UPDATE: Recently, Microsoft has announced they will not be supporting virtual reality headsets for Xbox. Although the company has previously suggested they were going to include mixed reality content for Xbox devices, they have now abandoned those plans, maintaining that PCs are the best platforms for VR.

Mike Nichols, Chief Marketing Officer at Microsoft:

We don’t have any plans specific to Xbox consoles in virtual reality or mixed reality. (…) Our perspective on it has been and continues to be that the PC is probably the best platform for more immersive VR and MR.

You’d be surprised by the low number of VR for Xbox One equipment currently on the market, but there’s a reason for this. Microsoft doesn’t let just any developer get their hands on the API for making Xbox One devices since they don’t want the market flooded with low-quality peripherals the way it was back in the day. Some of these devices can cost over $1,000, while others are far more affordable. When we set out to make a list of the 11 best items in the VR for Xbox One category, we considered the price-performance ratio, as well as usability, current ratings, and users’ opinions.

Top 11 VR Headsets for Xbox One of 2018

Having looked at the devices currently on the market, we narrowed our options to the top 11 products of the year. In the following table, we provide you with a brief overview of the top 5 products we’re going to talk about.

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11. BENEVE Virtual Reality VR Headset

BENEVE’s offering is for those who want to have a pair of VR goggles that they can use with their home gaming console, as well as to watch 3D movies with. They range in price, though they hover around $200 or so. The good news is you can also find used BENEVE virtual reality headsets online at a lower price.

Pros

• Supports Xbox One and PS4, albeit through Nibiru Android Linux apps
• Good built and finish
• Comes with 1.8 GHz CPU

Cons

• Stated battery life is 2.5 hours, though it can be much less during gaming sessions
• Not suitable for advanced users

10. JiuFei Virtual Reality Headset 3D VR Glasses

At around $300, the JiuFei 3D glasses were created to fit everyone’s needs, from people who struggle with their eyesight, to people who have issues adjusting the headset straps when putting on a VR headset. The device is compatible with a variety of platforms, including Xbox One.

Pros

• Easy to connect to different platforms
• Plays panoramic videos
• Allows you to download third-party apps

Cons

• Can be uncomfortable to wear
• Difficult to access the Google Play Store
• It can cause nausea when using it to play games that involve a lot of motion

9. HYON VR Headset

While not originally designed for Xbox One, many gamers are starting to turn to HYON’s devices for playing Xbox One games. They retail for around $200, so they are quite affordable compared to other similar devices.

Pros

• Supports Internet YouTube Steam, which is important to gamers
• Doesn’t cause eye fatigue or dizziness

Cons

• Not initially designed for the Xbox Platform, but for PC
• The screen tends to freeze every now and then
• Gamers may experience latency issues

8. Hixanny Virtual Reality Headset All-in-One

As the name suggests, this headset is compatible with a variety of different platforms, making it one of the most versatile VR for Xbox One options on the market. Its price can seem a bit steep for some (about $300), but the quality definitely stands out.

Pros

• Comes with 16 GB Flash ROM
• The battery is 4000 mAh
• High-resolution

Cons

• High price

Note: Currently, this VR headset is no longer available for purchase. However, we recommend looking at the next entry on our list for an equally good headset.

7. Livehomes 3D VR All in One Virtual Reality Headset

The virtual reality headset from Livehomes can be connected directly to WiFi, and you do not need a phone to use it. The technology it uses is quite revolutionary, and the materials are environmentally-friendly. The device is comfortable and suitable for a wide range of people.

Pros

• Supports TF card
• 16GB built-in storage
• High permeability optical resin lens

Cons

• Might take a while to ship

6. Oculus Rift Virtual Reality Headset – Developer’s Kit DK1

An interesting piece if nothing else, there are some Xbox One gamers who use the DK1. You’ll need it if you’ve ever thought about programming for the platform, but regular people looking for a fun VR experience won’t have much use for it.

Pros

• Helpful when authoring games that use VR capabilities
• Costs around $400, which is much less expensive than many developer’s tools

Cons

• Awkward to use
• Designed with developers in mind

5. Oculus Rift Developer’s Kit DK2

The modern DK2 version of the developer’s kit is often commonly used by gamers who are trying to make their way into programming, but you’ll certainly need to work with it if you want to connect it to any of the Xbox One streaming apps.

Pros

• Necessary for VR development
• Features little motion blurring

Cons

• Can cost over $400
• Not designed for gaming

4. Microsoft Hololens

Microsoft Hololens goggles are finally becoming popular, after having been promised to gamers for years. Developers hope to someday let gamers enjoy fully holographic 3D games on the Xbox One, as well as Windows 10 PCs.

Pros

• Officially supported by Microsoft
• Can fit over eyeglasses

Cons

• Unfinished in some ways, especially when it comes to Xbox One support
• Not originally designed for Xbox One, but for PC
• Can cost over $4,000 if you don’t find it from a third-party seller

3. TYVeRa TiYiViRi Virtual Reality VR Headset 

The high resolution and field of view of this headset help you experience VR at a higher quality, while the battery will allow you to play games and watch videos without having to recharge the headset extremely often.

Pros

• It supports a TF card
• Highly sensitive and easy to control

Cons

• Doesn’t come with a Bluetooth controller included
• Can be a bit expensive for its features

2. GenBasic Quad HD Android AIO Standalone Virtual Reality Headset System

GenBasic Quad HD headsets sell for around $200, though you might be able to find a better deal at times. The bold, angular lines make for a very unusual looking headset that supports Linux and Windows PCs, as well as Xbox One apps.

Pros

• Features a Quad Core ARM processor
• Comes with 2GB DDR3 RAM

Cons

• HDMI input adds to latency
• Confusing user manual

1. Oculus Rift – Virtual Reality Headset

Possibly one of the best selling of all VR for Xbox One options currently on the market, the Oculus Rift is famous. It supports its own platform, as well as Microsoft’s gaming consoles. The lightweight design and included audio headphones mean you won’t feel uncomfortable wearing it.

Pros

• Features two Touch controllers
• Includes a sophisticated audio system

Cons

• Can cost well over $500, depending on the options you get

Conclusion

While VR for Xbox One might be a relatively recent trend, the Oculus Rift has been around for a long enough time that engineers have already worked all of the major bugs out of it. Beginner users should find it easy to get up and running, but serious gamers can also enjoy it. If you have any experience with the Rift, or any other of the VR for Xbox One headsets we reviewed here, or feel we left your favorite VR for Xbox One headset off the list, then we’d love to hear from you in the comments below.