Types of VR Headsets

Virtual Reality Hardware Explained

Types of VR Headsets

Standalone VR Headsets

• Description: These headsets have built-in processors, storage, and displays, so they don’t require a PC, console, or smartphone to operate. They’re wireless, which adds to the convenience. They provide 6-degrees of Freedom (check picture), it means moving in space also changes your perspective. They are also fitted with two controllers for interactivity and can support hand tracking.
• Examples:
  • Meta Quest 3 by Meta: Offers a balance of performance, comfort, and affordability. It’s popular for gaming and multimedia experiences.
    
    
  • Pico 4 by PicoXR: Known for its lightweight design and good display quality, with a focus on comfort.
    
    
    

PC-Tethered VR Headsets

• Description: These headsets require a connection to a powerful PC. They typically offer higher fidelity graphics, better tracking due to an external tracing system, and higher graphic possibilities due to the power of the connected PC. 
• Examples:
  • HTC Vive Pro 2 by HTC Vive: Offers high-resolution displays and precise tracking, popular in both gaming and professional environments.
    
  • Varjo XR4 by Varjo: Known for its very high resolution, eye tracking and XR capabilities. It is available in different options for controllers and tracking.
    
    

360 VR Headsets

• Description: 360 VR headsets are designed to provide an immersive virtual reality experience by displaying content in a full 360-degree field of view. These headsets allow users to look around in any direction within a virtual environment, making them ideal for virtual tours and immersive videos. They lack the possibility to move in space and only have one controller for point and click options.
• Examples:
  • Pico G3 by PicoXR
    
  • All of the standalone and PC-tethered VR headsets are also suitable for 360 VR.
    

Pros and Cons

Standalone VR Headsets

Pros:

• Portability: Completely wireless, making them easy to use anywhere.
• Ease of Use: No need for external hardware or complicated setups. Also most modern headsets offer pass through video allowing players to see their real world environment. This is a real convenience for people new to VR.
• Affordability: Generally more affordable than high-end PC-tethered headsets, mainly because no extra PC is needed..
• Versatility: Suitable for a wide range of applications, from gaming to professional use.

Cons:

• More Limited Processing Power: Compared to PC-tethered headsets, standalone headsets have less processing power, which can limit mainly the visual complexity of games and applications. 
• Battery Life: Limited battery life can be an issue for longer sessions, although extra battery packs for the headset and interchangeable batteries for the controllers can be provided. 
• Content Ecosystem: Depending on the platform, the available content might be more limited compared to PC-based VR ecosystems.

PC-Tethered VR Headsets

Pros:

• Superior Graphics: The power of a connected PC allows for higher resolution, better textures, and more complex virtual environments.
• Accurate Tracking: External or inside-out tracking systems provide precise head and hand tracking, enhancing immersion and interaction.
• Expansive Ecosystem: Easier to manage software within a windows managed environment. Also extensive external store for Games with for example SteamVR.
• Advanced Controllers: Enhanced input devices, like the Valve Index controllers, offer more natural and intuitive interactions.

Cons:

• Cables and Limited Mobility: Being tethered to a PC can restrict movement and detract from the sense of freedom in VR. Some users opt for cable management systems or wireless adapters to mitigate this.
• Complex Setup: Setting up external sensors or base stations can be time-consuming and requires a dedicated space. Also managing both the headset and the PC can be more error prone.
• PC Dependency: These headsets require a powerful PC to function, which means users must invest in or already own a high-performance computer.

360 VR Headsets

Pros:

• Portability: Completely wireless, making them easy to use anywhere.
• Ease of Use: No need for external hardware or complicated setups. The simple interactions are easy for users to understand.
• Affordability: Both Headset and controllers are simpler reducing price.

Cons:

• No support for 6DoF: Many business applications require 6DoF VR experiences. These are not supported.
• Limitation to 360 and cost of operations: Maintaining two different types of headsets can be costly, especially as 360 functionality can also be provided with stand alone 6DoF VR headsets.In the end this often tips the scale in cost of ownership. 
  

Conclusions

At ImproVive we have lately mainly worked with Stand Alone Headsets. The main reason is they are easier to use and manage for most clients. There are specific cases where a PC-tethered is preferred or even 360 VR. We have developed for all three.

Our next article in the serie VR Hardware Explained, discusses the different VR Headset Brands.
Or you can read more about VR Solutions.

Coming soon! – An article on the world of AR and XR headsets.