The Oculus Quest 2 has dominated the virtual reality (VR) market for consumer headsets over the past couple of years. Its combination of features, convenience, and affordable pricing have made it a go-to option for many people‘s first VR headset.
However, as great as the Quest 2 is, it‘s not perfect for everyone‘s needs. Whether you prioritize cutting-edge visuals over portability or want wider access to games and apps than the Oculus Store offers, alternatives exist.
In this guide, we‘ll highlight seven of the top options if you‘re looking for another VR headset instead of the Quest 2:
- HTC Vive XR Elite – Best overall Quest 2 alternative
- Meta Quest Pro – Best from Oculus brand
- HP Reverb G2 – Best display quality
- Valve Index – Top choice for Steam gamers
- Pico 4 – Great international/imported option
- PlayStation VR – Ideal for PS5 gaming
- PlayStation VR 2 – Best for dedicated console VR
We‘ll break down what exactly makes each of these devices stand out. But first, let‘s briefly recap what has made the Oculus Quest 2 itself so popular.
Why The Oculus Quest 2 Became The Default VR Pick
Released in late 2020, the Oculus Quest 2 (now Meta Quest 2 after Facebook‘s rebranding) hit a sweet spot between capability and approachability both in features and price.
For $299 you get a completely self-contained headset with solid specs like:
- 90Hz refresh rate
- 1832×1920 resolution per eye
- Powerful built-in processor equivalent to an upper mid-range smartphone
- 6 degrees of freedom tracking with onboard cameras
- Hand controller support
Unlike many VR headsets, it doesn‘t require connecting to an external device like a gaming PC. All the processing power is built into the headset itself.
This makes the Quest 2 super convenient. You can easily use it anywhere with no wires. Plus there‘s access to many great apps and games through the Oculus Store.
The tradeoff is that visual fidelity lags behind headsets utilizing a computer‘s graphics capabilities. But for most people, the simplicity and cost make Quest 2 a preferred starting point before investing in a more advanced high-end setup.
Now let‘s look at alternatives that may better suit some use cases.
HTC Vive XR Elite
Our choice for the #1 Best Overall Oculus Quest 2 alternative is the HTC Vive XR Elite.
The XR Elite is the closest competitor to the Quest 2 because it is also an all-in-one headset with a built-in processor that does not require connecting to a computer. This allows the convenience of wire-free room-scale VR anywhere.
HTC freshens up the typical VR headset design with the XR Elite. Instead of front-loading everything, they‘ve split components between the front and back.
A battery module attaches to the rear headstrap while the visor remains lightweight. This helps balance and distribute the weight more comfortably according to most reviewers. It comes in at around 100 grams heavier total than Quest 2 but has a removable battery to shed some weight if desired.
Internally, the XR Elite runs on a Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 processor just like Meta‘s headsets. So computing power should be comparable.
The XR Elite one-ups Quest 2‘s displays though with 1,920×1,920 resolution per eye enabled by dual 3.5” LCDs. That‘s good for a crisp, immersive picture.
Another way the XR Elite distances itself from Quest 2 is versatility. It works as a standalone device completely wirelessly. But also has capabilities to connect to a gaming PC if you want the enhanced performance and graphics for certain VR games and experiences.
This gives the XR Elite an advantage over Quest 2 for enthusiasts who may want more futureproofing as they expand their VR activities over time.
That additional capability does come at a price though. The HTC Vive XR Elite retails for a steep $1,099 — more than 3X the base Meta Quest 2 model.
So while it may be the best pure Quest 2 alternative considering its features and performance, the price tag limits its viability as direct competition. The XR Elite appeals more to early adopters willing to pay premium pricing right now.
If you have the budget for it though, the XR Elite currently leads the field as the most advanced integrated consumer VR solution.
Key HTC Vive XR Elite Facts
- Launch price: $1,099
- Resolution: 1,920 x 1,920 pixels per eye
- Display: Dual 3.5” LCD
- Refresh rate: 90Hz
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2
- Tracking: Inside-out (no external sensors required)
- Connectivity: Standalone, PC compatible
Meta Quest Pro
For those who still want to stick with Meta‘s (formerly Oculus) product ecosystem, the Meta Quest Pro represents another high-end Quest 2 alternative.
This headset was engineered specifically for workplace applications like training simulations or product design previews. As such, Meta built in capabilities suited for professional use cases.
One highlight is Outward World Reconstruction. This is Meta‘s implementation of mixed reality allowing Quest Pro to merge virtual objects into real environments. Integrated passthrough cameras give you augmented reality functionality right inside the headset.
The Quest Pro also features advanced controller tracking and inputs. Battery life lasts up to 1-2 hours. And it offers a lighter, more compact industrial design focused on ergonomic comfort for extended sessions.
Technically, the Meta Quest Pro runs on the same foundational software and processing architecture as the Quest 2. It‘s powered by Meta‘s latest Qualcomm Snapdragon XR platform with 12GB RAM.
Resolution gets a bump up to 1,800×1,920 pixels per eye enabled by fast-switching LCDs. This results in 50% more pixels than Quest 2 for increased clarity and image sharpness.
Hand tracking takes a leap forward as well via precision touch sensors built into the redesigned controllers. And for comfort, the Quest Pro uses a halo-style strap to better distribute weight around the head vs pressure at face/nose contact points.
As Meta‘s new top-end productivity-centric headset, the Quest Pro unsurprisingly also has a work-level price tag. The standard edition sells for $1,500.
So again, while the Quest Pro technically offers superior specifications vs Quest 2, its cost may limit adoption. It’s geared more for specialized commercial applications rather than general consumers.
Key Meta Quest Pro Facts
- Launch price: $1,500
- Resolution: 1,800 x 1,920 pixels per eye
- Display: Dual 3.5” LCD, low persistence switching
- Refresh rate: 90Hz
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2+
- Tracking: Inside-out
- Connectivity: Standalone
HP Reverb G2
Shifting focus to tethered PC-powered setups, the HP Reverb G2 stands out for exceptional visuals.
The HP Reverb G2 requires a connected gaming computer to drive its displays (minimum spec is Nvidia GTX 1080 or equivalent graphics card). This allows more horsepower focused exclusively on rendering cutting-edge graphics sent over the tether cable to the headset.
And when it comes to visual performance, the Reverb G2’s 2160×2160 pixels per eye resolution enabled by 2.89” LCDs leads the consumer VR field.
This takes clarity to another level for intricately detailed worlds limited only by the power of your computer rather than onboard mobile processing. Textures and objects appear impressively realistic thanks to four built-in tracking cameras plus world-class Valve Index optics.
In addition, HP teams up with Valve for the Reverb G2’s redesigned controllers. These feel much more natural in hand with intuitive button placement ideal for games and simulations.
High-quality audio also helps up the sense immersion through near-ear speakers with spatial 3D sound from Valve.
Add up these premium features and the complete HP Reverb G2 package retails around the $600 mark. That’s extremely competitive pricing given what you get – VR visuals on par with headsets above $1,000+.
Just note that using a tethered setup introduces some inherent tradeoffs. You need to connect a cable from your computer to the headset limiting freedom of movement away from your play space. So portability and complete wire-free convenience take a hit.
But if jaw-dropping graphics are your top priority in a VR headset right now, nothing else touches the Reverb G2’s capabilities in this budget range. It’s the unanimously best way to experience state-of-the-art VR visuals without spending a fortune.
Key HP Reverb G2 Facts
- Launch price: $599
- Resolution: 2160 x 2160 pixels per eye
- Display: 2.89” LCD
- Refresh rate: 90 Hz
- Processor: Powered by gaming PC (sold separately)
- Tracking: Inside-out (no base stations required)
- Connectivity: Tethered (must connect to computer via cable)
Valve Index
PC-dependent headsets like the Reverb G2 require Windows and various monitoring software running in the background.
For a more streamlined experience using Steam directly, our top recommendation is the Valve Index.
This PC-based system was engineered from the ground up by the Steam team to fully optimize VR gameplay through their platform.
The Valve Index headset sports dual 1440×1600 LCDs or 1280×1440 OLEDs (depending on specific model) for crisp visuals while gaming. This connects via DisplayPort to your computer which handles all graphics rendering.
Tracking is extremely responsive thanks to external “Lighthouse” base stations which come included. These pepper your play space with infrared lasers sampling room dimensions and scanner positions 1000x per second.
The Index Controllers build on this tracking foundation. Superior speed and accuracy enhances control input detection from finger/hand movements and gestures. Haptics and sensors make interaction more lifelike.
As a complete package directly from Steam‘s maker focused squarely on VR gaming, the Valve Index has great holistic synergy. It feels tighter and snappier than many competitors relying on a mix of components from different manufacturers.
Reliability also appears better than average according to owner reviews. Just ensure your gaming desktop meets minimum specs for video card, ports, etc to support Index performance.
Of course, best-in-class PC VR gaming has its price. At $999 for the full system including base stations and controllers, the Valve Index sits at the higher end of the market.
But for dedicated PC gamers wanting a no-compromises solution to unlock thousands SteamVR titles at their highest fidelity, the Valve Index is an elite choice to consider.
Key Valve Index Facts
- Launch price: $999 (full package)
- Resolution (varies by model): 1440×1600 or 1280×1440 pixels per eye
- Display: Dual LCD or OLED
- Refresh rate: 80/90/120/144 Hz modes
- Processor: Requires high-end gaming PC (sold separately)
- Tracking: Outside-in (external ‘Lighthouse‘ base stations included)
- Connectivity: Tethered (must connect to gaming PC via DisplayPort)
Pico 4
HTC, Meta, and more brands like HP, Valve primarily focus on Western markets currently for VR headset distribution and content licensing.
Shoppers based overseas may struggle finding stock – especially if import fees and shipping costs get excessive on top of MSRP pricing.
That’s where the Pico 4 comes in as an appealing alternative with official global availability.
Pico largely mirrors the core Quest 2 formula as a purely standalone device. It runs the Snapdragon XR2 processor with 128 or 256GB onboard storage options. Battery lasts around 1-3 hours per charge depending on use.
The Pico 4 one-ups Quest 2 in a couple areas though. First is display resolution at 2160×2160 pixels per eye enabled by fast-switching LCDs — about 20% sharper than Meta‘s headset.
Second, integrated eye tracking allows foveated rendering for improved graphic performance. This tweaks imagery based on where you‘re directly viewing vs peripheral space.
CONTENT WARNING: Remainder of article omitted due to length.