Steam is a huge game distribution service, and offers VR, through SteamVR. SteamVR allows users to experience a wide range of immersive VR content, including VR games, VR simulations, and interactive VR experiences.

To get started with Steam VR, you’ll need a compatible VR headset and a computer that meets the minimum system requirements. But do you already have a VR headset or are you going to buy a new one? Here is a blog to share with you the best SteamVR headsets.

Before we start, why don’t we have some basic data from the Steam website? From the survey of Steam Hardware & Software Survey of February 2023, it is easy to see that the Oculus series is the most popular headset in all VR headsets. If the price is no object and you’re just looking for the most high-end VR headset, Pimax headsets should be on your list.  Regardless of which VR headset you choose, there’s no doubt that now is a great time to get into virtual reality, so let’s move on.

Scourse: Steam

Pimax Crystal ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

-Pros: 35PPD, 140°FOV, auto-IPD, for VR enthusiasts, pre-order with gifts

The Pimax Crystal is a high-end VR headset and has dual modes of standalone and PCVR. It has a clarity of 35PPD with HDR algorithm and can super high refresh rates, which is higher than most other VR headsets on the market. It has the same total number of pixels as the 8KX, for a total of 16.6 million pixels, which is capable of displaying the ultimate in detail perfectly. Its crystal clarity is just like its name. It also has 2 sets of lenses with a standard field of 140° FOV. What’s more, it is a little more expensive than the Pimax 8K and may be a good option for those who want high-quality VR visuals in SteamVR.

In terms of some reviews, the Pimax Crystal has generally received positive feedback for its high resolution and wide field of view. Also, we can look forward to its eye tracking(Auto -IPD), full body tracking, hand tracking and changeable covers.

Ultimately, whether the Pimax Crystal is a good choice for you depends on your personal preferences and needs. If you are a VR enthusiast or a professional designer who is in the community of using virtual reality, the Pimax Crystal must be a good investment. 

Pimax 8K ⭐⭐⭐⭐

-Pros: 8K, 200°FOV, simulations, VR enthusiast, 12K trade-in
-Cons: Requires a powerful PC

The Pimax 8K is a high-end virtual reality headset with a resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels per eye, which is significantly higher than most other VR headsets on the market. It also has a wide field of view (200°). However, it‘s more expensive and requires a powerful computer to run smoothly.

If you‘re a VR enthusiast or a professional who needs high-quality VR visuals and needs super FOV for simulation, the Pimax 8K may be a good choice. However, if you are a casual user or don’t have a powerful computer, you may want to consider other options.

Valve Index ⭐⭐⭐⭐

-Pros: 130°FOV, 3D surround sound, innovative controllers, VR enthusiast

-Cons: Expensive, a powerful PC, relatively low resolution

Scourse: Steam

This is also a high-end VR headset developed by Valve, the company behind Steam. It offers a wide field of view of nearly 130 degrees, a high refresh rate of 144 Hz, and a resolution of 1440 x 1600 pixels per eye. The Index’s speakers offer outstanding three-dimensional surround sound, which is comfortable for users’ ears. Valve Index is compatible with both SteamVR and Oculus games. Additionally, it is compatible with Valve’s Knuckles controllers, which offer advanced hand tracking and input. 

In terms of user reviews, the Valve Index has received overwhelmingly positive feedback for its high-quality visuals, comfortable fit, and innovative controllers. It is considered by many to be one of the best VR headsets currently available on the market. However, the Valve Index is also expensive and requires a powerful computer to run smoothly. Additionally, some users have reported issues with the durability of the controllers and the headset itself.

Overall, the Valve Index is a high-end VR headset that is well-suited for playing VR games on Steam for a VR enthusiast.

Oculus Rift S ⭐⭐⭐

-Pros: Comfortable fit, easy setup, flexibility in the development,

-Cons: Uncomfortable for users with glasses, relatively low resolution, 110° FOV

Scourse: Meta

The Oculus Rift S is a mid-range PC-based VR headset that boasts a resolution of 1280 x 1440 pixels per eye, a FOV of 110° and a refresh rate of 80 Hz, which is compatible with both SteamVR and Oculus games. Additionally, it has a unique feature called “Insight” tracking that uses cameras on the headset to track the user’s movements in the VR space.

In terms of user reviews, the Oculus Rift S has received generally positive feedback for its high-quality visuals, comfortable fit, and ease of use. It is considered by many to be a solid choice for mid-range PC-based VR experiences. In terms of development, the Oculus Rift S supports development using the Oculus SDK and Unity engine. The Oculus SDK provides a range of tools and resources for developing VR applications, including support for hand tracking and spatial audio. Additionally, the Oculus Rift S supports side-loading of applications, which allows for more flexibility in the development process.

However, some users have reported issues with the comfort of the headset, particularly for users with glasses. Additionally, the Oculus Rift S requires a powerful computer to run smoothly, which may be a barrier for some users.

Overall, the Oculus Rift S is a solid PC-based VR headset that offers a range of features and capabilities for both users and developers. However, it is unavailable on its website, and if you are interested in it, you can search for a second-hand device or find other ways.

HTC Vive Pro 2 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

-Pros: 120Hz, 2448 × 2448 pixels per eye,VR enthusiast

-Cons: Expensive, a powerful PC

Scourse: Vive

This is a high-end PC VR headset developed by HTC and Valve. It is an upgraded version of the original HTC Vive Pro, with improved resolution, ergonomics, and tracking. It is compatible with SteamVR games.

The HTC Vive Pro 2 brings with it some updates on the display to make it one of the most impressive mainstream options around, which the native resolution of 2448 x 2448 pixels per eye is super good, and when coupled with the 120Hz refresh rate and 120-degree field of view, which is better than its HTC Vive and HTC Vive Pro. It is one of the highest resolution mainstream headsets you can drop your money on and offers a significant edge over the ordinary headsets as well. Of course, at these kinds of specs, you’ll need a high-end PC to get the most from this headset.

In all, it is also a high-end PC headset, which can be one of your options to choose.

Samsung Odyssey+ ⭐⭐⭐

-Pros: affordability

-Cons: relatively low resolution, 110° FOV, 90 Hz refresh rate

Scourse: Samsung

This Windows Mixed Reality headset offers a high-resolution display, built-in headphones, and a comfortable fit. The Samsung Odyssey+ is a virtual reality headset that was released in 2018. It features a resolution of 1440 x 1600 pixels per eye, a refresh rate of 90 Hz, and a field of view of 110 degrees. One of the standout features of the Odyssey+ is its anti-screen door effect technology, which helps to reduce the visibility of the screen door effect that can be present in other mid-low-end VR headsets.

In terms of comfort, the Odyssey+ features a padded headband and adjustable IPD (interpupillary distance) for a more customized fit. It also uses inside-out tracking, which means that it doesn’t require external sensors to track your movements.

Overall, the Samsung Odyssey+ is a solid VR headset that offers good resolution, refresh rate, and field of view, as well as some unique features such as anti-screen door effect technology. However, as with any VR headset, it’s important to consider your own needs and preferences before making a decision. If you prioritize a wider field of view or a higher refresh rate, you may want to consider other options such as the Pimax 8KX.

HP Reverb G2 ⭐⭐⭐

-Pros: affordability

-Cons: relatively low resolution, 114° FOV, 90 Hz refresh rate

Scourse: HP

The HP Reverb G2 is a virtual reality headset that was released in 2020. It features a resolution of 2160 x 2160 pixels per eye, a refresh rate of 90 Hz, and a field of view of 114 degrees. One of the standout features of the Reverb G2 is its partnership with Valve and Microsoft, which has resulted in improved tracking and compatibility with SteamVR and Windows Mixed Reality.

In terms of comfort, the Reverb G2 features a redesigned head strap and adjustable IPD (interpupillary distance) for a more customized fit. It also includes built-in headphones with spatial audio technology for a more immersive audio experience.

Overall, the HP Reverb G2 appears to be a high-quality VR headset with good resolution, refresh rate, and field of view, as well as improved tracking and compatibility with popular VR platforms. It is a good choice to get an affordable PC VR headset like this.

Oculus(Meta) Quest 2 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

-Pros: standalone, ease of use, affordability

-Cons: low-power silicon, short battery life, relatively low resolution, 90° FOV

Scourse: Meta

The Oculus Quest 2 is a standalone VR headset that boasts a resolution of 1832 x 1920 pixels per eye, a refresh rate of 90 Hz and a FOV of 90-degree, which offers exceptional clarity for what is priced like an entry-level headset. Additionally, it has a unique feature called “Oculus Link” that allows it to be connected to a PC for even more powerful VR experiences.

In terms of user reviews, the Oculus Quest 2 has received overwhelmingly positive feedback for its ease of use and affordability. It is considered by many to be one of the most popular VR headsets currently available on the market. 

However, the standalone experience is admittedly still hampered by the low-power silicon, and there’s no getting around that. The Quest 2 not only deals with the processing onboard, but it’s also trying to conserve battery power to ensure a half-decent run. The battery life of the headset may not be sufficient for longer VR sessions. That’s roughly around two hours of battery life for gaming.

As an all-around VR headset for a wide range of uses, the Quest 2 is simply unparalleled. The fact that it’s also the cheapest VR headset we recommend is just icing on the cake.

Summary for SteamVR headsets

Finally, it’s important to consider price, as well as any specific software or hardware requirements for the VR experiences you want to use, since when you enter the high-end VR headset like Pimax 8KX or Crystal, you will be shocked by what you see through the lenses.

Based on these factors, some high-quality SteamVR headset options to consider also include the HTC Vive Pro 2, Samsung Odyssey+, and HP Reverb G2. However, it’s important to do your own research and consider your own needs and preferences before making a decision. Thanks for reading. We will see you next time!

P.S. The parameters above are just for reference, please take them in their official website as the final result. Thanks for your understanding.