Different Types of VR Headsets: The Ins and Outs

Virtual reality gaming has never been so real. Mounted on the head and featuring head motion tracking sensors and stereo sound, VR headsets provide an immersive 3D gaming experience. Different types of VR headsets include specialized lenses and stereoscopic displays with different strengths and features. Some have advanced built-in stereo sound systems that offer an incredibly immersive audio experience, getting you to immerse into the virtual world in style. While there are self-contained VR headsets, most of them need to be tethered to robust computer systems to handle the 3D animation seamlessly.

Different Types of VR Headsets

Three types of VR headsets are available for buyers to select. They include tethered, untethered, and smartphone options.

Tethered VR Headsets

Tethered VR headsets comprise a game console and PC-compatible connection cable. The cables have unique features and functions that support connection to different consoles or PC. The connection cables provide a transmission pathway for the VR signals to be transported to the headset and the user.

Tethered VR headsets are way more powerful and consistently deliver outstanding all-around performance. They can seamlessly handle graphic-intensive applications while providing quality access to better content and game selection.

Sadly, tethered VR headsets offer limited mobility. The restriction level depends on the VR headset model or brand, though. Headsets with longer connection cables can tangle around your legs or even make your trip. Additionally, since they are tethered to the gaming console, they reduce the immersion level and hinders your gaming experience.

Untethered VR Headsets

Untethered VR headsets wirelessly transmit and receive VR signals using a Wi-Fi connection. The wireless nature of untethered VR headsets provides an intriguingly immersive and unencumbered VR experience, which you can’t get from the cable-connected headsets. The superior versatility and freedom make for a superb experience, as well.

Sadly, untethered VR headsets come at a price. The high-end models would cost you more to secure and require more robust and costly PC or gaming consoles to deliver an outstanding VR experience, regardless of the intensity of VR signals being transmitted.

Smartphone VR Headsets

As for smartphone VR headsets, the signal source is placed straight on the headset. There are dozens of high-quality smartphone headsets with varying performance ratings, design and styling, features, and compatibility ratings. These VR headsets are easy to set up and can be worn virtually anywhere with little hassle. They are user-friendly and can seamlessly support tons of different content formats.

Sadly, smartphone VR headsets have stringent limitations on the content type they can support. In fact, they cannot handle most interactive content and VR games. Likewise, they don’t support motion tracking and stereo sound, so when you get them, you should forget about having immersive 3D virtual reality gaming experiences.

Essential Considerations in Choosing VR Headsets

The VR headsets market is currently overcrowded. Buyers have multiple VR headset models and models to select from. These are the things to evaluate when buying VR headsets alongside the brand and model type:

The VR content you want to access or transmit

Dozens of VR content types are available for access, including interactive narratives, videos, training tutorials, games, live events, seminars, tours, and more. Knowing which content you want to access would prepare you for an easy selection session. 

If you’re a veteran VR user, consider tethered systems as they offer robust performance and better content support abilities. As for newbies that want to steam occasional video content, a smartphone headset would be a great choice as it doesn’t cost a fortune.

Performance features

One distinctive feature in virtually all VR headsets is performance. The performance of different VR headsets will depend on the type, brand, model, and features. Tethered headsets are known to have more robust features and superior performance. However, that would simply rely on a variety of performance metrics. When choosing, evaluate the power rating and always consider units with better resolution and refresh rates as they stand out in performance.

You shouldn’t neglect to check the design and features of the VR headset. Units added with innovative and high-end features will deliver more impressive performance. Top brands and models from trusted manufacturers would also be a safe bet.

The size of the play area

VR headsets offer unlimited prospects and vast horizons, but the possibilities you can achieve depend on your studio apartment. The real-world play area size would determine the virtual worlds you can seamlessly access.

For amateurs who may not understand what that means, it simply means the space from where you will operate the VR headset. Larger play areas allow you to access denser and heavier content. The external peripherals and components at your disposal will also affect the VR headset performance.

Those who go for tethered VR headsets should ensure they have enough play area at hand. These systems need more room to store the PC and peripherals alongside requiring distinctive space requirements. Untethered and smartphone VR headsets won’t demand much play space and high-end devices.

The amount you’ve budgeted for  

Another critical feature that shouldn’t be neglected when buying VR headsets is the amount you’ve budgeted for. If you have a higher budget, go for tethered VR headsets as they are more powerful and robust and always offer superior performance under all conditions. If you are starting, go for the smartphone VR headsets since they are affordable, user-friendly, and easy to operate. Those with medium-range budgets should consider the untethered VR headsets as they fall within their budget preferences while still catering to their unique performance preferences.

Different Types of VR Headsets: Conclusion

The world is moving fast, and the era of VR is right here with us. We can’t be more sure of great moments while behind our screens than now. VR headsets present a golden chance for people to take their virtual reality experiences to a whole new level. 

Yes, whether games, interactive online sessions, videos, or chat sessions, virtual reality presents a way like no other for everyone to enjoy immersive 3D experiences. The VR headset options are incredibly many, so it’s only left for you to make the right decision.