Isn’t it true that gaming has been around for a long time? Gaming, like evolution, has undergone a number of transformations, with Virtual Reality Gaming appearing to be where we are now. As a result, VR must naturally translate to all game genres, including iracing and sim racing.
Because racing is an immersive experience regardless of the discipline, VR should be intuitive to iracing. As a result, it’s time to look at some of the top VR headsets now available.
A Virtual Reality (VR) headset allows users to fully immerse themselves in a screen (game or interactive experience). While Augmented Reality (AR) mixes digital components with real-life capture, Virtual Reality (VR) is purely digital.
You’ve come to the right place if you’re seeking the best VR headset for iracing. We’ve compiled a list of the best headsets available so you can discover the one that’s right for you. So whether you’re a novice or a seasoned player, we have a headset to suit your needs. Next, in this blog will, we’ll go over the finest headsets for iracing.
Below is the list of our lab tested Best VR Headset For iRacing
- SAMSUNG HMD Odyssey+ Windows Mixed Reality Headset
- Lenovo G0A20001WW Explorer Mixed Reality Headset
- Oculus Rift S PC-Powered VR Gaming Headset
- Pimax 5K XR OLED VR Virtual Reality Headset
- Valve Index Full VR Kit
- HTC VIVE Pro Virtual Reality Headset
- HP Reverb Virtual Reality Headset
1- SAMSUNG HMD Odyssey+ Windows Mixed Reality Headset
Our top pick for VR headsets that can be used to simulate racing is the Samsung HMD Odyssey+. This headset has all of the features of a fantastic VR headset while still being lightweight and ergonomically designed for comfort.
The Odyssey+ is made of Samsung’s cooling fabric, making it comfortable to wear for extended runs.
The Odyssey+ displays are some of the best on the market. Thanks to the Odyssey+’s 1440x1600pixels per eye display and twin 3.5-inch panels, any racing racing will feel more real. In addition, because of the high refresh rate of 90Hz, you will not have motion sickness. For long races, this is extremely critical.
The wide 110-degree field of view allows you to see more of your surroundings and avoid head motions while scanning for hazards and other racers. This is critical in a iracing game since it compels you to keep your eyes on the road as much as possible.
The Odyssey+ uses inside-out tracking, so no additional sensors are required. This provides 6 degrees of freedom while also saving space. In addition, the headgear is light and comfortable, allowing you to do all of the necessary movements throughout a race.
The Odyssey+ has an excellent sound system that will make iracing more realistic by making all noises clear and sharp. The Odyssey+ also has a built-in microphone, making it great for racing with.
2- Lenovo G0A20001WW Explorer Mixed Reality Headset
Lenovo Explorer provides you with vivid and immersive VR experiences on your current PC. Tour famous travel places, play as the hero in the most exciting games, attend the most popular events, or even travel beyond time and space from the comfort of your own home in this virtual world of thrilling adventures.
The Lenovo Explorer is exceptionally comfortable and lightweight, and it just takes minutes to set up. It will provide you with hours of fun and amusement as you explore the wonders of Windows mixed reality.
The Lenovo Explorer comes in third place. Lenovo’s VR headset has a lower per-eye resolution than Samsung’s HMD Odyssey+. The 28801440 resolution display, on the other hand, gives outstanding pictures.
It’s also smaller than the Samsung HMD Odyssey+, which makes it perfect for those who don’t mind sacrificing screen size for weight savings.
The ability to rapidly and simply move the visor up or down from your face is a unique feature of the Lenovo Explorer’s visor capability. You don’t have to remove the entire headset when you need it. It may be flipped up fast while racing, in pit lane, or between races.The Explorer, like Odyssey+, uses inside-out tracking. There are no new sensor towers as a result of this.
Although the Lenovo Explorer headset has a lesser per-eye resolution than the Samsung HMD Odyssey+, its 28801440 display provides superb images. The display is also slightly smaller, making it suited for people who are willing to trade screen size for weight savings. Viewing pleasure is assured thanks to the 90Hz and 110° FOV.
The Lenovo Explorer’s handy visor capability, which lets you swiftly and simply lift it up and off your face, is a unique selling point. This means you don’t have to take the complete headset off when you need to take a break, making it easier to rest between races. Unfortunately, the Lenovo Explorer lacks built-in audio, so you’ll have to rely on external speakers.
The Explorer, like the Odyssey+, uses inside-out tracking, which eliminates the need for additional sensor towers. This means you can move about freely without sacrificing any room around you, which is great for tiny racing rigs with limited space. While Lenovo does not offer the headset directly, it is available for purchase elsewhere on the internet. We recommend this budget alternative because it is both inexpensive and feature-rich.
3- Oculus Rift S PC-Powered VR Gaming Headset
The Oculus Quest, if there’s one VR headset that can compete with the Samsung HMD Odyssey+, it’s the Oculus Quest. Oculus has become the face of the virtual reality business and is a major player in the hardware sector. The Oculus Quest and Oculus Rift are both fantastic headsets, but the Quest is especially well-suited to iracing.
While it doesn’t perform as well as the Oculus Rift S, you won’t notice the difference while gaming. The headset’s strong points are its power and portability. The OLED screen has a clear resolution of 2880 x 1600 pixels, and the 100-degree field of view is enough to give you a natural VR experience.
The Oculus Quest is also extremely light, weighing only 571 grams. It doesn’t require any additional sensors, connections, or limiting accessories. Best of all, it doesn’t even require a strong gaming PC to run. The Quest is completely self-contained. It may not be as advanced as the Rift S, but for $399, you get more than enough value for your money.
Blast, slash and soar your way through the best VR gaming collection. The Oculus Rift S allows you to play hundreds of games and exclusives that are already available in the Oculus Store, with more more on the way.
Keep your head in the game with a Halo headband that’s been modified for speed. With a short twist of the fit wheel, Rift S stays securely and comfortably in place, allowing it to take or double-take your fastest reactions.
4- Pimax 5K XR OLED VR Virtual Reality Headset
Another HTC favorite is the HTC Vive Cosmos. It varies from previous HTC models in that it has a dual-panel LCD display. The resolution of each panel is 14401700 pixels. Because of its 110-degree field-of-view and 90-Hz refresh rate, this panel is comparable to other models.
The HTC Vive Cosmos comes with a stereo sound system and on-ear headphones for an unrivaled listening experience.
Despite being introduced more than a year after the Vive Pro, many users believe Cosmos is not a substantial advancement in VR technology. The LCD display and headphones are the only noticeable differences.
The Vive Cosmos will set you back $700. The Cosmos is substantially less expensive than the Vive Pro, and it lacks the base stations that provide the Pro its incredible tracking skills. The headgear has four cameras, allowing you to track your surroundings in the same way as a Vive Pro while saving money.
Base stations, on the other hand, are more complex to set up and cost more, but they provide an unrivaled tracking experience that the Cosmos may not provide.
5- Valve Index Full VR Kit
Many VR headsets provide options A and B, but the Valve Index is the all-around champion of this area. Because of its four-figure price tag, the allegedly touted “Big Daddy of all VR Headsets” lives up to its reputation by providing superb hardware of the greatest quality.
The Valve Index VR headset has some of the greatest images of any VR headset, with a 120Hz refresh rate that can theoretically be increased to 144Hz in experimental mode (and it most definitely will). The headgear also has a 130-degree field of view, which is the greatest in its class. Per-finger tracking via the Index controllers, USB passthrough for future accessories, and excellent audio courtesy of the near-field speakers situated just above the ears round out the features of the headset.
The Valve Index is, without a doubt, the most comprehensive VR headset available for PC. However, that distinction comes at the cost of more than $1,000. So, if you want the best, you’ll have to pay a little more. If your budget is anywhere close to this amount, though, the Valve Index is a no-brainer. If you have the opportunity, buy it.
Valve’s virtual reality headset has the most spectacular images and a 120Hz refresh rate. In experimental mode, it can theoretically go as high as 144Hz, which it almost surely will.
The headset also comes with the best-in-class 130-degree field of view. The headset also has per-finger tracking with the Index controllers, USB passthrough for future accessories, and great audio owing to the near-field speakers directly below the ears.
If you want the best, you’ll have to spend more. If you’re on a budget, the Valve Index is a great option. If you have the opportunity, do so.
6- HTC VIVE Pro Virtual Reality Headset
The HTC Vive Pro 2 is one of the most current headsets to enter the market, and it comes with a lot of display improvements that elevate it to one of the most remarkable mainstream alternatives available. The original resolution of 2,448 x 2,448 pixels per eye is remarkable, and when combined with the 120Hz refresh rate and 120-degree field of view, it creates one of the most immersive viewing experiences available.
To ensure accurate controller tracking, HTC has stuck with the satellite configuration for the Vive Pro 2, which means you’ll need a lot of power plugs to get everything up and running. The headgear, two first-generation controllers, and two Base Station 2.0 satellites are all included in the whole starter kit. The headset can also be purchased separately if you’re upgrading from a first-generation setup.
It’s an expensive upgrade over the Valve Index, and it doesn’t accomplish anything to justify the cost beyond the enhanced display. Still, there’s a case to be made for the Vive Pro 2 if you’re seeking for the greatest display available, especially as an upgrade. It’s a pity the starter package is so costly. really
7- HP Reverb Virtual Reality Headset
The HP Reverb G2 has earned a spot among the greatest VR headsets, thanks in part to its incredible resolution. It will not disappoint you if future-proofing your system in terms of image fidelity is your primary concern. With a resolution of 2160p per eye, the Reverb G2 eliminates the screen door effect that may be problematic with lesser resolution headsets—provided you have a powerful enough GPU to handle it.
Even at lesser resolutions, you can enjoy wonderful features such as the extremely inclusive, tactile IPD toggle on the underside of the headset; the range is outstanding when compared to other options on the market. You also receive a really long cable for big places and a comfortable headset; however, the FOV is a touch low.
Without base stations, the tracking space is likewise limited. Nonetheless, HP offsets this with great IMU gyro sensors that, as long as the movements are smooth, are quite good at predicting movements beyond the tracking area. Holding your hands still communicates a different tale, but in most in-game settings, this shouldn’t matter.
While the Reverb G2 may not have all of the bells and whistles of some of the other headsets on the list, it does have enough outstanding features to warrant a look for the money.
Buying a virtual reality headset isn’t easy, but there are a few key elements to consider before making your decision:
Best VR Headset For iRacing Buying Guide
Compatibility
Compatibility refers to both your system and the games you want to play. The majority of VR headsets on the market work flawlessly on Windows, and game compatibility must be checked against their official websites. As a general rule, if you choose a headset from a well-known manufacturer, you’ll have a better chance of it working with most of the iracing games available.
Budget
It goes without saying, but virtual reality headsets are pricey. At these amounts, you can obtain a mid-range smartphone or even a flagship if you opt for the more expensive headsets. Setting a budget is simple, and you have several options for different budgets.
Display and Sound
For gamers who aren’t particularly tech-savvy, assessing this issue can be difficult. Keep an eye on the resolution of each screen (per eye) and the refresh rate available to simplify the display selection procedure.
When it comes to sound, VR headsets can have built-in speakers or none at all. They may or may not feature a microphone as well. This arrangement is solely based on the preferences of the players.
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