Overall, the Rift S is a better VR headset than the original Rift. This is primarily because of its easier set-up, slightly better resolution and more comfortable headset.
If you want to go the least expensive route to getting a new VR-ready gaming PC, this $500 build will do the trick. With an Intel Core i3-10100 processor, a GTX 1650 Super graphics card, and 8GB of RAM, this $500 gaming PC will meet the requirements of the Oculus Rift or the HTC Vive.
The following table lists the current
PC requirements for
Oculus Link.
PC Requirements.
| Component | Recommended Specs |
|---|
| Processor | Intel i5-4590 / AMD Ryzen 5 1500X or greater |
| Graphics Card | See GPU tables below |
| Memory | 8 GB+ RAM |
| Operating System | Windows 10 |
Doctors have previously warned that virtual reality, which is the computer-generated simulation of a real or imaginary environment, can cause eye strain because the brain is forced to process visual stimuli in a different way to normal.
The truth is that Rift works with many laptops, and you might have a compatible machine at home—or you could just be a graphics card upgrade away from getting up and running. If you currently own a PC and want to see if it's ready for Rift, click here for instructions on running our compatibility check tool at home.
Best Desktop PCs for VR 2020
- Best Overall: Alienware Aurora R11.
- Runner-Up: HP OMEN 30L.
- Great Value: CyberPowerPC Gamer Xtreme.
- Best Customization: MAINGEAR VYBE.
In addition to a video card, your laptop also needs enough ports to connect VR glasses. To connect the Oculus Rift, for example, you need 3 USB 3.0 ports and a USB 2.0 port. An Intel Core i7 video card and sufficient RAM for an optimal VR experience on your laptop are also important.
Connecting the headset to your computer
- Connect the power adapter cable on its corresponding port on the link box, and then plug the opposite end into an electrical outlet to turn the link box on.
- Insert the HDMI cable on the HDMI port on the link box, and then insert the opposite end on the HDMI port on your computer's graphic card.
A high-end headset like HTC's Vive or the Oculus Rift will run you $599 and $799, respectively. At the present costs, a VR fan will have to shell out at least $1,600 for a high-end virtual reality experience. Those costs will likely stymie VR's growth in the high-end market.
The best VR headset for 2020
- Oculus Quest 2. The best standalone VR. $299 at Amazon.
- Sony PlayStation VR. Still worth it for the games. $320 at Amazon.
- Valve Index. Best PC VR to explore the future of VR controllers. $999 at Steam.
- HTC Vive Cosmos. Could be a flexible, modular system. $700 at Amazon.
Most Virtual Reality users that are Farsighted have reported that they can see more clearly while using their VR headsets. If you can see over those distances, then you should be able to use most mainstream VR headsets without much difficulty, but we do advise taking frequent breaks as not to strain your eyes.
On SmartphoneYou can get a VR-like experience without bothering with Cardboard. Many of the apps noted above also let you view 360-degree videos with just a smartphone. For YouTube on iPhones, this is your only option. Instead of moving the Cardboard, just move the phone left, right, up or down.
You can use a standalone VR headset without a PC or smartphone. Put the wireless glasses on your head and start VR gaming. This makes standalone VR headsets, such as the Oculus Quest, very suitable for traveling.
If you don't have a headset, then your only viewing methods for VR video are either unwrapped (typically in a LatLong, where you can see the entire sphere at once) or "magic window" (where you rotate your smart phone around you, or click and drag on a video to rotate the view.
Unfortunately, your glasses will either fit into the display or not. The good news is that most glasses we tested, both large and small frames, both headsets fit over them just fine. Before you shell out a few hundred bucks for a VR headset measure your glasses to make sure they'll fit inside.
Watch VR180 and 360-degree videos with Cardboard
- Assemble Google Cardboard.
- Open the YouTube app.
- Search for a VR video or go to the YouTube Virtual Reality house channel by searching for "Virtual Reality." Look for this icon to find the right channel .
- Select a VR video.
- To start playback, tap the play button.
- Tap the Cardboard icon .
How to Watch Content from PC or Mac on a Headset:
- Connect your headset to your PC or Mac.
- Next, you will need a video player app. HTC Vive has its app, called the Viveo Video App, which works on both the Vive and Oculus Rift.
- Open the video player app in your headset.
- Find the video and play it.
