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How to Use VR Glasses

Last Updated: February 14, 2023

This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Travis Boylls . Travis Boylls is a Technology Writer and Editor for wikiHow. Travis has experience writing technology-related articles, providing software customer service, and in graphic design. He specializes in Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Linux platforms. He studied graphic design at Pikes Peak Community College. This article has been viewed 101,263 times. Learn more...

This wikiHow teaches you how to use VR glasses. VR glasses are head-mounted devices you can use to view VR (Virtual Reality) apps on your smartphone. To use VR glasses, you need a smartphone with gyroscopic sensors, and a screen that is 4 inches wide with a resolution of 720p at a minimum, though a larger screen size with 1080p or greater is recommended.

Things You Should Know

• Download apps from the Google Play store or the app store. Then, open the app you want to use and place your phone in the headset.
• Align the screen so that it is centered. Close the headset and place it on your head.
• Adjust the fit and focus of the headset. Then, use your head to control the cursor.

• Open the Google Play Store on Android, or App Store on iPhone.
• Search "VR".
• Tap a VR app.
• Tap GET , or Install next to the app.

• If you normally keep your smartphone in a protective case, you may need to remove your phone from its protective case before mounting it in the VR headset.

• If the VR app you want to play requires a game controller, be sure to open pair it using Bluetooth before opening the app.

• So apps are view only and do not have a cursor. For these apps, you will need to start the app before placing your phone in the VR headset, and remove your phone to change something in the app, or change to a different app.
• Some VR apps require an external controller for VR. For these apps, you will need to connect the controller to your smartphone using Bluetooth. Consult the user's manual for your controller for more information.

Expert Q&A

• For the best VR experience, wear headphones while viewing VR content. Some VR headsets have an opening that allows you to connect a pair of headphones to your smartphone using the 3.5mm jack. You can also connect wireless headphones to your smartphone using Bluetooth. Read " How to Pair a Cell Phone to a Bluetooth Headset " to learn more. Thanks Helpful 5 Not Helpful 2
• Did you know you can watch VR videos on YouTube? To try it out, open the YouTube app and search for 360 videos and play one. Place your phone in the VR headset mount and tap the icon that resembles a VR viewer in the lower-right corner. Then close the headset and view the video. Thanks Helpful 7 Not Helpful 1
• Not getting a clear image with your headset? Some apps have settings that are specific to each VR headset model. If you see a gear icon while playing a VR app, tap it and select the Viewer option. Select your VR headset model. Some VR headsets have a QR code you can scan to set the app for your VR headset model automatically. Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0

• Some people may experience nausea, motion sickness, disorientation, and other symptoms of cyber sickness while viewing VR content. If you experience any discomfort while viewing VR content, stop immediately. Thanks Helpful 8 Not Helpful 0
• If you are new to VR, limit the amount of time you spend viewing VR content to 10 minutes or less. This will help you avoid cyber sickness. As you get used to the experience, you can increase the amount of time you spend viewing VR content. Thanks Helpful 6 Not Helpful 0
• VR is not recommended for children under 12. Viewing 3D content can adversely affect eyesight development in children. Thanks Helpful 9 Not Helpful 1

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Tips for Using a VR Headset with Glasses

Jul 10, 2020

Virtual reality is the next evolution of gaming, and it's an incredible experience that will immerse you in a whole new world. If you are looking to try it, you might be wondering whether you can play if you are wearing prescription or gaming glasses. The good news is that you can, but you just need to utilize these tips for using a VR headset with glasses.  

Use the Best VR Headset 

Before we get into how you can play VR games with your glasses on, you should know what the best options for headsets are. These are the following headsets that you can wear with a pair of glasses over them:  

• Oculus Rift 

Make Sure the Lenses Will Fit 

The first tip for using a VR headset with glasses is to make sure your lenses will fit when you have the headset on. Check what the measurements of the glasses are and compare them to the VR headset. You may need to get a new pair of glasses if they are too big, but the headsets we mentioned in the previous section should have enough room for glasses.  

Put on the Headset Correctly  

If you have an opportunity to try the headset on before buying them, this is even better. However, when you do put the headset on, make sure you put it on correctly. This means that you must put the VR headset on from back to front to ensure that the glasses will stay on.  

Adjust Your Headset 

Once you have the headset on, you will then want to make some adjustments.  Many VR headsets make it easy to adjust, so put it on the setting that makes it looser. Then, adjust it to a comfortable setting with your glasses on.  

Protect Yourself from Blue Light 

After getting a feel for the headset, you can now enjoy the immersive gameplay VR has to offer. However, you are also going to need to protect yourself from blue light when you are using a VR headset, which can be done with  blue light gaming glasses  from Glassy Eyewear.  

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Using Varjo Headsets With Glasses: A Guide for Eyeglass Wearers

The immersive computing era is already here today, and a growing number of companies have gone beyond traditional ways of creating things with the help of virtual reality and mixed reality . Varjo allows you to work comfortably without experiencing eye strain or simulator sickness .

For example, in the manufacturing and automotive industry, design iterations happen much faster this way, not to mention the benefits that big virtual screens provide, when one can observe complex models in detail in a much bigger size. Also, the demand for VR solutions on the consumer side has increased: for example, in sim racing , VR headsets are revamping the experience to a completely new level.  

Despite these exciting developments, one might still wonder – how do virtual reality and mixed reality headsets fit users that need to wear eyeglasses? Can people with common eye conditions like short-sightedness or long-sightedness use VR/ XR headsets?  

The good news is that there are a couple of different options available to ensure that people wearing glasses can also enjoy VR/XR content. We’ll outline the different alternatives below; ultimately, the best solution for you can only be determined by trying out different options .  

1. Option: Keep your eyeglasses on.

Moreover, ensuring that the VR/XR headset is worn in the correct position can enhance both your comfort and the visual experience. Varjo headsets each have four adjustable dials that should be used to ensure the headset is in the correct position and that the lens’s optical axis aligns with your eyes. Here  you can read more about how to customize Varjo’s headset for your individual needs.

The latest Varjo Base version 3.10 addressed users of eyeglasses as well – we improved the experience regarding our integrated eye tracking when using eyeglasses.

2. Option: Use third-party VR prescription lenses.

The second option can be a preferred option for people who use Varjo headsets often and each of their VR/XR session takes several minutes (or even hours). Moreover, if you need to take the headset on and off several times during the day, opting for prescription lenses can save you the trouble of juggling between your headset and glasses at your desk. By using prescription lenses, you can ensure a comfortable, immersive VR/XR session without any hassle or discomfort. This is particularly important for VR/XR developers as it reduces friction in the development process.

Prescription lenses are not part of Varjo’s solution offering, but there are a couple of third-party vendors that are worth considering, such as VR Optician and VR Lens Lab .

The benefits of using prescription lenses include:

• A wider field of view: Compared to wearing glasses with your headset, you don’t suffer from decreased FOV when using prescription lenses. There is no need to worry about missing out on seeing some details due to the limitations that your eyeglasses might cause to the field of view.
• Comfortability: You’ll have more room inside the headset, and considering ventilation, it’s better to have nothing extra inside the headset.
• Protection of the lenses: You can avoid the struggle of managing two sets of lenses that could potentially get scratched or smudged.

In addition to the benefits listed above, prescription lenses offer the option of a fixed setup for those who need it. For example, you can have demo lenses with fixed values, like -1, -2, -7, ensuring that people can enjoy VR/XR content without glasses.

3. Use the headset without your glasses.  

If you have only a slight vision impairment, such as clear near vision, you might find that you can use VR/XR headsets without your glasses, as you can see things up close quite well.  

Additionally, don’t rule out contact lenses if they are part of your comfort zone. If you’re comfortable with wearing contacts, they can be a great option for enjoying a seamless VR/XR experience.

Varjo VR/XR headsets are designed to cater to all users, ensuring a comfortable and immersive experience for everyone . Whether you choose to wear your glasses, use prescription lenses, or go without glasses altogether, each option offers its own benefits and possibilities. E very user is  different, and the best way to figure out what works for you is to try out a few options and see what best accommodates your immersive VR/XR experience .  

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Private customers can order Aero through our selected Varjo resellers.

Beginner's Guide To VR 2022: FAQ And Everything You Need To Know

We often get asked, both in professional and personal settings, where the best place is to start with VR.

[This guide was first published in December 2019. It was updated and re-published on November 2020, January 2021, and most recently in May 2022]

Some people have a basic understanding of the technology but aren’t up to date with the current products available on the market. Conversely, some people are aware of the major headsets but still struggle with some of the technology’s concepts and terminology.

With this guide we want to cover all the basics. We’ll explain basic VR concepts, terminology and most of the major headsets on the market. If you don’t know where to start with VR, you will now.

For further reading, be sure to check out our New to VR? section of the site .

What is VR?

VR, short for virtual reality, allows people to be fully immersed in a fabricated environment. This is usually (but not always) delivered through head-mounted hardware that tracks a person’s movements. These VR headsets consist of a screen (or two display panels, one for each eye) housed in a frame (or headset) strapped or fitted to your head. A pair of lenses are typically fixed between the panels and your eyes, blocking the outside world, to make it appear as if what you see through the headset is your entire world.

Critically, all headsets track your movement so the image you see adjusts accordingly. Some headsets, however, track more movement than others.

In most cases, VR experiences will also have a method for you to control or select things within the simulated environment. Sometimes you’ll have a controller in each hand to control aspects of the experience. In some cases, the controllers deliver virtual representations of your hands to manipulate the environment and objects within it in ways similar to the real world.

Basic Terminology and Concepts

So you have the basic premise of VR down, but you still have some terms or concepts that need clearing up. We can help with those.

FOV (Field of View)

FOV is short for field of view. In the context of our eyes, our field of view is everything you can see at any given moment.

In the context of VR headsets, the field of view refers to everything you can see in the virtual world at any given moment while using the headset. The types of VR headsets available for consumers at the time of this writing have a field of view which is smaller than what you can see with your eyes, meaning that the VR environment doesn’t fill, or match, your eyes’ field of view when using the headset.

This is why you often have a black “border” when using VR, around the lenses you’re looking through. This is just the space around the lenses on the inside of the headset. If the field of view of the headset is wide enough, though, the border can make it seem like you’re looking through a pair of goggles into the virtual world — making it easy to forget that the limit exists. Field of View can be measured in different ways and device manufacturers may not accurately represent how much you can see relative to other headsets.

Degrees of Freedom

When talking about movement and tracking in VR, people often refer to “degrees of freedom”, or DoF. More degrees of freedom means that more of your physical movements will be tracked by the headset and mapped onto your simulated representation.

The two most common terms you’ll see when reading about degrees of freedom are 3DoF and 6DoF (3 and 6 degrees of freedom, respectively). Headsets that only provide 3DoF will only track your head’s movements (roll, pitch, yaw) but not its position in space (x, y, z coordinates). 6DoF is able to track both your head’s movements and its coordinates in a physical space.

The GIF below is a great visual explanation:

Most VR headsets these days provide full 6DoF positional tracking. A lot of older mobile and standalone headsets, many of which are discontinued or being phased out, use 3DoF, such as Google Cardboard, Google Daydream, Gear VR, and Oculus Go.

Tracking Types

Every VR headset needs a way to track the movement of the person wearing the system.

The most common form of tracking currently is called “Inside Out” tracking. This system typically relies on cameras built into the headset to track movement from the inside of the headset, outwards. Advanced simultaneous location and mapping (“SLAM”) algorithms monitor features of the physical environment surrounding the person wearing the headset. The Meta Quest, Oculus Rift S, HTC Vive Cosmos, and all Windows Mixed Reality headsets (like the HP Reverb G2, Samsung Odyssey, Lenovo Explorer, Acer HMD, etc.) are all examples of headsets that use inside out tracking.

There’s also “Outside In” tracking. This can take different forms, but involves external hardware that’s not built into the headset itself. With the original HTC Vive and Valve Index headsets, for example, this hardware is called “lighthouses” — little black boxes mounted in the corners of the room. Older systems, like the original Rift released in 2016, used modified cameras placed in your room to achieve outside in tracking.

There are pros and cons to each tracking type. Inside out tracking can operate more easily without setup or mounting hardware. Outside in tracking, however, can sometimes be extensible to fill in gaps where head-mounted hardware might not be able to “see” occasional body movements. The term “occlusion” typically refers to blocking the view of something and, when it comes to tracking movements, popular systems need to have direct line of sight to “see” what they are tracking. Both inside out and outside in tracking systems can be occluded in various ways because our bodies have so many different ways of moving. Depending on the use case, however, and inside out or an outside in system may be preferable.

If you want to read more detail about tracking types and get into the nitty gritty and specifics, check out this article .

Controllers

There are several different ways of interacting with simulated content.

Headsets like the Meta Quest 2 and HP Reverb G2 come with two controllers, one for each hand, which are also tracked in 6DoF with the inside out tracking system.

PlayStation VR features multiple input systems. In most cases, the best option is using a pair of PlayStation Move controllers. Some PSVR content requires the Move controllers but not all of it does. For games that don’t require Move controllers you can use the standard PS4 DualShock controller that comes with the console.

The Valve Index Controllers strap around the knuckles and palm and allow full release. There’s a large grip area on these controllers and they detect finger movements and can detect some of the pressure provided by your grip, which makes them unlike other controllers currently available. These controllers are tracked via external lighthouses and can be bought alongside the Index headset. They can also be purchased separately and combined with other non-Index headsets that use the lighthouse tracking system, such as HTC Vive or Pimax.

Facebook’s Quest 2 and original Quest both include native controller-free hand tracking which eliminates the need for the Touch controllers in certain situations. Some other headsets also track hand movements but Quest is a popular system and the update allows the built-in cameras to fully track your hands and finger movements with fairly high accuracy. It is unlikely that hand and finger tracking will replace the Touch controllers, however, for every game and experience, because haptic feedback, physical buttons, and quicker tracking of controllers can make a meaningful difference for many games and apps.

Roomscale, Seated, and Standing

There are generally 3 different types tracked volumes with some software tailored for each play area size: roomscale, seated, and standing.

Roomscale VR is all about setting a boundary or play area and being able to freely and physically move around that area in the game. The idea of roomscale games is being able to physically move around your space to interact with the simulated environment and objects inside of it. So-called “guardian” or “chaperone” boundaries show up to reveal when the physical world approaches.

Seated and standing are quite similar in that the user is meant to stay roughly in the same place and use various different movement options to simulate movement instead of psychically moving through a space. Some software developers tailor their virtual worlds to work in multiple ways but a small subset of experiences may only work in roomscale, seated, or standing modes.

Movement in VR

There are a couple of different types of simulated movement options for VR software. Simulating movement for people wearing VR headsets can sometimes make people feel nauseated.

Teleport is a common method of movement and it is often the most comfortable option for the widest range of people. Typically, teleport is invoked with the press of a button on a controller and then the player selects a spot to which they can immediately teleport. When used in combination with roomscale tracking, this movement option typically allows for traversal of large simulated volumes in a generally comfortable way. Some users, however, complain that teleport is less believable and “breaks immersion” because we can’t teleport in the real world. In response to this, some VR software developers work to explain why teleportation is a part of the narrative of their virtual world, such as a wizard using a spell in the image above.

Smooth locomotion is the movement type similar to traditional video games where you press on a stick and you “move” in the direction you pushed the stick. This can be jarring for some folks and can make some people feel nauseated in a matter of seconds or minutes.

To combat feelings of discomfort provided by simulated movement in a virtual world software developers are constantly working to provide combinations of existing systems or comfort settings that allow the player in VR to tailor the experience to their liking. One common comfort option that can help decrease discomfort is to restrict the FOV into the virtual world while moving, creating a sort of “tunnel vision”.

Motion Sickness

People wearing a VR headset can sometimes feel discomfort. experience motion sickness or nausea. In most cases, becoming nauseated while wearing a headset can happen seated or standing experiences where movement in the game does not match your physical body movement.

Some people can build a resistance and higher tolerance level for more intense experiences — sometimes known as finding your “VR legs” —  but some developers and long-time VR enthusiasts who spend hundreds of hours in VR headsets are still entirely susceptible to discomfort as a result of the mismatch between smooth locomotion and their body’s senses. You can read our article on 7 ways to overcome motion sickness for more information .

There are many factors that can influence your susceptibility to discomfort in a VR headset, such as the field of view of the visuals, the frame rate of the display and software, headset weight, and even how well you slept or what you ate and how much.

IPD is a fairly common term you’ll come across if you’re researching and reading about VR headsets. It is an abbreviation that stands for “interpupillary distance” – aka the distance between the center of your two pupils.

Depending on the optical design of a headset, varying IPDs between people can affect how well certain headsets feel when worn. If the lenses and displays aren’t well aligned in front of a person’s pupil the images might appear blurry. In the worse cases, this might increase the chance of getting a headache or feeling nauseated.

Some headsets will offer a physical adjustment for IPD. This moves the lenses and display panels to place them more directly in front of the pupils of a wide range of people. Other headsets don’t allow you to physically adjust this but may offer a software adjustment to compensate for this variability in people.

Depending on the distance between your pupils you might find a headset with physical adjustment could be a must. Headsets without physical adjustments are often tailored toward the average distances between eyeballs and thus many people may not need a headset with physical adjustment.

Types of VR

There are a couple of different types of consumer-oriented VR equipment available. These can be grouped as standalone VR, PC VR and console VR.

Standalone VR

Standalone VR is any VR headset that works completely by itself without the need for any other pre-existing equipment or technology. The entire experience is run from the hardware worn on your head and it does not require being connected to any other external equipment.

The best example of this is Meta Quest 2, which delivers pared-down versions of PC VR games in a portable, standalone device that requires no other equipment. With standalone VR like the Quest, everything you need to experience VR comes with the device itself — though some games require the Oculus Touch controllers to be held in your hands to interact.

PC VR is any headset that requires a constant connection to a nearby PC. The PC in question will also need high specifications that meet the requirements for VR. A few examples of PC VR headsets include the Oculus Rift S, Valve Index, HTC Vive, Pimax, and Windows Mixed Reality headsets like the HP Reverb G2 and Samsung Odyssey+.

The advantage of PC VR is that the beefy PC specifications can provide great graphical fidelity, much higher than standalone VR. However, the constant connection to a PC often means that your headset needs to remain wired to the PC at all times. There are some wireless options available for PC VR but those typically require more hardware connected to your PC and a battery pack worn somewhere on your body. Corded PC VR requires the player to manage a cord hanging from your headset to the PC. That may provide less freedom as compared with a wireless standalone headset as the wire can be a frequent reminder that you might get tangled if you turn around too much.

If you don’t already own a gaming PC that meets the required specifications, PC VR can quickly become a very expensive option.

Console VR currently only consists two headsets: PlayStation VR and Nintendo Labo VR for the Nintendo Switch.

PlayStation VR is an add-on VR system for the PlayStation 4 or PlayStation 5. The PSVR headset is an additional purchase that connects to your PlayStation 4 and, similar to PC VR, requires a constant tethered connection to the console to operate. It uses the PlayStation camera, sold with the headset and wired to the console for tracking. Through backwards compatibility, the system also works on PS5 and even sees some visual and performance improvements on there. Some PlayStation VR games also require an additional purchase of PlayStation Move controllers to be played. Sony is developing a PSVR successor, PSVR 2, set for release exclusively for PS5 — exact release date TBD.

Nintendo Labo VR for the Nintendo Switch is a build-able, cardboard headset shell that you can slip the original full-size Nintendo Switch into, allowing you to play certain games in a VR mode. It does not have a headset strap, so you are required to hold the headset to your face. Many of the experiences with Labo VR are, simply put, extremely underwhelming and not really worth your time.

Buying Recommendations: Choosing A Headset

Meta Quest 2/Oculus Quest 2 | Standalone + PC VR (~$300) [Amazon Link]

Meta Quest 2 (formerly Oculus Quest 2) is one of the most versatile headsets available on the market.

For $299, you get a full standalone headset that requires no other equipment, with a selection available of some of the best experiences and games on any platform.

However, the big trade-off for the Quest 2 is that you need to log in to a Facebook account to use the headset — for now, at least.

The headset was introduced in 2020 with a mandatory Facebook login policy. For existing Oculus users, merging your Oculus and Facebook accounts together is the only option. On a Quest 2, all your content, and your access to the headset, will be dependent on your Facebook account. If you want to get rid of your account for reasons outside of VR, all of your content will go with it.

However, that’s about to change. At Connect 2021, Meta (formerly Facebook) announced changes to the mandatory Facebook requirement — from sometime in 2022, Meta will make a “broader shift” so that you will be able to login to your Quest headset with an account other than your personal Facebook account . Users will even be able to unlink their Facebook account from their headset and keep all their purchases .

For now though, any Quest 2 headset still requires connection and login via Facebook — while Meta says they are still working on the login changes , there’s still no set date for their arrival.

If you’re okay with Facebook login for now, then the Quest 2 has some huge benefits. You can take it anywhere, use it anywhere and let anyone else try the headset in a matter of seconds. The Quest 2 provides the least friction of any headset available at the moment.

But that’s not all – if you do have a VR-ready PC, you can use Oculus Link to connect the Quest to your computer via USB C and enjoy any experiences a Rift can run on your Quest while you remain tethered. You can even try Air Link to play PC VR content wirelessly, streamed from your VR Ready PC to your Quest over your local network. The Quest offers the best of both worlds.

That being said, because the Quest is a standalone headset, all of the components are in the headset itself. This makes the headset front heavy and not super ideal for long play sessions. The Quest 2 is a bit lighter and smaller than its predecessor, but we’ve found that the optional Elite Strap offers the best and most comfortable experience over the standard Quest 2 strap.

Pros: Full standalone 6DoF headset and controllers, no existing equipment required, portable, Oculus Link/Air Link gives you access to the best of both standalone VR and PC VR.

Cons: Still front-heavy despite Quest 2 improvements, not comfortable for everyone, inside out tracking is less accurate than outside in, requires Facebook login to use (for now).

Quest 2 is available starting from $299 . Refurbished Quest 2 models are also available for the cheaper price of $249 — we think that’s one of VR’s best deals .

Read our Quest 2 review for more information, and check out this list of best Quest games . You can also check out our Quest 2 buying guide .

Valve Index | PC VR (~$1,000) [Steam Page]

The Valve Index is Valve’s first solo VR headset (the original HTC Vive was a collaboration between Valve and HTC) and offers what many consider to be a near sublime VR experience for a very high price.

The Index offers a series of fine adjustments to the HMD’s optics that allows it to maximize its field of view as well as a new type of controller that straps to the hand and allows full release. The field of view and the refresh rate on the Index beat out all other headsets on this list, however, in 2022 the screen resolution falls behind the Quest 2 and the Reverb G2. It uses lighthouse sensors for outside-in tracking and all around offers one of the best consumer VR headsets – if you can afford it.

The full Valve Index kit, including the headset, the two controllers and the two lighthouse sensors, costs $1,000. The big question, for most people, is whether the huge quality-of-life improvements and features are enough to make the Index worth another $600. For some, opting for a cheaper, more portable headset with PC VR capabilities, like Quest 2, might be a more affordable option for minimal trade-offs when it comes to flexibility, field of view and refresh rate.

Pros: Amazing optics and fitting flexibility, Index controllers provide increased hand and environment interactions, and it’s one of the best headsets on the market.

Cons: Extremely high price, resolution falls behind other headsets in 2022, and lighthouse sensors restrict portability.

Read our full Index review for more information, and check out this list of the best SteamVR games . You can also check out our buying guide for the HTC Vive (which has a lot of stuff that still applies for the Index) for recommendations on accessories and more.

PlayStation VR | PS4 (~$350+) [Amazon Link]

The PSVR system is a good option for someone who already owns a PlayStation console and wants an easy way to use VR with the hardware they already own. If you don’t want to shell out for a Quest 2 at $300, then you might be able to find a PSVR bundle for a similar price.

The PSVR system has one of the best VR libraries available, with some fantastic exclusives. However, it also has some technological limitations. A lot of the PSVR system uses very old hardware and peripherals, and it shows. The tracking, which uses a PlayStation camera sitting below or above your TV, is not up to par with other more modern tracking systems. The headset offers a screen and visuals that are woefully old in VR years, and the system as a whole won’t offer the same graphic fidelity in games as other systems.

PSVR is at the end of its life cycle and PSVR 2 is on the way. It was originally released for PS4, and is still compatible with PS5 through backwards compatibility (and a free camera adapter), but you might have trouble finding a bundle for sale this late in the headset’s life.

If you don’t already own a PS4 or PS5 (or even if you do), waiting for PSVR 2 or buying another headset is likely the easier, cheaper and better option if you want to future-proof your VR experience.

Pros: Good for existing PS4 and PS5 owners, great library of content with fantastic exclusives, PS Aim Controller is great for games that support it.

Cons: Hardware and tracking method is woefully out of date in 2022, device is at the end of its life cycle and hard to buy, no analog stick on Move controllers, lower graphical fidelity than other options.

PSVR bundle availability varies – the Iron Man VR bundle, which includes PSVR hardware and the aforementioned game, is available for $420 .

HP Reverb G2 | PC VR (~$600) [Amazon Link]

The Reverb G2 is a good second-generation headset that finds itself in a tricky position. It’s by no means perfect, but it sits smack bang in the middle of the PC VR price range — at $600, it’s more than a $300/$400 Quest 2and less than a full Index kit at $1000.

At launch, the G2 that originally released was a great headset with subpar controllers (and controller tracking). However, the recently-updated model, featuring both hardware and software changes, should have improved some of these problems.

The headset does have the best screen on the consumer market right now, with higher resolutions than both the Quest 2 and the Index. In terms of visuals, it’s best in class. It also has great off-ear speakers (the same ones found in the Index, thanks to a collaboration between Valve and HP). We haven’t had a chance to test the updated model ourselves yet, so we can’t speak from experience as to how good the changes really are. However, there are still situations where we would recommend the headset anyway — given the high visual fidelity of the screen, it’s perfect for simulators, especially ones that use external peripherals instead of VR controllers. For those who don’t want to associate themselves with Meta and Facebook, the G2 offers a cheaper PC VR experience than the Valve Index.

Pros: Comfortable, best visuals on the market, cheaper than an Index, perfect for simulators and other niche use cases.

Cons: Can’t compete with Quest 2 in terms of reliability and price, controller tracking was inconsistent on original model (but newer model may offer improvements in that area).

The HP Reverb G2 is available from $600 .

There you have it! This is our absolute beginner’s guide to VR.

Looking for more beginner’s guides like this one? Check out the New to VR? section of our site.

[When you purchase items through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission from those sales.]

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How To Use A VR Headset

• How-To Guides
• Gadget Usage

Introduction

Welcome to the exciting world of virtual reality (VR)! With the rapid advancement of technology, VR headsets have become increasingly popular, offering immersive experiences that can transport you to incredible virtual landscapes and dynamic game environments. Whether you are a seasoned gamer or just curious about exploring new realms, a VR headset is a gateway to a whole new dimension of entertainment and exploration.

In this guide, we will walk you through the basics of using a VR headset, from setting it up to navigating the virtual environment and interacting with objects. We will also provide some tips on caring for your VR headset and troubleshooting common issues.

Before we dive in, it is important to note that VR technology is constantly evolving, and different headsets may have specific features and requirements. Therefore, it is essential to refer to the manufacturer’s instructions and guidelines for your specific headset model.

So, without further ado, let’s embark on this virtual reality journey and discover how to make the most of your VR headset!

Getting Started

Before you can dive into the world of virtual reality, there are a few essential steps you need to follow to get started with your VR headset. Let’s walk through these steps to ensure a smooth setup process.

1. Check Compatibility: The first thing you need to do is check if your VR headset is compatible with the device you want to use it with. Most VR headsets are designed to work with PCs, gaming consoles, or smartphones. Check the specifications and requirements provided by the manufacturer to ensure compatibility.

2. Download VR Software: Depending on the VR headset you have, there may be specific software or applications that need to be downloaded to your device. These software packages are crucial for running VR content and providing a seamless experience. Visit the manufacturer’s website or app store to download the required software.

3. Set Up Play Area: Before putting on the VR headset, you need to create a safe play area. Clear the space around you by removing any obstacles or fragile items. Some VR headsets, such as the Oculus Rift, may have a feature that allows you to define the play area and set boundaries to avoid collisions.

4. Clear Cables: Ensure that the cables of your VR headset are untangled and properly connected. This is crucial for a smooth and uninterrupted VR experience. Make sure the cables are not twisted or stretched, as it may result in poor performance or damage to the headset.

5. Clean the Lens: VR headset lenses can easily accumulate dust, fingerprints, or smudges, which can affect the visual quality. Use a microfiber cloth or lens cleaning solution recommended by the manufacturer to clean the lenses before putting on the headset. This will ensure a clear and immersive VR experience.

With these steps completed, you are now ready to put on your VR headset and delve into the virtual world. In the next sections, we will guide you through the process of adjusting the straps, connecting the headset to a device, and exploring the VR environment.

Setting up the VR Headset

Now that you have completed the initial steps, it’s time to set up your VR headset for an optimal and comfortable experience. Follow these instructions to ensure that your headset is properly adjusted and aligned.

1. Put on the Headset: Gently place the VR headset on your head, ensuring that it sits comfortably on your face. The lenses should align with your eyes, and the head strap should be positioned securely on the back of your head.

2. Adjust the Straps: Most VR headsets come with adjustable straps to ensure a snug fit. Start by loosening the straps, then tighten them gradually until the headset feels secure but not too tight. This will prevent any discomfort during prolonged use.

3. Position the Display: Adjust the position of the display within the headset to align it with your eyes. This is important for maintaining a clear and focused view. Use the adjustment knobs or sliders provided by the headset to achieve the desired position.

4. IPD Adjustment: Some VR headsets offer IPD (Interpupillary Distance) adjustment, which allows you to align the lenses with the distance between your eyes. Refer to the headset’s manual or settings to adjust the IPD sliders or knobs for optimal visual clarity.

5. Audio Setup: Depending on your VR headset, you may have built-in audio or the option to connect headphones for immersive sound. Make sure the audio is properly configured and adjusted for the best experience.

6. Controller Setup: If your VR headset comes with controllers, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to pair them with the headset. This will enable you to interact with the virtual environment and navigate menus or games.

By correctly setting up your VR headset, you are ensuring that it fits securely and comfortably, providing an immersive experience without any distractions. Take the time to adjust the straps, align the lenses, and configure the audio and controllers to tailor the headset to your individual needs.

Adjusting the Straps

One of the key factors in ensuring a comfortable and stable VR experience is properly adjusting the straps on your headset. The straps help to distribute the weight of the headset evenly, reducing pressure on your face and allowing for extended use without discomfort. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to adjust the straps on your VR headset.

1. Loosen the Straps: Start by loosening all the straps on your VR headset. This will make it easier to put on and adjust the fit later on.

2. Put on the Headset: Gently place the VR headset on your head, positioning it so that the lenses are aligned with your eyes. Ensure that the straps are positioned at the back of your head.

3. Adjust the Top Strap: Begin by adjusting the top strap of the headset. This strap helps to secure the headset in place and provides stability. Tighten it enough so that the headset stays firmly in position, but not so tight that it causes discomfort or pressure on your head.

4. Adjust the Side Straps: Next, adjust the side straps of the headset. These straps help to distribute the weight evenly and prevent the headset from sliding or shifting during use. Gradually tighten the side straps, ensuring a secure fit without placing excessive pressure on your face.

5. Test the Fit: Once you have adjusted the straps, test the fit by moving your head in different directions. The headset should remain in place without wobbling or sliding. If you feel any discomfort or pressure points, readjust the straps until you find a comfortable and secure fit.

6. Regularly Check the Straps: It is important to periodically check the straps of your VR headset, especially if you share it with others or if you frequently wear glasses. Adjust the straps as needed to maintain a proper fit and ensure a comfortable experience.

Remember, the goal is to find a balance between a secure fit and comfort. The straps should hold the headset in place without causing any discomfort or leaving marks on your face. Spend some time experimenting and adjusting the straps until you find the ideal fit for your VR headset.

Connecting to a Device

Before you can dive into the virtual world, it is essential to connect your VR headset to a compatible device. The process may vary depending on the type of VR headset you have, so refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for specific guidance. However, here are some general steps to follow when connecting your VR headset to a device:

1. Check the Connection Ports: Identify the appropriate ports on your VR headset and the device you want to connect it to. Common connection options include HDMI, USB, or a wireless connection. Make sure your device has the necessary ports and cables to establish a stable connection.

2. Connect the Cables: Plug in the required cables from your VR headset to the corresponding ports on your device. Ensure a secure connection by firmly inserting the cables into the ports. This step is crucial for transmitting audio, video, and tracking information between the device and headset.

3. Set up Wireless Connection (If Applicable): If your VR headset supports wireless connectivity, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to connect it to a wireless network. Enable the wireless mode on the device and ensure that both the headset and the device are connected to the same network for seamless communication.

4. Power on the Devices: Once the cables are connected and wireless settings are configured, power on your VR headset and the connected device. Some headsets have a power button or a dedicated power switch, while others automatically power on when connected to a device. Refer to your headset’s manual for specific instructions.

5. Pair the Headset and Controllers (If Applicable): If your VR headset comes with controllers, follow the manufacturer’s guidelines to pair them with the headset. This process may involve holding down specific buttons or using Bluetooth connectivity. Once paired, ensure the controllers are functioning correctly within the VR environment.

6. Configure Display Settings: Depending on the VR headset and the device you are using, you may need to adjust the display settings. This includes resolution, refresh rate, and other visual settings. Refer to the device’s settings or the VR software for instructions on optimizing the display for the best VR experience.

By following these steps, you can successfully connect your VR headset to a compatible device and begin enjoying the immersive virtual reality experience it offers. Remember to consult the specific instructions provided by the headset manufacturer for accurate and detailed guidance.

Navigating the VR Environment

Once your VR headset is connected and set up, it’s time to explore the virtual environment. Navigating the VR world may initially seem daunting, but with a little practice, it will become second nature. Here are some tips to help you navigate and move around in the VR environment:

1. Head Movement: Your head movement is a crucial element of navigating in VR. By turning your head in different directions, you can change your view and look around the virtual world. Take the time to familiarize yourself with the range of head movements supported by your VR headset.

2. Teleportation: Many VR experiences and games utilize a teleportation system to move around. This involves pointing a controller or using a designated button to teleport to a different location within the virtual space. Pay attention to on-screen prompts or controller instructions to teleport and explore new areas.

3. Smooth Movement: Some VR experiences allow for smooth movement within the virtual environment. This can be done by using the controller’s analog stick or touchpad to walk or move in any desired direction. Ensure that you have enough space and clear any obstacles to avoid any accidents while moving in the VR world.

4. Menu Navigation: VR applications and games often have menus or interfaces that allow you to access different options, settings, or game features. These menus can usually be navigated using either your head movements, controller inputs, or a combination of both. Take your time to explore and understand how to navigate the menus efficiently.

5. Interact with Objects: In the VR world, you can interact with virtual objects using the controllers or other tracking devices. Pay attention to the on-screen prompts or cues to grab, manipulate, or interact with objects within the virtual environment. Experiment with different gestures and actions to fully immerse yourself in the interactive experience.

6. Follow Game or Application Guidelines: Each VR experience or game may have its unique controls, movement mechanics, and guidelines. It is crucial to pay attention to any tutorial or instruction provided by the game or application to understand how to navigate and interact in the specific VR environment.

Remember, navigating in VR requires a bit of practice and getting accustomed to the unique mechanics. Take your time, explore different experiences, and gradually build your comfort and familiarity with movement in the virtual world. Soon, you’ll be effortlessly exploring new realms and interacting with the virtual environment like a pro.

Using the Controllers

The controllers play a crucial role in enhancing your interaction and immersion in the virtual reality (VR) environment. They allow you to navigate, manipulate objects, and perform actions within VR applications and games. Here’s a guide on how to make the most of your VR controllers:

1. Familiarize Yourself with the Buttons: Start by familiarizing yourself with the buttons and controls on your VR controllers. Each controller may have a different layout, so consult the manufacturer’s instructions or in-app tutorials to understand the functions of each button.

2. Grip and Trigger Buttons: The grip buttons, usually located on the sides of the controller, allow you to grab and hold objects. The trigger buttons, typically positioned under your index or middle finger, facilitate actions like shooting, grabbing, or activating specific features within VR experiences.

3. Explore Controllers’ Tracking Capabilities: Many VR systems use tracking technology to detect the position and orientation of the controllers. Take advantage of this by utilizing natural hand movements and gestures. This adds a realistic touch to your virtual interactions and enhances your immersive experience.

4. Follow In-App Tutorials: VR applications and games often provide tutorials or pop-up guides to teach you how to use the controllers effectively. Pay attention to these instructions to understand the specific interactions and actions required in each experience. This will help you get the most out of the controller’s capabilities.

5. Practice Hand-Eye Coordination: Using the controllers effectively in VR requires good hand-eye coordination. Practice aiming, grabbing objects, and executing precise movements to enhance your accuracy and control. Regular practice will improve your proficiency over time.

6. Customize Controller Settings (If Available): Some VR systems offer customization options for controller settings. Explore the settings menu to adjust sensitivity, button mapping, or other preferences to suit your personal preferences and playstyle.

7. Explore Different Interaction Techniques: VR applications and games often employ various interaction techniques to enhance immersion. These may include throwing objects, using two hands to manipulate larger objects, or performing specific gestures to trigger actions. Experiment with these techniques to fully engage with the virtual environment.

Remember, becoming proficient with the VR controllers takes practice and patience. The more you familiarize yourself with their functionalities and practice using them, the more natural and intuitive your virtual interactions will become. Explore different VR experiences and games to discover the wide range of possibilities they offer for controller-based interactions.

Interacting with Objects

One of the most exciting aspects of virtual reality (VR) is the ability to interact with virtual objects in a realistic and immersive way. Whether you’re picking up a virtual item, solving puzzles, or manipulating objects, here are some tips to help you make the most of your object interactions in the VR environment:

1. Grabbing and Releasing: To pick up objects in VR, use the designated grip buttons on your controller. Press and hold the grip button to grab an object, and release it to let go. Pay attention to the feedback provided by the VR environment to ensure a successful interaction.

2. Throwing and Tossing: Some VR experiences allow you to throw or toss objects. Practice your throwing technique by following the natural motion of your arm, and release the grip button at the desired moment to launch the object. Experiment with different throwing motions and forces to simulate realistic object movements.

3. Two-Handed Interactions: In certain VR applications or games, you may come across larger objects that require two hands to manipulate. Use both controllers simultaneously to interact with these objects, mimicking real-life actions. This adds to the immersion and provides a more realistic and engaging experience.

4. Manipulating and Rotating: Some VR objects can be rotated or manipulated in various ways. Use the controller’s joysticks or touchpads to rotate or move objects within the virtual environment. Pay attention to the object’s orientation and the desired interaction mechanics specified by the VR application or game.

5. Solving Puzzles and Challenges: Many VR experiences incorporate puzzles or challenges that require object interactions to progress. Pay close attention to the clues and hints provided in the VR environment. Manipulate objects, inspect them closely, and experiment with different interactions to solve the puzzles and overcome obstacles.

6. Pay Attention to Physics: VR environments often aim to simulate realistic physics interactions. Experiment with different objects and observe how they react to your interactions. Drop objects to observe their fall, collide objects to witness their realistic responses, and take advantage of physics-based interactions to enhance your overall experience.

7. Try New Interaction Techniques: Different VR experiences may introduce unique interaction techniques. These can include gestures, specific button combinations, or even voice commands. Explore these techniques to fully immerse yourself in the VR environment and discover new and exciting ways to interact with objects.

Remember, each VR experience may have its own specific object interaction mechanics. Take the time to understand and adapt to each virtual environment you explore. By experimenting with different object interactions and incorporating natural movements, you can enhance your immersion and fully enjoy the exciting possibilities of interacting with objects in the VR world.

Exploring VR Applications and Games

Virtual reality (VR) opens up a whole new world of immersive experiences, from games to educational simulations and creative applications. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your exploration and discover exciting VR applications and games:

1. Browse VR Platforms: Start by exploring VR platforms and marketplaces, such as SteamVR, Oculus Store, or PlayStation VR. These platforms offer a wide range of VR applications and games, allowing you to browse and discover new experiences based on your interests.

2. Read Reviews and Recommendations: Before purchasing or downloading a VR application or game, take the time to read reviews and listen to recommendations from other users. Consider factors such as gameplay, graphics, storylines, and user experiences to find options that align with your preferences.

3. Explore Different Genres: VR offers a diverse range of genres, including action, adventure, puzzle, simulation, and more. Explore different genres to find the type of experience that captivates you. Don’t be afraid to venture outside your comfort zone and try new things.

4. Take Advantage of Demos and Free Experiences: Many VR applications and games offer demos or free experiences that allow you to try them before committing to a purchase. Take advantage of these opportunities to get a taste of the gameplay, mechanics, and overall experience of a VR application or game.

5. Follow VR Gaming Communities and Channels: Join online VR gaming communities or follow VR gaming channels to stay informed about the latest releases, updates, and trends in the VR world. These communities provide a platform for discussions, recommendations, and sharing experiences with fellow VR enthusiasts.

6. Experiment with Interactions and Mechanics: When exploring VR applications and games, take the time to experiment with different interaction mechanics and gestures. VR offers unique opportunities for immersive interactions, so don’t be afraid to try unconventional actions and gestures to fully engage with the virtual environment.

7. Set Comfort and Safety Preferences: VR experiences can be intense and may vary in terms of comfort levels for different individuals. Take advantage of options available in the VR settings to adjust comfort and safety preferences. This can include options like teleportation movement, turning comfort features on or off, or adjusting the field of view.

8. Support Independent Developers: The VR community is home to many passionate independent developers. Explore and support their creations, as they often bring unique and innovative experiences to the VR gaming landscape. Look out for hidden gems and experimental titles that may offer a fresh perspective in VR.

Remember, exploring VR applications and games is a personal journey. Enjoy the process of discovering new experiences, experimenting with different interactions, and immersing yourself in the incredible possibilities that VR has to offer. With such a vast and exciting realm to explore, there’s always something new and thrilling waiting to be discovered in the world of virtual reality.

Caring for Your VR Headset

Your VR headset is a valuable piece of technology that requires proper care and maintenance to ensure its longevity and optimal performance. Here are some essential tips to help you take care of your VR headset:

1. Clean the lenses: The lenses of your VR headset can easily accumulate smudges, fingerprints, or dust, impacting the visual quality. Use a microfiber cloth recommended by the manufacturer to gently clean the lenses. Avoid using harsh cleaners, sprays, or rough materials that could scratch or damage the lenses.

2. Wipe down the headset: Regularly wipe down the exterior of your VR headset with a soft, lint-free cloth to remove any dirt, sweat, or skin oils that may have accumulated. Pay extra attention to the areas that come into contact with your face, such as the foam padding or silicone inserts, as these can harbor bacteria over time.

3. Store in a clean and dry place: When not in use, store your VR headset in a clean, dry place to protect it from dust, humidity, and potential damage. Consider using a dedicated carrying case or protective cover to prevent scratches and ensure the headset is safely stored.

4. Avoid excessive heat and sunlight: Extended exposure to direct sunlight or extreme temperatures can damage the components of your VR headset. Avoid leaving it in a hot car or in direct sunlight for prolonged periods. Store it in a cool, well-ventilated area when not in use.

5. Be mindful of cable management: Take care when managing the cables of your VR headset. Avoid twisting or bending them excessively to prevent damage and ensure uninterrupted functionality. Consider using cable management accessories or hooks to keep the cables organized and prevent tangles.

6. Protect the lenses during transport: If you need to transport your VR headset, take precautions to protect the lenses. Use lens covers, microfiber pouches, or dedicated protective cases to prevent scratches or damage while on the move.

7. Follow manufacturer’s maintenance guidelines: Refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines and instructions for any specific care and maintenance recommendations. They may provide additional tips or precautions tailored to your specific VR headset model.

By following these care tips, you can ensure that your VR headset remains in excellent condition for a longer period, providing you with continued immersive experiences. Taking the time to maintain your headset will not only extend its lifespan but also contribute to a consistently high-quality VR experience.

Troubleshooting Tips

While using your VR headset, you may encounter occasional issues or glitches. Here are some troubleshooting tips to help you resolve common problems and ensure a smooth VR experience:

1. Check the connections: If your VR headset is not functioning properly, double-check all the cables and connections. Ensure that they are securely plugged into the correct ports on both the headset and the device that it’s connected to.

2. Restart the headset and device: Sometimes, a simple restart can fix minor software or connectivity issues. Power off your VR headset and the connected device completely, wait for a few seconds, and then power them back on.

3. Update firmware and drivers: Regularly check for firmware updates or driver updates for your VR headset and the device it’s connected to. Keeping them up to date can help resolve compatibility issues and improve overall performance.

4. Clear obstructions and obstacles: Make sure your play area and the space around you are clear of any obstructions or objects that may interfere with the tracking or safety features of your VR headset. Remove any potential hazards to ensure a safe and seamless VR experience.

5. Adjust lighting conditions: Bright or direct lighting can sometimes affect the tracking performance of your VR headset. Experiment with different lighting conditions, ensuring that the room is well-lit but without intense light sources directly facing the headset’s sensors.

6. Calibrate the sensors: Some VR headsets have sensors that require calibration to ensure accurate tracking. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to calibrate the sensors and optimize the tracking capabilities of your VR headset.

7. Reinstall VR software or applications: If you’re experiencing persistent issues with a specific VR application or game, try reinstalling it. This can fix any corrupted files or software conflicts that may be causing the problem.

8. Check system requirements: Ensure that your device meets the system requirements specified by the VR headset and the applications you’re using. Insufficient hardware specifications may cause performance issues or prevent certain experiences from running smoothly.

9. Reset headset settings: If you’ve encountered unexplained issues or changes in your VR headset’s settings, consider performing a factory reset or restoring default settings. Consult the manufacturer’s instructions for guidance on how to reset your specific headset model.

10. Contact customer support: If you’ve exhausted all troubleshooting options and are still experiencing issues with your VR headset, reach out to the manufacturer’s customer support. They can provide further assistance and guide you through more advanced troubleshooting steps.

By following these troubleshooting tips, you can effectively address common issues and enjoy a smoother, more enjoyable VR experience. Remember, patience and persistence are key when it comes to troubleshooting, so don’t hesitate to seek assistance if needed.

Congratulations on completing this guide to using a VR headset! You now have a solid understanding of how to set up and adjust your VR headset, connect it to a device, navigate the VR environment, interact with objects, explore applications and games, care for your headset, and troubleshoot common issues.

VR technology has opened up endless possibilities for immersive entertainment, education, and exploration. With each passing day, the VR landscape continues to expand, offering new and exciting experiences for users to enjoy.

As you embark on your VR journey, remember to explore different genres and experiences, try out new interactions, and connect with the vibrant VR community. Keep up with the latest developments, updates, and releases to stay at the forefront of this ever-evolving technology. With practice and experimentation, you’ll unlock the full potential of your VR headset and immerse yourself in rich, captivating virtual worlds.

Remember, the key to a successful VR experience is finding a balance between comfort, enjoyment, and safety. Take breaks when needed, follow recommended guidelines and warnings, and always prioritize your well-being during VR sessions.

Now it’s time to put your knowledge into action and start exploring the vast realms of virtual reality. Whether you’re gaming, learning, creating, or simply exploring, the possibilities are limitless. So, grab your VR headset, prepare for an adventure, and let the immersive wonders of virtual reality take you to new heights!

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The Battle of Next-Gen Spectacles: Why VR Glasses Are the Way to Go

Headsets | Extended Reality

13-minute read

Wearable technology has become a driving force in global markets, creating a surge in the popularity of VR glasses and similar devices.  

The VR industry is at the forefront of technological advancements , with benefits to modern society in education , healthcare , and more .  

VR headsets and accessories have continued their steady evolution , becoming increasingly powerful by including more advanced components and features in their hardware — but all this power can cause headsets to be bulky, disrupting immersion for the people wearing them.  

Enter VR glasses, which emphasize miniaturization, the act of downsizing and fitting more technol ogy with less volume, thus reducing the weight and size of a product. VR glasses are a version of VR headsets that are less restrictive on physical movements. They prioritize comfort and usability over graphics and performance.   

VR glasses also offer a lightweight form factor that delivers fully immersive and interactive experiences yet can be easily worn like a pair of spectacles. Two prime examples of VR glasses are the VIVE Flow and the VIVE XR Elite .  

VR glasses are noteworthy for g iving users easily immersive experiences in environments where traditional VR solutions would be impractical .  

Groundbreaking technology is hard to find, and understanding how it works can be harder. This article will help you do both, showing you the most immersive and comfortable VR choices and highlighting the key features of VR, AR, and smart glasses.  

How are VR glasses used?  

VR has extremely diverse uses , from letting you kayak through the Arctic in the comfort of your living room, to enabling doctors to improve their craft with simulated surgeries . However, some VR use cases require heavy-duty hardware and special software, as with professional flight simulations , tactical training , or police training programs.    

While traditional VR glasses may not be able to handle graphics-intensive content, newer models like the VIVE XR Elite can be connected to a computer to harness its resources and seamlessly run PC VR games and more.  

VR glasses are generally designed to handle lighter content efficiently, though, providing a seemingly weightless and fully comfortable virtual reality experience . Let’s dive into more examples of how VR glasses are used!  

Screen mirroring  

Among the most appealing uses for VR glasses are streaming videos and browsing social media on a personal theater-sized screen right in front of your eyes. VR glasses can provide a quick and easy way to mirror your phone or laptop screen in VR and enjoy the content that you want. The optimal choice for when you’re on a long flight or just don’t want to get out of bed!  

VR glasses are great for remote work and collaboration . Their light frames and small form factors provide an easy way to jump in and out of VR sessions with your business partners or co-workers without slowing down your movements. That means more productivity and fewer distractions.  

All work and no play make for a dull day! VR glasses are easy to pop on, allowing you to enjoy games from anywhere, at any time. Gaming was transformed with the introduction of portable devices (i.e., handheld consoles), and having all you need for immersive gaming in a single pair of glasses may be the next big transformation.   

As mentioned, some VR glasses like the VIVE XR Elite even support PC streaming, which can give you the best of both worlds — lightweight portability and heavy-duty PC VR gaming.  

The unique size, weight, and structure of VR glasses also make them ideal for meditation and mindfulness . You can mellow out and remove yourself from daily pressures with immersive seminars and meditation sessions in picturesque mountaintops and forests.   

While podcasts are an easy way to relax, and a VR headset can virtually transport you to whole other worlds, VR glasses offer the perfect balance between comfortable visuals and relaxing audio, letting nothing take you out of your zen state.    

Challenges in VR glasses technology.  

VR glasses work by adopting the core technology behind VR headsets , providing two separate displays for each eye that work together to form a 3D super-image. This is called stereoscopic display, and it is the foundation of the VR experience.   

However, delivering two images together was just the first hurdle for VR tech. Here are other challenges that the VR industry faces:  

As mentioned before, high performance often requires heavy hardware, and heavy isn’t immersive. This means that the processors, batteries, and lenses need to be made lighter to keep up with the physical requirements that a VR headset has — i.e., it must offer quality performance while also being comfortable enough to wear.  

The sophisticated hardware needed for high-performance VR requires substantial investments to develop. Massive amounts of resources are being pooled into researching, designing, and manufacturing VR headsets. The hefty price tag on developments has a substantial effect on VR development and limits the steps that can be taken to advance VR technology.  

Screen-door effect 

Every screen is made up of pixels, and the more there are, the clearer the picture on it can be. Since getting those pixels small is a hard thing to do, it’s sometimes possible to see black borders around pixels, which can break immersion. This is called the screen-door effect, and it’s magnified in VR due to the display screens being so close to each eye. Thankfully, this issue is being improved in newer VR devices with the increasing pixel density of their displays.  

Light leakage  

Light leakage from outside is detrimental to the VR glasses experience. If not properly blocked, rays of light, known as god rays, can refract off the lenses and disrupt your vision.   

Making the inside of VR headwear “outside proof” is a challenge for the VR industry. Different lens designs, like those of the pancake lenses on the VIVE Flow and the VIVE XR Elite, have drastically decreased potential disturbance from god rays.  

VR glasses, AR glasses, and smart glasses — what are the differences?    

In addition to VR glasses, other forms of digital eyewear have also gained popularity. These include augmented reality glasses and smart glasses.  

Smart glasses are digital wearable devices that present information to the wearer as an extension of another device (e.g., a phone, laptop, etc.) via an augmented reality heads-up-display (HUD). Similar to smart watches, they can display useful information like text messages and navigational directions.  

Smart glasses achieve this by layering a physical, transparent screen before the lenses, projecting the information over the world around you. This lets you continue to be fully aware of your surroundings while providing you with additional data.  

AR glasses go a step further by supplying information as a standalone device that does not need another device for assistance — as opposed to smart glasses, which need another device to feed the eyewear content to project.  

Instead of simply presenting directions to a restaurant given by an app on your phone, for example, AR glasses may provide you with live updates on restaurant ratings and closing times without the assistance and data of another device. They allow you to add digital elements to your real-world view, effectively enhancing the environment around you.   

However, these features require advanced software and very powerful hardware. Fitting all the components needed for interactive AR experiences (i.e., mixed reality experiences) into a normal-looking pair of glasses is not yet feasible, as current hardware and software cannot be compacted into that small of a form factor. Devices referred to as AR glasses are essentially a kind of smart glasses.  

VR glasses vs. smart glasses: Which are better?  

Comparing VR glasses to smart glasses is like comparing apples to oranges, as both kinds of glasses have different features and use cases.   

VR glasses are a kind of independent product that works by itself. You can start your meditation or join a work meeting by simply putting them on without any other piece of technology. Smart glasses, however, are extensions of your mobile, tablet, or laptop. They cannot typically run apps on their own — they are simply an extra screen for your eyes.   

Ultimately, the question of which kind of glasses is better comes down to what functions you’re looking for. If you want a trendy pair of smart sunglasses that show you real-time directions when walking, then futuristic-looking VR goggles may not be the best choice for you. However, if you want a comfortably immersive VR experience that gives you access to games , meditation , or casual entertainment , then VR glasses like the VIVE Flow are definitely worth exploring.  

What about VR glasses vs. AR glasses?  

Virtual and augmented reality both offer very different kinds of experiences, and the experience that’s best for you is largely a matter of preference. There’s a device, however, that bridges that gap between VR glasses and true AR glasses — the VIVE XR Elite — a lightweight and comfortable headset with a convertible form factor.  

Although not an AR headset, VIVE XR Elite’s mixed reality passthrough allows you to interact with both the physical and virtual world. And by replacing its battery cradle with a portable power bank, you can switch VIVE XR Elite from headset form to glasses form, unlocking a new kind of experience  — that of extended reality glasses !  

Find out what else you can do with VIVE XR Elite.  

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How to Make a vR Headset With Glasses?

Creating a custom VR headset specifically designed for glasses can be a complex and involved process that requires specialized knowledge and skills in engineering, optics, and electronics. However, if you’re interested in making modifications to an existing VR headset to accommodate glasses, here are some general steps you can follow:

Choose a VR headset: Select a VR headset that provides enough space and adjustability to fit glasses comfortably. Look for headsets with adjustable lens positions, IPD adjustments, and enough depth and width for glasses to fit inside.

Measure your glasses: Measure the dimensions of your glasses to ensure they will fit inside the VR headset. Measure the width, height, and depth of your glasses frames to determine the necessary space needed.

Modify the headset foam padding: Some VR headsets come with removable foam padding around the eye area. You can modify the foam padding by creating cutouts or recesses to accommodate the frames of your glasses. Use a sharp knife or scissors to carefully shape the foam to match the dimensions of your glasses.

Create additional space: If the existing foam padding isn’t sufficient, you may need to create additional space within the headset to accommodate your glasses. This can be done by removing or trimming foam padding, or by using alternative materials like foam inserts or 3D-printed adapters.

Test and adjust: Once you’ve made modifications, test the fit with your glasses inside the VR headset. Ensure that there is enough space for your glasses to sit comfortably without causing pressure or discomfort on your face.

Consider lens protectors: To prevent potential scratching or damage to both the VR headset lenses and your glasses, you can apply protective films or lens covers to both surfaces. This can help minimize the risk of accidental contact between the two.

It’s important to note that modifying a VR headset may void any warranties or support from the manufacturer. Additionally, creating a custom VR headset modification requires technical skills and expertise. If you’re not confident in your abilities or have concerns about damaging the headset, it’s best to seek assistance from a professional or consider alternative options such as using contact lenses or purchasing a VR headset that already accommodates glasses.

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Everything You Need to Know Before Buying a VR Headset

Virtual reality is mainstream. While that seems like an overnight phenomenon, it’s far from it. Back in the 1960s, there were immersive stereoscopic videos . In 1961, we had a motion-tracking headset . Interactive Google Street View-like experiences ? Those, of course, were around in the late 1970s.

But that stuff could only be found in research labs and in prototype form. These days, VR-capable hardware is everywhere. Tack-sharp displays, powerful processors, and versatile sensors are in everyone’s pockets. And to spur the next wave of immersive entertainment, VR directors and developers are creating the language of a new medium on the fly. Virtual reality is going to be awesome. Then it's going to get even better. And fast .

So fast, in fact, that the VR systems available today will seem adorably primitive by year’s end. But that doesn’t mean you should wait: Today’s VR options are affordable, impressive, fun, and phone-powered. Here’s what to keep in mind if you plan on taking the VR plunge, from the price of admission to the capabilities of each headset to what you should do with them.

Google Cardboard Cardboard is a beginner's virtual reality experience that knows it's a beginner's virtual reality experience. That has its pros and cons. First, the great things: Google Cardboard is cheap, the platform works with both Android and iOS devices, and there’s a lot of content available.

It's also dead-simple. You download the Cardboard app, put your phone in a cardboard viewer tricked out with a pair of magnification lenses, watch a demo experience to get the hang of it, and then hit up the Google Play Store’s Cardboard section to expand your VR library. You can even make your own immersive experiences easily with the free Cardboard Camera app. Most titles for Google Cardboard are free. The rest are cheap.

Most of the viewers are cheap, too. In Sweden, they’re making them out of Happy Meal boxes . If you subscribe to the New York Times or bought an issue of the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue , you may already have one. Both publications included fold-up viewers with individual issues to complement their own VR apps.

Here’s what’s less than ideal about Google Cardboard, though: Impressive as the platform is, it’s not the best indicator of what’s so exciting about VR. The cheap cardboard viewers are---surprise!---not that comfortable. It’s more like looking through a pair of rough-edged binoculars than a fully immersive experience. Your phone’s screen resolution may also be disappointing under the viewer’s lenses, making it a pixellated escapade. And while there are games available for Google Cardboard, much of the content is 360-degree video---which you could argue isn’t real VR at all. (More on that later.)

If you’re happy with the Cardboard experience but are jonesing for a comfier headset, Google just launched a wing of its online store dedicated to Cardboard-compatible viewers . The options are still scant, and the comfiest-looking one costs $120---not exactly a price in line with the Cardboard ethos.

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Bang For the Buck : 5 out of 5 explosions Whoa Factor : 3 out of 5 Keanu Reeves Comfort : One itchy sweater

Samsung Gear VR In many ways, Samsung Gear VR is similar to Google Cardboard. The required $99 piece of hardware is a headset that uses your phone to process and display all the VR magic. From there, however, it’s a vastly different animal---in part because it'll drain your phone battery very, very quickly. Still, the Gear VR experience is great.

For one thing, it’s comfy. You don’t have to hold the headset to your face, because it comes with straps. You may get a bit of “ski goggle” discomfort during prolonged face-computer sessions, but the straps are adjustable. It’s far more of a lean-back experience than a basic Cardboard viewer.

Second of all, the Gear VR headset has some of its own high-tech wizardry. At first glance, it looks like a plastic third-party Cardboard headset, but there are fancy sensors and input options built in. There's a proximity sensor that pauses and plays experiences based on whether the headset is on your face. There's a touchpad on the side of it so you can interact with onscreen options easily when it’s strapped to your mug. And you don’t just drop your phone in; you jack it into a USB connector on the front of the Gear VR.

The third difference is a big one: The Gear VR doesn’t just plug into any phone. You need Samsung’s Galaxy S6, S6 Edge, S6 Edge+, Note 5, S7, or S7 Edge to make it work. Those are all great phones, but the compatibility limitations make it a non-starter for owners of other Android handsets or iPhones. But it’s a win-win(-win) for anyone who wants a new Galaxy phone, a solid VR experience, or both.

The VR experience you get with the Gear VR is the best one available right now, even if that isn’t saying much. There’s a ton of content available---including Land's End , which is probably the greatest VR experience of all time ---but most of that content costs money. That's OK, it's good. There’s also more than one way to get it.

The main avenue of commerce is the Gear VR’s version of the Oculus Store. You can browse the store and download VR content while the headset's on your face. You can also get VR experiences the old-timey way---by visiting the Oculus app while your phone’s in your hand. (Keep in mind that the Gear VR version of the Oculus Store won’t have all the same content as the Oculus Home store for the full-fledged Oculus Rift. Oculus’s own headset will be more powerful, and it will have its own exclusive content.)

Bang For the Buck : 4 out of 5 explosions Whoa Factor : 4 of out 5 Keanu Reeves Comfort : One pair of ski goggles

Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, PlayStation VR Here’s the thing with Google Cardboard and Samsung Gear VR: As immersive as they are, they lack a full dimension compared to the next wave of VR devices and platforms. Imagine the VR experience of Cardboard and Gear VR as being seated in a swivel chair that’s rooted to the ground---you can look up, down, and around you in every direction, but you can’t move around in 3D space.

That’s the reason why some people are shying away from calling the 360-degree experiences on Gear and Cardboard “VR.” They’re reserving that moniker for the near-term future. (If only they'd do the same for hoverboards.)

High-powered headsets such as the Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, and Sony PlayStation VR will let you move around in your virtual surroundings, and objects in your virtual surroundings will adapt to your viewing perspective. The secret sauce is called positional tracking, and in the case of the Rift and the Vive, you’ll need to place small hardware components around a gaming space to track your movements. With that in mind, setup will be a bit more complicated than just strapping on a phone-driven headset, but it’s what will make the next wave of VR devices even more mind-boggling. And the wait really isn’t that long: The Oculus Rift will begin shipping on March 28, the HTC Vive will ship on April 5, and the Sony PlayStation VR will be available in October.

Of course, there are major tradeoffs with these next-generation headsets. The headsets themselves are not cheap, and they’ll all require extra non-cheap hardware, too. The Oculus Rift headset costs $600, and the high-powered “Oculus Ready” computers you’ll need to actually use it will start at $950. If you want the company’s VR-optimized Touch controllers, you’ll have to buy them separately, later this year, for an unspecified price.

The HTC Vive headset will cost $800, but that includes two wireless handheld controllers similar to the separately sold Oculus controllers. You’ll still need to splurge on a compatible computer, which must have specs similar to Oculus’s list of minimum requirements. In other words, expect a total package in the vicinity of $1,800 to $2,000---not that the price is causing people to shy away, because HTC apparently sold 15,000 units in the first 10 minutes of preorders.

While you’ll need to wait a bit longer for Sony’s PlayStation VR , you’ll also pay considerably less---especially if you already have a PlayStation 4, the PlayStation Camera add-on, and PlayStation Move or DualShock controllers. The PlayStation VR headset itself will cost $400, but it needs the console ($350), camera unit ($50), and motion or normal controllers ($50/$15) to get the full experience. Sony will offer a PlayStation VR bundle that includes the headset, camera, and motion controller, but the price hasn’t been announced just yet. Sold separately, the headset, console, camera, and Move controller add up to an $850 investment, about half the price of the complete Rift and Vive systems.

Do you want other important things to think about? Good. For one, you’ll need to keep all these headsets physically tethered to a computer or console in order to use them. Second, the positional-tracking feature is likely only to be used in gaming at the outset, but that may change fairly quickly. Lytro has announced an impossible-sounding camera that lets you “move around” in live-action video footage, and a company called 8i has technology that makes 3-D video avatars of human beings that adapt to your viewing perspective. 1 At launch, those experiences are unlikely for headsets like the Rift and Vive, but they could make VR video receptive to positional-tracking features.

While the Sony PlayStation VR headset has slightly lesser specs, the Oculus Rift and HTC Vive are dead similar in a number of ways. They both have 1200 x 1080 OLED displays for each eye, a 110-degree field of view, ample room inside the headset to accommodate a pair glasses, and the need for a compatible Windows 10 PC. But there are huge differences, too. The Vive will use SteamVR as its content mall, while the Oculus Rift will tap into Oculus Home. The Oculus Rift will require at least three USB ports on your PC, while the HTC Vive can deal with just one. The Oculus Rift will be compatible with Microsoft's Xbox One console and ship with an Xbox controller, but it won't magically turn Xbox games into VR games. With the exception of an immersive version of Minecraft , you'll likely play most Xbox games on a virtual flatscreen in a VR environment. And HTC’s headset will support a greater range of movement within virtual spaces: A 15-foot-by-15-foot box, as compared to the Rift’s 5-by-11-foot rectangle.

The PlayStation VR headset has lower-resolution OLED displays (960 x 1080 for each eye) and a narrower field of vision (100 degrees), but motion might look smoother thanks to a 120Hz refresh rate compared to the 90Hz rate of the Oculus and HTC headsets. And of course, it will use the PlayStation 4 as its gaming platform, which should keep shelves well-stocked: 50 PlayStation VR games are slated for release this year. 2

While these higher-priced, next-gen headsets have their fair share of differences, the effects on your eyeballs should be the same: An unprecedented six-out-of-five Keanu Reeves worth of Whoa Factor.

Bang For the Buck : 3 out of 5 explosions Whoa Factor : 6 out of 5 Keanu Reeves Comfort : One rec-league softball umpire mask

Not every face computer is made for VR. You may be wondering about other head-mounted displays you’ve heard about, and this is why they’re missing from this guide.

Microsoft’s HoloLens is the most well-known, but it’s an example of augmented reality or blended reality rather than virtual reality. When you’re wearing the HoloLens headset, you can see your real-world surroundings just fine; you’re looking through a pair of transparent waveguides instead of at a display. The waveguides are clear lenses allowing lightwaves from your actual surroundings to blend with digitally created holographic images. Microsoft’s “light engines” project images into those waveguides, where it creates the illusion of digital objects interacting with your real-world surroundings.

Far less is known about Magic Leap , a mysterious startup that has nearly $800 million in its investment coffers . While the company's actual product is still enigmatic, we do know that it will fit within the augmented reality bucket, similar to Microsoft's HoloLens.

The Avegant Glyph headset is another thing entirely. It’s a pair of headphones you can slip headband-down over your eyes, where you’re greeted by a unique pair of peepholes. They project light directly into your eyeballs , letting you watch video from your phone while it’s tethered to it. It’s not intended to be an immersive display, and it doesn’t have the same sort of head-tracking technology of today’s most-basic VR devices.

And Google Glass ? Well, no one's really sure what that was.

1 UPDATE 11:45 AM ET 03/14/16: This story has been updated to correct a description of 8i's VR technology.

2 UPDATE 10:30 AM ET 03/17/16: This story has been updated to add new information about the Sony PlayStation VR.

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3 likely reasons why Quest 3 is more popular with users than other Meta VR headsets

In a recent announcement at GDC 2024, Meta announced that retention numbers for the Meta Quest 3 are higher than any other version of the product. This means that more people are using the Meta Quest 3 -- and using it regularly -- than any previous version of the Oculus headset, including the Rift and Rift S.

Also: Meta Quest 3 review: The VR headset most people should buy in 2024

Historically, one of the challenges the VR industry has been faced with was finding a practical integration into the consumer space; some people still see VR headsets as a novelty or simply aren't aware of their powerful (and practical capabilities).

But Meta's Director of Content Ecosystem, Chris Pruett said that owners of the Meta Quest 3 are returning to the device to use on a regular basis by looking at app accessibility over time. This news could impact the industry by informing future iterations of headset design and features, as well as potentially influencing the decisions of competing manufacturers .

We touched on some of the reasons why users are sticking around in our review of the Meta Quest 3 , including its extensive catalog of services, accessible price, and compact form factor, and it's likely that a number of these factors contribute to the device's sustained usability.

1. Improvements in all the right places

The most obvious reason for the higher retention of folks sticking with the Meta Quest 3 could be that the headset is simply better than previous iterations. With the Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 processor, it has a more powerful chipset so apps load faster, they look better, and the device's fast refresh rate and spatial video support contribute to a better experience.

Also: Who's afraid of VR? I was - until I tried Meta Quest 3

In terms of its physical usability, this headset is far slimmer and lighter than previous (as well as competitors') versions. VR headsets are infamously large, front-heavy, and unwieldy devices, but the Meta Quest 3's agile form factor is much easier to balance, and as such, wear for a longer period of time. Additionally, the headset has an expanded field of view with its 4K+ Infinity Display pancake lenses, which significantly improve the detail and clarity of text and images.

Meta Quest 3

2. Mixed reality experience

The Meta Quest 3's emphasis on generating a quality mixed reality experience is also receiving a positive response, generating an impressive reproduction of your surroundings in a way that rivals Apple's $3,500 Vision Pro , but at a fraction of the cost. This also contributes to improved passthrough, allowing users to leave the device on for longer and integrate with the apps they already know and use regularly.

3. A price point that sells

More than anything else, the Meta Quest 3 's $500 price point might be somewhat of a sweet spot when it comes to usability. Users willing to drop the money on the headset may be more likely to stick with the product over time instead of using it once. At the same time, the price in comparison to Apple's Vision Pro makes it far more accessible, and far less intimidating an investment.

Why I returned my Apple Vision Pro and Meta Quest 3 for these XR glasses

Can you use your meta quest in a moving car maybe - what to know before you try, why google's $499 pixel 8 is the best phone deal right now.