve the technology significantly.
In 2021, the only reason to buy a PSVR headset through a Quest 2 would be if you already own a PS4 or PS5 console and are vehemently against logging into Facebook. However, the PSVR exclusive games are excellent. So if these experiences look appealing, there is great value here. However, when you factor in the price of the console, controllers, and headset for PSVR, the Quest 2 is much cheaper overall.
The PlayStation VR Iron Man bundle is available on Amazon for $ 349 and includes the PSVR headset, PlayStation camera, two Move controllers, and a copy of Iron Man VR. Of course, there is no PlayStation console included, which is also required.
In summary
The Oculus Quest 2 is wireless and only needs what is included. PlayStation VR is wired at all times and requires multiple hardware components, each usually sold separately. Quest 2 was recently released and features modern hardware, while PSVR is significantly older and outdated in almost all aspects of its hardware.
Quest 2 has a great library of VR games, but it lacks some of the exclusive features available in the PSVR ecosystem. Overall, when you factor in the cost of the headset, controllers, and console needed for PSVR, the Quest 2 remains a significantly cheaper option that we recommend.
Other than that, Quest 2 requires you to log in and connect your Facebook account. This may be a no-go for some people and would make PSVR a more attractive option.
Other options
Oculus Quest 2 and PSVR aren’t the only options for someone looking to get into VR. To learn more about PC VR and other options available, check out our VR guide for beginners, and check out our guide to the best headsets to hit in late 2020.
Are you looking for more guides like this one? Check out the New to VR? Section of our website.
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