3 Worst VR Headsets for Beginners

Not so long ago, the concept of virtual reality was only possible in the worlds of science fiction novels, cartoons and cinematic Hollywood blockbusters. But with the commercial release of the now-discontinued Oculus Rift in 2013, this cutting-edge innovation significantly changed the way the general public interacted with technology. As virtual reality technology has evolved over the past decade, so has the market. Increasing competition and greater availability of products – from exquisite headsets and attachments to quality video game content – have made this the ideal time to buy a VR headset.

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However, with so many options, it can be difficult to know which headset is best for you, especially if you’re new to the world of virtual reality. Some factors to consider are component quality, comfort level, and compatibility with other consoles. New buyers also need to consider what they’ll use the headsets for, as some hardware is better suited for immersive video games than others. What’s more, these headsets can be quite expensive, as was seen earlier this year with the release of the Vision Pro, Apple’s high-end augmented reality headset, with a whopping $3,499 price tag. With all of these considerations in mind, we’ve taken the liberty of compiling a list of some of the worst virtual reality headsets that you should avoid, especially if you’re just getting started with the technology.

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HTC Vive XR Elite is unique in that it includes a complete deconstructed modular design that allows for greater versatility as more components can be included depending on use. However, headset design also tends to skew towards smaller sizes, meaning it can be difficult to make the necessary adjustments, especially with more compact glasses. In contrast, controllers are disproportionately large and can feel awkward to use. What’s more, there isn’t much to choose from in VIVEPORT, the headset’s dedicated library of apps, and there were some technical glitches when trying to download games from the Steam platform. If one of your goals is to use a headset and VR system to enhance your fitness routine, the XR Elite may prove to be too expensive to maintain, given that the user’s fabric face covering easily collects sweat and is difficult to clean.

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When HTC first released the Vive XR Elite, it retailed for $1,100, which then dropped to $900 by the end of summer 2024. There’s also the potential cost of other components to consider, such as the $200 extra fee for face and eye tracking or the Vive Ultimate Tracker Package (for full-body tracking), which costs an extra $499.

Unlike the more expensive HTC Vive XR Elite, the Destek virtual reality headset is significantly more affordable. Prices range from $34.99 to $49.99, depending on whether other components such as a Bluetooth remote control are included. This headset provides a simplified approach to virtual reality, expanding the capabilities of gadgets already available on your smartphone. The headset combines durability and lightness, and delivers high-quality images with HD lenses with anti-blue light coating. While it may seem like an ideal platform for a newbie to learn immersive technology, Destek faces some common challenges.

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The smartphone itself moves easily because there is no mechanism installed to hold it outside the foam layer. Users had issues with screen clarity as the lens sometimes fogged up due to a lack of proper insulation. A thin, wobbly rubber covering is used to support the bridge of the nose and block light; however, after using the headset for a while, it becomes very itchy and uncomfortable. Users have also complained about frequent Bluetooth remote control connection issues depending on whether the smartphone is running iOS or Android.

Another option that newbies may want to consider is to start with an older model to get a headset known for its quality given the brand name, but at a lower price. However, this is not always the case, as seen with the recently discontinued Meta Quest 2, formerly called the Oculus Quest 2. Back in September 2024, Meta announced that it was discontinuing both the Quest 2 and Quest Pro to make way for the launch of the new Quest 3. Consumers can still purchase the Quest 2, which is available on Amazon for between $329.00 and $443.44 depending on packaging and components. included. However, this price range is still higher than when the base 64GB version of the Quest 2 dropped earlier this year to $199. There’s also a high chance that newbies using discontinued headsets will have a harder time running current apps and add-ons, as well as finding replacement parts if the headset breaks.

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Quest 2 also has its own set of technical issues that may frustrate new VR entrants. First, the material used to make the foam facial interface had to be recalled when users experienced rashes and skin irritation. Frequent user problems such as headset overheating, inconsistent tracking system and rapid depletion of battery life, which can reach up to 90 minutes. Moreover, with the discontinuation of Quest 2, users will have to keep in mind that time is running out until the platform is no longer supported. This was the case with the original Quest 1 when Meta announced that it would receive its final update on April 30, 2024.