In this article, I’ll review my top picks for the best Flight Sim VR headset in 2021, and provide a table to compare their key stats, and useful Buyers Guide / FAQ section.
If you’re a fan of flight simulators like X-Plane 11, DCS World, Aerofly FS2, Ace Combat 7, or Ultrawings, you could increase your immersion greatly with a suitable Virtual Reality (VR) headset.
If you’re in the market, I’ve carefully selected and reviewed the 9 best VR headsets for flight sims.
I’ll make sure to help anyone reading this review article pick out their own best flight sim VR headset.
So, let’s see our Editor’s Picks first!
Best for Mobile Devices
STORM XMEN
If you don’t use a PC for your gaming and want to experience great mobile flight simulators in VR, the STORM XMEN is the ideal headset for you.
Designed to support mobile devices, this VR headset can be used on the go.
See the review section for in-depth tech details and pros & cons!
Most Comfortable Flight Sim VR Headset
Samsung Odyssey
We all know that long sessions with your favorite videogame can get uncomfortable, especially if you use a VR headset.
With the Samsung Odyssey, comfort is prioritized with its lightweight design and super-soft padded headband.
For long flying sessions, the Samsung Odyssey is the best flight sim VR headset for you.
See the review section for in-depth tech details and pros & cons!
Best for Begineers in Flight Sims
HTC Vive Pro
The HTC Vive PRO is an excellent VR headset that comes with a starter kit.
With this package, you get the headset with 2 controllers and 2 Steam VR base stations.
If you’re new to the VR scene, this is the best flight sim VR headset for you.
See the review section for in-depth tech details and pros & cons!
Best for Graphics & Field of View (FOV)
PiMax 5K Plus
If you want to make the most out of flight sims’ amazing graphics, the PiMax 5K Plus is for you.
With an outstanding 5120 x 1440 total resolution backed by OLED technology, and a 200-degree field of view, this amazing headset has the best visuals on the market.
If graphics are a priority to you, the PiMax 5K Plus could be your first choice.
See the review section for in-depth tech details and pros & cons!
Best for Mods and Upgrades
HTC Vive Cosmos
If you seek to upgrade your VR headset, look no further than the HTC Vive Cosmos.
It offers a fully removable and customizable visor, removable face cushioning, and upgradeable modular faceplate that you can tinker with easily.
If you want to mod and upgrade your way to the top, this is your best VR headset for flight simulators.
See the review section for in-depth tech details and pros & cons!
Best for Per-Eye Resolution
HP Reverb
When you want the best resolution on the market, the HP Reverb delivers.
With a never-before-seen 2160×2160 per-eye resolution, you won’t miss a single detail while you soar through the clouds.
If you want to soak in every detail, the HP reverb is the best flight sim VR headset for you.
See the review section for in-depth tech details and pros & cons!
Most Convenient Option
Oculus Quest
If you don’t want to be burdened by wires and complicated installation processes, the Oculus Quest was made for you.
This all-in-one VR system doesn’t need to connect to a PC, making it the most convenient product on the list.
See the review section for in-depth tech details and pros & cons!
Best for Framerate
Valve Index
When it comes to framerate, no VR headset comes close to the Valve Index.
With this headset, you can choose your refresh rate to be anywhere from a minimum 80Hz to an impressive maximum of 144Hz.
See the review section for in-depth tech details and pros & cons!
Best on a Budget
Oculus Rift S
With improved optics design, ergonomic controllers, and headset, along with impeccable Oculus Insight tracking, it’s surprising that this headset comes at such a low price.
If you need to save some money on a high-quality product, the Oculus Rift S is the best flight sim VR headset for you.
See the review section for in-depth tech details and pros & cons!
Fans of flight simulators know how immersive they are.
With stunning graphics, and engaging flight mechanisms that make gameplay realistic and interesting, it’s easy to understand how players can spend hundreds of hours playing these amazing games.
This immersive aspect of flight simulators like X-Plane 11, DCS world, and Ace Combat 7 make them ideal games to play through virtual reality.
If you’re interested in VR, but you’re new to the scene, let’s take a look at the minimum PC requirements to support VR play.
You’ll need a PC with a minimum of 8 GB of RAM, a quad core CPU, a high-level graphics card such as an NVIDIA GTX 1070 equivalent or greater, and your PC must have at least one USB 3.0 port and be running on Windows 10.
Once your setup is ready, the choice of best flight sim VR headset is up to you.
What do you want the most out of your VR experience?
What specific game traits do you want to elevate through VR?
To make your decision even easier, take a look at the comparison table.
See also: Best VR Headsets for X-Plane 11
See also: Best VR Headsets for Skyrim VR
See also: Best VR Headsets for Sim Racing
See also: Best VR Headsets to Watch Movies
See also: Best VR Headsets for VRChat
See also: Best VR Headsets for Steam
See also: Best VR Headsets for Beat Saber
See also: Best Personal Theater Headsets
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Best VR Headsets for Flight Sim in 2021?
Quick Answer:
- HTC Vive PRO | Best for Newcomers
- PiMax 5K Plus | Best Resolution and Field of View
- HTC Vive Cosmos | Best for Mods/Upgrades
- HP Reverb | Best Per-Eye Resolution
- Oculus Quest | Most Convenient
- STORM XMEN | Made for Mobile Devices
- Valve Index | Best Framerate
- Samsung Odyssey + | Most Comfortable
- Oculus Rift S | Best on a Budget
It’s time to delve into those specs that make these VR headsets stand out from the crowd.
Here, you can easily compare the stats of each headset.
Please note that if a headset’s battery life is “N/A”, it means that it must remained directly plugged in to be powered.
With the STORM XMEN headset, the stats are very different from the rest because it’s a smartphone-based headset.
Comparison Table for the Best Flight Sim VR Headset in 2021
| Flight Sim VR Headset | View on Amazon | Resolution (Per-eye) | Field of View (FOV) | Refresh Rate (Framerate) | Audio Setup | Min. CPU RAM | Battery Life |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HTC Vive PRO |
 
|
2880 x 1600 | 110° | 90 Hz | 3D spatial headphones | 4 GB | 2.5 h |
| PiMax 5K Plus |
 
|
2560 x 1440 | 200° | 120 Hz | Not included | 8 GB | N/A |
| HTC Vive Cosmos |
 
|
1400 x 1700 | 110° | 90 Hz | Off-ear stereo | 8 GB | 2 h |
| HP Reverb |
 
|
2160 x 2160 | 110° | 90 Hz | Off-ear stereo | 16 GB | N/A |
| Oculus Quest |
 
|
1440 x 1600 | 90° | 72 Hz | Integrated Positional / Earbuds | 8 GB | 2-3 h |
| STORM XMEN |
 
|
Depends on smartphone | Up to 360° | Depends on smartphone | Not included | N/A | N/A |
| Valve Index |
 
|
1440 x 1600 | 120° | 80 - 144 Hz | Off-ear rich stereo | 8 GB | N/A |
| Samsung Odyssey |
 
|
1440 x 1600 | 110° | 60 - 90 Hz | Built-in AKG Headphones | 8 GB | 4 h |
| Oculus Rift S |
 
|
2560 x 1440 | 115° | 80 Hz | Integrated off-ear audio | 8 GB | 2-3 h |
Best VR Headsets for Flight Sims in 2021
1. HTC Vive PRO | Best Flight Sim VR Headset for Newcomers
If you’re new to the VR scene, the HTC Vive Pro is your best VR headset for flight sims.
This package comes with two controllers and two SteamVR tracking bases.
The controllers are ergonomically designed, making them intuitive and comfortable to use.
The SteamVR tracking bases monitor your movement very accurately, making real-life motion-based gameplay very realistic.
The optimized center or gravity makes your movements feel more grounded and less floaty. You’ll feel like you’re really in the cockpit while you play.
The graphics are amazing with this headset, with a decent 1440 x 1600 per-eye resolution coming together to form a 2880 x 1600 total resolution.
This feature will make your flight sim experience much more immersive. Observe every detail of the beautiful skies and your flight cluster as you soar through the clouds.
To add ocular comfort, this headset is equipped with an industry-standard adjustable inter-pupillary distance (IPD).
This allows you to manually customize the optical axis to prevent motion sickness and headaches.
You’ll experience even more comfort with this headset’s soft and adjustable padded head straps.
No matter your head size or shape, this VR can mold easily to your head.
Additionally, this headset features an expanded faceplate with a large surface area.
This greatly reduces the pressure exerted on your face. You won’t need to worry about the headset leaving marks in your skin after a long flight session.
Overall, this headset has some incredible comfort features. When combined, you can use this headset for hours on end without suffering any kind of discomfort.
This makes the headset ideal for flight simulators, as you don’t want discomfort to break your immersion.
A nice additional feature of this headset is its play area.
With 100m2 of available area, you could use your room as a little virtual world to get lost in.
This is especially beneficial for X Plane 11 players that want to walk around the runway realistically.
With 3D spatial audio, you can fully appreciate the amazing sound design of flight sims. Ace Combat 7, for example, will become much more immersive with virtual surround sound.
With dual microphones built-in, you can easily communicate with your allies with clear sound quality.
This feature combined with 3D surround sound will make in-flight comms feel as lifelike as possible.
About colors, well, you will see them much more vibrant with its AMOLED color matrix.
AMOLED stands for active-matrix organic light-emitting diode. This amazing technology produces light from individual pixels, making colors much more detailed.
This feature is great for this headset because it has a relatively low per-eye resolution compared to other headsets.
With this feature, each pixel is more efficient in how it emits light, giving you a higher level of detail per pixel.
Additionally, with a 90Hz refresh rate, you can enjoy a seamless experience with 90 frames per second.
90 fps is considered to be the minimum ideal framerate, as anything below this could lead to motion sickness.
The one main complaint I have toward this headset is its low field of view.
With only 110-degree of view, you have a pretty limited view of the virtual skies you’re soaring through. For reference, the human eyes have a combined field of view of 180°.
This issue may not be a problem for you, however other users tend to complain about FOVs below 180°.
This could potentially cause motion sickness, however there’s a chance this won’t be an issue for you.
This package is a great deal in my opinion. If you’re new to the VR scene and you need something to get started, the HTC Vive PRO is your best VR headset for flight sims.
Important Features
- Incredible VR package with controllers and Steam VR bases
- 2880 x 1600 total resolution
- Optimal center of gravity
- Adjustable Inter-pupillary distance
- Soft, adjustable padded head strap
- Large surface area faceplate for comfort
- Up to 100m2 play area
- 90Hz refresh rate (FPS)
- 3D spatial audio
- Dual Microphones for convenient comms
- Super-rich colors with AMOLED colors
- Ergonomic controllers
- Excellent Steam VR tracking system
There are also reviews for this headset here:
See also: Best VR Headsets for Skyrim VR
See also: Best VR Headsets for Watching Movies
See also: Best VR Headsets for VRChat
See also: Best VR Headsets for iRacing
Pros
- Package including controllers and tracking system
- 3D surround sound
- High-res AMOLED display
- Comfortable and adjustable head straps
- Expanded faceplate
- Large play area of up to 100m2
- Adjustable IPD
Cons
- Lower end 1440 x 1600 per-eye resolution
- Low FOV of 110° could cause problems
- Average 90Hz refresh rate
2. PiMax 5K Plus | Best Flight Sim VR Headset for Resolution & Field of View
When it comes to graphics, no other headset can compete with the PiMax 5K Plus.
This unique-looking headset boasts the best visual display on the market.
With an amazing resolution of 2560 x 1440 per-eye and 5120 x 1440 total, you can soak in every detail that these amazing flight simulators have to offer.
Get fully immersed in the vivid visuals that these games have to offer.
Additionally, each pixel is backed by a vibrant AMOLED display.
AMOLED is an organic light-emitting diode that adds much more depth and quality to the colors you see.
This VR has the greatest field of view on the market.
With a full 200-degree FOV, you can get the full picture as you cruise the skies.
This feature gives you an advantage in competitive flight sims such as Ace Combat 7 and DCS World.
Having such a large field of view allows you to track virtual enemies more effectively and efficiently.
This is without a doubt the best VR headset for flight sims that involve combat, or those with simply beautiful graphics.
Additionally, the 120Hz refresh rate will optimize your gameplay to be a flawless experience.
This high framerate is pretty rare to come by, so take advantage of this feature while you can.
Complementing this feature is its patented Brain Warp asynchronous reprojection, so rapid head movement will never compromise the visuals of the game.
Textures are re-projected as you move your head to accurately portray the environment.
If you play your flight sims for hours at a time, don’t worry about discomfort. With a very comfortable face pad and head strap, you won’t experience any discomfort for the first couple hours of play.
The ergonomic design won’t leave impressions on your face either.
This headset is designed specifically to be compatible with as many systems and games as possible.
Don’t worry about any compatibility issues, as the PiMax 5K can support any SteamVR or Oculus VR games on the market.
Equipped with a gyroscope and SteamVR motion tracking, your head movements will be mapped perfectly to the display.
This headset is guaranteed to never break your immersion with its incredible design.
Lastly, this headset allows you to manually adjust the inter-pupillary distance to make your VR experience perfect.
No VR headset can top the graphical quality that the PiMax 5K Plus provides.
With the best FOV and second-best resolution along with an amazing framerate, this is truly something to behold.
If graphics are important to you, the PiMax 5K Plus is your best VR headset for flight sim.
Important Features
- Amazing 5120 x 1440 resolution, 2560 x 1440 per-eye
- Astounding 200° field of view
- Impressive 120Hz refresh rate
- Ergonomic face pad and head strap for comfort
- High compatibility with thousands of games
- Highly reduced screen-door effect
- Brain Warp maintain smooth framerates
- Vivid AMOLED display
- Manual inter-pupillary distance adjustment
- Ultra-lightweight composition
- Steam VR tracking with gyroscope for accurate tracking
There are also reviews for this headset here:
See also: Best VR Headsets for X-Plane 11
See also: Best VR Headsets for Elite Dangerous
See also: Best VR Headsets for iRacing
Pros
- Amazing resolution
- Incredible field of view
- Brain Warp async reprojection
- Impressive framerate
- High compatibility
- OLED display
- Lightweight and ergonomic design
Cons
- No sound setup, must use external headphones
- Bulky and numerous cables
- Demanding on PC RAM
3. HTC Vive Cosmos | Best Flight Sim VR Headset for Mods/Upgrades
If you’re well-versed in the technology of virtual reality, and you know how to upgrade VR headsets, the HTC Vive Cosmos should capture your interest.
This headset is one of the only high-end VR headsets with fully customizable components.
The first unique feature you get with this headset is its customizable visor.
You can remove the front visor easily and customize it in any way you want.
Additionally, you could use compatible accessories to optimize your VR experience.
Behind the visor, there’s an upgradeable modular faceplate.
You can swap and upgrade the components of the hardware at will. If you find a component that will make this headset better for VR flight sims, you can easily upgrade the headset with custom parts.
There’s also Velcro-connected face cushioning that can also be removed and customized.
Removability makes these cushions easy to clean. If you have superior cushions that are compatible, you can use them for this headset.
No other high-end VR headset is this customizable.
You can change just about anything from the faceplate hardware to the internal cushioning and the visor. A truly unique feature that you won’t come across often.
Aside from its customizability, this headset has some great features.
It has 6 tracking cameras that ensure your actions are accurately tracked. Your immersion will never be broken with this amazing headset.
What’s really special about this headset is its unique user interface (UI).
The UI itself is incredibly immersive. It puts you in a virtual world you can explore with a floating circular interface with which you can choose the game you want to play.
Through this user interface, you can also adjust certain settings. You can adjust the IPD, calibrate the motion tracking, and many more.
This all-in-one UI is very convenient as it balances utility and immersion.
With its soft foam cushioning around the face, comfort is maximized while sweat and face markings are minimized during prolonged usage of the headset.
Additionally, the comfortable Halo-style head strap grips your head effectively without causing discomfort.
Lastly, this headset’s audio setup is unique.
With an integrated off-ear audio system, your ears won’t get hot or uncomfortable while you play.
These contactless headphones offer full surround-sound, so your immersion is further guaranteed.
My only concerns with this headset are its lower resolution and poor field of view.
The resolution is only 1400 x 1700 per eye, amounting to 2800 x 1700 total. This isn’t the worst resolution, however it’s not even close to the best.
Additionally, the field of view is severely limited, at only 110 degrees.
This might be a problem if you’re especially prone to motion sickness, as you’ll need to turn your head more often; being 70° more acute than our natural field of view.
This is a truly unique VR headset that’s fully customizable and upgradable while boasting a variety of great features.
If you aim to get creative with your VR upgrades, the HTC Vive Cosmos is the best flight sim VR headset for you.
Important Features
- Removable and customizable visor
- Upgradeable modular faceplate
- Removable cushioning for further customization
- 6 Tracking cameras for accurate motion capture
- Vive Reality System user interface
- 90Hz refresh rate
- Integrated off-ear audio
- UI-based IPD
- Soft foam cushions
- Comfortable Halo-style head strap
There are also reviews for this headset here:
See also: Best VR Headsets for X-Plane 11
See also: Best VR Headsets for Skyrim VR
See also: Best VR Headsets for Elite Dangerous
See also: Best VR Headsets for Sim Racing
See also: Best VR Headsets for iRacing
Pros
- Fully upgradable and customizable
- Comfy face cushioning and halo-style headband
- Intuitive and fun to use UI
- Well-designed integrated off-ear headphones
- Superior 6-camera motion tracking
Cons
- Low-end resolution, 1400 x 1700 per eye
- Minimal field of view at 110°
- Controllers are not very intuitive/ergonomic
4. HP Reverb | Best Flight Sim VR Headset for Per-Eye Resolution
As the VR headset with the best resolution, the HP Reverb is truly an amazing device.
Aside from its amazing graphical capabilities, the Reverb is also equipped with an incredible sound system, and optimized comfort features.
Let’s start with the elephant in the room, the resolution.
With an amazing 2160 x 2160 per-eye resolution combining for a total 4320 x 2160 resolution, you won’t miss a single detail of the cockpit or the beauty of the skies through which you soar.
This headset is also the king of comfort.
With its lightweight design, you’ll hardly feel anything on your head as you play for extended periods of time.
The faceplate is a removable leather mold that’s very comfortable. It’s also easy to clean as you can remove it for wipe downs.
However, you won’t need to worry about cleaning the faceplate very often.
This is thanks to the built-in ventilation system that runs from the visor to the faceplate of the head-mounted display.
This will keep your head cool and free from sweat even during the most intense of aerial dogfights.
Additionally, this headset uses a unique off-ear audio system.
It’s a surround-sound stereo set of speakers that rests a few inches away from the ear. There’s mixed reviews about the sound quality, however its design ensures your ears remain comfy.
The speakers are also fully adjustable. This combined with the adjustable head straps make this headset able to accommodate heads of many shapes and sizes.
You’ll never need to worry about this headset not fitting correctly.
The advanced display is designed to reduce the screen-door effect as much as possible, which can be quite problematic and cause motion sickness.
Additionally, the display is asymmetrical which increases the field of view slightly, which is a nice feature.
Lastly, the dual microphone design is built-in to the headset. This makes team communication or recording your audio very easy and independent from needing an external microphone.
Important Features
- Undisputed champion of resolution, with 2160 x 2160 per-eye resolution
- 90Hz refresh rate
- Lightweight design
- Ergonomic faceplate and controllers
- Comfortable leather faceplate
- Asymmetrical circular lenses increase field of view
- Greatly reduced screen-door effect
- Innovative off-ear stereo sound, fully adjustable
- Built-in ventilation to prevent overheating and discomfort
- Dual microphones for easy communications
There are also reviews for this headset here:
See also: Best VR Headsets for X-Plane 11
See also: Best VR Headsets for Elite Dangerous
Pros
- Amazing resolution
- Contactless off-ear headphones
- Reduced screen door effect
- Very comfortable faceplate
- Built-in ventilation
Cons
- Sound quality is variable
- Poor field of view at 110°
5. Oculus Quest | Most Convenient Flight Sim VR Headset
If you want a VR experience that’s simple to set up and you can take on the go, the Oculus Quest is an ideal pick for you.
It’s an all-in-one design which can support up to 64GB worth of games without any external hardware. This is impressive considering its size.
All you need to do is configure the headset, calibrate the tracking system, and set up your play space, and you’re ready to go.
This headset is easy to set up and doesn’t need annoying, bulky wires that you could accidentally unplug while playing.
The Oculus Guardian system is an innovative feature that maintains your safety while you play.
After scanning the environment and making your play space, oculus guardian uses haptics and visuals to ensure that you don’t leave the play space.
This unique feature ensures that you don’t wander out of the safe area you set for yourself, and trip on something in the environment.
It’s a great touch that keeps you safe while you stay immersed.
The positional audio feature is very unique.
Small slits integrated into the headband emit audio effectively. You can experience good sound quality while nothing touches your ears.
With the amazing Oculus Insight tracking, your movements will always be accurately tracked in-game. No matter which way your facing or what physical position you’re in.
This means you can play standing up, sitting, or even laying down.
What’s great about this product isn’t only the simple setup, but the overall flexibility you have when using this.
You don’t need to hook up to a PC when you play with this headset.
You get accurate tracking no matter what position you’re in, and you can play safely in your designated space.
If you want to play your PC games with this headset, you’re covered.
The Oculus Link accessory gives you the option of running PC games on the headset. Just another feature that makes this headset so flexible.
If you need to keep a low profile while you play, this bundle has something for you.
The Oculus Quest comes with in-ear headphones. The sound quality is quite good, and only you can hear what you’re playing.
I personally think that this headset is incredibly optimized for flight simulators.
Thanks to its wireless and omnidirectional design, you could be in a virtual cockpit from any position, even while riding in an airplane.
This whole bundle comes in a nice and compact travel kit. It’s hard to believe that such an amazing piece of hardware is so compact.
And you don’t need to worry about annoying wires or a lengthy setup process with your PC.
However, my gripes with this headset are first its graphical limitations. If graphics are important to you, this headset isn’t for you.
Also, the per-eye resolution is relatively poor, coming in at only 1440 x 1600. Additionally, the refresh rate is low, at only 72Hz. Lastly, the field of view is very poor, at only 90 degrees.
Overall, if you want the most convenient product on the market, the Oculus Quest is without a doubt the best flight sim VR headset for you.
Important Features
- Wireless setup
- No PC required
- Oculus Guardian allows safe play area
- Unique positional audio system built in
- Superior Oculus Insight movement tracking
- Excellent Oculus Touch controllers
- Oculus Link accessory allows PC compatibility
- Comes with in-ear headphones
- Comes with travel case
There are also reviews for this headset here:
See also: Best VR Headsets for VRChat
See also: Best VR Headsets for Beat Saber
See also: Best Personal Theater Headsets
See also: Best VR Headsets for Watching Movies
Pros
- Compact and efficient
- Very simple setup and no PC required
- Comes with headphones and travel kit
- Wireless experience
- Well-designed ergonomic controllers
Cons
- Sound quality is variable
- Very low per-eye resolution, at 1440 x 1600
- Poor refresh rate at 72 Hz
- Poor field of view
6. STORM XMEN | Flight Sim VR Headset Made for Mobile Devices
This headset is not like the others on the list. If you don’t play PC games and you only play on your smartphone, this one is for you.
If you’re a PC gamer, move on because this headset cannot support PC games of any kind.
There are many flight simulators on the App Store and Google Play Store. If you’re one of the millions of people who play mobile games, and you want to bring your immersion to the next level, this headset is for you.
This headset is very easy to set up.
All you need to do is prepare your smartphone, open the visor, and place your phone in. Nothing else is required because there’s not many technical aspects for this headset.
Once your phone is in, the outward-facing ventilation system keeps your phone cool while you play.
This is a great feature because all mobile gamers know how hot their phone can get when playing a detailed game.
Additionally, this headset’s faceplate is a soft leather pad with pores that can circulate fresh air to your face while you play.
You’re guaranteed not to overheat while you play with this headset.
Adjusting the IPD is very simple here. It’s a manual mechanical switch that’s very easy to use.
This headset is among the most lightweight on the market, so you should barely feel anything on your head while you play.
Additionally, it is compatible with a wide variety of differently-sized smartphones.
Any smartphone with a screen within the range of 3.5-5.5 inches is supported by this headset.
While this is the most technologically simple headset on the list, it’s perfectly designed for mobile users.
If you play them exclusively on your smartphone, the STORM XMEN is the best flight sim VR headset for you.
Important Features
- Optimized for mobile phones
- Outward ventilation keeps your face and your phone cool
- Leather faceplate with breathable padding
- Simply external switch to adjust IPD
- Very lightweight and comfortable
- Compatible with a wide variety of smartphones
- Very simple setup
- Up to 360° of viewing angle
Pros
- Lightweight
- Up to 360° viewing angle
- Comfortable face plate
- Built-in ventilation keeps phone cool
Cons
- No PC compatibility
- Doesn’t enhance phone’s graphics capabilities
7. Valve Index | Best Headset for Framerate
The Valve Index has the best refresh rate out of any VR headset in the market today.
The best part about it is that you can choose your framerate.
If you want to be fully immersed in a flight simulator game, the Valve Index is the best pick for you.
With a refresh rate ranging from 80 to 144 Hz, the framerate can be customized to maximize your comfort.
No matter your framerate preference, the Valve Index has the ideal setting for you.
There’s no VR headset that can top a 144Hz refresh rate.
With this setting, you can have a seamlessly immersive experience while comfortably flying above the clouds in your favorite flight simulator.
Whether you’re relaxing at cruising altitude, or in the heat of the most intense aerial combat, you can expect a smooth framerate.
Thanks to the Index’s incredibly low persistence, the illumination period of images ranges between an optimal 0.330 ms to 0.530 ms.
This means that images remain rendered and strikingly detailed even while your head is in motion.
This feature is very useful for the more chaotic moments that some flight simulators have to offer.
It offers a tactical advantage in combat and ensures that you don’t get disoriented and suffer from motion sickness.
The inter-pupillary distance can be managed with ease via a manual dial. Yet other feature that prevents motion sickness and discomfort.
The Valve Index also features canted optics.
Instead of the display being exactly perpendicular to your eyes, the screens jut out at an angle of 5 degrees.
This makes the 120-degree field of view feels more lifelike and balances the inner FOV.
This headset has the most unique sound system I’ve ever seen.
It is equipped with two off-ear audio speakers that are fully adjustable and are comprised of a honeycomb panel.
This intriguing design makes you feel as though the sounds coming from the game truly originate from your environment instead of coming from headphones.
When it comes to comfort, the benefit of contact-free headphones is that your ears will never experience discomfort.
All gamers know how uncomfortable over-ear headphones can be when worn for long periods of time.
This headset is equipped with many features that ensure the comfort of your eyes, however there are many features that keep your head comfortable as well.
Almost every physical feature of this headset can be adjusted to be as comfortable as possible.
The head straps can be adjusted freely, and the face pad can be easily removed, cleaned, and replaced.
The faceplate in particular is very well designed. It’s ergonomic and connected to the display by several magnets. This makes it very easy to remove and return as it snaps into place.
If you want to experience perfect gameplay with a very comfortable headset, the Valve Index is your best VR headset for flight sims.
Important Features
- Amazing refresh rate range of 80-144Hz
- Manual adjustable IPD
- Innovative honeycomb off-ear speakers
- Fully adjustable faceplate and head straps
- Soft and comfortable antimicrobial fabric
- Canted Optics increase and improve FOV
- Low persistence technology
- Sharp resolution of 1440 x 1600 per eye
- Adequate 120-degree field of view
There are also reviews for this headset here:
See also: Best VR Headsets for Elite Dangerous
See also: Best VR Headsets for X-Plane 11
See also: Best VR Headsets for Skyrim VR
See also: Best VR Headsets for Sim Racing
See also: Best VR Headsets for iRacing
See also: Best VR Headsets for Steam
See also: Best VR Headsets for Beat Saber
See also: Best Personal Theater Headsets
Pros
- The best framerate on the market
- High-quality off-ear audio
- Canted optics for enhanced realism
- Adjustable IPD
- Fully adjustable faceplate, speakers, and head straps
Cons
- Lower-end field of view
- Sound quality can be compromised in some scenarios
- Passable resolution at best
8. Samsung Odyssey | Most Comfortable Flight Sim VR Headset
Flight sim players who’ve invested hundreds of hours into their favorite games know that comfort is paramount for having an enjoyable experience in the virtual skies.
If comfort is your priority, the Samsung Odyssey is for you.
What’s special about this headset is that comfort was the top priority of its designers.
The completely ergonomic head-mounted display along with its revolutionary strap system will make you forget you’re wearing this headset hours into gameplay.
The Odyssey discards the old method of head straps that go directly above your head.
This headset ergonomically wraps around your head from front to back. The straps are reinforced with soft padding that maximize comfort.
This type of headband is unlike anything I’ve ever seen. Instead of weighing directly down on your head, this headset distributes its weight equally and wraps around your head.
Users and reviewers have reported that they often forget they’re wearing it.
Complementing the ergonomic design of the headband, this headset is equipped with an ultra-comfortable face pad that’s designed to reduce sweat and not leave a mark on your face after use.
The Odyssey can be used by battery as well. It has an exceptionally long battery life at 4 hours.
Most VR headsets only operate for about 2 hours at a time, so this is pretty impressive.
With its vibrant AMOLED display, this VR headset has incredible color quality and well-defined contrast. This color system is incredible for being immersed in the details of intricate cockpits and beautiful skies.
When it comes to comfort, the Samsung Odyssey is number ONE.
If you plan on playing your favorite flight simulator game for hours at a time, the Samsung Odyssey is the best flight sim VR headset for you.
Important Features
- Uniquely comfortable padded headband
- Comfortable facial padding
- Long battery life of 4 hours
- Vibrant AMOLED display
- Sharp 1440 x 1600 resolution
- High color contrast
- AKG headphones deliver spatial sound
- Super lightweight
There are also reviews for this headset here:
See also: Best VR Headsets for Skyrim VR
See also: Best VR Headsets for Sim Racing
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See also: Best VR Headsets for VRChat
See also: Best VR Headsets for Beat Saber
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Pros
- Extreme comfort
- Unique headband design
- AMOLED colors
- Super lightweight
- High contrast visuals
Cons
- Lower-end resolution
- Lower-end field of view
9. Oculus Rift S | Best Budget Optiont
If you’re on a tight budget but you really want a VR headset, the Oculus Rift S is the best for you.
Oculus only charges about $399 for this amazing headset, an unusually low price in the VR market.
One stand-out feature this headset has is its improved optic design.
This updated design appreciably reduces the annoying and nauseating screen-door effect which can break immersion greatly.
As with most Oculus Rift products, the S model is equipped with the Oculus Insight tracking system.
This system uses a total of 5 internal and external cameras to track your inputs and movements as accurately as possible.
By combining data from the headset’s and controllers’ built-in accelerometers, you can always rely on this product to accurately track your inputs and provide impeccable feedback.
This feature is especially made for flight simulators, as your inputs must be exact and precise in order to pilot your virtual plane correctly.
What’s great about this headset is its asynchronous reprojection.
This feature automatically maps textures in high detail. It does this even when the player’s head movement is so erratic that the GPU can’t keep up.
This allows you to enjoy your favorite flight sim’s graphics in full detail even during the most chaotic of moments in the sky.
Lastly, this product boasts an extremely impressive 2560 x 1440 per-eye resolution. This is very impressive considering the headset’s low price point.
You can also adjust the inter-pupillary distance easily to eliminate motion sickness.
This is an overall great product for a great price. If you need a deal on a quality headset, the Oculus Rift S is the best flight sim VR headset for you.
Important Features
- Improved optics eliminate screen-door effect
- Ergonomic headset and controllers
- Dazzling 2560 x 1440 per-eye resolution
- Amazing Asynchronous Reprojection
- Adjustable IPD
- Integrated audio speakers
- Intuitive controllers
- Comfortable headband
- Flawless Oculus Insight movement tracking
- Low price
There are also reviews for this headset here:
See also: Best VR Headsets for X-Plane 11
See also: Best VR Headsets for Elite Dangerous
See also: Best VR Headsets for Skyrim VR
See also: Best VR Headsets for Sim Racing
See also: Best VR Headsets for iRacing
See also: Best VR Headsets to Watch Movies
See also: Best VR Headsets for VRChat
See also: Best VR Headsets for Steam
See also: Best VR Headsets for Beat Saber
Pros
- Great price
- Impressive resolution
- Impeccable motion tracking
- Async reprojection
- Comfortable and intuitive design
Cons
- Low FOV
- Low refresh rate
Best Flight Sim VR Headset — Buyers Guide
At this point, I’ve covered a lot of information about these amazing VR products.
Now it’s time to turn to you, the buyer, and answer some of your most frequently asked questions.
Let’s see what the community wants to know.
I’m new to flight sims; Should I invest in a VR headset?
If you’re new to playing flight simulator games, there’s no better time to invest in a VR headset.
Experiencing a game or genre is the most immersive when you’re new to the scene.
Using VR for the first time while playing an exceptionally immersive game genre for the first time is probably the best way to experience the game.
Using a VR headset in your early stage of experience will no doubt makes your favorite flight sim game an unforgettable experience.
If there’s any game genre to invest in VR for, flight simulators are without a doubt the best one.
If you’re asking this question too, I highly recommend the HTC Vive PRO.
It’s very user friendly and comes in a package with many great features that will enhance your early VR experiences.
Can my PC handle a VR headset for flight sim VR?
While VR headsets are amazing tools for experiencing games, they’re quite demanding and complex devices, so you’ll need a power PC to support them.
If your PC can support flight simulators, however, it’s safe to assume that your PC can do VR.
If, however, you’re not sure if your PC can cut it, these are the recommended stats for running a VR headset:
- Graphics card: NVIDIA GTX 1060/ AMD Radeon RX 480 or better
- CPU: Quad Core Intel i5-4590 equivalent or better
- Memory: A minimum of 8GB random access memory (RAM)
- OS: Windows 10
- USB Port: At least one USB 3.0 port
If your PC’s hardware is greater than or equal to these specifications, you should have no issues using VR to enhance your flight sim experience.
Most headsets can settle with 8GB of RAM, while others such as the PiMax 5K Plus and the HP Reverb require a minimum of 16GB.
Keep this in mind when shopping for a headset.
There’s nothing more disappointing than finding out your PC and headset aren’t compatible.
If you’re not sure whether or not your PC can handle a headset, or if you’re not too confident about your PC, I recommend the HTC Vive PRO. This headset only requires 4GB of RAM to work.
Unfortunately, graphics capabilities are non-negotiable. Your PC MUST comply to the graphical specs required by these headsets, or crashing, framerate loss, and general unplayability will ensue.
Why should I care about comfort when using flight sims in VR?
As flight sim players know, it’s common to spend several hours at a time fully immersed in these engaging while relaxing games, with the exception Ace Combat 7 on the relaxation.
Additionally, everyone who spends a lot of time on their PC knows that over-ear headphones grow very uncomfortable over time.
This is why it’s important to use comfortable equipment while you play. There’s no worse immersion breaker than headphones that make your ears numb.
VR headsets could potentially become very uncomfortable during long sessions.
Most headsets are designed to be as comfortable as possible, and the two most comfortable ones on this list are the Samsung Odyssey and the HP Reverb.
Both of these headsets are fitted with the most comfortable padding on the market.
HP Reverb offers built-in ventilation, and the Samsung Odyssey features a unique headband design.
If comfort is your main concern, these two are the best flight sim VR headsets for you.
What’s the best flight sim VR headset on a budget?
If you’re on a tight budget and need to save some money on your VR headset, I highly recommend the Oculus Rift S.
Oculus’ price for this amazing piece of hardware is around $399.
What makes this such a good deal is how high the quality of this headset is.
This headset is well-equipped to significantly enhance your flight sim experience.
With an amazing resolution among other great features, this headset is a great deal.
Price isn’t an issue. Which headset makes flight sims the most realistic?
If you’re not limited by your budget, I recommend both the PiMax 5K Plus and the Valve Index.
Both of these VR headsets are well worth their cost, as they feature some of the most cutting-edge visual technology on the market.
The Valve Index is unique with its variable refresh rate, allowing you to choose any refresh rate between the minimum 80Hz and maximum 144Hz. This is an amazing feature, truly unique to the Valve Index.
PiMax 5K Plus has one of the best resolutions in the industry, with 2560 x 1440 pixels per eye.
This amazing resolution is complimented by its industry-leading 200° field of view, allowing you to soak in every detail from an ultra-wide perspective.
If graphics are the most important factor for you, and you’re willing to spend some cash, these two are the best flight sim VR headsets for you.
Best Flight Sim VR Headset — Conclusion
Well, if you’ve read this far, well done! You’re now well-equipped with knowledge about the best VR headsets for flight simulators.
No matter if you’re a complete beginner to flight sims, or a seasoned veteran pilot, there’s no wrong time to maximize your immersion with a VR headset.
We’ve gone through my top picks, compared the key stats, and responded to your most frequent questions.
Now it’s up to you to determine which headset suits your needs best.
Which of these amazing VR headsets will improve your flight sim immersion?
No matter which headset you choose, thank you for reading today, and good luck on your future flights!
