Virtual reality (VR) has really taken off over the last few years. Now, several different hardware platforms offer extensive software libraries. At PCMag, we put each new and updated VR headset through its paces to determine how it stacks up against the competition. Here's our process.
Our VR Test Space
We perform most VR testing in a 225-square-foot room that is isolated from the rest of our lab. In addition to giving us the space to test whole-room VR systems, it also means we can swing motion controllers around wildly without knocking over expensive electronics. Another benefit is that other people in the lab can't surreptitiously take pictures and post them online; no one looks cool in a VR headset, after all.
A tall table sits against one wall, at a suitable height for our test PC. A shorter table sits against another wall and provides enough space for a large TV and any game console we want to test. This setup is useful for the PlayStation VR and the upcoming PS VR 2 for the PlayStation 5, plus ensures that we can test any potential Xbox VR systems in the future.
The Hardware We Use to Test VR
For tethered PC-based VR systems, like the HP Reverb G2, HTC Vive Pro 2, and Valve Index, we use VR-ready gaming computers that far exceed the minimum graphical requirements of the headsets. We, of course, pair VR headsets with any relevant game consoles, such as the PS VR with a PlayStation.
We use standalone VR headsets, like the Oculus Quest 2, without any additional equipment. That is, after all, what standalone means: no PC, game system, or smartphone is necessary.
What We Look for During VR Tests
With the space set up and the hardware ready, we put on each new headset and start testing. Because there are so many different factors between VR platforms and most are reliant on other hardware to run, we don't have a formal benchmarking process in place. Instead, we run a variety of VR software and games on each headset and take extensive notes about their performance.
Motion tracking is vital, too. We evaluate how well a VR system tracks movement, including whether the headset and any included controllers offer three degrees of freedom (3DOF) or six degrees of freedom (6DOF). The former is capable only of determining the direction you are facing, though the latter tracks both your orientation and position. At this point, the vast majority of VR systems use 6DOF for both head and controller tracking.
Design and ergonomics are also important factors. Although VR affects different people in different ways, a well-built harness with proper padding and an easy-to-adjust headband can go a long way to make the experience enjoyable. We note if the headset is particularly heavy, if the device puts uncomfortable pressure on parts of the head, and if the face mask forms a good seal against your eyes to block outside light. For motion controllers, we evaluate how naturally they feel in the hand, along with the intuitiveness of the button placement.
VR Software Drives Hardware
Software is another critical factor; different platforms offer different games and experiences. The Oculus platform is currently our favorite because it supports both Oculus-exclusive titles as well as SteamVR. HTC's VivePort is also robust since it's built directly around SteamVR. The Valve Index, of course, runs on the company's SteamVR platform, too.
The PlayStation VR ecosystem is also very well-developed, with lots of compelling titles. And we presume that the PS VR 2 will be backward compatible with any PS VR software because the PlayStation 5 is backward compatible with the PlayStation 4 and already supports the PS VR via an adapter.
Standalone headsets like the Oculus Quest are more limited because they use mobile device hardware that isn't nearly as powerful, but you can still find many compelling experiences for those platforms as well.
If you're interested in setting up VR for yourself, our guide to the top VR headsets explains the difference between the various platforms. And if you want a PC-driven experience, check out our guide to the best laptops for VR. Choose the platform that has the games you want and enjoy your experience in an alternate reality.