Which VR Goggle Is Right For You?

Currently, there are multiple different types of virtual reality devices available. If you are looking to buy one, there are multiple things you must look at first before buying. The current most popular VR devices are the Oculus Rift, Sony PlayStation VR, HTC Vive, Oculus Go, and Samsung Gear VR. Let’s go over each to see how they differ.

Occulus Rift

The Oculus Rift was released in 2016 with a hefty price tag of $599 with the need of a power computer. Since then, the price has dropped to $399 along with the addition of Oculus Touch motion controls bundled in. However, it still requires a powerful computer to use it effectively. With the addition of Oculus Touch controls, it surpassed the HTC Vive in popularity.

If you are looking to buy an Oculus Rift, your computer should meet these recommended specifications. You should have a Intel i5-4590 or better for CPU, Nvidia GTX 970 or AMD Radeon R9 290 or better for GPU, at least 8 GB or RAM, HDMI 1.3 output, and 3 USB 3.0 ports and 1 USB 2.0.

HTC Vive

The HTC Vive was released the same year as the Oculus Rift and was originally priced at $799. That price has dropped to $599 to match the Oculus Rift and touch controls. The Vive allows for whole room VR making the play space wider than the Rift.

For the HTC Vive, you will be looking at almost identical computer specs. You should have a Intel i5-4590 or better for CPU, Nvidia GTX 970 or AMD Radeon R9 290 or better for GPU, at least 8 GB or RAM, HDMI 1.4 output or DisplayPort 1.2, 1 USB 2.0, and Windows 7 SP1 or above.

Sony PlayStation VR

On September 1, the PS VR will only be sold either with the PlayStation Camera for $399 or with the PlayStation Camera and two Move controllers for $449. Currently the PS VR is most affordable and accessible tethered VR system. In terms of requirements, all you will need is either a PlayStation 4 or a PS4 Pro.

Oculus Go

The Oculus Go costs $199 being one of the cheapest options out there for VR. It has a comfortable design and is affordable which makes it one of the best introductory VR headsets out there. One of the main differences is that it is not tethered. This means that you do not need a computer or some other device to be attached to it.

Samsung Gear VR

The Samsung Gear VR will cost you $129.99. It is a foam-padded head set with some Velcro straps which allow for an easy, adjustable fit on your head. If the foam padding gets too dirty, you can remove them and replace them. You can use either a Galaxy S6, S7, S8, or Note 5 with the head set.