With advancements in technology, virtual reality has become more accessible than ever before. VRChat, in particular, has emerged as one of the most popular virtual worlds, attracting over 4 million monthly active users as of 2024.
Visitors to the metaverse can interact with other players in creative and stylized virtual avatars. However, to fully immerse yourself in VRChat and enjoy all it has to offer, you need the right VR headset for VRChat.
In this post, we analyze the top 10 best VR headsets exclusively for VRChat based on factors like specs, affordability, ease of use, and more. Read this post till the end, and you will be able to learn about the best options available as of now.
What Is VRChat?
VRChat is basically a VR platform where users can socialize, play VR games, and explore 3D spaces together. The virtual world is filled with rooms designed by its community, ranging from nightclubs and parks to fantasy worlds.
Players feel truly present alongside others in VRChat thanks to high-quality avatar rendering and proximity voice chat. Around 60% of current VRChat users spend a minimum of 10 hours per week socializing in different worlds.
There is also continued growth in custom content like animations, shaders and scripts created by the flourishing developer community. If you want, then you can also create and share your spaces with your friends and the world.
Top 10 Best VR Headset for VRChat You Can Buy In 2024
A simple search will get you a list of hundreds of VR headsets for video games but not all are worth buying. Instead of going with random goggles you come across on the internet, consider the ones with the highest reviews and better compatibility.
After evaluating all PC VR and standalone headsets available in the market, here are the top picks for enjoying VRChat to the fullest. We’ve reviewed the most recommended products by the experts so you can use them with VRChat without any issues.
1. Meta Quest 3
The Meta Quest 3 is one of the best VR headsets for VRChat. With its Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chipset, it provides double the processing power compared to other headsets. This allows games like VRChat to load twice as fast.
Not only that, graphics will also be rendered faster due to the powerful GPU. The 120Hz refresh rate and pancake lenses provide very clear and smooth visuals.
We also like that it comes with high storage options of 128GB and 512GB. This is very useful for VRChat as the maps and avatars can take a lot of space. The Quest 3 is also fully wireless which means you can enjoy VR games or explore VR worlds without any wires holding you back.
Another great thing is the improved audio. The volume is up to 40% louder compared to previous Quest headsets. With spatial 3D audio, you can hear sounds clearly from all directions.
The adjustable interface and fabric strap make it very comfortable to wear for long VR sessions. Plus, features like WiFi 6E and the USB Type-C port allow for faster connectivity and file transfers.
2. Valve Index
We feel the Valve Index is a great choice for playing VRChat and other VR games. While the resolution of 1440×1600 per eye is less than some headsets, the large 130 degree field of view makes the display feel very immersive.
More importantly, it has an incredible refresh rate of 120Hz as well as an experimental high 144Hz mode. This makes in-game movement and graphics buttery smooth.
Another reason why we think it’s well-suited for VRChat is its advanced finger tracking. Being able to clearly see your own hands and fingers move naturally in VR brings the experience much closer to reality.
The built-in speakers are also a big plus as you won’t need extra audio gear. At $499 for just the VR headset or $999 for the full kit, it is more affordable than competitors like the HTC Vive Pro 2.
3. HTC Vive Pro VR System
For playing VRChat and other VR games, we think the HTC Vive Pro VR System is the top option. It has a high resolution of 4896 x 2448 per eye, which is over 5K! Graphics and virtual worlds will look incredibly sharp and clear.
When combined with the 120 degree field of view and 120Hz refresh rate, the experience is extremely immersive. We were also impressed that the full system kit comes with everything needed like the headset, controllers, and base stations.
Setup is straightforward since the base stations track your movement around a room-scale space. With a weight of just 13 pounds including the headset, it feels quite comfortable to use for long periods.
As an added bonus, the Vive Pro performs well for much more than just games. Professionals use it for applications such as vehicle simulators, design visualization, and more.
4. Oculus Rift S
With over 18,000 ratings of 4-stars on Amazon, it is clearly very liked by many users. The dual OLED screens provide sharp graphics quality which makes virtual worlds look very realistic.
The Rift S works easily with both the Oculus Store and SteamVR, giving you access to thousands of VR titles like VRChat. The halo headband holds the lightweight headset firmly but comfortably during active gameplay.
Setup is quick thanks to the simple connection to your computer. Best of all, you can join the VRChat community and connect with friends through your Facebook account right from the headset.
While not the most high-end option, for the price the Rift S delivers an amazing VR experience focused around gaming. It makes virtual worlds feel very real and immersive.
5. Samsung HMD Odyssey+
Samsung HMD Odyssey+ could be a good choice for playing VRChat and other similar VR games. It has an AMOLED display with a high resolution of 2880 x 1600 per eye, so the graphics look really clear and sharp. The 110-degree field of view makes the virtual worlds seem very wide.
Not to mention, the 60Hz or 90Hz refresh rate provides smooth gameplay, and you can enjoy lag-free gaming because of it. And the strong audio from AKG speakers adds to an immersive experience. While heavy for the front part of the head, it has IPD and strap adjustments for a comfortable fit.
The high price compared to Oculus VR headsets sets is a downside. Support may also stop at some point due to Samsung pulling back. But for now, we think it delivers among the best visual quality for VRChat in this category.
6. HP Reverb G2
HP Reverb G2 is the best VR headset for VRChat you can buy around $500. While it costs a little more than others, you get many premium features in it which are usually found on more expensive headsets.
The 2160 x 2160 per eye display is amazing and games look extremely sharp and clear. When combined with the included spatial audio, worlds seem very real.
Compared to others in this price range, we were surprised it comes with two motion controllers. This allows you to fully interact within VRChat just like using your real hands. Setup is also simple as it one of the best VR headsets for Windows 10 and 11 computers.
For serious VRChat players who don’t want to spend a fortune, we think the HP Reverb G2 delivers incredible value.
7. DPVR E4
We think the DPVR E4 is a great option for those who want to play VRChat and SteamVR games without spending a lot. Even though it does not have many reviews, the specs seem very good. It weighs only 280g which makes it very light to wear for long periods.
The 120Hz refresh rate and 116 degree field of view provides sharp and smooth gameplay. We also like the 4 camera tracking system that offers wide coverage. Most importantly for VRChat, it ships with two motion controllers right in the box.
The manufacturer says it works with over 7000 SteamVR games which is perfect compatibility for titles like VRChat. For a more affordable VR headset, the DPVR E4 delivers impressive features and performance.
8. Pimax Crystal
While very expensive at around $990, it packs incredible specs under the hood. The dual mini-LED displays provide amazing resolution of 2880 x 2720 per eye. Combined with the 115 degree field of view, virtual worlds look super sharp and extensive.
The automatic IPD adjustment and built-in eye tracking also enhance immersion. This headset seems fully optimized for realism. We were also happy to see the 90Hz refresh rate matches that of competing premium sets. Motion looks ultra smooth in game.
Its strong suit over cheaper competitors is image clarity. The incredible pixel density of 35PPD or “pixels per degree” means textures and fine details really pop out.
9. Varjo Aero
We believe the Varjo Aero could be the next best VR headset for VRChat in 2024. Even though it costs around $990, it has many amazing features inside. The dual mini-LED displays have a sharp resolution of 2880 x 2720 per eye. Combined with the 115 degree field of view, virtual worlds will look very clear and wide.
It also has a fast 90Hz refresh rate, just like other top-quality headsets. One thing we liked is the high pixel density of 35 pixels per degree. Textures, objects and avatars will have lots of fine details. This type of photo-realistic visuals brings VRChat to life.
While very expensive, the Varjo Aero aims to deliver the highest immersion through cutting-edge technologies.
10. PICO 4 All-in-One VR Headset
We think PICO 4 is a great choice for those looking to experience VRChat without spending a lot of money. While it may not be available worldwide, the specs are quite impressive for the price. You get a high resolution of 4320 x 2160 per eye display with sharp graphics.
Combined with the up to 90Hz refresh rate and 105 degree field of view, virtual worlds seem very realistic and smooth. Motion handling is excellent too. The USB Type-C port allows fast performance when playing graphics-heavy games.
Storage choices of 128GB and 256GB give enough space for many VRChat worlds and avatars without running out. The automatic IPD adjustment makes it a comfortable fit as well. At only 300g, it feels very lightweight for long play sessions.
Final Words
VRChat presents an endlessly creative virtual playground for immersive social experiences. With the right headset, you can become anyone and explore imaginative worlds without limits.
Top headsets provide buttery smooth graphics, low latency and easy setup essential for prolonged VRChat sessions. Graphics cards and CPU specs need upgrading occasionally with new releases.
But for now, any of the top 10 picks are excellent choices to delve into this thriving VR metaverse. You can keep visiting the 5thscape blog as we will keep adding more such VR headsets on this page. If you know about any other headset which you think is the best VR headset for VRChat, do share your views with us via the comments below.
