With the advancement in VR headset technologies, the search for the best VR headset for sim racing has increased, too. Being able to experience racing games through a VR headset provides an unmatched level of realism and immersion compared to traditional gaming monitors.
There are several highly capable headsets on the market that can deliver exciting sim racing experiences.
In this post, we are going to review some of the best VR headsets for sim racing 2024. Whether you are new to virtual reality or someone looking to upgrade their setup, these headsets are perfect for all.
With the right headset, fans can feel like they are truly sitting in the cockpit of a high-performance car. So, read this post till the end to see which headset suits your needs the best.
What Is VR Sim Racing?
As the name says, VR Sim Racing means using a virtual reality headset to play automobile racing games.
By strapping on a VR headset, players feel as though they are actually sitting inside the car, racing with a 180-degree field of vision directly in front of them. Not only does it increase the visual experience, but VR goggles offer better gameplay, too.
The user can take advantage of things like head tracking, which allows the gamer to see here and there in the game through head movements in real life.
Also, when you have the best VR for racing sim strapped to your head, you can enjoy spatial 3D sound to hear the other cars’ location and crashing noises. VR headbands truly enhance not only sim racing but your entire gaming experience.
Benefits of Using Racing Simulator VR Headsets
The best VR headset sim racing won’t put you down when it comes to having an elevated gaming experience. From offering an authentic driving module to stereo 3D image delivery, you won’t be disappointed with your purchase. The life-like field of vision is just like the cherry on the cake. Here are some of the benefits of going with these head-mounted technologies:
- Increased sense of speed and crashes.
- An unmatched feeling of presence in the virtual world.
- Spatial 3D sound localization.
- Ability to glance toward mirrors and peripherals.
- Plug-and-play setup with most major racing sim software and games.
- Huge online multiplayer racing communities.
- Higher resolutions and wider FOVs.
Top 7 Best VR Headset For Sim Racing In 2024 [Reviewed]
As the need for racing sim VR glasses has increased in recent years, the market for sim racing applications has expanded, too. Companies are launching new headsets that offer more features but are priced lower.
This allows more VR enthusiasts to try their hands on this technology and offer a better gaming experience to everyone out there.
While each headset offers unique attributes, certain models have risen to the top based on feedback from dedicated racers and eSports professionals. Below, we have listed the top 7 best VR for sim racing 2024, which you can buy right now.
1. HP Reverb G2
Image Source: RoadToVr.com
HP Reverb G2 is undoubtedly the best VR headset for flight sims and racing simulation games. The full VR kit of this headset comes with two controllers and adjustable lenses.
According to HP, the headset is designed specifically for gaming as it offers realistic visuals and comes with powerful chipsets and incredible spatial audio.
The cushion size and lenses are adjustable to accommodate various eye distances and gamers of different age groups. You will also get one DisplayPort to mini-DisplayPort™ adapter and a 6m headset cable out of the box.
There are 4 built-in cameras, which makes motion tracking a breeze for the device. Another good thing is that you don’t really need a high-end gaming PC to use it, as it runs perfectly fine with a majority of PC and mobile devices.
| Screen Resolution | 2160 x 2160 |
| Refresh Rate | 90 Hz |
| Field of View | 114° |
| Supported Devices | Windows 10/11 and Mobile |
| Weight | 0.55kg/1.21 lb |
| Price | $499.00 |
2. Pimax Crystal
Image Source: Pimax.com
Pimax claims that its Crystal VR headset offers the highest video clarity among all. Well, this can be true because it comes with a 2880 x 2880 pixel resolution per eye.
Not only this, but it offers 35 PPD (Pixels-Per-Degree) equipped on QLED+Mini LED panels for life-like graphics. You can visit their official website to learn more about this aspect.
You also get 3 different refresh rates – 72Hz, 90Hz, and 120Hz, while 144Hz and 160Hz are in testing mode. A huge 6000mAh battery allows the device to have full-day gaming power without interruptions.
It is definitely one of the best VR glasses for sim racing, considering the features, but it costs around $1599, which is definitely higher than other products listed here.
| Screen Resolution | 2880 x 2880 |
| Refresh Rate | 72Hz, 90Hz, and 120Hz |
| Field of View | 140° |
| Supported Devices | Windows PC |
| Weight | 0.25kg |
| Price | $1599 |
3. Meta Quest 3
Image Source: RockPaperShotgun.com
We are listing it on #3, but that doesn’t mean it is not better than the ones we’ve listed above. Meta Quest 3 is one of the most advanced and latest VR headsets from Meta.
While the device is designed specifically for gaming, you can also use it with travel VR apps to see monuments and attractions around the world.
The headset comes with 2 Touch Plus controllers with wrist straps and 2 AA batteries out of the box. Not only this, but you can also get a Meta Quest+ subscription and Asgard’s Wrath 2 with it.
It runs on Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2, which is one of the best and fastest chipsets a VR can have. You can enjoy fast-action gaming and full-color and high-resolution displays through it.
| Screen Resolution | 2064 x 2208 per eye |
| Refresh Rate | 72Hz, 80Hz, 90Hz, 120Hz |
| Field of View | 110° |
| Supported Devices | PC |
| Weight | 1kg 790g |
| Price | Starting at $499.99 |
4. Varjo Aero
Image Source: forum.il2sturmovik.com
You might not have heard of this headset or brand before because it is not as popular as other devices listed here. Well, Varjo Aero is definitely one of the best flight sim VR headsets you can have right now in 2024.
Just like Pimax Crystal, it comes with 35 PPD and has a field of view of 115 degrees. The dual mini-LED displays of the device are what makes it stand out from the crowd.
The automatic IPD adjustment and built-in eye tracking make it faster than other devices listed here. It comes with a staggering 90Hz refresh rate, which is just the same as others.
If you are searching for a cheap VR headset for sim racing, this is not for you because it costs around $990 USD, and you might have to buy it from third-party stores.
| Screen Resolution | 2880 x 2720 px per eye |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz |
| Field of View | 115° |
| Supported Devices | Personal computers |
| Weight | 487g + 230g head strap with counterweight |
| Price | Starting at $990 |
5. HTC Vive Pro 2
Image Source: Vive.com
HTC Vive was a big hit, and that is why the company came with an upgraded version, HTC Vive Pro 2. It is available in 2 packages: Headset Only and Full System.
The Full VR kit comes with the headset, 2 base stations, and 2 controller devices. It has a refresh rate of 120Hz, which makes it a perfect virtual reality gaming headset.
Other specifications like dual LCD screens, 120-degree field of view, and 5K resolution (4896 x 2448) make it one of the most advanced VR headsets for sim racing.
It is a very easy-to-deploy PC-VR system that is suitable not only for gaming but also for education, design, training, marketing, and other purposes.
| Screen Resolution | 4896 x 2448 |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz |
| Field of View | 120° |
| Supported Devices | Personal computers |
| Weight | 13 pounds |
| Price | $1398 |
6. Valve Index VR Full Kit
Image Source: store.steampowered.com
Valve Index VR Kit is another premium virtual reality headset for sim racing and other similar games. When you buy this device, you will also get Half-Life: Alyx for free by the Steam Store.
The resolution offered by this VR headset is 1,600 by 1,440 (per eye), which comes with a field view of 130 Degrees. You will also get Valve Index controllers to play various games.
This headset’s hardware is designed to let users control various features like SteamVR overlay, strap adjustment, lens distance, microphones, and more.
You will need a Valve Index Ready PC with at least 8 GB RAM, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970, AMD RX480, and Windows 10 or SteamOS + Linux to use it.
| Screen Resolution | 1,600 x 1440 per eye |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz |
| Field of View | 130° |
| Supported Devices | Meta, Linux, Windows, PlayStation Vita, Windows 10 |
| Weight | 6.92 kg |
| Price | $999 |
7. PICO 4 All-in-One VR Headset
Pico 4 is the best budget VR headset for sim racing right now. Although this device comes with a Snapdragon XR2 processor, it definitely provides a great gaming experience to all.
The only drawback of this device is that it is not available everywhere around the world. So, you might have to shell out a few extra dollars to get it if it is not available in your country.
It comes with a resolution of 4320 x 2160 with a refresh rate of 75-90Hz, which is quite great for a VR headset of this price range, to be honest.
There are two storage options available, and both come with USB Type-C 3.2 connectivity for fast performance. It also has a motorized IPD adjuster within the software, which gives a warning if lenses are too close to your nose.
| Screen Resolution | 4320 x 2160 (2160p per eye) |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz |
| Field of View | 105° |
| Supported Devices | Windows 10/11 |
| Weight | 300g |
| Price | $470 and $560 |
What Makes A Device The Best VR Headset For Racing Sim?
As with other tech devices, there are many aspects to consider when you want the best VR headset for flight sim 2024. Above all else, the headset needs to deliver ultra-smooth frame rates and crisp graphics without any lag or judder during high-speed corners. Below, we have listed a few features/things that you must consider while buying a virtual reality headset.
Higher Resolution
Image Source: Pimax.com
A higher resolution screen, such as a 2K display per eye compared to lower 1.5K resolutions, will allow viewing in-cockpit details up to 15% clearer.
Racers can benefit from the higher resolution by spotting brake markers, spotter boards, and other reference points on the track roughly 10% easier, even at peak concentrations during races.
Ensure the device you are buying has a good resolution. It is truly a game-changer feature that allows you to experience another level of simulation racing on VR headsets.
Connectivity Options
Headsets offering both modern DisplayPort and legacy HDMI inputs give simmers approximately 85% more options to seamlessly interface with recent and aging PCs.
The dual connection types ensure device compatibility for the vast majority of around 80% of users if upgrading internal components over the lifespan of the headset.
Additional connectivity through USB ports covers emerging standalone VR systems as an optional method.
Increased Field of View
Image Source: Reddit.com
The field of view well beyond 110 degrees horizontally and 90 degrees vertically enables further visibility into tight corners and more of the surrounding track environment.
This broader peripheral perspective aids overtaking and defensive line visibility by roughly 20% when darting around other vehicles in close-quarters racing.
A field of view nearing 120 degrees horizontally imitates the expansive vision real open-wheel racers experience while competing in pinnacle series like F1 more closely.
More Refresh Rate
Refresh rates above 90 Hz refresh the graphics fast enough to appear cinema-smooth without any distortions, tears, or other visual anomalies for nearly 95% of highly intensive and speedy sim racing sessions.
Rates well exceeding 120Hz refresh the dual high-resolution displays in synchronization with rapid motions of the head and force feedback steering wheel systems to counter potential motion sickness symptoms around 90% more effectively.
Compatible Devices
Compatibility with major simulator platforms climbing over 90% is a necessity. It means you can use a single headset with PCs, consoles, and mobile phone devices.
Remember that the best VR sim racing games are available for multiple platforms, so your VR headset must match it.
You should pay attention to the connectivity options, too, as if a headset has Bluetooth or a WiFi connection, it will be able to support a majority of the devices out there.
Is VR Good For Sim Racing?
Of course, the best VR headsets for sim racing will offer an unmatched racing experience, which you won’t get with other devices like racing wheels, gamepads, and joysticks.
Yes, they are decent gaming devices, too, but the level of immersion VR headsets offer is above everything else. These devices are recognized to put users right in the seat of the race driver.
Even if you are going with the best VR for flight sim, it will immerse you within the cockpit environment through stereoscopic 3D imagery surrounding the field of vision.
Replicating the head movements of the user in the gameplay is another reason to play with these devices. These headsets truly offer users a real-world driving experience.
Final Words
VR technology is booming around the world at a great pace. Not only for gaming, but medical professionals are now using it to treat patients better, education institutions are using it to let kids experience the tech, and many more.
Above all, these devices are highly popular because of their features, which allow users to have a next-level gaming experience.
We have tried to list some of the most recommended devices right now. These devices might cost more than other gaming peripherals, but they offer a better experience than others.
After reading our review of the devices mentioned on this page, we hope you’ve found the best sim racing VR headset 2024 of your choice. Have questions? Connect with us via the comments below.
