The Best Headphones to Upgrade Your VR Experience
Given the rapid development of virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR) technology, it is becoming increasingly important to be able to experience both virtual and augmented reality in the most immersive way possible. Without good headphones, the usually superior sound of VR and AR can be severely compromised. Investing in a set of high-quality headphones can take you a long way in achieving an enjoyable and immersive VR experience.
In this article, we look at the best headphones for enhancing your VR/AR performance. We shall cover the key factors to consider, review the different types of VR headsets available, and look at five select models of headphones that are sure to give you an advantage.
What Factors to Consider When Buying Headphones for A Better VR Experience
Getting the right set of headphones for your VR or AR headsets will make all the difference to your virtual reality or augmented reality experience. Here are some key factors you should bear in mind when looking to buy the ideal pair of headphones:
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Comfort: For an immersive VR experience, your headphones should fit comfortably on your head and be light enough that you don’t even feel them.
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Sound Quality: High-quality audio can make all the difference in your VR experience. You should opt for headphones that produce crisp, clear sound with little or no distortion.
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Noise Canceling: Noise cancelling capabilities can be extremely useful while playing VR games. As VR games often involve a lot of movement, it is preferable to wear a pair of headphones that can block out unwanted external noise.
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Durability: You should find headphones that are built to last. Look for models that are made from robust materials and are designed to withstand everyday wear and tear.
Types of VR/AR Headsets
When selecting headphones for your virtual reality or augmented reality headset, it is also important to be aware of the different types of headsets currently on the market. Each type of headset has its own specific requirements when it comes to audio. Here are some common types of VR/AR headsets:
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Standalone VR Headset: A standalone VR headset comes with an integrated built-in audio system. While the sound quality may be good, the device itself is likely to be bulky and uncomfortable.
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PC-tethered VR Headset: This type of headset is attached to a powerful PC. While it is best used with external headphones, the sound quality provided by the built-in audio system is usually very good.
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Mobile VR Headset: These headsets are powered by a smartphone. The built-in audio system is usually less powerful than the other types and so external headphones are recommended.
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AR Headset: Augmented reality headsets are lightweight and comfortable to wear, and require minimal setup. As they are designed to be used with both the left and right eye, they usually come with built-in stereo audio systems.
The Best Headphones to Upgrade Your VR Experience
Now let’s take a look at five of the best headphones for upgrading your VR experience.
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Sony PlayStation VR headset: This headset is designed to work exclusively with the Sony PlayStation. It produces impressive 3D audio and comes with a really comfortable design.
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Oculus Rift S: This is one of the best PC-tethered VR headsets out there. It produces some of the best audio quality on the market and it is very lightweight. The built-in headphones are not removable, so you may require an external set for an optimal experience.
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Samsung HMD Odyssey+: This is the ideal headset for PC-based VR gaming. It produces incredible audio quality, is extremely comfortable to wear, and comes with a great eye-tracking system. You may, however, require a pair of quality headphones for the ultimate audio experience.
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HTC Vive: The Vive is another great PC-tethered headset. It produces very realistic audio and has great comfort features. However, for a more immersive experience, it is advisable to go for a set of external headphones.
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Oculus Go: This is a great all-in-one mobile VR headset designed for convenience and portability. Although the built-in speakers are good, you will definitely benefit from using a quality set of headphones with this device.
When selecting the right headphones for your VR/AR headset, there are certain factors to consider. Firstly, you should look for comfort and good sound quality. Secondly, noise cancellation capabilities and durability are also important factors. Thirdly, it is also essential to consider the type of VR/AR headset you are using, as each type requires specific audio requirements. Lastly, there are of course many different headsets on the market such as the Sony PlayStation VR, Oculus Rift S, Samsung HMD Odyssey+, HTC Vive, and Oculus Go.
These five popular models have been featured in this article, each of which is best complemented with a good set of headphones for an optimal VR/AR experience. With the right headphones, you can take your VR and AR performance to the next level.