Top of the best virtual reality headsets unknown to the general public

Summary

• Pimax 5K Plus, the best headset for VR gaming
• HP Windows Mixed Reality, the best entry-level headset
• Lenovo Mirage Solo, the best experimental VR headset
• Veer Falcon, the best VR headset for smartphones
• Varjo VR-1, the best VR headset for professionals

When we talk about virtual reality headsets, we think directly of the devices of Oculus and HTC. However, these two companies are far from the only players in the VR market.

There is a wide variety of PC headsets, and some can boast of surpassing the Rift S and the Vive Pro Eye on certain points. Discover the top of the little-known virtual reality headsets ...

Pimax 5K Plus, the best headset for VR gaming

If the Chinese manufacturer Pimax has managed to make a name for itself in the VR market, it is thanks to the technical advantages of its PC headsets. The Pimax 5K Plus is distinguished by a record diagonal field of view of 200 degrees. No other device competes for the moment at this level, and such a FOV makes it possible to increase the feeling of immersion in the virtual.

Its screen is made up of two 2560 × 1440 LCD panels, for a total definition of around 5K (5120 × 1440 pixels). This definition is impressive, but it should be noted that the CLCD screens used offer less precise colors than the OLED screens. Anyway, Pimax offers an XR version with OLED screens for a price of $ 899 versus $ 699 for the 5K Plus. The Pimax 5K Plus is a great choice for the most demanding VR gamers.

HP Windows Mixed Reality, the best entry-level headset

The HP VR headset is one of the best Windows Mixed Reality headsets, alongside the Samsung Odyssey +. Its performance is not exceptional, but its quality / price ratio is very satisfactory.

The ease of installation will also be appreciated by neophytes. So while the graphics aren't as detailed as on high-end helmets, this is a very good entry-level device offering comfort and quality at an affordable price.

With this product, you will also benefit from access to the Windows MR, Steam VR, and HTC Viveport application catalogs. This device is no longer available on the HP website or the Windows Store, but it is found at a very good price on Amazon. As an alternative, you can also go for the excellent HP Reverb aimed primarily at businesses.

Lenovo Mirage Solo, the best experimental VR headset

The Lenovo Mirage Solo has certain weaknesses, which prevent it from making its way into the hearts of the general public. It is above all an experimental product, and it is only compatible with the Google Daydream ecosystem.

However, we can only greet the creativity with which Lenovo exploits here the possibilities offered by technology. This is one of the very first standalone VR headsets (the first Daydream compatible).

It is also the first helmet to use WorldSense inside-out tracking technology based on on-board cameras for position tracking. This VR headset is very interesting, although unsuitable for gaming use.

Veer Falcon, the best VR headset for smartphones

Unlike the other VR headsets presented in this report, the Veer Falcon is a headset for smartphone. Like the Google Cardboard, it uses the user's smartphone as a screen.

This device is therefore more affordable than PC VR headsets, and represents a good alternative for those who do not wish to invest in a high-end product.

Nevertheless, the Falcon presents several advantages over the most basic mobile headsets. The exterior is draped in fabric, and headphones are on board. There is also a controller compatible with certain applications.

This device is compatible with VR apps from Google Play Store, and with those offered on the Veer application. Thanks to the RiftCat VRidge app, it is also possible to play SteamVR and Oculus games.

Of course, graphics quality is significantly lower than PC VR headsets. It is therefore necessary to determine if your priority is visual definition or affordability ...

Varjo VR-1, the best VR headset for professionals

The Varjo VR-1 is the first VR headset offering definition comparable to that of the human eye. It is intended for industrial design professionals, or for training simulation purposes requiring high visual precision.

For better visual quality, the device combines several separate screens. In the center, the Focus Screen is based on 1920 × 1080 micro-OLED screens with a definition of 3000 PPI. Two other 1440 × 1600 AMOLED screens form the Context Screen and deliver less detailed images in the user's peripheral field of vision. Unfortunately, the field of view is limited to just 87 degrees.

Underline eye-tracking features, which this headset was the first to offer before the launch of the HTC Vive Pro Eye in 2019. If you want to acquire this jewel of technology, you will still have to pay nearly $ 6000 ...