As you already know, the best way to play exclusive titles on your VR gaming headset is Steam Compatible VR Headsets, however, if you do not know what exactly you are looking for, a wide choice is not as helpful as you might think.
Steam VR has emerged as the leading VR experience, providing immersive gaming across a wide range of popular titles without going overboard with integration or usage.
Modern VR headsets are now classified as either tethered or standalone. Tethered headsets are physically connected to PCs and include the HTC Vive Pro 2, PlayStation VR, and Valve Index).
Standalone headsets provide the most physical freedom by eliminating all cables and eliminating the need for an external device to handle the processing.
If you want to find out more about steam compatible VR headsets, keep on reading!
- Meta Quest 2 – 256 GB / Top Selling VR Headset
- Oculus Quest 2 – 64 GB (UK Model)
- HTC Vive Pro – STEAM VR 2.0 TRACKING
- Valve Index – Best For Steam VR
5 Best Steam Compatible VR Headsets 2022
1.
Oculus Quest 2
Oculus Quest 2 is our top best steam-compatible VR headset. First off, Oculus Quest 2 is one of the best VR headsets for steam there is and also one of the best affordable options that we found. Many people can attest to that fact. We will briefly highlight its standout features to give you an idea of what you stand to get with Quest 2.
Oculus Quest 2 has a high-resolution display with an output of 1832 x 1920 resolution per eye at 90Hz (many people find the resolution a little low).
Oculus Quest 2 is simple to set up with no need for PC or game consoles, however, you might need to separately purchase an elite strap for better fitting of the headset.
It is equipped with great quality inbuilt audio that also permits connection with external wired headphones for a better audio experience. It also features accurate camera tracking and convenient controllers with intuitive controls that are safe to handle.
Via Virtual Desktop with a solid wireless connection, you can use the VR headset to play games on steam. Alternatively, you can also enjoy playing VR games by plugging the headset into your PC via a regular USB cable.
The headset also requires a connection to Facebook with your VR headset by logging in to your account. This way, you can connect with new friends in the virtual reality community. If you want the best headset for playing virtual reality games on steam, check out Oculus Quest.
2.
HP Reverb G2
HP Reverb G2 is a high-quality VR headset with one of the best visual qualities in recent times. You can conveniently wear the headset with no need for a separate elite strap, as it is easy to adjust for better comfort, especially for long gaming durations.
It does not feature a 3.5mm audio jack, however; it compensates for this with its high-quality built-in audio, which allows it to deliver an unmatched audio experience that is like the Valve Index.
One of the most fascinating features of the HP Reverb G2 is its unmatchable visual quality. It features dual LCDs with an output of 2160 x 2160 resolution per eye at 90Hz.
The VR headset is a brilliant choice for flight and racing games that use the headset as a head-mounted display alongside HOTAs.
You would need great performance controllers for excellent and smooth gaming. However, unlike Oculus Quest 2, the HP Reverb G2 controllers seem to have poor ergonomic features and poor quality tracking. This makes them unsuitable for fast-paced and competitive virtual reality games that require fast-speed tracking.
3.
Valve Index
Valve Index is our next best steam-compatible VR headset. The headset is comfortable to wear with an efficient weight distribution feature. This makes it suitable for prolonged hours of game time. It also features well-fitted straps that are simple to adjust.
It allows for smooth and uninterrupted gaming as it features a 120Hz to 144Hz screen refresh rate. It also has dual LCDs with a resolution of 1440 x 1600 per eye produces sharp and detailed visuals.
Valve index features unique controllers with pushing buttons. You are to attach the controllers to the hand and they feature finger tracking with 87 sensors. This is an incredibly realistic feat for a VR headset as it aids the perfect translation of your real-life hand and finger movement to the virtual world.
It also features high-quality built-in audio for a superb audio experience.
The major standout feature of Valve Index is its improved FOV (field of view) that gives better real-life visuals in virtual reality. It may require you to adjust the lenses placement such that it is adequately close to your pupils before you play your games. This way, you would enjoy your playtime to the fullest.
Valve Index is pricier than most steam-compatible VR Headsets and not everyone can afford it. If you can, we encourage you to go for it.
Also, Valve Index seems to depend on two external base stations for movement tracking. This can be a huge turnoff, as setting it up with wires and locating a higher ground position for the station might be a little stressful when compared to other headsets.
4.
Oculus Rift S
Oculus Rift S is one of the most affordable steam-compatible VR headsets on our list that is compatible with an average specification PC. The headset comes with a single LCD panel with an output of 1280 x 1440 resolution per eye for a good enough visual experience.
Oculus Rift S features an inside-out tracking system that is seamless and fast to set up, unlike external tracking. It also features built-in speakers that allow you to listen to sounds around you while supplying you with spatial audio. Although the sound seems to lack bass, its sound system is still good enough to help you have a decent virtual experience. However, if you want more, there is a provision for a 3.5mm audio jack for you to plug in headphones.
Rift S VR headset is no doubt a great averagely priced headset that is compatible with steam VR. However, there is a possibility that the Rift S headset may be discontinued in 2021.
5.
Oculus Quest
Oculus Quest headset is the original quest that has existed before the Quest 2 VR headset. Alright, people prefer the Oculus Quest 2 headset Oculus Quest is still a hot choice for virtual reality.
Its visual quality seems to be better than Quest 2, as it comes with dual OLED displays (in contrast to the LCD of Quest 2) with an output of 1440 x 1600 resolution per eye at 72Hz. However, its refresh rate is quite lower.
Oculus Quest produces images of popping colors with better edge-to-edge quality in contrast to Oculus Quest 2, which has sharper image quality.
Like Quest 2, Oculus Quest can also play VR games on steam using Virtual desktop or Oculus link. Most people will agree that Quest 2 seems to be a better choice than Oculus Quest. However, it is still a decent pick if that is what you prefer, especially if you get it for a lower price.
Read, Best Laptop For Oculus Quest 2.
FAQs
How can you play Steam VR games on Oculus Quest and Quest 2?
Via Virtual Desktop: You can play Steam VR games with Oculus using the Virtual Desktop app which can be downloaded from the Quest store. After downloading the app, you can use Sidequest to install a patch for the app and you are all set to enjoy steam VR games on your Quest device.
Please note that downloading the Virtual Desktop goes for a price (19.99 dollars).
Using Oculus Link: Another way to play Steam games on Oculus is via an Oculus link. Here is a brief outline of how it works,
Using a good quality USB cable, connect your Quest to your PC and enable the option for Oculus Link via your headset settings.
Launch the steam VR games from your PC to stream its content to your headset.
What VR Headsets work with Steam?
As a guide, we have some of the best options of steam-compatible VR headsets on our list for your perusal. If you are considering a VR headset option that is outside our list, ensure you do your research well enough from trusted sites before purchase.
