Having been born five-hundred years late for medieval combat, I now blissfully live out my dreams of being a knight with the best VR headset for Steam.
From the comfort of my own living room, all trials of knighthood become a daily routine with epic sword fights, mounted cavalry charges, and daring heroic quests, save for the possibility of a messy amputation or contracting the bubonic plague.
Luckily, with the best SteamVR compatible headsets, anyone can partake in this new wonder.
Whatever your fantasy may be, by the end of this article, I will make clear the best Steam compatible VR headsets available to see it into fruition.
Scanning this bite-sized article, you will have a firm grasp on the various tech specs, price ranges, Pros & Cons, and overall gaming experiences that accompany each of the following VR headsets.
Also, I will provide an actionable Buyers Guide including a unique FAQ section to help you make an informed buying decision.
Truly, there is a machine out there for you!
So, allow me to take off my virtual armor and escort you through this new labyrinth with a thorough buyer’s guide. Happy gaming!
Best VR headset for Steam (Best gaming immersion)
Valve Index
As the most expensive product on my list, the Valve Index lives up to the price as it provides the ultimate VR experience.
Remarkably, the controllers themselves are even light years ahead of other competitors, with 87 sensors to pinpoint your hand and finger positions while accounting for the pressure at which each button is pressed.
Best VR headset for Steam on a budget
Oculus Rift S
While providing a great experience at a low cost, this product does require a gaming laptop or competitive computer set-up to run games.
So, if you have the ability to run high quality gaming content on a computer, this headset is a match made in heaven.
Best VR headset for Steam (Most comfortable)
Dell Visor
The Dell Visor is marginally more expensive than some of the other budget brands but more than makes up for this price increase with its super easy setup and user-friendly software.
Best VR headset for Steam that includes all accessories
Oculus Rift S
The Oculus Rift S has the ability to run every game you could want to play, allowing you to become completely immersed in a VR world at a moment’s notice.
Best VR headset for Steam (ease of use)
HTC VIVE SteamVR
The main difference between the HTC Vive and the Valve Index is in how they track.
While the Valve incorporates state of the art laser tracking that can follow your movements up to a 10ft x 10ft space, the Vive has more standard dual camera lens tracking.
Best SteamVR headset for DIY customization
Pimax 5k
With an impressive hardware setup, the Pimax 5k has the potential to give one of the best virtual experiences for its price range, given you’re up for a bit of tinkering.
This VR machine is better than many of its similar price-range competitors.
Best VR headset for Steam for longevity
Valve Index
Although certainty on the pricier side, the Valve Index lives up to the hype and currently provides the best hardware available for the ultimate gaming experience.
Best accessibility to Steam platform
Razer OSVR HDK
Unveiled back in 2016, the Razer OSVR HDK 2 nonetheless stays up to date on its software thanks to its open platform design.
Put simply, this headset is definitely for the tech enthusiasts and tinkers
With over twenty-two Steam compatible VR headsets, the task of finding the right one can certainty become cumbersome, especially with prices ranging from $300 up to $1000.
Can I skate by with a lower-end model?
How different can each gaming VR headset be?
These questions become prominent after many hours of painstakingly scouring the internet.
After all, what is the difference between 4k and 8k resolution?
Can our eyes even tell?
I will answer all these questions and more in the detailed product review section below.
I have condensed the list of 22 potential products into just six that cover all the main “styles” currently available on the market.
Further, I have subdivided the six products into two categories: Three belonging to the higher end price range and three being of a more affordable nature.
Along with price, I will cover what the resolution, field of vision, and rendering speed are for each product.
I have also found that some of the headsets have certain “quirks” about them that separate the product from the rest of the pack.
These can include anything from physical design to software so I have chosen to highlight a few that contain such elements.
While looking over this guide, remember that I have specifically picked SteamVR compatible headsets, so as you browse this list remember:
you can’t go wrong with any of these choices!
And Why not using a clip on fitness tracker to track your activities during the game! So, I suggest reading our recent article on this!
BTW, you may also want to see our recent articles on best VR headsets for VRChat, Beat Saber, and watching movies!
See also: Best Personal Theater Headset in 2020
See also: Best Flight Sim VR Headsets
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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 Elite Dangerous
See also: Best Roblox VR Headsets
See also: Best VR Headsets for Unity
See also: Best Subnautica VR Headsets
See also: Best Boneworks VR Headsets
What is the Best VR Headset for Steam in 2020?
Quick Answer:
- Valve Index | Best OVERALL SteamVR Compatible Headset
- Oculus Rift S | Best Budget SteamVR Compatible Headset
- HTC VIVE | Best SteamVR Compatible Headset for Usability
- Dell Visor | Most Comfortable SteamVR Compatible Headset
- Pimax 4K | Best SteamVR Compatible Headset for DIY customization
- Razer OSVR HDK 2 | Best Accessibility to Steam Platform
Comparison Table for the Best VR Headset for Steam
| SteamVR Headset | View on Amazon | Tracker Specifications | Resolution | Refresh Rate | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Valve Index |
 
|
Support for SteamVR BS1.0 and BS2.0 | 1400 x 1600 (per eye) | 120 Hz | ||
| Oculus Rift S |
 
|
Support for SteamVR BS1.0 and BS2.0 | 1280 x 1440 (per eye) | 80 Hz | ||
| HTC Vive |
 
|
Support for SteamVR BS1.0 and BS2.0 | 1080 x 1200 (one eye) | 90 Hz | ||
| Dell Visor |
 
|
Support for SteamVR BS1.0 and BS2.0 | 1440 x 1440 (per eye) | 90 Hz | ||
| Pimax 5K |
 
|
Support for SteamVR BS1.0 and BS2.0 | 1920 x 2160 (per eye) | 60 Hz | ||
| Razer OSVR HDK 2 |
 
|
Support for SteamVR BS1.0 and BS2.0 | 2160 x 1200 (per eye) | 90 Hz | ||
Best VR Headset for Steam in 2020
1. Valve Index | Best Overall SteamVR Compatible Headset
As the most expensive product on this list, the Valve Index lives up to the price as it provides the ultimate VR experience.
Remarkably, the controllers themselves are even light years ahead of other competitors, with 87 sensors to pinpoint your hand and finger positions while accounting for the pressure at which each button is pressed.
However, you should be warned: this headset is not even the largest expense as it requires a beefy gaming computer to run its advanced hardware.
Regardless, if you have the means, this advanced hardware gives you an unmatched experience, boasting a 120 Hz refresh with the ability to eliminate the “screen door effect” that plagues so many other VR headsets.
Although certainty on the pricier side, the Valve Index lives up to the hype and currently provides the best hardware available for the ultimate gaming experience.
I definitely consider this as the best VR headset for Steam.
Tech Specs
Delivering on its promise as the ultimate gaming experience, the Valve Index provides the best hardware money can buy.
Utilizing twin laser beacons, the headset tracks your positioning with pinpoint accuracy and affords the ability to add two more beacons and expand the range to a vast 10m x 10m.
As you move around the room to explore the VR world, you will immediately notice the stunning resolution with 1440 x 1600 pixels per eye, largely outmatching the Oculus Rift or HTC Vive. The resolution is further enhanced by a blindingly fast refresh rate of 120 Hz.
Unlike previous products on this list than incorporate high end hardware but fail to execute the interface, the Valve Index is very user friendly and leaves enough room for the more tech savvy to customize parts of the product.
The audio piece is a speaker that doesn’t actually come into contact with your ear, instead sitting just outside of the lobe and playing sound into the ear.
While this is comfortable, it can be annoying to have everyone around you listen in on what you are doing.
All of these features sit nicely within the headset, although some have complained that the product is a little on the bulky side.
The Valve Index is very comfortable to wear with a helmet like design that uses support from the dome of your head rather than a few straps.
Features and Benefits
The ability to provide a user-friendly product with the ultimate VR experience makes the Valve Index superior to many of its competitors, save for the increased price.
Pros
- Very well-made with high quality gaming experience
- User friendly while allowing the tech savvy the ability to customize and experiment with different parts
Cons
- Very expensive
- First generation so user might want to wait for a later generation that improves/expands on this current design
2. Oculus Rift S | Best Budget SteamVR Compatible Headset
If you’re looking to get the biggest bang for your buck, I would strongly recommend the Oculus Rift S.
In an article for Laptop magazine, Rami Tabari explains that “At a relatively cheap $399, it sports an ergonomic design and a sharp display, and it offers a bountiful amount of games.”
While providing a great experience at a low cost, this product does require a gaming laptop or competitive computer set-up to run games.
So, if you have the ability to run high quality gaming content on a computer, this headset is a match made in heaven.
The Oculus Rift S has the ability to run every game you could want to play, allowing you to become completely immersed in a VR world at a moment’s notice.
The only potential pitfall is the oversimplified interface which lacks a lot of customization.
With its super easy interface and availability to first-time users, this headset is definitely not catering toward the crowd of tech people who want to take their VR apart and change the hardware.
Tech Specs
Considered by many to be the best VR headset for Steam, this product doubles as a great introduction to VR, with jaw-dropping capabilities at a low price.
Dual lenses provide a smooth resolution at 2560 x 1440, allowing the the user to become fully immersed in the world of VR.
The Oculus further delivers with a refresh rate of 80 Hz, greatly enhancing the aforementioned resolution.
These visuals pair perfectly with the seamless ease of a first-time set-up.
First, you will be asked to touch the floor so that the headset can determine your height.
Next, you will use a virtual brush to paint the outline of your room, allowing the machine to go transparent should you get too close to any obstacles in the room.
The setup is super simple and easy to figure out for first-time VR users.
Along with the great hardware and immersive interface, the Oculus Rift S provides a comfortable experience with a design that is lighter than many other products.
As a well-rounded product, the Oculus also includes well-made integrated audio speakers.
One other thing to note, the Oculus Rift S has some of the best controllers for VR, allowing you to have independence between your thumb and index fingers while controlling the sensitive pads and joy stick.
Features and Benefits
The Oculus’ main draw is its user friendliness.
Providing a great experience at a low cost, the Oculus Rift S is designed for a first-time user as it can run all the game you could want without any dense tech knowledge needed for customization.
Pros
- Great overall experience at a low cost
- Super easy to set-up and use
Cons
- Requires a computer that can already run the titles you want to play
- Limited storage on the device
3. HTC Vive | Best SteamVR Compatible Headset for Usability
The main difference between the HTC Vive and the Valve Index is in how they track.
While the Valve incorporates state of the art laser tracking that can follow your movements up to a 10ft x 10ft space, the Vive has more standard dual camera lens tracking.
That is not to say that the HTC Vive underperforms in anyway.
In fact, at its current price of about $499, the Vive is actually one of the most competitive headsets on this list, offering a gaming performance that can compete with competition priced much higher.
Perhaps what truly separates this VR headset from the rest of the pack is its extreme appeal to the gaming world, with 49% of companies claiming they are making games for HTC Vive’s current hardware.
This makes the HTV an investment for the long-run as new games are sure to be released and optimized on the HTC Vive.
As with the Valve, the Vive does require a high-end GPU, meaning you’ll need an expensive gaming laptop or computer setup to run the headset at it’s maximum potential.
However, at almost have the price of its competitor, Valve Index, the HTC Vive delivers an exceptional performance worthy of consideration by any hardcore gamer.
Tech Specs
The HTV Vive remains, almost four years after its initial release, a very competitive product in a fast-growing marketplace.
Two sensors may be mounted equidistant in front of the user to accurately track a smaller set of 72 sensors along the headset and controllers, affording you the ability to walk around and move freely in a VR landscape.
This immersive experience is heightened by the natural 110° field of vison that displays a 1080 x 1200 resolution per eye, giving you a smooth display that easily follows your head turns at a refresh rate of 90 Hz.
In addition, the Vive comes with its own earbuds and in-house made controllers to help round out the experience and give you optimal immersion in the VR world.
Features and Benefits
Compatibility with many games and an immersive experience make this VR headset optimal for someone looking to spend a little more money and run one of the best SteamVR compatible headsets currently on the market.
Pros
- High-end visuals paired with advanced tracking allow for superior VR experience
- All-inclusive with audio and controllers provided
Cons
- Need expensive computer to run the hardware
- More expensive than most of its competitors
4. Dell Visor | Most Comfortable SteamVR Compatible Headset
At about $449, the Dell Visor is marginally more expensive than some of the other budget brands but more than makes up for this price increase with its super easy setup and user-friendly software.
Alice Bonasio writes in a review for Medium “All in all, I found the Dell visor to be simple, comfortable and in terms of functionality, only a few steps behind the big boys Oculus and HTC”.
So, unlike the Pimax 4k’s super advanced hardware and bare bones infrastructure, the Dell Visor seems to achieve the opposite effect, with an easy set-up and user-friendly interface but less than optimal hardware.
However, for an inexperienced VR user this headset is probably preferable as you will be able to start playing Steam games much sooner.
Regarding the performance, I will go over the specific hardware in the next section.
For now, I will say that the Dell Visor runs all the games you could want to play, albeit at a less crisp image than some of the other competitors on this list.
It should certainly be considered as one of the best VR headset for Steam.
Tech Specs
The Dell visor accurately tracks your movement with three main components: a set of gyroscopic sensors, and accelerometer, and a magnetometer.
This advanced tracking enables the user to fully appreciate the dual 1440 x 1440 pixel screens that run at a whopping 90 Hz.
While this is exceptional for the price range, users will begin to notice that the image is certainly not as clean as other competitors on the marketplace.
Personally, I believe the fast refresh rate of 90 Hz helps makes up for the fact that the image might be a bit blurry.
Moving on the hand-held controllers, many users claim that the controllers felt “like cheap plastic” and were uncomfortable to use.
In addition to this, headphones are not provided with the VR, making the process of taking off and putting on the headset more of a burden than other models.
Features and Benefits
What separates this VR device from its similarly-priced competitors is the innate user-friendliness and intuitive design.
You will spend marginal time setting this machine up and more time in VR!
Pros
- Easy to set-up and very user friendly
- Very good tracking
Cons
- Not the greatest image quality
- Fast Refresh rate
5. Pimax 4K | Best SteamVR Compatible Headset for DIY Customization
Note that the new Pimax 5K is my strong sugestion for Steam but Pimax 4K is a more budget friendly option. Choice is yours!
Here, I am reviewing the Pimax 4K, but know that the Pimax 5K is more superior!
With an impressive hardware setup, the Pimax 4k has the potential to give one of the best virtual experiences for its price range, given you’re up for a bit of tinkering.
At about $309, this VR machine is better than many of its similar price-range competitors. It is certainly one of the best VR headset for Steam in 2020.
In an article from “VR World“, Kresimir Zelenika describes how “By including a few minor tweaks, controllers and room positioning, PIMAX could easily become the next big thing in a world of VR”.
However, for now the lack of software and difficulty of setup makes this Steam compatible VR headset not very user friendly for first timers and more of a project than a product people looking to capitalize on the hardware.
With this being a product for first time users, I want to iterate that this headset is often quickly bought up from online retailers, making the purchasing of it a touch more complicated. Instead, you should easily find Pimax 5K on Amazon.
As of January 5, 2020, the Pimax 5k has been released and largely replaced this model on the market.
However, if you keep an ear out for the Pimax 4k you might just find it on an online retailer or, better yet, at a discounted price from someone reselling theirs.
Now, let’s take a look at the internal parts of the headset and examine the potential this machine has in the right hands.
Tech Specs
To begin, the resolution of this headset is 1920x 2160 per eye, making it populated with four-times as many pixels as the Oculus Rift or HTC Vive.
Unfortunately, with this immense number of pixels, the refresh rate takes a hit and can only realistically run at 60 Hz.
The Pimax 4k is also unique in that it’s dual 53mm lenses enables a 110° field of view with the ability to adjust the lenses from 58-71 from the eyes.
In addition, the screen accounts for eye protection by including auto dimming and lighting features.
Moving on to the audio, the Pimax 4k provides separate manufacture supplied headphones.
These headphones can easily be detached via the 3.5 mm jack, allowing for you to plug in more expensive headphones if desired.
The volume is controlled via rockers that accompany the power button on the top left side of the headset.
Features and Benefits
The key feature of this Steam compatible headset is its stunning display and customizable hardware at such a low cost.
Pros
- Great hardware at low cost
- Allows user to customize/ change parts
Cons
- Lack of software makes it not user friendly
- Setup is a pain
6. Razer OSVR HDK 2 | Best Accessibility to Steam Platform
Unveiled back in 2016, the Razer OSVR HDK 2 nonetheless stays up to date on its software thanks to its open platform design.
Put simply, this headset is definitely for the tech enthusiasts and tinkers and one of the best VR headset for Steam.
As this is a product for those of you who wish to reconfigure the headset, I would strongly recommend picking one up one on eBay for a discounted price.
These machines have been around for a while so Amazon has largely sold out of them, making their acquisition more elusive but certainly still worth the effort.
With an unlimited license to use the hardware and software however you please, this headset is easy to take apart for modifications.
Whether you’re a teacher or developer, the parts in this headset were made to easily be taken apart and put back together again.
At about $399, the Razer OSVR HDK 2 only has one mounted camera for tracking, unlike the dual cameras used in the Oculus Rift or HTC Vive.
This definitely takes the overall gaming experience down as many people will notice a warble effect in their peripheral vision.
However, at its current price the Razer HDK 2 stays competitive with its innate user friendliness and super easy set-up to go along with a license to completely alter the hardware however you please.
Tech Specs
The second installation of Razer’s attempt at a VR headset makes major upgrades to the former design, with dual OLED screens that provide a 2160 x 1200 resolution and a refresh rate of 90 Hz.
These upgrades have allowed the product to be competitive with the Oculus and Rift headsets.
However, for as much quality you get in the hardware, the actual design of the machine is lacking in comfort.
Described by many as being too heavy and not very secure, potential modification of the two elastic straps that fit around your head might be necessary to make this machine more comfortable.
Razer’s second installation has yet to upgrade the tracking mechanism to a sensor array, opting instead for a single camera to track your movements.
This makes the tracking a little muddy if you want to move around an open space.
Pair this with the fact that controllers are not included and one can see why the Razer is listed at its current price.
Although it has the hardware to be great, the Razer VR has yet to execute on many of the integral design aspects, making it a project that is still in the works for a bright future.
Features and Benefits
Razer’s intention with their VR headset is for it to be a platform for innovation.
Unlike many other products on this list, Razer does not claim to sell a final product to its audience, instead giving the green light for anyone to change the design as best as they see fit.
The key feature of this machine is its hardware.
Pros
- Made to be customized by user
- Network of people working/sharing their improvements to the headset
Cons
- Not a complete product
- Hardware might be useless in the hands of someone who doesn’t know how to customize the interface
Best VR Headset for Steam (2020) — Buyers Guide
With more than twenty SteamVR compatible headsets to choose from, I have found that a select six best represent the different “styles” you can expect to find when purchasing your own SteamVR headset.
These are really six best VR headset for Steam in the market!
First, we have a group of products that are designed to be taken apart and modified.
The Pimax 5k and Razer OSVR HDK 2 are both excellent examples from this group of products, affording the user not only the ability to modify keep components, but actually promoting it as a selling point.
To me, the Pimax is a more affordable version of the Razer, with less impressive hardware but a more affordable price tag for the student or teacher looking to take apart the headset and study it.
On the other hand, the Razer seems to market itself more exclusively to the innovators, promoting a platform of people sharing their personal modification stories.
Perhaps the greatest difference between these two products, beside the price, lies in their applications.
Whereas someone might buy a Pimax to disassemble it and get some basic understanding under their belt, another person might look to utilize the Razer’s hardware to try and innovate something new without having to start from scratch.
Whatever your intentions are with these types of products, make sure you clearly understand what you are buying before you make the purchase as both of these headsets are not for “out of the box gaming” nor a “quick, painless setup”.
Next, I group the Dell Visor and the Oculus Rift S into a list of products that are made for first time users.
This group of products is super affordable and prides itself on a painless setup experience and very simplistic layouts to easily play and download games.
These products are getting into what I would call more “complete products”, in which you are paying for something to provide a service without any hardware or software changes.
Again, I would further divide this category into the more expensive and less expensive, with the Oculus Rift S more expensive than the Dell Visor.
Amazingly the Oculus Rift S outperforms the Dell Visor and is lightyears ahead of many other more expensive products on the market right now.
This may be attributed to Oculus having already phased out of the growing pains that stem from a first-generation product but, whatever the reason, it should be apparent why Oculus is a favorite choice for both VR fanatics and first-time users alike.
As mentioned before, many first-generation products struggle to get everything right on the first try.
Dell Visor is extremely promising with its unbelievable easy interface and comfortability.
With a few key hardware upgrades, the Dell Visor could compete with any of the other SteamVR compatible headsets on this list.
Lastly, I would pair the products strive to provide the best experience in VR and have years of credibility under their belt, along with a much higher price tag.
Headsets such as the HTC Vive and Valve Index are included in this category.
There is not much to say about these products other than currently, they are the best on the market and can charge a higher price with that award to their name.
If you’re looking for the best VR headset for Steam, look no further than these.
How much of a computer background will I need to use a VR headset?
Depending on which product you choose, the amount of “know-how” needed to operate the system will vary drastically from Razer’s OSVR HDK 2, which enables and promotes the ability to personally remove or add hardware and software, to Dell’s Visor, which is marketed to people who have never used a VR headset before.
Ultimately, it comes down to the machine you purchase.
As a first time VR user, is it worth the money to buy a SteamVR headset that is more expensive?
I believe that for a first-time user, the best option available is the Oculus Rift S.
With its affordable price and simplistic interface, the Oculus Rift is ready to run your favorite games right out of the box.
Besides, you will appreciate that the Oculus is in no way “behind” more expensive brands on the market, thus, you can enjoy the same experience as most of the top-line competitors.
How can I tell if my VR headset is compatible with Steam?
There is an article on Business Insider entitled “’Which VR headsets work with Steam?’: A full guide to virtual reality on the Steam gaming app” that I believe will greatly help.
The article lists in a simple bullet-point list all twenty-two current SteamVR compatible headsets.
However, if you choose any one of the products I have listed in this article, you can rest assured that they will be compatible with SteamVR.
Are the best gaming headsets also the best movie watching headsets?
While the top of the line gaming headsets generally run movies well, I would look into specific VR products for movie watching as some of the key elements differ from those of gaming.
For instance, some movie programs do not require the super high refresh rate that accompanies many of the VR’s on this list, making the price tag for many of the products mentioned here totally unnecessary.
For more detailed information and better insights, see our two recent article:
Which VR headset is best for solely playing video games?
For the ultimate gaming experience, you cannot go wrong with any of the following three products:
HTC Vive, Valve Index, and Oculus Rift S.
All three of these SteamVR headsets are built for the optimal gaming experience.
Just in case you are also interested in VRChat, see our recent article on the best VR headsets for VRChat as well!
Which SteamVR is the easiest to take apart and customize?
For hardware and software changes, the Razer OSVR HDK 2 was made to be taken apart and reconfigured.
There is a whole platform of people currently sharing their experiments and experiences.
Which SteamVR is the fastest to set-up?
The Dell Visor, Oculus Rift S, and HTC Vive all market their ease of use.
These products are best for beginners, stripping away lots of the customization in place of a more simplistic user-friendly interface that even the most inexperienced can enjoy.
Which VR is best to connect with my friends on Steam?
The Oculus Rift S has the ability to connect with friends through the internet via in-house software so you can communicate with friends without having to continually take your headset off and make separate communication lines.
Best VR Headset for Steam in 2020 — Conclusions
With millions of players online at any given moment, Steam is fast becoming the central hub of the gaming world.
This alone is a great reason to start looking for products that are compatible with Steam as many games are released on the platform.
Now, with the increase in VR technology and titles made specifically made for VR on Steam, who wouldn’t want to make sure they have the best headset to play their favorite games?
I hope the article helped narrow down your options for choosing your best VR headset for Steam.
From top of the line VR machines to kits ready for dismemberment and experimentation, I have tried to cover all the bases within the VR gaming world while making sure to pick headsets that are all available for SteamVR.
In summary, I would look at either the Pimax 5K or Razer OSVR HDK 2 for a long-term project.
These products are meant to be tweaked and played with through experimentation.
On the other hand, if I was buying on a budget and wanted a more complete product, I would look at the Oculus Rift S or Dell Visor as they market their products toward even the least techy people, wanting to painlessly bring VR into every home.
Finally, for those who want the ultimate VR experience and are willing to pay more, I strongly recommend taking a look at the Valve Index or HTC Vive.
Good luck with your VR experience, I’m sure you will be as blown away as I was when you first put on whatever headset you choose and jump into the world of virtual reality!
