Virtual reality has long been more than just a trend – it has established itself as an integral part of gaming, entertainment and even the world of work. Whether you want to immerse yourself in fantastic gaming worlds, experience films in 360° or collaborate with colleagues in virtual meeting rooms, VR glasses offer you completely new possibilities.
But with the ever-growing selection of models, it can be difficult to make the right choice. Which VR glasses offer the best value for money? Which ones are particularly suitable for gaming, and which ones impress with their comfort or innovation? In this article, we present the best VR headsets of 2025 and show you which models are best suited to beginners, professionals and technology enthusiasts.
The best VR headets 2025 in the test: our recommendations
Before buying VR headsets, you should ask yourself a few questions. For example, what content you want to use on them, on which systems you want to immerse yourself in virtual worlds or whether a large selection of apps and games is more important to you than the latest technology. Here are our recommendations for the best VR goggles in 2025.
Meta Quest 3
The Meta Quest 3 is the latest wireless all-in-one vr headset from Meta, available from fall 2025. It offers a 40% slimmer optical profile compared to the Quest 2 and features adjustable straps for maximum comfort. With an impressive 4K resolution and rich surround sound, it enables intense experiences in various areas such as gaming, fitness and entertainment.
The redesigned Touch Plus controllers with TruTouch haptics feel even better in the hand and bring virtual worlds tangibly closer. With an extensive library of over 500 titles, there is something for everyone to discover. The Meta Quest 3 is suitable for people aged 10 and over and offers an average playing time of up to 2.2 hours.
Available for €549.99, the Meta Quest 3 offers an advanced wireless VR experience with full freedom of movement and even more power. It transforms your home into an exciting world of experience where virtual elements merge with your real environment.
HTC Vive XR Elite
The HTC VIVE XR Elite is an advanced all-in-one headset that combines virtual reality (VR) and mixed reality (MR) in a compact design. With a resolution of 3840 x 1920 pixels and a field of view of up to 110°, it offers an immersive visual experience. The refresh rate of 90 Hz ensures smooth displays, while the integrated Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 processor provides the necessary performance.
An outstanding feature of the VIVE XR Elite is its flexible form factor. The battery holder can be removed, transforming the headset into a lighter pair of glasses. The 26.6 Wh battery provides up to two hours of continuous use and is hot-swappable, ensuring uninterrupted operation. The headset also features a high-resolution mixed reality passthrough that seamlessly connects the physical and virtual worlds.
For gamers, the VIVE XR Elite offers the ability to experience PC VR titles via VIVE Streaming, either wirelessly or via USB-C connection. Inside-out tracking with four cameras and the 16 MP RGB camera ensures precise motion tracking without external sensors. In addition, the integrated speakers support an immersive sound experience, while the ergonomic design and adjustable IPD and diopter adjustment ensure high wearing comfort.
PICO 4 Ultra
The PICO 4 Ultra is an innovative all-in-one VR and mixed reality headset designed for all-day comfort. Equipped with four cameras for environment tracking, two 32-megapixel color see-through cameras and an iToF depth-sensing camera, it offers an immersive mixed reality experience. The high-quality color see-through with 8 MP and a frame rate of up to 72 Hz ensures smooth and natural images.
The headset features the PanoScreen workspace, which allows multiple windows to be opened simultaneously in a 360° screen and flexibly enlarged to up to 280 inches. With the PICO Connect app, users can mirror their Mac and Windows desktops as well as iOS and Android phone screens to the PICO 4 Ultra and display up to three desktops simultaneously. Support for Wi-Fi 7 enables a fast and stable wireless connection with transfer speeds of over 3.0 Gbit/s and a latency of just 5 milliseconds.
In addition, the PICO 4 Ultra offers the possibility to record spatial videos with up to 2048 × 1536 pixels at 60 FPS and 50 Mbps. Compatibility with spatial videos and photos taken with Apple devices extends the headset’s range of applications. For an even more immersive experience, the optional PICO motion trackers can be used, which enable precise 6DoF motion tracking and are compatible with popular apps such as VRChat and Tempo Club. The selection of games is currently not quite as large as with Meta or HTC, but there are still many VR games available for the PICO.
PlayStation VR2
The PlayStation VR2 is Sony’s latest virtual reality headset designed specifically for the PlayStation 5. It offers an immersive gaming experience with 4K HDR graphics and a refresh rate of up to 120 Hz, made possible by two OLED displays with a resolution of 2,000 x 2,040 pixels each. The ergonomic design and improved PlayStation VR2 Sense controllers ensure a comfortable and intuitive gaming experience.
A standout feature of the PS VR2 is the headset feedback, which uses subtle vibrations to highlight key gameplay moments, enhancing immersion in the virtual world. Eye tracking allows the player’s eye movements to be followed, resulting in a more intense emotional response and more realistic interactions. In addition, the PS VR2 offers haptic feedback and adaptive triggers in the Sense controllers for an even more realistic gaming experience.
For those who want to extend their VR experience, a PlayStation VR2 PC adapter has been available since August 2024. This allows you to browse, buy and play thousands of virtual reality games on platforms such as Steam, including open multiplayer worlds, survival horror and stealth action games as well as sports simulations and puzzle games. This allows players to unlock the full potential of their PS VR2 and enjoy an even more diverse gaming experience.
Apple Vision Pro
The Apple Vision Pro is an innovative device that seamlessly connects digital content with the real world. It enables users to work, watch movies, relive memories and connect with others in a completely new way. Vision Pro ushers in a new era of spatial computing.
The design of the Vision Pro features a three-dimensionally shaped laminated glass, set in an aluminum alloy frame that curves gently around the face. Advanced cameras and sensors detect hand movements and ensure that users can clearly perceive and navigate their surroundings. The speakers are close to the ears and deliver rich 3D audio that blends seamlessly with the surrounding sounds.
Two specially developed micro-OLED displays deliver more pixels to each eye than a 4K TV for impressive sharpness. The light seal adapts perfectly to the face, ensuring a precise fit while keeping out ambient light. The Digital Crown allows users to access the home view and control the immersion level, while the top button is used to capture spatial video and photos. The Vision Pro is undoubtedly the most expensive VR headset in our best list and offers less content than many of its competitors, but scores highly in terms of design, comfort and interface.
Price-performance tip: Meta Quest 3S
The Meta Quest 3S is Meta’s latest mixed reality headset, which was launched in September 2024. It offers the same mixed reality features and fast performance as the Meta Quest 3, but at a lower price and with displays and lenses from the Quest 2. With an entry-level price of around 330 euros, the Quest 3S is aimed particularly at newcomers to the world of mixed reality and users looking for a cost-effective upgrade from previous models such as the Quest or Quest 2.
Equipped with a Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 processor and 8 GB RAM, the Quest 3S offers a smooth and immersive experience. Although the resolution and field of view are slightly reduced compared to the Quest 3 and the sensor for depth detection is missing, the Quest 3S still impresses with impressive performance and a wide range of applications.
It is compatible with the entire library of thousands of apps and games, including exclusive titles such as “Batman: Arkham Shadow” (which comes free with purchase). Officially available since October 15, 2024, it offers excellent value for money for anyone looking to immerse themselves in the world of mixed reality.
Buying VR headsets: What you should look out for
Virtual reality is no longer a niche hobby. Whether gaming, movies or virtual meetings – VR glasses open up fascinating new possibilities. However, there are a few things to consider before buying VR glasses, as not every model is suitable for every user. To help you make the right choice, we have compiled the most important points you should consider before buying.
1. area of use: What do you want to use the VR headset for?
Before you decide on a pair of VR glasses, you should be clear about what you want to use them for:
- Gaming: Are you looking for a model for intense games such as “Half-Life: Alyx” or “Beat Saber”? Then VR glasses with precise tracking and high-quality controllers such as the Meta Quest 3 or the Valve Index are ideal.
- Entertainment: For movies, virtual travel or 360° videos, a cheaper model, such as the Pico 4, is often sufficient.
- Work & productivity: If you want to use VR for virtual meetings or simulations, models such as the HP Reverb G2 with high resolution and good software tools are perfect.
2. standalone or PC-bound?
There are two types of VR glasses:
- Standalone models: These glasses work completely without a PC or console. They are easy to set up and can be used on the move. One example is the Meta Quest 3, which offers an excellent all-round experience.
- PC-connected glasses: These require a powerful gaming PC, but offer better graphics and a wider selection of games.
Tip: Consider whether you need the flexibility of a standalone model or whether you prefer maximum performance.
3. display quality: resolution and refresh rate
The image quality of VR glasses is crucial for an immersive experience. Pay attention to this:
- Resolution: The higher the resolution, the sharper the image. Models such as the Pico 4 or the HP Reverb G2 offer a very high pixel density and are ideal for clear graphics.
- Refresh rate: A higher rate (at least 90 Hz) ensures smooth movements and helps to avoid motion sickness. Top models can even achieve 120 Hz or more.
4. tracking and controller
Good tracking ensures that your movements in the real world are transferred precisely to the virtual world.
- Inside-out tracking: Most modern VR goggles such as the Meta Quest 3 use inside-out tracking, where the cameras are integrated directly into the goggles – no external sensors are required.
- Controller quality: Look for ergonomic controllers with precise feedback, especially if you play a lot. Models such as the Valve Index controllers offer excellent handling.
5. comfort: Do the VR goggles suit you?
No matter how well equipped a VR headset is – if it is uncomfortable, you will hardly use it. Pay attention to this:
- Weight and padding: Lightweight goggles with good padding are particularly important for longer sessions.
- Fit: Models with adjustable head straps and space for glasses (if you are wearing glasses) such as the HTC Vive XR Elite are particularly comfortable.
6 Price and budget
VR glasses are available in different price ranges:
- Entry-level models: Between €300 and €500 (e.g. Meta Quest 3).
- Mid-range: From €500 to €800, ideal for ambitious users.
- High-end models: Over €1,000.
Tip: Set yourself a realistic budget, but remember that accessories (such as headphones or additional controllers) can also incur additional costs.
7 Software ecosystem: What content is available?
VR goggles are only as good as their content. Check whether the platform you want to use (e.g. SteamVR, Meta Store or Viveport) supports your favorite games and apps. Some platforms even offer exclusive content that you can only use with certain goggles.
Conclusion: Find the perfect VR headset
Buying VR glasses is an exciting investment in a new type of entertainment and interaction. Think about what is important to you beforehand: simple setup, razor-sharp graphics or maximum freedom of movement? Once you know your priorities, the choice will be much easier. No matter which model you choose: With a good pair of VR glasses, the door to impressive new worlds is open to you!
