Are you looking for a Virtual Reality Headset (VR headset)? Are you a beginner or just confused by the thousands of options available? If you have no idea where to start, let's take a look at the features and functions you need to pay attention to before making your choice.

1. Usage

What is the VR headset intended to be used for?

If you are interested in the ultimate gaming experience, then your search should focus on headsets that place great emphasis on user interaction. Such products usually include:

• game controllers - for ease and immediacy of gameplay,
• motion sensors or vibration - which allow the user to interact with the device, or
• specialized VR input devices - such as a special aiming controller.

Players can move, gesture, or manipulate objects within the virtual environment to control the game. Of course, a VR headset can also be used for entertaining purposes, such as watching movies and series or even as an alternative form of exercise.

If you are a professional and looking for a VR headset, it is good to search for a product that meets your requirements, such as having applications and software tailored to your professional needs. Depending on the industry, such a headset can offer:

• Virtual design tools (Maya, VRED, Civil 3D),
• Architectural walkthroughs (Chaos Enscape, Twinmotion, Unity),
• Virtual meetings (Engage VR, AltspaceVR, VirBELA),
• Medical simulations (Maple, QHR, ARYA EHR, TELUS Health EMR) or
• Virtual training programs (Eduverse360, VXRLabs, ArborXR).

2. Connectivity

Another criterion to consider when choosing is connectivity.

You can use your VR headset in combination with a device, such as a console that supports virtual reality (e.g.: PlayStation), your mobile phone, or even your computer, for high-quality resolution and impressive sound.

On the other hand, there are standalone headsets, which you can use independently or in combination with a device for more capabilities. They offer greater flexibility of movement and you can use them in any room you want, as they do not have the limitation of space. What you need to know is that they are bulkier headsets that do not support all games/applications, as they cannot offer the same resolution quality as a headset connected to a computer.

You can find the different options in VR Headsets for connection with:

Note for PS5: If it is not VR, which is intended only for the PS5 but works for both consoles, you will need the PlayStation Camera and a PlayStation Camera adapter.

3. Controller

• Regarding operation, you should know that there are VR headsets that come with a controller, which you will find inside the package and with which you can control the headset, adjust movements, and navigate the menu.
• In case a controller is not included, you can operate your VR headset through the device you connect it to, such as your computer’s keyboard, or you can purchase an extra controller for VR headsets.

There is also the case where no controller is needed at all, such as the Apple Vision Pro, which you can operate with some built-in buttons and specific gestures.

4. Storage capacity

If you prefer a standalone VR headset, remember that storage capacity also plays an important role. Depending on how often you will use it, as well as the data you want to store, it is good to pay attention to how many GB it offers.

More specifically, for the majority of users, a 64GB VR headset version would be more than enough for basic gaming, watching movies, or recording video. It depends on how you want to allocate the available space and what you prefer most. 

Indicatively, for example, keeping in mind that about 14GB of the 64GB are taken up by the operating system and basic applications, approximately 50GB remain free for use. Most games on average can take up from 1MB to 3GB (e.g.: Beat Saber - 643.1MB, Superhot VR - 1.96GB, Robo Recall - 3.47GB), but there are also games that can reach up to 8GB, such as Walking Dead - 8.39GB. This means that you can either store up to 10 large games or up to 50 medium-sized games.

In any other case, if you want to watch movies or record videos, you should look for a 128GB VR headset or a 256GB VR headset, which will give you the ability to use these functions while also keeping the games you want stored. For example, the number and quality of the movies you want to download, or the duration and resolution quality of the videos you want to record, combined with the number of games you have stored, can greatly increase the space used on the device.

Remember that most standalone devices can also be connected to a computer. The available space refers to their standalone use.

5. Screen Compatibility

By connecting the VR headset to your mobile phone, you can download a game, a movie, a video, a 3D app, or watch a 3D video on YouTube simply by placing your device inside the glasses and enjoying a unique experience.

What you need to know is that not all headsets are compatible with all mobile screens. Therefore, it is good to make sure you know the minimum and maximum phone size they are intended for, so you can choose the right one for your phone.

Indicatively, you can find:

• VR headsets for phones with a 6" screen and above

6. Scope

When purchasing a VR headset, you should also consider the space in which you will be using it. Many VR games allow the user to choose their preferred level of movement within the virtual environment. This means you can adjust the game to fit your space.

For example:

• Sitting position: Driving games are designed to be played in this position, which does not require a large range of movement.
• Standing position: Some games may offer options to explore the virtual world more extensively, such as turning or making larger movements. Games that cater to this position may include Arizona Sunshine, Gladius, or Space Pirate Trainer.
• Room-scale: These are games that require freedom of movement, such as walking in all directions. The more free space, the better - with a room of 2m² considered the minimum space requirement.

The ideal conditions for using a VR headset are in a room with enough free space that allows for comfort and, consequently, safety. Using it in confined spaces with furniture or other obstacles may cause injury and limit freedom of movement, affecting the outcome.

Tips for organizing space when using a VR headset:

1. Place small furniture, such as coffee tables, side tables, nightstands, etc., on the side or in another room.
2. Remove fragile knick-knacks from surrounding surfaces, such as glass vases or frames.
3. Remove carpets and rugs to avoid tripping.
4. Make sure there are no low-hanging ceiling lights that could hit your head or any floor/table obstacles in your play area.

7. VR and Children

Just as many games have a minimum age limit for users based on their suitability, VR headsets are not recommended for children under 13 years old, as they pose a greater risk of injury and may affect eye development.

However, most VR headsets have parental controls to help ensure the child's experience is appropriate for their age. You can limit access to certain apps or content and manage usage time, promoting safe and responsible use of virtual reality.

8. More features

• Field of view: refers to the width of the viewing angle in degrees. Considering that the human field of view is between 100° and 110°, a VR headset with a field of view of 180° is a very good and premium choice. The wider the field of view, the better the virtual reality experience.
• Refresh rate: the rate at which the image refreshes in Hz, which also affects the image flow. The higher the refresh rate, the more a natural image motion is achieved. Action games with fast movements require more Hz.
• Tracking system: tracks and records movements. Some systems include external sensors for the room, while there are also VR headsets with built-in cameras. Recommended for games that require precision and focus on details.
• DoF (Degrees of Freedom): refers to the movement around an axis or along an axis. 

A 3 DoF VR headset allows orientation tracking. This practically means that the 3 axes around which an object can be rotated are tracked, something that can be encountered in VR headsets for mobile and standalone devices, such as the Oculus Go. Many mobile VR games allow you to sit in one place and experience something, like taking a train ride. This way, the virtual reality is visualized around you, and you can see the details within this reality.

On the other hand, a 6 DoF VR headset allows position tracking as well as orientation tracking. So, in the case of a game where you need to walk and explore the world you are in at that moment, a 6 DoF VR headset will be much more useful to you. 

• Weight and ergonomics: the size and weight of a VR headset vary depending on the model, manufacturer, or type (computer or standalone). Obviously, a standalone VR headset will have more weight, as it has built-in memory.

Don't forget! Taking into account the above individual characteristics and combining those that fit the needs and usage you want to make on your VR headset, you can come to the ideal choice for you. Before you decide, you can also take a look at the reviews of other users, in order to see their opinion and experience, which may help you reach a final decision much more easily.