Virtual reality helmet vr. The best virtual reality glasses - rating. Price for virtual reality helmet for PC

The reality of the virtual world is getting closer. Games and applications with complete immersion in the gaming world are finding more and more fans. This became possible thanks to glasses and helmets that can transport a person into virtual reality.

Technologically similar devices are connected by a common name: “VR headset”. Such helmets are made for both computers and smartphones. This article presents a ranking of the best glasses and helmets virtual reality in 2020.

VR glasses are a device equipped with special aspherical lenses and a screen with a kind of partition. In this case, the image is transmitted to each eye separately, which allows a person to experience the full range of sensations from being in the world of virtual reality.

The principle of working with smartphones

It is worth saying that such devices can work at full capacity only with modern phones, which are equipped with gyroscopes. Then the image will not be static and will allow complete immersion in the game world.

There are models of glasses with a built-in gyroscope, then there is no need for the above-described sensor in the phone. In addition, it would be very useful to have a smartphone with a special protective glass, as this will prevent the formation of scratches on the screen, and therefore will not spoil general impression from watching movies or playing games.

The virtual reality glasses are connected via a standard USB port, and sound is transmitted through headphones or a smartphone speaker. Helmets and glasses for mobile phone imply their use anywhere, which is very convenient when traveling or on walks.

Some glasses models can cause your smartphone to overheat and eventually damage it. It should be noted that during a game session it becomes problematic to answer incoming call. Therefore, you should immediately take care of free time and ensuring peace.

The principle of working with a PC

The principle of operation of a virtual helmet with a computer is the same as with a smartphone. The only difference is in the connection method: in the version with a computer it occurs through hdmi cable, and in a smartphone the gyroscope is turned on via the USB output.

Sound is transmitted through headphones or speakers connected to sound card. Some models are equipped with motion sensors, which makes the process of immersion into the game world completely realistic.

For the virtual device to fully operate, you need to download or purchase the appropriate applications or games. Unfortunately, the devices only work next to the computer, but if used for these purposes powerful laptop, the helmet can be made completely mobile.

The main negative difference between the computer version of the gadget and the telephone version is the cost, since glasses for a computer cost an order of magnitude higher.

Precautionary measures

Why helmets and virtual reality glasses are needed is clear to everyone, but many forget about precautions when using such gadgets. And this leads to equipment breakdown and acquisition various problems with health.

When using VR gadgets, the following precautions should be taken:

You should never connect cables and cords while the equipment is running: such actions can cause it to fail;
It is necessary to ensure that there is sufficient and free space for maneuvers in the game;
Don’t get carried away with the game process: 30 minutes is enough to play with an hour break, since during this time blood circulation in the neck will be restored, and the eyes will also rest;
How to use a helmet or virtual reality glasses is written in the instructions for the device, so you should follow these recommendations;
If you feel nauseous or dizzy while playing while wearing a helmet, you should immediately end the immersion session in VR reality.

First you need to make sure you have necessary equipment for immersion in virtual reality. Unfortunately, modern technologies are unable to meet the demand for applications optimized for VR devices. Sometimes such applications are not at all inexpensive.

However, when choosing some models, sellers offer some promotions for connecting to various resources for trial use of the device. Thanks to this, the user can evaluate the capabilities and technical components of the device, find out how to play games and how to use the device.

The trial period is provided free of charge. The AliExpress website service has proven itself to be a good option for purchasing such equipment. It presents the latest innovations, describes in detail the device connection system and a list of system requirements for the device.

The Yandex service can also help with choosing VR reality devices. Market, where it is collected a large number of device models for both smartphones and computers, as well as customer reviews and offers from various stores.

The best VR glasses and helmets for smartphones

After doing some work on studying the market and consumer reviews, we can identify the most popular manufacturers of virtual glasses for smartphones.

The main factors when choosing a particular model of VR reality glasses are:

Reliability;
Convenience;
Price.

3rd place: VR SHINECON G3

Characteristics:

The dimensions of the glasses are made so as not to “offend anyone” - not large, but not small either. The package includes a cloth that is needed to care for the lenses. The fact is that they are sensitive and need to be used carefully. The remote control (joystick) is compact, which, of course, makes it lightweight.

The manufacturer should be thanked for the package and packaging, since everything inside is packed in such a way that the buyer has no reason to worry about delivery. It is worth noting that for convenience, the glasses are equipped with a soft elastic band around the eyes, which makes them more comfortable to use.

The design of the headset, to be honest, is done perfectly. Everything is done exquisitely and in accordance with the latest fashion trends, and during use there is not the slightest effect of discomfort. The model “sits” well on the head and does not interfere with the eyes.

It is worth noting that not every device in this rating can boast of the above-described features. The remote control (joystick) feels comfortable in your hand, which allows you to completely immerse yourself in virtual reality.

The average price is 700 rubles.

Advantages:

Reliable lens fixation;
Good viewing angle;
Excellent image quality.

Flaws:

Not detected.

2nd place: BOBOVR Z4MINI

Characteristics:

Virtual reality glasses made in China. The device can be classified according to all characteristics as more high quality compared to the previous model. The gadget is made of high-quality white plastic. The head mount consists of three straps that comfortably hold the device.

The foam padding is removable, and there is a button on the helmet that simulates pressing the screen. The function of inserting a smartphone is very convenient. There is a button above the headphones for this. The translucent lid opens to 40 degrees. Inside there is a device that allows you to adjust the glasses to any smartphone.

The device has several holes for ventilation. To adjust the volume, the button on the case is very conveniently located. Lenses with a viewing angle of 110 degrees.

The average price is 1,500 rubles.

Advantages:

High-quality plastic housing;
Convenient installation of a smartphone;
Volume button.

Flaws:

Narrow nose bridge;
Heavy weight – 419 g;
Synchronous lens adjustment;
The earphone fit is rather weak.

1st place: RITMIX RVR-002

Characteristics:

This model makes it possible to plunge into the VR world through a phone with a display diagonal of at least 4.5 and no more than 6 inches. The glasses are compatible with any phone that has an operating system installed iOS system or Android. In addition, there is an integrated place for the camera (augmented reality program).

The glasses are equipped with 42 mm lenses and have a visual zone of 70 degrees, as well as an IPD (measurement of interpupillary distance) from 58 to 72 mm. The model is made of high-quality ABC-type plastic materials, as well as polycarbonates. Another advantage of the device is its lightness and compact size.

The average price is 400 rubles.

Advantages:

Compatible with iOS and Android phones;
There is an integrated place for the camera;
Made from high quality materials.

Flaws:

Not detected.

Best VR glasses and headsets for PC

Models of VR glasses and helmets computer purposes are more expensive. But they have a number of advantages, among which are:

Improved optics system;
Own screen;
The presence of controllers and sensors to respond to any movement of the head and body position in space.

Computer models can be divided into certain price categories depending on the buyer’s desires and the availability of suitable equipment.

3rd place: HTC VIVE PRO 2.0

Characteristics:

HTC VIVE PRO 2.0

This model requires powerful computer with a strong video card and operating system not lower than Windows 8.1.

The PC-compatible device is equipped with its own screen, it is possible to adjust the focus, as well as adjust the interpupillary distance. Screen created by Amoled technologies, its resolution: 2880x1600 px, that is, for each eye – 1440x1600 px. The sensors available to the user are an accelerometer, a gyroscope and a proximity analyzer.

The helmet is equipped with built-in headphones and a microphone, and there is a front camera. Available interfaces: HDMI and USB 2.0, USB-C 3.0, DP 1.2 and Bluetooth ports.

The helmet comes with two controllers (movement and position in space), as well as two base stations SteamVR. Their presence is intended to monitor the user’s actions in a room whose size is 10 by 10 m.

The average price is 99,800 rubles.

Promotional video of the improved version of HTC Vive Pro:

Advantages:

Control of player movements;
Clear picture on the built-in display;
High quality sound.

Flaws:

The presence of wires causes inconvenience, and wireless version not provided.

2nd place: HTC VIVE

Characteristics:

This model requires a powerful computer with a strong video card and an operating system of at least Windows 7.

The Taiwanese manufacturer's helmet has a magnetometer, gyroscope and accelerometer, as well as its own screen with a refresh rate of 90 hertz. The package includes headphones, a motion controller, as well as an external position and movement sensor in space.

The average price is 44,000 rubles.

Video review:

Advantages:

The helmet does not interfere with wearing glasses;
Full immersion in the virtual game process is guaranteed with real tracking movements of the head and hands;
A sufficient number of individual settings to choose from.

Flaws:

Difficulty connecting to a computer;
The freedom of virtual space does not allow the opportunity to fully enjoy the game world in small apartments;
The weight of the helmet is more than 500 grams, which causes fatigue in the muscles of the neck and head.

1st place: DELL VISOR WINDOWS MIXED REALITY HEADSET

Characteristics:

DELL VISOR WINDOWS MIXED REALITY HEADSET

VR glasses can be connected to a PC running Windows 10.

To others system requirements include the presence of a processor Intel Core i5 or AMD FX-4350, NVidia video cards GTX 965M/AMD RX 460, RAM memory 8GB DDR3. The glasses are equipped with their own display, the resolution of which is 2880x1440 px, i.e. 1440x1440 px - for each eye, viewing angle - 110 degrees.

The case has a headphone jack (3.5 mm mini-jack), as well as HDMI 2.0 and USB 3.0 interfaces. Eat front cameras motion registration.

The average price is 28,500 rubles.

Advantages:

Good viewing angle;
Availability of a controller;
Comfortable placement on the head;
The picture is clear, no pixels are visible.

Flaws:

The controller system is not always accurate;
There is no way to adjust the interpupillary distance;
The colors are not too saturated.

Best VR glasses and helmets for drones

Such models are used primarily by racing quadcopter pilots and fans of free flights.

2nd place: DJI GOGGLES RACING EDITION

Characteristics:

DJI GOGGLES RACING EDITION

The Racing Edition model is a continuation of the previously released DJI Goggles, suitable for quadcopters.

The glasses will please not only those who are not averse to organizing drone flight competitions. They will benefit people who prefer to use quadcopters for filming in hot countries. They, as a rule, feel inconvenienced by the fact that it is impossible to evaluate the image being captured on the display due to illumination. Tracking your subject on the glasses screen will help you avoid such problems.

The glasses differ from their predecessors in their very comfortable fit on the head. The image is displayed on its own built-in screen. For convenience, interpupillary distance adjustment is implemented. The screen resolution is 3840x1080 px, i.e. each eye has 1920x1080 px.

Control – touch, available interfaces: micro USB, HDMI type-D; slot for microSD. The glasses have connectors: a 3.5 mm mini-jack and for charging. Drones that the device interfaces with: DJI Spark, Mavic, Phantom 4, Inspire 2 series.

The average price is 36,900 rubles.

Video review of virtual reality glasses:

Advantages:

Comfortable fit;
Ability to shoot and demonstrate video MKV formats, MOV and MP4;
Availability of viewing panoramic images;
You can control the rotation of your head.

Flaws:

The device has different dimensions (195x110x155 mm), weight: 502 g.

1st place: DJI GOGGLES

Characteristics:

DJI GOGGLES glasses

This model rightfully ranks first in the “for drones” category. The viewing angle of the device is 85 degrees. With all the characteristics in total, this allows it to display an image on the screen in the format 3840x1080px or 1920x1080px for each eye.

This is several times more when compared with any other VR glasses that are designed for virtual reality. However, all this is explained by the fact that real records are much easier to process than a fictional world.

The average price is 27,000 rubles.

Advantages:

Good display;
Acceptable, but not the best best parameters contrast;
Assembly reliability;
Durability.

Flaws:

Management is not particularly comfortable;
Dimensional.

Best standalone devices

It's time to stop depending on wires! This is precisely the concept of stand-alone VR devices. So that they can connect to personal computer, and to the telephone, and at the same time were independent.

This group presents such high-performance models that should be considered a transitional type between virtual reality glasses and innovative helmets for running via a computer.

2nd place: MICROSOFT HOLOLENS

Characteristics:

MICROSOFT HOLOLENS

This model is the first Mixed Reality device and the first Microsoft product to run on Windows 10 and Windows system Holographic.

When compared with most of these market devices, this is a device on a Windows system that operates on battery power for approximately 5 hours (it all depends on the load). HOLOLENS does not need to be connected to a PC via wires, and all computing operations are performed directly on the device via the GPU and CPU.

All sensor activities are performed through an integrated HPU (Holographic Processing Unit) processor designed exclusively for HoloLens. It is necessary for processing data at the hardware level. This is a unique processor in its class, which makes it possible to process gigabytes of spatial information on the phone.

The average price is 348,000 rubles.

Advantages:

Appearance;
Operation does not cause any discomfort;
The lenses are located at a distance from the eyes, which is why they do not affect human vision;
Objects that the user sees in front of him are saved in place and continue to work in the background if they are not in the human perception zone.

Flaws:

Small viewing angle;
Modest performance for such a price;
The quality of the displayed image.

1st place: OCULUS GO

Characteristics:

This device does not require connection to a PC or smartphone, as it has built-in memory and its own full software. There are 32 and 64 GB options. The device runs on Android 7.1 OS, processors: Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 – main and Adreno 530 – graphics. RAM size – 3 GB. The glasses are powered by a Li-ion battery with a capacity of 3600 mAh.

The screen of the glasses has a resolution of 2560x1440 px, that is, each eye has 1280x1440 px, the viewing angle is 100 degrees.

The device is equipped with proximity sensors, an accelerometer and a gyroscope. There are built-in headphones.

The average price is 20,000 rubles.

Video about autonomous virtual reality glasses:

When this site was created - in November 2016 - there were essentially two types of VR glasses: those that connect to a PC and those that a smartphone is inserted into. But time passes, and today, as of June 2018, this entire VR zoo has grown so much that it may not be clear to beginners what they really need. What can I talk about, I’m already starting to get confused about them)

This note, I hope, will help you understand a little about the variety of VR devices today and make the right choice. Brew tea or coffee - there is a lot of material here)

For a better understanding of further material, I recommend reading my article ““, in which I talk about the basic principles of operation of modern VR systems.
Updated November 2018: added information about , and .
Updated May 2019: added information about , and . Well, a little detail where I added something.
Updated September 2019: added information about .
Updated January 2020: I edited the material a little.

Classification of VR glasses and helmets (nice diagram)

At first I thought about making a table, but then I found a cool service for diagrams and mind maps, with which I made this beauty ( view from the center):

Which VR helmet to choose in 2020?

The picture is clickable, Here’s another one, it’s the most convenient place to watch it. By default, it is intercepted by the magnifying glass plugin, on a PC it can be opened via the right mouse button, on a phone – with a long tap on the link. The picture was updated in September 2019, but at the beginning of 2020 it is still relevant, if new models appear, I will add them here.

Virtual glasses for smartphone

Initially, this site was intended to talk only about them, I didn’t think that, but what happened, happened. And now I’m writing more about the Oculus Rift CV1 or rather, about Oculus Rift S.

What's the point

It's just a plastic box with lenses and no electronics inside. Although, some models are equipped with headphones, buttons for changing the volume, pressing the screen, and so on. A smartphone is inserted there, special applications made on the basis are launched on it (if your phone supports them) - and you watch all sorts of 3D there. I’ll tell you in detail what you can do with these glasses. In short:

play mobile games based on Carboard (and Daydream) (),
watch 3D movies ().
and even try... and so on.

I had a lot of these glasses, but I either gave them away or sold them all:

My VR zoo for a smartphone (and here they are not all)

The advantages of such glasses:

relatively low price - you can buy from 500 rubles on Aliexpress;
you don’t need a powerful computer to watch virtual reality;
There are quite a lot of areas of application - that’s what I’m talking about;
usually they have adjustment of the focal and interpupillary distance, which is important for people with visual impairments;
You can really see 3D and get the wow effect “inexpensively”...

Disadvantages of such glasses:

needed - with a gyroscope and preferably a Full HD screen;
mobile content is quite poor and you are unlikely to find a cardboard game that will keep you engaged for a long time. Daydream seems to be better, but not every phone can handle it;
jerky tracking, drifts and other problems associated with low-quality gyroscopes in phones;
only - you can turn your head, but you cannot approach objects;
hassle with setting up games from a PC;
hassle with setting up controllers to simulate hands in VR;
phone overheating;
and in general - this is a phone: you received a call - VR is over)

In what case is it worth buying such glasses?

If you have a suitable phone and you haven’t seen “this VR” at all. Essentially, these VR glasses for smartphones are a demo version of real virtual reality. For little money you can buy a gadget that you either like or not. And, starting from what you see, move on.

Samsung Gear VR

It is not for nothing that it stands separately in the diagram.

it only works with Samsung, and different models GIR is required by different phone models, be sure to check compatibility before purchasing;
it has its own store and its own ecosystem of applications that are not compatible with Carboard;
it has its own gyroscope and some kind of electronics. This is why the tracking and overall quality of VR on Gir is compared to “large PC VR headsets”;
a controller goes to it, again - working only with it.

In general, as you understand, Gear VR is a thing in itself, but if you have a Samsung smartphone, it’s better to take a “weight”...

About DayDream

In fact, despite the fact that in my scheme I have a separate Bobo VR Z5, which comes with a joystick for Daydream, such a joystick can be purchased separately for any phone if it supports Daydream. And if it doesn’t support it, then you can try to reflash it.

It is important to understand that DayDream can be started in any glasses from the list - the main thing is that the phone supports it, and a controller is required.

However, as of mid-2019, many claim that Daydream is dead.

Where to find out more about VR glasses for smartphones

Oculus Rift CV1 + Tooch Bundle

The advantages of such helmets:

minimum problems with setting up the helmet and launching games (although there are exceptions);
excellent tracking quality, absence of drifts and other similar nonsense;
full-fledged VR “with hands” - controllers work out of the box;
the presence of positional tracking, that is - - in games you can bring your face closer to objects;
at your disposal is content from Steam VR and the Oculus Store (although don’t forget about exclusives for each platform) - and these are games at times better than that what you will see on mobile phones;
You can play in the dark!

Disadvantages of such helmets:

“Horse Price Tag” - Oculus CV1 today starts from 400 bucks on Amazon (has already fallen in price to 350!), Vive is more expensive, Vive PRO is actually sold here for 80k ( in fact, there are no new CV1s on sale anymore, they were replaced by the Oculus Rift S, more about that);
you will need a powerful PC to play VR games in good quality, or at least so that they do not slow down at all;
installing cameras or base stations can also create difficulties;
for full 360-degree tracking you may need additional camera(Oculus).

About Oculus Rift DK2

I talk about it in detail. Despite the fact that it still works and you can play it, I wouldn’t recommend taking it anymore. Because, it’s unknown when Oculus will give up on supporting it + tightening its hands there is also a hemorrhage, and additional expenses. Alternatively, if you have very little money, you can now find it on Avito for 5-10k, there’s no point in paying more.

About Oculus Rift S

This new model from Oculus, which is already available for pre-order in May 2019 for 400 bucks. Distribution will begin at the end of May. The main difference from the CV1 version is that external cameras are no longer needed, all tracking of the position of the head and controllers occurs “from within” the helmet itself due to the cameras built into it, like the WMR helmets that I write about later. Only there are five cameras instead of WMR’s two.

The shape of the controllers has also changed (the touchpads have been turned inside out) and the screen resolution has been improved - already 2560x1440 RGB for both eyes (as in Oculus Go).

Oculus Rift S - new PC-VR headset from Oculus

You can read more at, or look for Russian reviews, I think when you read this article, they are already online. Well unboxing.

About Valve Index

Valve Index - new VR helmet from Valve

Vive, you are simply Cosmos!

In addition, the helmet can be connected to the “basic tracking” of wireless stations, and in general, the developers are very focused on its “modularity”, they say, the front cover is removable, and the craftsmen will come up with a lot of things! But I seriously doubt this.

In what case is it worth taking these “classic” PC helmets?

If you want to play PC games normally, especially with controller hands and you have one on which all this will work. Well, you don’t mind the money, of course)

Where can I find out more about these things?

VR headsets for PC based on WMR (Windows Mixed Reality)

As for me, these are no longer “classic” PC helmets, and here’s why.

What's the point

Like the previous group of helmets, they will connect to a PC via HDMI and USB cable, but they have a fundamentally different way of tracking the position of the helmet and controllers in space. If Oculus and Vive have base stations or cameras - and helmets and controllers have infrared sensors to which they respond, then with WMR helmets everything is different.

On the front of the WMR helmet there are two wide angle cameras, which scan the space in front of them and, based on this data, track the movement of the helmet in space. Also, through these cameras, controllers on which glowing LEDs are located are also monitored. Reading cameras see in the normal range, not the IR range, and to track the movement of the controllers, sensors built into the controllers themselves are used.

Several major brands have released helmets based on this technology:

Herds of WMR helmets, for some reason they forgot Samsung...

Pros of WMR helmets:

the price tag here is more humane than that of its older brothers; on Amazon you can buy younger models from $200;
higher resolution screens versus Vive and Oculus (yes, I know from the Vive Pro and its price), namely 2880x1440 instead of 2100x1200 pixels;
there is no need to install base stations or cameras outside - the cameras built into the helmet monitor everything themselves;
in general, here you can play the same Steam VR and games from Oculus (ReVive);
its own application environment (although I have not yet heard that there are any exclusives there, but we’ll see)…
Thanks to the cameras, it will be possible to work in augmented reality (this is when the picture from the helmet is superimposed on the outside world), but I have not yet heard of cool applications that I could not live without).

Cons of WMR helmets:

You can’t play in the dark and in generally poor lighting - after all, no one can see the camera!
controllers can fly away, disappearing from the camera's visibility range. Although, many write that due to internal gyroscopes this is not so scary in fact, but nevertheless... you need to be prepared for such troubles;
The very shape of the controllers raises questions for me, especially after the oculus touches)
You will probably have to recalibrate if something has changed in your room, for example, furniture has been rearranged, because cameras work based on what they see around...
glitches, bugs and all this when launching games from Steam and not only - after all, the WMR platform is very young, and it will still be brought to mind. And not all developers will immediately adapt upcoming games for it;
they don't have built-in headphones - except for Odysseus.

About Samsung Odyssey

Among all WMR helmets, it stands apart, and costs more - from 500 bucks at the office. website, although while I’m writing this note, at a discount it costs 399...

Its key differences:

the highest screen resolution among WMR - dual Amoled screen with a resolution of 1440×1600 for each eye (2880* 1600 );
presence of headphones;
the shape of the controllers is different from other WMRs (and not everyone likes it);

In general, just like with Gear VR, Samsung has distinguished itself again)

About Samsung Odyssey+

Information from October 2018. Samsung is releasing an improved model of its helmet. The resolution remains the same, but some new technology has been used to reduce the visibility of the pixel grid + the design has been slightly changed and the weight of the helmet has been reduced. Apparently, something like what was done in the Oculus Rift CV1. For now you can only buy it in the USA, but they sell the regular Odyssey for 350 bucks.

About HP Reverb

HP Reverb - the highest resolution VR headset

Chinese copies of Oculus and Vive for PC

What's the point

These helmets also connect to a PC via cable, and even have some software that makes the computer recognize your Chinese helmet as an Oculus Rift. That is, you can generally play oculus games and Steam VR, but if everything was so simple, no one would buy expensive originals.

Of the models known to me, this is Deepon E2 (is now almost never found in nature) ,Deepon E3 and of course Pimax 4K(). There are other, more exotic models that can be found on Ali, Herbest and other Internet spaces... key feature here is just software that replaces your helmet with its “big brother” and makes it possible to play PC games.

Pimax 4K virtual reality headset

The advantages of such helmets:

they usually cost less than their analogues, the same Pimax 4K cost me 17k;
own software written by the Chinese will allow you to play many PC games;
higher picture resolution (Pimax 4K).

Disadvantages of such helmets:

assembly and a high percentage of defects;
the same software may well turn out to be buggy and it is not a fact that all games will work perfectly;
as a rule, there is no “positioning”, that is, only three degrees of freedom - if you do not buy the same Nolas or Hydras;
lack of controllers “out of the box”;
ghosts, drifts and other childhood diseases of Chinese VR helmets.

About Pimax 8K

In it, the Chinese promise a viewing angle of 200 degrees + a grid at the Pimax 4K level, as well as proprietary controllers with tracking of each finger. But test deliveries were promised back in February 2018, and it’s already June and only now the first ten pieces have been sent out to testers.

They'll release us - we'll see.

UPD: they finally gave birth to something and already in October 2018 they began sending out (finally!) helmets to backers from Kickstarter, and also opened pre-orders on their website. But, even according to the reviews of those who have seen the helmet, not everything is clear yet. In fact, there are no two hundred FOVs there, at best - 150, but even this everyone admires. The price for this is the same grid at the 4k level, distortion on the sides and extreme requirements for the PC. Read more in the topic on 4pda.

Vive Focus

When I wrote the post, I completely forgot about it. And not by chance. It is close to the Mirage Solo, it also has cameras for spatial positioning and seems to promise six degrees of freedom. But, while it is sold only in China for 4299 yuan, for ours it is something like 40k at the time of writing. This is even cooler than the version from Lenova. And it’s not very clear yet with the software whether there will be anything other than Chinese store... although VivePort seems to be declared.

Oculus Quest - the storm of standalone VR headsets

And it came out; pre-orders opened on April 30, 2019.

At the end of September 2019, Oculus announced a stream from a PC via cable for Quest - Oculus Link, and hand tracking in 2020. You can read more in my .

In what cases do you need such a stand-alone helmet?

It will come in handy if you travel a lot and plan to take your helmet with you - compared to Chinese All-In-Ones, everything here is of higher quality + a wireless controller. It’s also convenient to watch movies even at home, lying in bed, for example, without disturbing anyone, especially since you don’t need a PC or a phone, compared to the same Pimax 4K, which has a clearer picture, but also requires a computer.

It is also ideal for viewing panoramic photos and videos and simple mobile games, released for these platforms. Games from a PC, even if you manage to stream here, still one hand and lack of positioning will not allow you to fully immerse yourself in the world of VR. Unless some simulators with a gamepad.

PlayStation VR

This helmet stands apart in the diagram for a reason, because it only works with the PlayStation 4. It has its own ecosystem of applications and exclusives, not available to ordinary mortals, and the good old “movies” are used as controllers:

PS VR Kit

However, if you have a fourth Sonya, it is likely that it will be the ideal choice for you.

Yes, I know that somehow people connect it to a PC via Trinus VR, but as for me, this is still a rake, like fencing positional tracking from tennis balls and PS cameras, in general, we’ll leave this moment to enthusiasts...

The topic of this helmet is on w3bsit3-dns.com, you can ask all questions about it there.

Summarizing

As you can see, there are no bad or good VR headsets, it all depends on your needs. I hope this review will help you choose the right path in further exploration of the world of virtual reality.

@pavel419 was with you, see you again)

Choosing the best virtual reality glasses is difficult, because the variety of models makes your eyes wide open. Often, buyers are lost because not every one of them is knowledgeable enough about this topic. The article will tell you how to choose a VR helmet and not make a mistake in the purchase, and will also introduce you to the rating of the best virtual reality glasses of 2018 in the budget class and luxury collection.

3 Best Inexpensive VR Glasses

To get acquainted with the virtual world, you don’t need to choose expensive glasses. Models that are affordable and of excellent quality have been developed. Each of them is characterized by a number of advantages.

The functionality of the glasses is narrowed. The cost ranges from 1-1.3 thousand rubles. At the same time, the quality of immersion is not inferior to expensive gadgets. Below is an overview of the best budget virtual reality glasses at an affordable price.

VR BOX VR 2.0

In the budget class of VR glasses, the leading position is occupied by the Chinese model VR BOX VR 2.0. It will replace branded samples both in functionality and design. The base of the case is high-quality matte plastic. For greater comfort, the helmet is equipped with a soft fabric frame.

The design includes a special cradle. Before traveling to virtual reality, attach your smartphone to it - it is used as a display. A mobile phone fits inside the helmet thanks to a slot.

The only disadvantage of the device is poor optimization with devices based on . In some cases, users express dissatisfaction.

Description:

Easy control using the remote control - connection is via Bluetooth module
Reliable fastening on the head with soft straps - the peculiarity lies in the size adjustment (the helmet is available for use by adults and children from 3 years old)
Presentable appearance– similarities are visible with the branded expensive HTC Vive model

HIPER VRS

In average price category the model is considered the best example of new generation VR technology. The build quality is amazing. The design is thought out from start to finish. The helmet is equipped with movable parts that fit tightly together when put on. This indicates complete light-tightness, which enhances the immersive virtual reality experience.

Diopters – adjustable using manual lens adjustment
Seal – prevents body pressure on the skin
Ventilation – eliminates lens fogging

VR (virtual reality) devices have been introduced into the lives of gamers and ordinary users quite recently, many have not yet had time to try this new technology because of high cost equipment. The main part of the entire system is a virtual reality helmet. You can find many variants of this product in the market with different prices.

What is a virtual reality helmet for a computer?

This device is an intermediate link between a person and a non-existent world into which the user can be transported. A PC helmet mainly affects vision and hearing, immersing a person in a certain atmosphere. To do this, use headphones that fit tightly to the head and protect the user as much as possible from external noise. To interact with vision, there are two screens inside the helmet (like lenses in binoculars), which “collect” the whole picture. The device receives a video signal from the computer.

It is necessary to distinguish a VR helmet for PC from video glasses and augmented reality glasses. The latter have little to do with the present virtual environment. The way they work is that you see the world around you through the lenses, and a computer image is drawn on top of the glasses based on real objects. There was a rumored product called Google Glasses, which was recalled at the last minute before being sold due to complaints of headaches when using them.

Video glasses can be called the “little brother” of helmets. They also use a stereoscopic effect and a 3D image. As a rule, the desired result is achieved by dividing the image from the display using a system of diopters and lenses. The device is designed for watching movies and attraction videos, but the glasses do not provide complete immersion in virtual reality.

Universal VR helmet for PC

This is one of the device options that is designed not only for watching videos, but also for use in games. Few of the world's manufacturers would develop models exclusively for one direction, so most modern models of PC helmets are universal, for example:

OSVR;
AntVR Kit;
HTC Vive;
Samsung Gear.

Separately, it should be said about Oculus Rift, because the developers called its functionality useful not only for gamers and movie buffs, but also for the field of education and the military. The creators are trying to implement the most universal version of a VR device that could be used for any purpose. This is one of the reasons why this product received the most powerful PR campaign due to which it is on everyone's lips.

Gaming helmet

This category includes devices that are designed to interact with set-top boxes and computers. The most popular helmet for games is Sony Morpheus, it can only be connected to the PS4 console (PlayStation 4). The main difference between a universal and a gaming helmet is the level of detail and response speed, which affects the comfort with which the user will play. For example, the gaming category of helmets must have an ideal interaction speed, which is not required when watching movies.

How does a virtual reality headset work?

The main task of a virtual reality helmet for PC is to create a feeling of the user’s presence inside the game. To transmit the image, two OLED displays are used, which are located a few centimeters from the human eyes. An image with a small offset is transmitted through a cord from a computer or set-top box to the screens. Image-bending lenses are installed in front of the displays, combining the image and creating a three-dimensional effect.

The body of the PC helmet has built-in sensors (accelerometer, magnetometer, gyroscope) that track turns, head movement in space and immediately shift the image in the lenses. A tracker with infrared LEDs is installed separately in the room; it should be located opposite the person, recording his position in space. This is important in games where the user has the ability to move in space. For control, special or universal joysticks are used.

How to choose a virtual helmet for PC

If you decide to buy a virtual reality headset for PC in an online store, you should carefully consider the moment of choice. The purchase cannot be called inexpensive; these technologies have just entered the market and their prices remain consistently high. Until recently, PC helmets could only be ordered from America, but this year they hit the shelves in the CIS countries. What you should pay attention to when choosing a product from the catalog:

Sound quality. A VR headset puts an emphasis on visuals, but when delivering terrible 2D audio that's no different from regular speakers, the VR experience will be severely compromised. The Avegant Glyph models, which many publications call a “personal home theater,” are considered the best in this regard. This device initially combines headphones and a helmet into one single device. The Sony Morpheus gadget also provides good simulation of different sound sources. The developers claim that their headphones can recognize up to 60 sound points.
Viewing angle, picture quality. The higher this indicator, the more comfortable the picture will be in a virtual reality environment. Many manufacturers claim that their devices will have a viewing angle of 100 degrees, but during tests values of 90 degrees were noted. The quality of the picture is affected by the resolution of the screens. For example, 1080p from Ocuclus Rift will clearly outperform the AntVR Kit model, which has 720p quality.
Motion sensors, weight. A very important indicator for gamers; without them, the device simply will not be able to track the movement of the player’s head or movement in space. There are devices on the market that do not have an accelerometer and a gyroscope. Virtual reality will not adapt to your movements and there will be no sense of presence within the environment. The weight of the product matters, because sitting for a long time with 1-2 kg on the head will be difficult even for a trained athlete. Such constant impact on the cervical spine can have a negative impact on human health.

Price for virtual reality helmet for PC

The first thing that interests everyone who is interested in VR technologies is how much does a virtual reality helmet cost? Much depends on the manufacturer’s brand, the technologies the model uses, and the functionality of the device. If desired, a person can create his own virtual reality glasses using a smartphone with a diagonal of 4 to 6 inches instead of a computer. If you want to play comfortably on your computer, then pay attention to the following flagships in this industry:

This option has a very powerful advertising campaign; developers have been working with prototypes of the device for several years, which indicates the production of content for the gadget (there will be something to play). It is currently compatible with popular shooters: DOOM, Team Fortress 2 and several other games. The price of a virtual reality helmet is 39,000 rubles. Specifications of this device:

resolution – 960x1080;
viewing angle – 110 degrees;
refresh rate – 75 Hz;
response – 2-3 seconds;
weight – 440 g.

This gadget is designed to work with PS4; the console and its gamepads are used to control and transmit images. The first game that announced support for this helmet was the space flight simulator EVE: Valkyrie. The system has excellent headphones that perceive up to 60 sound sources. The price of the virtual reality helmet has not yet been announced by the manufacturer. The device has the following characteristics:

resolution – 1920x1080;
screen size – 5.7 inches;
viewing angle – 100 degrees;
screen refresh rate – pseudo 120 Hz (60 Hz + reprojection system).

This is a product from a Chinese manufacturer who promised that it would be the Oculus Rift killer. The parameters of the device are really in no way inferior to this popular virtual reality helmet. However, the first tests of the device showed that what is written on the box is very different from what is obtained in the end. The price of a virtual reality helmet is 17,500 rubles, which greatly pleased many people who were planning to buy a device for themselves. The manufacturer declares the following parameters:

resolution – 1920x1080;
weight – 380 g;
viewing angle – 100 degrees.

Another product with powerful advertising campaign. main feature This option has a screen refresh rate of 90 frames per second. The helmet is distributed immediately with controllers; the manufacturer indicates that it can be used not only for games, but also with content from partners: Google, HBO, Lionsgate. Very high accuracy of head tracking, which is guaranteed by a high-quality accelerometer, gyroscope and laser sensor. You can buy a helmet for 52,000 rubles. Main characteristics:

screen refresh rate – 90 frames per second;
resolution – 1200x1080;
viewing angle – 110 degrees.

With the advent of virtual reality (VR) technology in our lives, devices that allow us to immerse ourselves in this very reality have become very popular. The simplest VR glasses are made of cardboard, but best virtual reality glasses for a smartphone - usually plastic or aluminum, with their own screens or the ability to adjust the focal length between the lenses. All of these gadgets fit into one of two categories: mobile or wired.

A mobile headset is essentially a case with lenses in which you place your smartphone. The lenses divide the screen into two images for the eyes, turning the smartphone into a virtual reality device. All processing is done on your phone and you don't need to connect wires to your headset. However, phones are not designed specifically for virtual reality and they cannot offer best quality images even with special lenses.

Wired headsets like the Oculus Rift, HTC Vive and PlayStation VR are physically connected to the PC (or in the case of PS VR, the PlayStation 4). The cable makes these glasses a little bulky, but using a dedicated display in the headset rather than a smartphone, as well as built-in motion sensors and an external camera tracker, significantly improves both image accuracy and head tracking.

We present the top 5 virtual reality glasses, including models with the highest ratings on Yandex.Market.

5.HIPER VRX

Average cost - 2,990 rubles.

Thanks to its ease of wearing, support for the most popular form factors of mobile phones and the ability to adjust interpupillary and focal lengths, HIPER VRX is one of the best virtual reality glasses for smartphones. They are securely held on the head using a special gel mat, and on the sides of the mask there are ear pads that do not let in light from the outside. The weight of the device is small - 360 g, and while viewing content you can hardly feel it. The immersive experience is great when watching 360-degree videos and playing games.

An additional plus: the glasses come with a subscription to Fibrum for 2 weeks.

4.HIPER VRS

The average cost is 870 rubles.
Suitable for: smartphones with Android OS, iOS.
Supports device diagonal: 4.3 – 6″.

Glasses with aspherical acrylic lenses (give a high-quality and smooth image) are made of plastic that is pleasant to the touch. They do not put pressure on the face and light from outside does not penetrate under them. The smartphone is attached securely and does not dangle inside the glasses. Like number five in the rating, the glasses come with a coupon for access to Fibrum games.

Disadvantages: despite the fact that the description of the gadget states that you can change the interpupillary and focal lengths, users write about the opposite.

3. HTC Vive

The average cost is RUB 69,490.
Suitable for: PC.
Screen resolution for each eye: 1200x1080.

This best virtual reality headset from HTC was created together with the famous game developer Valve. The delivery set includes, in addition to the helmet, two base stations and hand controllers.

During operation, the device displays the image on its own screen. The completely immersive experience exceeds all expectations. You can swing a sword, shoot a pistol, lift things from the ground as if with your own hands. And, of course, move in space, also “on your own two feet.” And for painting enthusiasts, there's the Tilt Brush app, which lets you paint directly in 3D space and then move around in and out of your creations.

Disadvantages: the price is by no means budget, and you will have to spend several hours to figure out the settings.

2.HOMIDO V1

The average cost is RUB 3,990.
Suitable for: smartphones with Android OS, iOS.
Supports device diagonal: 4 – 6″.

Unlike other devices in the rating of virtual reality glasses for smartphones, this model supports mobile phones with a minimum diagonal of 4 inches. In addition, the glasses come with a set of frames for people with myopia and farsightedness. It is possible to control the interpupillary distance.

However, the control panel will have to be purchased separately.

1. HOMIDO Grab

The average cost is 1,999 rubles.
Suitable for: smartphones with Android OS, iOS.
Supports device diagonal: 4.5 – 5.7″.

The glasses that top the rating are offered in several color options (gold, red, pink, blue, white, black) and weigh only 240 grams. They have a magnetic button that allows you not to remove the smartphone from the mount when performing any actions.

Although they do not have optics settings, HOMIDO Grab suitable for nearsighted people, and the image quality is not inferior to more expensive models. Is it worth overpaying for the ability to adjust the interpupillary and focal distances? Decide for yourself.