PROS: Comfortable and easy on the eyes Built-in headphones High visual fidelity Adjustable IPD for better visual comfort Positional tracking CONS: Higher cost Requires a Windows PC Headset is tethered Lack of mobility

HTC Vive  |   $800
Synopsis: This is a great headset if you’re looking for some of the best VR experiences across various apps and games. The image quality is on par with the Oculus, but if you’re just looking for 360° video, this solution doesn’t make sense as the Oculus can offer the same 360° video experience at a lower cost.

PROS: All-in-one, top tier headset High visual fidelity Adjustable IPD for better visual comfort Full room scale in supporting VR apps CONS: Expensive Requires a Windows/Linux PC Heavy (less comfortable) Headset is tethered Setup time

Google Cardboard  |  $15
Synopsis: The Google Cardboard is a great entry level headset. It’s very cheap and there are many companies who offer custom printing so you can design one to fit your brand. Aside from the price, another big selling point for the Cardboard is that it will work with almost any phone. The big set back is videos will often look soft and it has a lower field of view which results in a feeling of tunnel vision. It’s very accessible but won’t make your VR content look its best.

PROS: Inexpensive Customizable Headset Compatible with all smart phones Huge variety of apps Wireless CONS: Very uncomfortable Lower visual fidelity Low field of view Must be held to face

Samsung Gear VR  |  $100
Synopsis: The Gear VR is a great mobile solution that’s a big step up from the low cost Google Cardboard. Extended use can cause some eye strain that isn’t found in the more expensive tethered solutions but that seems to vary based on who’s using it. Gear VR is a solid wireless option but it does require a Samsung phone to function. The oldest phone it’s backwards compatible with is the Galaxy S6 which can be found pretty cheaply these days.

PROS: Focus Adjustment Wireless Pauses when removed from head Resumes when put back on CONS: Requires a Samsung phone Causes some eye strain

Google Daydream  |  $80
Synopsis: It may not be as cheap as the Cardboard, but the Google Daydream offers a higher end viewing experience that’s very similar to Gear VR, but at a lower price point. Here at Anchor Line we didn’t experience the same eye strain that we got with the Gear VR when using the Daydream (which was a big plus for us!). The main issue is only a few phones are supported at the moment, but Google has been adding additional phones to the Daydream’s compatibility list and they plan to continue adding more over time.

PROS: Inexpensive Comfortable Easy to setup CONS: May not fit snugly Phone gets hot Does not support all smart phones