Want to make your favorite games even more real? Invest in this VR equipment.
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What to Consider
A VR headset depends on comfort, practicality, and stability. Since it could sit on your head for up to several hours at a time, its wise to consider the extra comfort a premium strap or face shield can yield. And if youre regularly playing for long sessions, perhaps another battery pack can extend the headsets life between charges.
And if youre a fan of a particular genre of game, you can boost realism with specific peripherals designed to mimic your in-game actions. These might include gun-style accessories or lightsaber props. (More on those below.)
Note that most of the accessories here are for the Meta (previously Oculus) Quest 2. Other retailers might offer similar items for other branded headsets, but be mindful that these might not be licensed or even recommended by the headset manufacturer.
How We Selected
We chose the best VR gear relying on a combination of direct experience from using certain headsets and first-hand reviews from respected outlets, including TechRadar, Gear Patrol, and PC Magazine. We considered several parameters that are paramount: headset stability and comfort, storage, portability, battery life, and safety. These werent uniform across all the accessoriesbattery life likely isnt going to be something you care about when selecting a carrying casebut we factored in our firsthand use where applicable.
For example, in one session of Acron: Attack of the Squirrels!, we had seven people taking turns using the VR headset, with the others playing on mobile, so battery longevity was crucial there. And in the case of safety, we noticed during several sessions of playing PlayStation VR how the PS Move controllers were more likely to get clammy during bouts of Beat Saber, so having foam-handed options helped with grip and comfort.
We also consulted Amazon and Walmart reviews to look for consensus and patterns, where you might be likely to encounter problems or benefits.
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Gear-obsessed editors choose every product we review. We may earn commission if you buy from a link. Why Trust Us?
Best for Headset Stability
Meta Quest 2 Elite Strap with Battery
Best for Headset Stability
Meta Quest 2 Elite Strap with Battery
Pros
- Added comfort
- Rear battery helps balance weight
With a fully charged Meta Quest 2, you can eke out around 2-3 hours of play time. That might be enough for some, but for veteran gamers who want to keep going, its no time at all.
Now, this combination premium strap and built-in battery will keep you playing longer. The kit features an ergonomic strap that connects to an additional rear head brace. This setup does a better job of distributing the headsets weight than the Quest 2s standard strap by cradling the back of your head. And, with the accompanying rigid stabilizing strap, it helps negate the front-heavy pull of the unit. One twist of the fitting wheel, which requires one hand to operate, helps secure this brace against the back of your head for a more comfortable fit.
The addition of an integrated battery offers up to 5 hours of play, while its position at the rear of the unit helps achieve a more balanced weight distribution.
More: Sony PlayStation VR 2 Review: Blockbuster Virtual Gaming is Back
Key Specs
| Weight | 0.7 lb |
|---|---|
| Material | Plastic |
| Key Features | In-built battery, adjustable fit wheel |
Best for Storage
Anker Charging Dock for Oculus Quest 2
Best for Storage
Anker Charging Dock for Oculus Quest 2
Now 19% Off
Pros
- Comes with rechargeable controller batteries
- Convenient way to store and charge
Cons
- Some reviewers reported charging issues
After most gaming sessions, youll likely need to place your Quest 2 somewhere to charge. And what should you do about those loose controllers? Enter the Anker Charging Dock, which serves as a charging station for the headset and controllers.
The headset and controllers stack neatly into the charging slots, minimizing mess and tangled cables. The unit also comes with rechargeable batteries for the controllers, so you wont have to root around for standard AA batteries once theyve lost juice. The dock takes just 2.5 hours to charge the Quest 2.
Key Specs
| Weight | 1.5 lb |
|---|---|
| Material | Plastic |
| Key Features | Rechargeable batteries, docking station |
Best for Comfort
Meta Quest 2 Fit Pack
Best for Comfort
Meta Quest 2 Fit Pack
Pros
- Provides more comfortable fit
- Greater immersion
We enjoy breaking out the Quest 2 for VR sessions, but stability can be an issue. While the headset is designed to be universal, no two faces are alike, and you might find that the fit is wanting.
With this in mind, the Quest 2 Fit Pack offers two different frames, one for a wider fit and the other for a narrow fit. These frames offer an improved yet balanced grip around the face, helping relieve pressure and minimizing those telltale red marks.
Included in the set is also a pair of light blockers, which attach to the headset lenses. These help close the gaps around the nose and cheekbones, cutting down outside light and thereby boosting the immersion.
Key Specs
| Weight | 3 oz |
|---|---|
| Material | Silicone and foam |
| Key Features | Two face shapes included, medical grade silicone |
Best Portable Protection
Meta Quest 2 Carrying Case
Best Portable Protection
Meta Quest 2 Carrying Case
Pros
- Specific inlay to fit accessories
- Classy
Cons
- Handle could be better sturdier
Whether for storage or taking your headset around to a friends place, you want to ensure your Quest 2 isnt picking up bumps and dents along the way. Thats why a carry case is an essential accessory for VR headsets, which can be both fragile and expensive to replace.
Weighing in at just over 1 pound, this Meta-branded case is light and portable. Inside is a molded inlay, which provides a perfect fit for housing the Quest 2 headset, controllers, charging cable, and power adapter. Theres additional space for accessories such as the Elite Strap and battery.
You technically can use the handheld strap to hang the case. However, some people have said that the strap is flimsy and can be easily snapped off.
Key Specs
| Weight | 1.1 lb |
|---|---|
| Material | Felt outer |
| Key Features | Custom molding with dividers, carry strap |
Best for PlayStation
Sony Computer Entertainment PlayStation VR Aim Controller
Best for PlayStation
Sony Computer Entertainment PlayStation VR Aim Controller
Pros
- Clean design
- Vibration feedback
Cons
- Impractically big
With old-school light guns, you have to sacrifice a lot of movement and control, as games with them (called rail shooters) had you moving and looking along set paths (the rails) while you shot via a trigger and a few buttons. Not so with the PS VR Aim, which splits up the traditional controller inputs by locating the D-pad at the front handle and other buttons at the rear. Its a better system that keeps all the usual commands at your fingertips, meaning you can move, strafe, aim, and fire at will and simultaneously.
And with 1:1 tracking, youre able to aim down sights just by lining up the barrel of the Aim controller with your onscreen target, offering excellent immersion. This makes its compatible with FPS VR games such as Borderlands 2 VR and Bravo Team as well as on rails shooters such as Until Dawn: Rush of Blood.
However, note that this peripheral is only compatible with certain first-gen PS VR titles. So if you have just invested in a PlayStation 5 with PS VR 2, you might need to wait until theres an update on the Aim 2.
Key Specs
| Weight | 2.5 lb |
|---|---|
| Material | Plastic |
| Key Features | Advanced motion sensing and light tracking, two-handed control |
Best for Safety
ProxiMat VR Mat
Best for Safety
ProxiMat VR Mat
Pros
- Patented safety tech helps reduce falls and bumps
- Compatible with many VR headsets
Cons
- Can slip on carpet
By now, were sure youve seen one video where a hapless VR player loses their balance and orientation, stumbling forward straight into their flatscreen. The ProxiMat aims to keep VR gamersand their TVssafe.
The mat links up to your VR headset to define a specified playing area, keeping players away from any walls or obstacles they can accidentally wander into. With front-facing and centering nubs, the mat also allows you to orient yourself in your playing area to reduce dizziness and improve stability.
Since the mat is made of foam, it can serve double-duty to absorb impact on hard surfaces such as wood. However, people have reported that the mat is less effective on carpets.
Key Specs
| Weight | 3.3 lb |
|---|---|
| Material | Memory foam |
| Key Features | Center and front facing orientation buttons, anti-fatigue foam |
Best for Beat Saber Players
Bubumeta VR Beat Saber Handles
Best for Beat Saber Players
Bubumeta VR Beat Saber Handles
Now 22% Off
Pros
- Grippy handles
- Compatible with some other VR sport games, too
Cons
- Grips might not suit all hands
One of the most popular games in VR gaming is Beat Saber. Who doesnt want to pretend theyre Darth Vader, dual-wielding lightsabers to a thumping dance track?
However, as we mentioned, weve seen how sweaty and slippery long Beat Saber runs can get. To that end, this dual-grip lightsaber set is the answer were looking for. Each handle is wrapped in soft, comfortable, grippy sponge. They also add around 4 ounces of heft eachsubstantial, but not enough to distract from feeling like youre swinging around a pair of deadly plasma swords.
Additionally, you can attach the handles to form a single piece, which will please the staff-wielding Darth Maul fans among us. This setup is also useful if you enjoy playing VR golf and baseball.
Key Specs
| Weight | 1.2 lb |
|---|---|
| Material | Plastic |
| Key Features | Single or double grip design, sweat-resistant grip |
Contributor
Matt Ng is a writer and editor who specializes in gaming, tech, and movies, so hes usually writing about the next shiny gadget or triple-A PS5 title. He also has experience as a copy editor within the healthcare sector. When hes not fawning over the latest MCU release, he can be found on a softball pitch chasing after flyballs.
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