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 10 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 10 VR Headsets for Xbox One of 2018
Having looked at the devices currently on the market, we narrowed our options to the top ten 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.
Product Name | Type of Headset | Resolution | Field of View | Platform | Controller | Amazon Rating | Our Rating |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. Oculus Rift | Tethered | 2160×1200 | 110 degrees | Windows, Oculus | Official Xbox One Controller | 4.1/5 Stars | 5/5 Stars |
2. GenBasic Quad HD | Tethered & Independent | 2560×1440 | 110 degrees | Android OS, PC, Xbox One/360 & PS3/PS4 | Bluetooth | 2.9/5 Stars | 4/5 Stars |
3. TYVeRa Virtual Reality Headset | Tethered | 2560×1440 | 110 degrees | Xbox, PC, PS4 | Not included | 3.9/5 Stars | 4.5/5 Stars |
4. Microsoft Hololens | Wireless | 1268×720 (per eye) | 30×17 degrees | Windows | Not Included | 3.8/5 Stars | 4/5 Stars |
5. Oculus Rift Developer’s Kit DK2 | Tethered | 2160×1200 | 110 degrees | Windows, Oculus | Not Included | 3.6/5 Stars | 3/5 Stars |
10. BENEVE 3D Glasses 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.
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
9. JiuFei Virtual Reality Headset 3D VR Glasses
At around $300, the JiuFei 3D goggles 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
8. 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 $100, so they are quite affordable compared to other similar devices. We direct you to our full HYON Headset review for more information.
Pros
- Supports Internet YouTube Steam, which is important to gamers
- Don’t cause eye fatigue or dizziness
Cons
- Not initially designed for the Xbox Platform
7. 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
6. Oculus Rift 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 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
- Can cost over $4,000 if you don’t find it from a third-party seller
3. TYVeRa 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
2. GenBasic Quad HD
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. Our full review of the device can tell you more about it.
Pros
- Features a Quad Core ARM processor
- Comes with 2GB DDR3 RAM
Cons
- HDMI input adds to latency
1. Oculus Rift
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. For a full review of the Oculus Rift, we recommend one of our previous articles.
Pros
- Features official Xbox One Controller
- Includes 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 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.
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