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Best Virtual Reality Headsets of 2017

If you're of the few who despises real world life, or maybe just need a break from the everyday mundane, here are the best virtual reality headsets of 2017 to escape into. Just don't get stuck there...

By Ryan EppsPublished 7 years ago 5 min read
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Over the past six years or so, as smart homes and self-driving cars have gone into rapid production, virtual reality has turned into an absolute craze, and is adored so much that even tech companies of all kinds are making said headsets in order to sell more products.

Knowing the perfect VR headset, however, is quite possibly one of the trickiest maneuvers to make in this day and age. Whether you're looking for something exceptional in gaming-verse graphics, or disputing the necessities of overpaying for quality, buying a virtual reality headset can be time consuming, costly, and frustrating — all to say the least.

First off, before even thinking of buying, you must know the difference between mobile and tethered products. A mobile VR headset doesn't need any additional attachments or computational assistance, like that of its tethered counterpart.

The Playstation VR is a tethered virtual reality experience, needing the Playstation 4 to help process and maneuver the virtual world inside the headset, whereas the Google Cardboard is a mobile VR device.

Beyond that, buyers should make a list of the things they are looking for in any particular piece of equipment. For your benefit, here are the best virtual reality headsets of 2017, rated by productivity, price, and overall quality.

Overall, the HTC VIVE is by far the top of its kind in almost every category. Especially for its hefty price tag, a whopping $599, you would hope it kills all the rest in quality, comfort, graphics, and interface.

The HTC VIVE is a tethered system that uses a SteamVR software, which exploits a vast array of games and TV in a simple and easy-to-use menu. Plus, it comes with a Google Tilt Brush that helps with motion in the virtual world. All you need is a viable PC to operate it.

If you're willing to shell out lots of money on quality experience, since this is one of the best virtual reality headsets of 2017, than the VIVE is perfect for you.

Particularly in the gaming world, Sony's Playstation VR headset far surpasses its rivals when it comes to video game interface, and it's the most immersive gadget of its kind.

It's not one of the best virtual reality headsets of 2017 for nothing.

As aforementioned, the PlayStation VR is a tethered virtual reality headset that uses the PS4 as its hardware platform and provincial viewership. The PS4 DualShock or the PlayStation Move can be used as controllers for the headset.

This particular VR gadget, however, does require you to have a PlayStation 4 console in order to use it. In this day and age, wherein virtual reality video games have become art, tech companies are pouncing on virtual reality games more than ever, as can be relayed by the rise in mobile VR applications.

Depending on where you buy it, the PlayStation VR can go anywhere from $300 to $480, so be cautious on deciding retailers. If you're a heavy gamer and love quality graphics with your gaming experience, then the PlayStation VR is perfect for you.

Another PC-tethered gadget, the Oculus Rift is an exceptional addition to the best virtual reality headsets of 2017, because it offers some of the most powerful features on the market.

Unlike the previous two systems, this headset does not have HDMI connectivity, making it a little less user-friendly than its counterparts.

On the flip side, Rift users can choose between Oculus Touch or Xbox One gamepad controls, plus it works with SteamVR or Oculus platforms.

Though it doesn't have whole-room VR technology, the Oculus Rift is certainly one of the main contenders in the arena of new-age virtual reality, especially when it comes to education in virtual form.

Leader and trend-setter of the mobile-friendly VR headset, the Samsung Gear VR is indisputably top of its class in handheld virtual reality.

As one of the cheapest on this list, having the lowest price thus far at $129, it's not difficult to find the Gear as one of the best virtual reality headsets of 2017. Oftentimes sold with the Samsung Galaxy as a promotional tactic, this VR headset is amazing for its price and mobility.

Some cons of the Samsung Gear include its incompatibility with older VR software, limited engaging non-game content, and a wide range of apps that are unsupported with the controls.

While it may not be perfect, the Samsung Gear VR is an instant staple for handheld virtual reality users.

Google's insight into technology can be called revolutionizing, to say the least, and when it comes to virtual reality that fact doesn't change. Two devices can be stated as the best virtual reality headsets of 2017 from Google's product list.

The Google Daydream View is a mobile VR headset powered by Android 7.0 Nougat software, meaning it can only be used with Android devices. Costing less than $80, it's perfect for people on a budget wanting quality performance from their mobile VR headset.

Considered the best and cheapest mobile virtual reality gadget, Google's Cardboard is an even better buy at $15. By using the user's mobile device, Cardboard taps into visual immersion without hefty pieces of technology.

Though both gadgets are in the early stages of software development and engineering, Google still offers the best virtual reality headsets of 2017 without even really trying, both of which are comfortable, affordable, and stress-free.

Similar to Google's Cardboard, Merge VR is an addition to the best virtual reality headsets of 2017 in terms of affordability and durability.

The Merge VR is designed with antimicrobial material, making it safe for children, and comes in a variety of colors, giving it personalization on top of general taste. It's also compatible with both Android and iOS devices.

While it may be a viable solution to the pricey rivals above, Merge isn't as comfortable as most, nor does it have as much content as the Gear. Despite its drawbacks, the Merge VR is perfect if you're looking for a light and easy virtual reality experience.

As the leader in VR comfort, Sarlar's 3D VR Glasses are one of the best virtual reality headsets of 2017 with its sleek design and under $20 price.

Despite being less commercial than the previous gadgets on this list, Sarlar's VR headset excels in comfortability by employing ABS+ environmental polycarbonate, additional cushioning around the headset, and an aspherical lens with anti-distortion.

The device works with iOS, Android, and Microsoft hardware, plus it exhibits an exquisite panoramic view with its FOV102, allowing the screen to be magnified by 5.2 times.

When it comes to watching movies in virtual reality, look nowhere else but the SIDARDOE 3D VR headset.

As one of the best virtual reality headsets of 2017, and additionally being one of the most affordable, SIDARDOE's product exhibits a 360 degree field of view, 4K resolution, and the best warranty in the VR community: 45-day money back guarantee and an 18-month warranty.

Though the more well-known companies, like Google and Sony, may be more trustworthy for buyers, SIDARDOE's 3D VR headset is definitely a must for those who can't spend an arm and a leg on similar quality and comfort.

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About the Creator

Ryan Epps

A cosmic adventurer rendering wayward letters into infinite lengths of conception and prose, like quantum streams of pneumatic information

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