Mobile phone virtual reality headsets are here, and new ones seem to be hitting the market daily. But are smartphone VR headsets good, and is smartphone VR worth it? These are valid questions, since there are a great number of factors at play here — not least of all your wallet, depending on how much you’re planning to spend.
What to Know Before Buying a Smartphone VR Headset
Before buying a VR headset, don’t be fooled into thinking the whole virtual reality experience is either totally cutting-edge or that it’s completely mature with all the bugs removed. VR has now been around for a year or two, and in that time, it’s become very popular with many gaming and tech enthusiasts. But it really isn’t mainstream enough yet to brag about loads of content for mobile VR experiences.
Of course, with the large number of smartphone VR headsets on the market, content providers are paying attention, and the race is on to keep consumers happy. Read on to see if any of these headsets are worth the investment to get in on what appears to be a growing craze.
Best Smartphone VR Headsets
The headsets we think you should know about are:
- Samsung Gear VR (SM-R325): For Samsung Galaxy S6 through S9 owners, the Gear VR is hands down one of the most popular headsets on the market today. It currently boasts one of the widest selections of games for mobile VR, including Land’s End and Minecraft. In addition, in its latest design, there’s more room for eyeglass wearers and even new side vents to prevent fogging during longer sessions. With its versatile hand controller included, the Gear VR retails for $103 on Amazon.
- Google Daydream View: Google’s Daydream View is a very close second on our list, with fewer games but other content that the Samsung headset doesn’t have, such as HBO Now and YouTube. In its second-generation design, wearers enjoy a field of vision that has increased from 90 to 100 degrees. Some users believe the new Daydream View is more comfortable than Samsung’s headset, though its hand controller is a bit more basic. However, the Daydream View works with a wider selection of Android phones. It’s priced at $99 from the Google Store.
- BlitzWolf BR-VR3: If you’re not sure about making a big investment, the BlitzWolf BR-VR3 headset is really quite a bargain. It works with most Android and iOS-powered phones with screens sizes of up to six inches. Best of all: Its leather padding and incredible range of lens adjustments make this headset a steal at $23.99 on Amazon.
- Merge VR Goggles: Another low-budget entry into the mobile VR headset sphere is with the Merge VR Goggles. They’re comfortable and made of enough soft material to be good for both you and your smartphone in case you bump into something in the real world — good to note for VR beginners. Merge VR Goggles fit smartphones with screens from four to seven inches and have adjustable lenses. Their price is $30 on Amazon.
- Google Cardboard: Its name says it all. For those who just want to test run the mobile VR experience, our list wouldn’t be complete without Google’s Cardboard viewer. This no-frills beginner’s option goes for only $15 on the Google Store.
Ready to swim with dolphins, wave a magic wand or blast off to Mars? We hope this list of VR headsets is useful. If you have further questions or need assistance selecting the right smartphone for your needs, contact us now. We’re always happy to help.