What's a good starter VR Headset?

[mewtek]

Looking into saving up for a VR headset, mainly to play Half Life: Alyx among others. Was thinking about getting an Index but it seems a bit expensive for me, and I don't think it'll be back in stock anytime soon. Any suggestions?

 

[Tom Bombadildo]

Cheapest option for PC VR would be any Windows Mixed Reality headset. I've got one from Acer, it's practically the same experience as an OG Oculus Rift and it cost me like $160 to get. Refurbished ones of the Acer model I got seem to go for about $180 now, which is still pretty decent vs other headsets.

It's inside out tracking is a bit meh compared to higher end stuff now, but I haven't had any major issues with nearly every VR game I've tried. This would, in my opinion, be the absolute best option for someone entering the VR market that isn't sure if they want to stick with it or not. It'll give you about the same experience, and it's usually much cheaper so you won't end up losing a ton of money if you don't end up liking VR that much.

A used Oculus Rift is also an option, but is a bit more expensive. I believe these days, to get a full kit, it'll cost around $250-$300 for one with all the sensors, cables and 2 controllers.

If cost isn't a factor and you have all the money in the world, buy an HTC Vive and pickup just the Index controllers whenever they get in stock. It's probably one of the best combos for PC VR at the moment, but will be fairly pricey. The OG Vive setup still sells for like $600+ used on eBay, and a new Vive Cosmo will set you back like $700 for just the headset and controllers, or $900 to add the base stations as well.

 

[mewtek]

Cheapest option for PC VR would be any Windows Mixed Reality headset. I've got one from Acer, it's practically the same experience as an OG Oculus Rift and it cost me like $160 to get. Refurbished ones of the Acer model I got seem to go for about $180 now, which is still pretty decent vs other headsets.

It's inside out tracking is a bit meh compared to higher end stuff now, but I haven't had any major issues with nearly every VR game I've tried. This would, in my opinion, be the absolute best option for someone entering the VR market that isn't sure if they want to stick with it or not. It'll give you about the same experience, and it's usually much cheaper so you won't end up losing a ton of money if you don't end up liking VR that much.

A used Oculus Rift is also an option, but is a bit more expensive. I believe these days, to get a full kit, it'll cost around $250-$300 for one with all the sensors, cables and 2 controllers.

If cost isn't a factor and you have all the money in the world, buy an HTC Vive and pickup just the Index controllers whenever they get in stock. It's probably one of the best combos for PC VR at the moment, but will be fairly pricey. The OG Vive setup still sells for like $600+ used on eBay, and a new Vive Cosmo will set you back like $700 for just the headset and controllers, or $900 to add the base stations as well.

Thinking I might try saving up for a new Rift then, that kinda seems like something I could save up for, even if it takes me a little while. Thanks for the recommendations :]

 

[FAST6191]

Check to see if there is some kind of gaming bar/club/cafe near you.

They will often have sprung for the fancy stuff and for what a few hours rental costs you can likely have your fill of the concept and not have to have junk in your house.

 

[izy]

you could go for the occulus quest if you really wanted to since it support pc vr now

 

[mewtek]

Check to see if there is some kind of gaming bar/club/cafe near you.

They will often have sprung for the fancy stuff and for what a few hours rental costs you can likely have your fill of the concept and not have to have junk in your house.

Ehh, I've checked before, but the closest one to me is in Phoenix, AZ. Makes sense, my town's not very rampant in terms of that kind of stuff.

If I ever get to Phoenix anytime soon, I'll try and get to one of those, would probably be worth the money to see what feels the best for me.

 

[FAST6191]

Fair enough. Even piddly little towns around here usually manage something but if it is a bit more spread out then so it goes.

I mostly view VR right now as a gimmick, especially on the lower/cheaper end, and one that needs to properly fail again before coming back in about 7 years when things might actually be able to properly do it justice.

 

[Joe88]

Either a rift s or vive would be the best option for the price.

 

[Deleted User]

i was able to get a lightly used CV1 rift for a reasonable price, i still think the og touch controllers are the best, just make sure your USB ports are up to the task, because my front panel ports keep disconnecting my sensors and completely fucking around with the tracking