VR headsets. Are they worth the hype?

The short answer to this question is Yes, however, it depends on the way you use the technology.

You’ve probably seen the ads of people ducking and diving in their living rooms, wielding imaginary swords or walking virtual plank bridges off skyscrapers. Virtual reality has come a long way from its clunky, nausea-inducing beginnings. Although, depending on how your body handles motion, there can still be nausea-inducing situations.

The cool stuff first

VR can be pretty incredible when it works well. Whether you’re slicing up boxes in Beat Saber, playing a fast-paced game of virtual tag in Gorilla Tag, cruising the galaxy with Darth Vader, or attending a virtual concert, there’s an undeniable “wow” factor that makes VR an incredible experience. The full immersion in a different world is something a regular screen just can’t touch.

Gaming aside, VR is starting to show up in places like fitness, education, job training, therapy—you name it. People are using it to conquer phobias, simulate surgeries, practice public speaking, and design buildings.

Virtual Reality vs. Augmented Reality

Let’s clear something up: virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) aren’t the same thing and will sometimes confuse people.

VR puts you inside a fully digital environment. You’re cut off from the real world, immersed in a virtual one.

AR adds digital elements on top of the real world. Think Pokémon Go placing virtual objects in your living room.

Both have their place. VR is better for full immersion in games, simulations, and virtual social spaces. AR is more practical for real-world tasks such as productivity, design, navigation, and training scenarios where you still need spatial awareness.

Right now, VR is a bit more mature in terms of consumer content, but AR is catching up fast and might end up being the more widely adopted of the two

What does VR cost?

If you’re new to VR, the Meta Quest 3 or even a used Quest 2 is often the best starting point. PC-based headsets like the Valve Index offer better visuals and tracking but come with a bigger price tag and require a powerful gaming PC. The Apple Vision Pro is definitely for the enthusiast due to the price point of entry. Some approximate pricing is listed below.

Meta Quest 3/3S – $400

Meta Quest 2 – $250-300

Playstation VR2 – $550 + PS5

Valve Index – $1000

Apple Vision Pro – $3500

So…is there a catch?

There are a few things that require consideration.

Cost: As you can see above, even a starter headset is a few hundred bucks. Want better visuals, controllers, tracking? It adds up.

Comfort: Most headsets are still a little bulky. If you wear glasses or have a smaller face, some models can feel awkward after a while.

Motion: Some people feel disoriented or nauseous, especially with fast movement or lower refresh rates.

Content Availability: There are great titles out there, but the library isn’t as deep as traditional gaming platforms.

Space requirements: For room-scale VR, you need open space. Otherwise, your wall or coffee table becomes part of the action.

Are there any health risks?

There are some things to consider:

Eye Strain: VR screens sit close to your eyes and can cause fatigue, especially if you’re prone to dry eyes or wear glasses.

Motion Sickness: VR tricks your brain into thinking you’re moving when you’re not. That mismatch can make some people dizzy or nauseated.

Neck Strain: Headsets aren’t featherlight. Wearing one for long periods can cause discomfort or tension headaches.

Disorientation: After a long session, some people feel a little off or unsteady. That’s your brain recalibrating.

Kids: Most manufacturers recommend VR for ages 12+ because of concerns around eye development and balance..

Taking breaks, adjusting fit, and starting with shorter sessions can help minimize these issues. You can purchase additional head straps and battery packs that can help with balancing out the weight to avoid neck strain.

Conclusion

If you’re a gamer who loves new experiences, VR is worth exploring. If you’re into fitness and hate the gym, VR workouts can be surprisingly effective and fun. And if you’re in a field like design, education, or simulation training, it might even be a business expense.

If you’re looking for a fun, immersive tech toy and you’re okay with the limitations, it’s a solid purchase. Just don’t expect it to replace your console, computer, or reality…yet.

Feel free to reach out to discuss any questions about VR headsets. We’ve got several headsets and use them for everything from gaming and exploring the International Space Station to tackling escape-room adventures, riding virtual rollercoasters, or soaring in a wingsuit through the Swiss mountains.