Best Google VR headset – Mobile VR has fallen to the wayside recently. Just a few years ago, inserting your smartphone into a headset was a great and relatively cheap way to enjoy virtual reality. Yet, even major manufacturers like Google and Samsung seem to have abandoned their smartphone VR ventures.
This leads us to the question of what your options are today.Fortunately, there still are some great headsets on the market, while standalone VR has filled much of the gap left by mobile VR. From cheap cardboard solutions to high-tech standalone headsets, here are your best mobile VR options.
The best mobile VR headsets:
Google Cardboard
The Cardboard is the best and most inexpensive way to enjoy mobile VR. It’s a DIY headset that Google put together as a reference design. The first Cardboard headset was made primarily out of cardboard, but later headsets have been made of plastic and other materials.
If you’re looking for a cheap way to try VR, Cardboard is it. The best part is that it’s compatible with the vast majority of smartphones on the market, so you don’t even need to buy a new phone to enjoy it.
Pros
Very inexpensive
Compatible with most smartphones
Easy to set up
Cons
Not very durable
Mostly for VR enthusiasts or first-time users
Google Daydream View
Google’s Daydream View headset is the first of its kind. It’s a relatively high-tech headset that requires a smartphone to operate. It comes in a few colors and includes a handy remote to control your VR experience.
The Daydream View is an excellent option for anyone who owns a Pixel, Pixel 2, Moto Z, or Moto Z2 smartphone. It also works with other phones that support Google’s VR platform, but it’s not compatible with every Android phone.
Pros
Compatible with Pixel, Pixel 2, Moto Z, Moto Z2 smartphones, and others
Great mobile VR experience
Includes a remote for navigation
Cons
Not as good as other mobile VR headsets
Requires a special Android phone
Samsung Gear VR
The Samsung Gear VR is one of the best ways to get into mobile VR. It’s a bit more expensive than the Google Cardboard, but it’s arguably a more versatile option.
It’s compatible with Galaxy phones, including the Galaxy S6, S6 Edge, S6 Edge Plus, S7, S7 Edge, S8, S8 Plus and Note 5. The only major downside is that it requires a Samsung phone, so you’ll need to buy a new phone if you want to use it.
Pros
Compatible with many Samsung phones
Good mobile VR experience
Includes a controller
Cons
Only works with Samsung phones
Expensive compared to other mobile VR headsets
Homido VR
The Homido VR is one of the best headsets you can buy with a phone in it. It’s a bit more expensive than the Google Cardboard, but it’s compatible with a wider variety of phones.
The Homido VR is compatible with iPhones, Samsung phones, and other Android phones. It’s a bit tougher than the Cardboard, but it’s still mostly made of plastic.
Pros
Compatible with many phones
Good mobile VR experience
Includes a controller
Cons
Expensive compared to other mobile VR headsets
Zoom
The Zoom is a great option if you own a Samsung phone. It’s a bit more expensive than the Homido VR, but it’ll work with most Samsung phones.
The Zoom is compatible with the Galaxy S6, S6 Edge, S6 Edge Plus, S7, S7 Edge, S8, S8 Plus and Note 5. It’s made of plastic and includes a controller for navigation.
Pros
Compatible with many Samsung phones
Good mobile VR experience
Includes a controller
Cons
Expensive compared to other mobile VR headsets
Lackluster design
Google Daydream and Samsung Gear VR are the best mobile VR headsets
The Google Daydream View and Samsung Gear VR are the best mobile VR headsets you can buy. The Daydream View is a bit more expensive and requires a Pixel, Pixel 2 or Moto Z phone. The Samsung Gear VR is a bit cheaper and compatible with most Samsung phones.
