Virtual reality vr headsets use a complex combination of lenses, offset screens and motion tracking technology to transform a flat screen into a stereoscopic 3D image. This process is what makes VR so immersive.

A quality headset will also include built-in headphones for a virtual audio experience. This is usually done using binaural or even 3D audio, which will make the virtual environment feel more real. This is one of the things that sets premium headsets like the Meta Quest 2 apart from cheaper ones.

For the best virtual reality experience, you’ll want a headset with low latency. This is the amount of time between you putting input into the VR system (through the controllers or by moving your head) and the display adjusting on the headset. The lower the latency, the more immersive and less nauseating your VR will be.

A Buyer’s Guide to VR Headsets: Choosing the Perfect Virtual Reality Experience

Another important factor is the resolution of the headset’s displays. This is measured on a per-eye basis and will determine how clear the image will appear. Higher resolutions will also reduce the pixelation that can lead to nausea and other symptoms.

Finally, you’ll want a high field of view (FOV). This is how much of the world your headset will show and it affects your sense of immersion. The higher the FOV, the more realistic your VR will be.