There are now a few different choices for those looking to get intovirtual realitywith a number of VR headsets available at varying prices.
At one end of the spectrum that are headsets that use compatiblemobile devicesfor their VR content while at the other end sits the high-end devices that requirea powerful gaming computerto run.
Oculus offersseveral different VR headsetsincluding theOculus Go, theOculus Quest, theOculus Riftandthe flagship Oculus Rift S.
The Oculus Rift was the company’s flagship VR device, but that’s now being replaced by the Oculus Rift S. This is a powerful virtual reality headset that needs a PC to run, while some of the other devices offer a wire-free VR experience. But what’s the difference between them? We’ve got all the info you need to know.
Design features
Each of these virtual reality headsets offers slightly different design features that make them stand apart. As such, they all offer a slightly different VR experience and which you choose will depend on the results you’re after.
The Samsung Gear VR is a headset that’s primarily powered by a smartphone. LikeGoogle CardboardandGoogle Daydream, the Samsung Gear VR is an entry-level virtual reality device that requires a phone to work.
This headset works with a limited number of devices including theSamsung Galaxy S9,S9+,Note 8, S8, S8+, S7, S7 edge, Note5, S6 edge+, S6, S6 edge,A8and A8+. Plugging one of these phones into the device gives access to a range of Gear VR games and apps that currently includes over 1,000 experiences. Since the Samsung Gear VR is phone powered it works on both Wi-Fi and cellular networks. The Gear VR includes 64GB of onboard storage and a MicroSD slot for downloading even more.
Oculus Gois a step up from the Gear VR - offering a standalone virtual reality experience that’s wireless and doesn’t require a smartphone in order to work (apart from for initial setup). This headset works over Wi-Fi and is powered by Android internals and aQualcommSnapdragon 821 processor. The Oculus Go is designed to work with Samsung Gear VR compatible apps giving users access to the same 1,000 experiences as on that device as well as over 100 apps specifically designed for the standalone headset.
Both Oculus Go and Samsung Gear VR come with a single controller for in-game control.
TheOculus Questis one ofthe newest headsetsfrom the company and sits somewhere between the Oculus Go and the Oculus Rift. Like the Oculus Go, the Oculus Quest is a standalone virtual reality headset that doesn’t require a PC to run, instead, it runs on the power of a Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 mobile chipset. It was originally announced atthe Oculus Connect eventin 2018 and previewed again atCES 2019. At that time the company revealed it will work without a PC and can be set up using theOculus mobile app.
This headset won’t support quite as many games at launch though - just 50 titles have been confirmed. The games you will be able to play include gems likeSuperhot VR- a smashing VR romp we’ve played on HTC Vive and Oculus Rift. Other titles include Project Tennis Scramble,Robo Recall,The Climb, andMoss.
The Oculus Quest features a similar design aesthetic to the other headsets, but this standalone device does come with two controllers (compared to the single controller with the Gear VR and Oculus Go). They’re also different in that the design of these controllers allows them to be more easily tracked by the headset with loops on the top for movement monitoring.
This headset has four sensors built into it to detect movement and track the controllers - there are no external sensors like with the Oculus Rift or HTC Vive. Unlike the Oculus Go, the Oculus Quest’s design features a USB-C charging port which should mean faster charging. There’s no official word on battery life currently, but the company has said it will be similar to the two or three hours you’re able to get out of the Oculus Go.
TheOculus Riftis the original flagship VR device offered by Oculus. This is a virtual reality headset that requires a gaming PC in order to run. It’s the most expensive headset to run because you need a decent PC to power it, but also offers the best VR experience with access to a mass of gaming titles and apps. With room-scale tracking, it’s also the most immersive VR headset on this list and allows freedom to move around in the virtual world. It is wired though and needs to be constantly connected to a PC in order to run. Minimum specifications for the accompanying computer are:
The Oculus Rift comes with two touch controllers that include traditional action buttons, thumb-sticks and analogue triggers. It’s also compatible with gamepads including Xbox One controllers - allowing a variety of control options for VR gaming.
The newest flagship headset from the company is the Oculus Rift S. This is essentially the replacement for the original Oculus Rift VR headset and features a number of design changes and improvements.
The Oculus Rift S needs to be tethered to a gaming PC to run. However, thanks to built-in sensors and cameras, it no longer needs external tracking sensors in order to function. This means it needs fewer cables to plug in and is much easier to set up and run anywhere. It can run off laptops or desktop machines in any space where you can find sufficient room to play.
The Oculus Rift S has also been upgraded in terms of comfort and usability. The design includes a “halo” headband built by Lenovo with a size adjustment wheel for easy fitment. Speakers are no built-in as well, so there’s not extra headphone cables and far less faff.
Display resolution and specifications
Samsung Gear VR relies on a smartphone to run, meaning it needs the processing power of that phone to deliver the VR experience. This headset delivers different resolutions depending on your device, but is theoretically capable of at least 1280 x 1440 per eye with a 60Hz refresh rate and a 101-degree field of view.
Oculus Go is able to be slightly more powerful thanks to having its processing power integrated within the device itself. This means it can deliver better visuals with a 2560 x 1440 WQHD resolution and a maximum 72Hz refresh rate. This headset has upgraded lenses and a strong focus on comfort enabling users to play for hours.
The Oculus Quest meanwhile, features a resolution of 1,600 x 1,440 per eye - a step up from the Oculus Go. With more power under the hood, it should also deliver better results and a more immersive VR experience. We thought the graphics were crisp and impressive when we tested it at CES, but will need some proper testing time to compare fully. There’s no official word on the field of view or refresh rate currently. It is worth noting that the Oculus Quest is large enough for glasses wears to use comfortably though.
The Oculus Rift, meanwhile, works with an attached gaming PC to deliver a 2160 x 1200 resolution with 90 Hz refresh rate and a 110-degree field of view. This headset is also powered directly, so can be used for longer than the other headsets which are battery powered.
The flagship Oculus Rift S delivers the best visual experience of all the devices with a 2560 x 1440 resolution via a single fast-switch LCD screen. The original Oculus Rift used an OLED screen, but now the company has made a change to LCD. There’s also been a drop in refresh rate with this newer headset, with the Oculus Rift S now supporting 80 Hz instead of 90 Hz. It is said thatAsynchronous Spacewarptechnology and other enhancements mean this headset should deliver a smoother gaming experience with fewer vertigo issues and a reduced screen-door effect.
Audio quality and features
The Samsung Gear VR’s audio is powered by the smartphone that’s attached to it, the volume of which can be adjusted by the wheel on the headset or dial on the controller.
The standalone Oculus Go uses an integrated speaker system which delivers spatial sound through the head straps. Alternatively, there is a 3.5mm jack if you want to use your own headphones. A built-in mic also allows users to chat with other VR users inmulti-user experiences such asOculus Rooms.
The Oculus Quest features a similar built-in spatial audio system to the Oculus Go - negating the need for headphones unless you want a more personal experience. If you do prefer to plug in, you’ll be happy to hear there’s also a 3.5mm jack.
The Oculus Rift offers 360-degree spatial audio via integrated headphones and also has a built-in microphone for easy communication while gaming.
The newer Oculus Rift S has ditched the integrated headphones in favour of the same built-in audio system that appears on the Oculus Quest. This is all in the name of comfort and usability. Making the headset more accessible and easier to fit/wear during gaming sessions. There is a 3.5mm jack if you do want to use your own headphones for a more private and personal experience though.
Tracking compatibility and upgrades
Both the Samsung Gear VR and Oculus Go VR headsets use Gyroscope, Accelerometer and Magnetometer tracking systems to deliver three degrees of freedom tracking. In practice, this means that these devices are capable of tracking therotation of your head and movement of the accompanying remote control, but not full body movement.
As we’ve mentioned, the Oculus Quest is a nice middle ground in terms of VR experiences. This headset has upgraded sensors (compared to the Oculus Go) which means it can offer six degrees of freedom movement tracking. Oculus Quest also uses a technology known asOculus Insightwhich uses the headset’s four tracking sensors to not only monitor your position in real-time but also to map the room and detect any obstacles that might get in your way.
This means you’ll be able to move around freely while using this VR headset. Not only without the impairment of cables, but also without the restrictive problems of lesser headsets. A guardian system will also ensure you don’t fall over the sofa when doing so. The Oculus Quest can track movement in the VR play space that includes walking around the room, crouching and even jumping. This should allow some superb gaming fun in a variety of games.
The Oculus Quest is also apparently capable of tracking large play spaces up to 4,000 square feet in size.
The Oculus Rift meanwhile offers more accurate tracking. Using IR LED tracking sensors, the Rift is compatible with room-scale VR tracking meaning you may walk freely through the virtual world in an 8 x 8 foot space. Seated and standing play is also possible with this device. This device has the most accurate tracking thanks to the external IR sensors. It too, has six degrees of freedom movement tracking allowing players to fully immerse themselves in gameplay while being accurately tracked.
The refreshed Oculus Rift S uses five built-in inside-out tracking sensors which makes use of the company’s new ‘insight tracking system’. This replaces the need for IR LED tracking sensors to be set up externally in your play space. You still get the same room-scale VR experience though, only with far less faff. The new system offerssix degrees of freedom movement tracking and capably tracks not only your movement but that of the controllers too.
A new Passthrough+ system also allows you to see a virtual representation of your room through the headset without needing to take the device off. Meaning you can quickly get a view of the space and play safely without issue. Perfect for avoiding tripping over things or just reorienting yourself if you found you’ve got lost in the virtual world.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for the very best VR experience and considering these devices then the Oculus Rift S is the device you should turn to. It does come with the biggest price tag and requires a powerful gaming PC for the best results, but also delivers a superior visual experience and accurate room-scale tracking too.
If you already own a compatible Samsung phone, then the Gear VR is a good way to get into VR and it’s the most affordable headset on this list. It won’t deliver the best results, but it does give easy access to over 1,000 games and experiences as well as the ability to watch video content on a big private VR screen.
The Oculus Go is possibly the most accessible device on this list. It’s a standalone device that works on its own, so offers easy access to VR for anyone and everyone. There’s plenty of content available and its designed to be easy-to-use and easy to share with friends too. The Oculus Go is also a great way for iPhone users to get into VR where most mobile powered headsets require an Android phone. The Oculus Go offers a noticeable visual improvement and other enhancements compared to the Gear VR and so might offer a nice upgrade for current owners.
The Oculus Quest is a perfect solution for those who want to get into “proper” VR gaming without paying out the big bucks for a high-end system and the powerful gaming machine to power it. Superior tracking and wireless joy may appeal to many.
Samsung Gear VR is currently available for around £99.99 and $89.95.
Samsung Gear VR Consumer Edition
Oculus Go is available for £199/$199/€219 for the 32GB model and £249/$249/€269 for the 64GB version fromOculus.com.
Oculus Rift
Oculus Rift is currently available for around £399 and $399.
Oculus Quest is expected to be released Spring 2019 with prices starting at $399/£399.
Oculus Rift S is also coming sometime Spring 2019 with prices starting at $399/£399.
