Virtual reality has taken the porn industry by storm, so you’ll want an HMD from our curated list of VR headsets. Whether you’re looking to fap virtually on the cheap or prefer immersing yourself with top-of-the-line equipment, there’s something for everyone. As an expert, I’ve been exploring the vast online world of VR to bring you the best ones.
And because I’m a sponge when it comes to learning new things, it’d be shameful if I didn’t share it with all of you. I’ve had the opportunity to try out dozens of different headsets on hundreds of popular porn sites. You can trust me to lead you in the right direction, regardless of what you’re craving. Ready to explore my favorite headsets of 2022?
Pick Up Phone-Powered VR Headsets
Are you new to virtual reality porn and not fully committed to dropping a ton of dough from the start? Your best bet is to check out headsets that run through your smartphone. Since you already have a phone at your disposal, this would be the least expensive option. And if you discover that VR isn’t for you, you’re not breaking the bank in the process.
Grab a Google Cardboard to Start
When Google Cardboard first hit the market in 2014, it was meant to create interest and development in virtual reality. Fifteen million units later, it was easy to see that the population was ready to be exploring the internet virtually. The viewer is a piece of cardboard that you fold into the shape of an HMD with a slot to fit your Android smartphone.
By 2019, user interest in the viewer dropped significantly, and in 2021, Google confirmed that they would discontinue the Cardboard. You can still find them online or in bargain stores that have created their own versions.
Pros:
- Very inexpensive – between $5 and $20.
- Portable – use it anywhere with a phone.
Cons:
- Low-quality experience.
- Some files may be too large to use.
Buy Standalone Oculus VR Headsets
The term “standalone” is precisely what it sounds like. When a headset is standalone, it doesn’t require any additional equipment or wires that tether a user to one spot. This kind of HMD offers a liberating virtual experience that you can enjoy anywhere, so long as the unit is fully charged. It’s a step up from phone-powered devices but still moderately cheap.
Find a Lightly Used Oculus Go Online
Developers waited patiently for an announcement at the 2017 Oculus Connect conference. It would effectively revolutionize how we used virtual reality. The Oculus Go is the first standalone headset developed by Facebook Technologies. It has a 5.5-inch LCD display, is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 chipset, and has a resolution of 1280×1440 per eye.
Like Google Cardboard, these VR headsets were discontinued in 2020, but it’s still widely used despite the loss in support. If you’re new to VR but still want a level of immersion superior to phone-powered HMDs, the Go is the way to, well, go.
Pros:
- Affordable at under $200.
- Requires no wires or extra equipment.
Cons:
- No longer receives support updates.
- Can only be purchased as used now.
Join the Oculus Quest 2 Revolution
The Go isn’t the only standalone Oculus has in its family of devices. The most recent HMD was made available in October 2020 and is the primary reason virtual reality has gained popularity. The Quest 2 is, by far, the most powerful VR headset on the market and has an affordable price point. Personally, it’s my favorite device.
The Quest 2 runs with Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2, explicitly built for VR and augmented reality. It holds a whopping 6GB of RAM, has a resolution of 1832×1920 per eye, and supports running media up to 120Hz. The hardware itself is lighter than the original Quest, but it’s not as robust and has led to hundreds of users complaining about broken hardware.
Pros:
- Only costs between $300 and $400.
- Powerful specs and VR experience.
Cons:
- Must link hardware to a Facebook account.
- The Elite strap is infamous for breaking.
Enter the World of PCVR Headsets
If you’ve been dabbling in virtual reality for a while and are ready to plunge into PCVR, there are some great options! These VR headsets are not standalone and must connect to a powerful gaming computer or laptop. And different from the examples I’ve already mentioned, PCVR is an expensive hobby. But you’ll experience VR unlike anything else you’ve tried.
Hunt Down a New HTC Vive Pro 2
The HTC Vive is one of the big players in PCVR, but like most technology, it has an expiry date. In 2021, Vive fans happily welcomed the Vive Pro 2 and it’s a beautiful specimen of machinery. It offers a resolution of 2448×2448 pixels per eye, refreshes at up to 120Hz, and has a 120-degree field of view. That means those coveted VR orgies are now in your repertoire!
It’s the cost that stops me from calling this my favorite. The actual headset is around $1000, but you need to buy all of the accessories separately, almost doubling the price. The specs are lovely, but they’re built-in more for gaming and not porn watching. You could get away with using something less powerful and less expensive.
Pros:
- Very powerful for more immersive experiences.
- Wide field of view at 120-degrees.
Cons:
- Expensive – starts at $1,850+.
- Must be tethered to a computer.
Choose the Right VR Headset For You
When it comes to virtual reality porn, the headset you choose comes down to your needs. If you’re on a budget, an older Google Cardboard or Oculus Go could be great options, so long as you’re not hellbent on high quality. If you’ve got a gaming PC at home, an HMD from the HTC series or a Valve Index is your top choice from our carefully reviewed list of VR headsets.
I wholeheartedly recommend the Quest 2 for its power and cheap price point. You could even wait for upcoming headset releases like PlayStation VR2, especially if you already have a PlayStation 5 console. Meta is also coming out with Project Cambria, and Apple has been hinting at some groundbreaking VR tech releases in 2022.