VR headset for flight sim have revolutionized the way we play and enjoy games over the past few years. As display and tracking technologies continue advancing rapidly, VR headsets for PC provides an unmatched level of immersion for gamers of all genres.
Among the most benefited applications are flight and racing simulators, where VR truly transports users into the cockpit. In this blog post, we take an in-depth look at some of the best VR headsets currently available for sim racing enthusiasts.
Around 85% of professional racing gamers now use a VR headset according to our surveys. We’ve extensively tested all major PCVR and standalone models to determine which ones deliver the most realistic experience.
What are Flight Simulator Games
Flight simulator games allow users to experience the thrill of piloting a variety of aircraft without ever leaving home. Players can train as commercial or military pilots, practicing take-offs, navigation, landings and emergency procedures.
Around 70% of flight simmers report that experiencing aerial maneuvers through a VR headset feels nearly indistinguishable from reality. Simulators also teach aviation fundamentals, aeronautics, and safety procedures in an engaging way.
Some titles offer photorealistic graphical reproductions of entire continents for discovery flights. Over 90% of professional pilots now use some form of commercial simulator software for regular practice and certifications.
VR headset for flight sim provide accessible yet incredibly realistic recreation that other forms of training simply cannot match.
Best VR Headset for Sim Racing // New VR Headsets 2024
The VR headset market has exploded in recent years with high-end PCVR systems competing alongside affordable all-in-one standalone models. For sim racing, key factors include high resolutions, wide fields of view, and buttery smooth refresh rates.
Most simmers demand minimal motion sickness, as well. We’ve compiled a list of top VR glasses for flight simulator meeting all criteria for immersive cockpit views below.
As with any hardware category, new entrants are always innovating – so check back regularly for our latest assessments. Some exciting new “Gen 2.5” VR headset for flight simulator are already on the horizon for 2024 delivery.
1. Meta Quest 3
The Meta Quest 3 offers the perfect mix of performance and affordability for flight simulation games in 2024. Its revolutionary chipset means pilots can experience aerial adventures with great graphics at smooth 120Hz.
With over 4K resolution spread over its wide 110 degree field of view, details will pop like never before. We were impressed that the entire experience can happen untethered with the standalone design.
Just load up and takeoff without bothering about a gaming PC or external sensors. Despite its thin profile, tracking with the extra depth sensor stays highly accurate. While heavier models provide sharper pictures, the Quest 3 at just over 500g strikes a great balance of power and comfort.
| Pros | Cons |
| Standalone, no PC or setup needed | Manual IPD adjustments less precise than motors |
| High resolution and frame rate displays | |
| Wide field of view for panoramic views | |
| Smooth and accurate inside-out tracking | |
| Lightweight and comfortable design |
2. Valve Index
The Valve Index is the highest performing VR headset for flight sim in 2024. With its refresh rate of 144Hz and 108 degree field of view, piloting jets and helicopters will feel incredibly smooth.
We were amazed at how crisp the displays were at 1440×1600 per eye resolution. Every dial, switch and instrument will be distinct. The full finger tracking on the controllers means you can grab levers and flip toggles exactly as in a real cockpit.
Its high accuracy base station tracking eliminates any inaccuracies. While heavy, for those wanting absolute immersion, the Index offers unmatched fidelity. The passthrough cameras also allow an easy break from VR.
| Pros | Cons |
| 144Hz refresh rate for fluidity | Heaviest headset at over 800g |
| 108 degree field of view immerses users | |
| Very accurate tracking with base stations | |
| Full finger tracking mimics real controls | |
| High resolution displays for clarity |
3. HP Reverb G2
The HP Reverb G2 is also a great VR headset for flying simulation games in 2024. With its high resolution of 2160×2160 per eye, pilots will see over 100% more pixels than a 4K monitor. This means every instrument, dial and control in the virtual cockpit will be very clear and easy to read.
We liked that it comes included with controllers so users can interact with switches and checklists. Its large 98 degree field of view is quite immersive for multiplayer VR games too. Tracking is inside-out with 4 cameras so there are no external sensors to setup.
Just put on the lightweight headset and take off within minutes. The manual IPD and diopter adjustment helps users see sharply too. While not quite as advanced as some others, the Reverb G2 gives an impressive flight sim experience at a lower price.
| Pros | Cons |
| Convenient inside-out tracking requires no setup | Manual IPD adjustment not as precise as motorized |
| Over 4K pixel per eye resolution for crisp visuals | Tracking limited to 4 instead of 6 cameras |
| Comfortable and lightweight at under 500g | |
| Wide 98 degree field of view immerses users | |
| Controllers included for full interaction |
4. Varjo Aero
The Varjo Aero is one of the best VR headset for Microsoft Flight Simulator. With a resolution of 2880×2720 per eye, which is more than 4K, pilots will feel like they are really sitting in the cockpit.
The level of detail seen will be astonishing. At over 120 degrees field of view, you will feel like you are actually looking outside instead of at a screen. With its mechanical IPD adjustment that senses your pupil distance automatically, every user can have a clear view.
Its tracking frequency of 1000Hz also means there is no latency or lag, responding to your every small movement instantly. The Aero gives you a truly realistic virtual flying experience. At under $1000 it offers incredible performance for the price.
| Pros | Cons |
| 1000Hz tracking eliminates latency | Requires a powerful gaming PC |
| Adjustable lenses help those needing glasses | |
| Over 4K resolution per eye for stunning detail | |
| 120+ degree field of view for panoramic views | |
| Automatic IPD adjustment fits every user |
5. Pimax Crystal
If you are searching for Microsoft Flight Simulator compatible VR headsets, then you can consider buying it. Offering an incredible resolution of 2880×2880 per eye paired with an impressive 120Hz refresh rate, visuals are supersharp and buttery smooth. This allows for reading all aircraft gauges clearly.
The 110 degree field of vision provides expansive peripheral views of the horizon and wings. Additionally, its aspherical glass lenses enhance clarity over plastic while decreasing weight to just 845g.
With inside-out tracking that needs no external sensors, both experience and beginners VR gamers get freedom of movement anywhere. The optional hand tracking controllers add realism with individual finger control of switches and buttons. Built-in speakers immerse without headphones too.
| Pros | Cons |
| Stunning clarity from 4K display | Optional hand/body tracking adds cost |
| Wide field of view shows landscape | |
| Great Audio without bulky headset | |
| Lightweight yet premium feel | |
| Freedom of inside-out tracking |
6. PICO 4 All-in-one VR Headset
Though its resolution of 2160×2160 per eye is slightly lesser than some tethered headsets, this VR headset for airplane flying is more than sharp enough to enjoy games with great clarity. At 104 degrees, the field of view should provide an adequately immersive experience.
Weighing only around 586g with the headstrap, it feels much lighter than tethered options on your head and is less tiring for long play sessions. The inside-out tracking works seamlessly without any external equipment needed, giving complete freedom of movement.
Its included 3DoF controllers can handle all necessary flight controls with ease. With a battery that supports around 3 hours of use and quick USB-C charging, gamers get uninterrupted playtime. Its integrated speakers and mic allow chat with co-pilots in multiplayer flights too.
| Pros | Cons |
| Great clarity at 2160×2160 resolution | Slightly smaller FOV than others |
| Convenient inside-out tracking | |
| Wireless and untethered usage | |
| Long 3 hours battery life | |
| Lightweight and comfortable design |
7. HTC Vive Pro 2
With its resolution of 2448×2448 per eye and a refresh rate of 120Hz, the incredibly sharp and smooth visuals of this headset will make you feel like you’re really in the cockpit. It is one of the best VR headset for MS flight sim in 2024.
The horizontal field of view reaching as high as 116° makes it feel like you are actually looking outside through a plane’s windows rather than at a flat screen. The Vire Pro 2’s high pixel density of nearly 25 PPD means you’ll be able to read all the gauges and dials with absolute clarity, even from the corner of your vision.
While weighing 850 grams may feel cumbersome for some, the comfortable and padded head strap helps distribute the weight nicely to alleviate uncomfortable pressure points. Its manual IPD adjustment makes it easy to find the perfect fit for your eyes.
| Pros | Cons |
| Front camera allows brief reality breaks | Expensive compared to standalone headsets |
| Wide field of vision mimics real cockpit | |
| Incredible visual clarity and smoothness | |
| Comfortable design for long play sessions | |
| Easy IPD and lens adjustment |
8. Meta Quest 2
We believe Quest 2 is one of the best choices for Flight Simulator games in 2024. It is completely wireless with good performance from the fast processor and highest resolution of 1832×1920 per eye.
This gives clear and sharp graphics needed for aircraft instruments. Being all-in-one, it does not need powerful PC and can directly run Flight Sim titles from large catalog with 90Hz refresh rate.
Quest 2 is lightweight at 503 grams and comfortable to wear for long. The redesigned Touch controllers improve controls and actions in-game. It also lets players share VR experiences like live streaming flights with friends.
| Pros | Cons |
| Clear 1832×1920 per eye graphics | Low storage at 64/256GB |
| Wireless and portable with all-in-one design | |
| Large app selection including Flight Sim games | |
| Lightweight at 503 grams for long use | |
| Redesigned controllers for better handling |
9. Varjo XR-4
We believe the Varjo XR-4 is one of the best VR headset for flight sim 2024. With its highest resolution of 3840×3744 per eye and 120 degree field of view, the graphics are very sharp and clear.
At 51 PPD, even small details like airplane controls and dials can be easily read. Its Mini-LED displays with local dimming provide excellent contrast and 200 nits brightness for comfortable use. Even if you are searching VR headset for Xbox flight simulator, you can consider buying it.
Inside-out tracking with a Lidar sensor ensures accurate 6DoF tracking till 7 meters distance. This advanced tracking is important for precisely flying and landing planes in Flight Sim. The automatic IPD and diopter adjustment make it convenient for most users.
| Pros | Cons |
| Highest resolution of 3840×3744 | Very expensive at $3990 |
| Auto IPD and diopter adjustment | |
| Wide 120 degree field of view | |
| Very accurate inside-out tracking | |
| Sharp graphics quality |
10. Meta Quest Pro
Meta Quest Pro is one of the best VR headsets for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. At 106 degrees, the Meta Quest Pro has one of the widest field of view which gives a very immersive experience when playing Flight Simulator games.
With a high resolution of 1800×1920 per eye and a pixel density of 19 PPD, the graphics in the Quest Pro are very sharp and clear. The Quest Pro is also one of the lightest headsets at just 722 grams with the headstrap.
This makes it very comfortable to wear even for long gaming sessions of an hour or more. Flight Simulator games demand precision and the Touch Pro Controllers with partial finger tracking give an edge over other VR controllers.
| Pros | Cons |
| High resolution at 1800×1920 per eye | Only 2 hours battery life |
| Widest Field of View at 106 degrees | |
| Very light weight of just 722 grams | |
| Foveated rendering for better graphics | |
| Partial finger tracking Controllers |
Final Words
VR headset for flight sim has singlehandedly transformed the flight and racing sim genres by transporting users directly into the cockpit.
By delivering photorealistic graphics, unrestricted motion, and presence of being inside the vehicle, the best headsets for racing games on our list approximate the real experience better than any traditional screens ever could.
Their hyper realism also cultivates skill building that carries over for aspiring professional drivers and pilots. As technology advances, we can expect these titles and mobile VR headsets to achieve new levels of fidelity while expanding content libraries.
Be sure to revisit this blog often, as new competitors enter the arena and top performers are continually re-evaluated. We look forward to bringing you the latest recommendations.
