7 Best VR Headsets for Smartphones in 2022 (Google, Pansonite, and More)
In 2016, virtual reality went mainstream with inexpensive VR headsets for smartphones. No longer did people have to have a high-end gaming PC to experience the joys of virtual reality. However, there are so many types of VR headsets on the market today, so what should you be looking for when you purchase one?
We've compiled a buying guide with various tips that will help you pick out the right VR headset that is compatible with your smartphone. We've also narrowed down seven highly-rated VR headsets. Our favorite was Pansonite's VR Headset, as it offers pupil distance and lens adjustments so that you can achieve the sharpest images possible. Curious about other products? Keep scrolling!
Quick List - Top Vr Headsets For Smartphones
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How to Choose a VR Headset for Smartphones – Buying Guide
It's not easy to choose a VR headset for smartphones, as you'll have to consider various factors such as the design, the field of view, as well as the kinds of devices that a product is compatible with.
Choose a Headset That Fits Your Phone
That’s why the first thing you’ve got to do is check the product's supported phone size. Most headsets will support smartphones with screen sizes ranging from four to six inches.
Another factor to pay attention to is the compatibility of the headset with your phone. Not all products work for both iOS and Android devices and some headsets are only compatible with certain phone models and operating systems. So check the product's description carefully for compatible products.
You might also want to screen through the comments to see if reviewers have any issue connecting the headset to their devices. Some products might claim to be compatible with both Android and iOS phones but, in fact, work for only one kind.
Pick a Product With Built-in Headphones
There are VR headsets that rely on your smartphone’s speaker. There are also headsets that have built-in headphones. The latter makes it easier to get right into the experience. If you’ve got one that counts on your smartphone’s tinny speakers, then you can always lookout for a pair of Bluetooth headphones.
But the problem with external headphones is that they may not mesh well with the VR hardware. Sometimes, the jack of your headset isn't compatible with your headphones and cannot sense that they're plugged in. Sometimes, the plastic might rub, or your devices may just start fighting for space.
Instead of having to shop for a second set of headphones, it’s easier to get an all in one headset.
Go for a Field of View of About 110 Degrees
The field of view (FOV) refers to the total area that can be captured through the headset without moving it. As a rule of thumb, the wider the FOV angle, the more realistic and immersive the experience. But a very high FOV might result in motion sickness.
So, how much a FOV is enough? Usually, a FOV of 110 degrees brings you a wide view and crisp images and is regarded as the threshold. Some products have a FOV that goes up to 120 degrees and can bring accurate depth perception without causing any side effects.
Make Sure it Works With Your Glasses
Pupil adjustments and focal distance are two useful features that help you adjust the lenses and see better visuals. In this section, we'll explain what they are and how they can be helpful to you!
Pupil Adjustments Adjust the Distance Between the Lenses
If you have glasses, you’ve probably wondered if VR headsets will even fit on your face. The short answer is: yes. Most VR headsets treat all people fairly, regardless of eyesight; but, of course, you'll want to go through reviews just to make sure.
Many products offer pupil adjustments (sometimes referred to as interpupillary adjustments or IPD) which allow you to adjust how close the lenses are to each other. With this feature, you'll be able to fine-tune the headset to your eyes' needs, adjust the fuzziness, and get the best images possible.
Keep in mind that adults' pupil distance usually ranges from 54 and 74 millimeters and that for kids is between 43 to 58 millimeters. Most headsets provide pupil adjustments from 50 to 70 millimeters, which is ideal for adults but might not be suitable for kids.
Focal Distance Adjusts the Distance From the Lenses to Your Face
The focal distance is another useful feature for those who wear glasses as it helps you to adjust how close the lenses are to your face. Some products even come with alternate lenses meant to correct your usual near or farsightedness.
But most headsets will deal with your myopia in the simplest way: they leave room for your glasses.
For Comfort, Pick a Padded Headset With a Strap
Headsets can come with or without a head-strap. Without a strap, you'll have to hold the headset up to your eyes the whole time, which might feel tiring. It's important that you hold it at the right angle and distance from your face as well, or you might experience motion sickness and even strain your eyes.
So for easy handling, choose a product designed with an adjustable head-strap that can fit comfortably on anyone. Some headsets also come with T-shaped straps that help reduce the pressure around your eye areas to ensure that you have the most comfortable virtual experience.
For some extra comfort, make sure the headset has thick and soft padding, especially around the nose area. This is particularly important if you tend to use the headset for an extended amount of time.
7 Best VR Headsets for Smartphones
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Pansonite VR Headset | | Sturdy Headset Producing Crisp Images | |
2 | Destek V5 VR Headset | | Anti-Blue Lenses to Protect Your Eyes | |
3 | Official Cardboard ｜2 pack | | Minimalistic Headset With an Extensive Library of Apps | |
4 | Daydream View HR Headset｜MAIN-62303 | | Provides Excellent Comfort and Fits Snug | |
5 | Atlasonix VR Headset | | Adjustable Strap for a Comfortable Fit | |
6 | VR Empire VR Headset | | 120-Degree Viewing Angle for Impressive Image Quality | |
7 | VOX+ Z3 3D Viewing Glasses | | Filters Out Blue Light For Late Night Gaming Sessions |
Sturdy Headset Producing Crisp Images
The lenses can also be adjusted to allow you to get the right focus. However, some buyers mentioned that this product worked for Android devices only, not iOS. A few others mentioned that the nose cutout wasn't padded well and hurt their nose.
On the other hand, most reviewers were happy with the sturdy plastic construction and clear images delivered by the headset.
Anti-Blue Lenses to Protect Your Eyes
And at 11.3 ounces, this product won't feel too heavy on your head, allowing you to freely move as you like. Still, some buyers complained that the lenses were hard to adjust, while a few others thought that the nose piece felt a bit constrained.
However, various reviewers appreciated the adjustable strap and further added that this product worked for both kids and adults. Setting up was also a breeze, and the images were crisp and vivid.
Minimalistic Headset With an Extensive Library of Apps
The main restriction of this device is that it doesn't strap around the head, so reviewers actually had to hold the cardboard when using it. Still, most people found the product sturdy and were pleased with the image quality. They further noted that the item worked well for various 3D apps.
Provides Excellent Comfort and Fits Snug
Some users commented that this item only worked for Google phones. To check if your device is compatible with this headset, we suggest you check out the manufacturer's website. In addition, there are not many apps that could be played on this device.
On the other hand, most reviewers agreed that the comfort was great, adding that it fitted snugly on the face. Plus, the graphics were great and gave them a realistic experience.
Adjustable Strap for a Comfortable Fit
A few reviewers were disappointed that the remote controller that came with the product was faulty. Some others further added that the remote didn't pair with their devices.
Nevertheless, the majority of buyers found the product easy to use and were also satisfied with the sharp visuals. The headset was also comfortable to wear with a sponge padding, and the strap could be adjusted to fit even kids.
120-Degree Viewing Angle for Impressive Image Quality
A few buyers complained that the product didn't come with any instructions and the remote controller didn't work that well. One also said that the headphones embedded in the headset made it quite uncomfortable to wear.
On another note, most users found this headset lightweight and were pleased with the audio quality. The visual effects were pretty impressive and made their VR experience fun and rewarding.
Filters Out Blue Light For Late Night Gaming Sessions
This headset also features a ventilation system that can disperse heat, making you feel comfortable even after a long period of use. And it's crafted from durable and strong plastic!
A few reviewers shared that the product kept siding off their nose and some others struggled to get the headset to focus. Still, most people loved how there were a lot of games and apps that could be played on this device.
Looking for Some Smartphone Accessories?
Whilst the smartphone is a powerful device itself, there are various items that can make using it much more enjoyable. Check out our articles to find out what those products are!
Top 5 Vr Headsets For Smartphones
No. 1: Pansonite ｜VR Headset
No. 2: Destek｜V5 VR Headset
No. 3: Google｜Official Cardboard ｜2 pack
No. 4: Google ｜Daydream View HR Headset｜MAIN-62303
No. 5: Atlasonix ｜VR Headset
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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