Virtual Reality has taken the gaming world by storm. Virtual Reality (or VR) may have started out in the gaming industry but it is slowly dominating and revolutionizing others, like the movie industry.
Virtual Reality allows for a more immersive experience when gaming, no wonder it has gamers hooked.
Developers are always looking for ways to improve the gaming experience we currently have. That’s where Virtual Reality comes in.
Instead of playing a game on a screen, you can be in the game. Virtual Reality has made its impact on action-packed fighting games to iRacing.
VR has completely changed racing games for good. If you’ve never heard of iRacing, it is essentially virtual racing, where you are now in the driver’s seat. Sounds epic, right?
So, what happens when you are trying to win a race but the poor screen resolution is straining your eyes? Or you can’t hear properly? Having a poor Virtual Reality headset can really impact your gaming experience.
You might find with a poor quality Virtual Reality gaming set, you can’t beat your top score. You might have tracking issues at the very moment you are about to win. It can turn a gamer’s dream into a nightmare.
Lucky for you, we have the solution. Instead of spending hours trying to find the perfect VR for iRacing, we’ve done all the hard work for you.
It can be very overwhelming, trying to make a decision when so much information is being thrown at you.
So, to save you the hassle, we’ve created a list of the best VR’s for iRacing.
And just because we really care about your gaming experience and needs, we’ve also included a handy buyer’s guide giving you all the information you need to make a decision.
OUR TOP PICK
Piimax Vision 5K is one of the more expensive options available.
However, it is the best VR headset for iRacing in terms of having the best field of view, currently on the market. That is what makes this our best VR for iRacing overall.
This is a VR headset that has been designed with comfort in mind. The headset features an adjustable head strap for users to change to the setting they find more comfortable.
This updated version of the Pimax Vision 5K Super has a newly designed Vision comfort kit. This Vision comfort kit includes a face cowling, a nose guard, and soft face foam.
The new comfortable features are designed so you can enjoy the VR headset for hours. This headset weighs 500g without the head strap and 750g with the head strap.
As mentioned above, our favorite feature of this VR headset is the amazing field of view it has.
This headset has a diagonal field of view which is the closest to human view compared to any other VR headset currently on the market. If we break it down for you, this VR headset has a 150° horizontal field of view and a 103° vertical field of view.
Many complaints VR users put forward are that VR headsets don’t offer a wide enough field of view to make their game not feel as though they are in a tunnel.
Well, you don’t have to worry about that with this VR headset. Pimax Vision 5K Super has a super-wide field of view so gamers can experience the most immersive headset.
In terms of optics, Pimax Vision 5K Super has Fresnel lenses. The resolution per eye is 2560x1440 meaning that you are going to be able to get the most out of this resolution.
This VR headset is only available by itself, so those wishing to use this for iRacing will need to purchase the controllers, base stations, and headphones.
Pros
- Field of view - This VR headset has an amazing field of view that gets rid of the tunnel sensation other VR headsets have.
- Comfortable - The new Vision comfort features make this headset extremely comfortable, allowing you to game for longer.
- Resolution - Great resolution for great gameplay.
Cons
- Expensive - This headset is expensive considering you need to purchase most of the required hardware for iRacing.
- Audio - Some customers have reported that the audio quality is not very good compared to other VR headsets.
EDITORS CHOICE
In terms of the best value for money, we think that the Samsung HMD Odyssey+ is the best VR headset currently available.
This VR comes with 2 wireless controllers. Comparing this to the Pimax Vision 5K Super, the Odyssey is cheaper in price and you don’t have to buy your own controllers. That is why it has made our top spot for the best value for money Virtual Reality headset.
The Samsung HMD Odyssey+ weighs around 590g with the head strap. This makes it lighter than some in this list but still on the heavy side.
Although, it is 10% lighter than the other models that came before this one. This VR set also has an adjustable head strap for your comfort.
The Samsung HMD Odyssey+ features a 3K anti-side AMOLED display. This VR headset gives you a realistic and clear view with 1440x1600 pixel resolutions per eye. The lenses are sharp and crisp.
Whilst the field of vision isn’t as wide as the Pimax Vision 5K Super, it does still offer a wide 110o field of view. Some users have reported that this feels restricted compared to our own vision.
This headset has direct full-array backlight technology. This backlight technology is great for showing details in dark scenes.
The refresh rate of this VR headset is 60Hz to 90Hz. So if you do decide to get this headset, you will need a powerful laptop.
Another fantastic feature of the Samsung HMD Odyssey+ is that it has built-in headphones. These built-in headphones provide 360-degree sound. This is another reason why it is our best value for money VR headset.
Although if you prefer to use your own headphones, there is no headphone jack to plug your own ones in.
When you purchase this headset you also have access to Windows Mr Store and steamer libraries, which has thousands of games and experiences for you.
Pros
- Cheap - Considering you get controllers, a built-in tracking sensor, and built-in headphones all for under $1000, it is great value for money.
- Built-in headphones - The headphones provide amazing sound quality.
- Quick and easy setup - Using this VR headset is easy and there is no fuss when setting it up.
Cons
- Controllers - The controllers are a bit clunky and there have been issues with motion tracking which may make users frustrated when iRacing.
BEST VALUE
If you have a big budget or are willing to splash the cash for a VR headset, the Valve Index is the best one for you. This VR set which comes with the controllers and base stations is by far the most expensive on this list.
So what makes this Virtual reality headset so expensive?
And is it worth the price? This headset is very expensive because the developers spared no costs so that users of this headset have the best Virtual Reality experience.
The resolution of this VR headset is 1440x1600 per eye, which makes it nice and clear. Although it is not as high as others featured on this list.
Each panel in this headset has a refresh rate of 120Hz and the panel even supports 144Hz, but this is an experimental feature.
This is a great thing to keep in mind if you are afraid of or usually experience motion sickness.
Valve Index VR headset has excellent motion tracking that requires base stations. It is worth noting that the Valve Index VR headset is also compatible with other models controllers and base stations.
The field of view is important when it comes to Virtual Reality headsets. The Valve Index VR headset’s field of view is 130-degrees according to the manufacturer.
However, some customers have reported that it is 120-degree maximum. Whilst, this isn’t the highest field of view in this list you will have better all-around views with this VR headset than others in this list.
What makes this VR headset different from the others in this list is the audio.
Instead of having the traditional sound coming from the speaker in the headphones, the Valve Index speakers in the headset don’t touch your ears.
This means instead of the sound coming from inside your head, it is from around you. This is what makes the Valve Index VR system ideal for iRacing.
It makes the experience more immersive and realistic, as car sounds don’t happen inside your head, they pass you by and come from the outside.
Pros
- Motion tracking - The Valve Index VR kit has excellent tracking with the base stations
- Audio - The built-in speakers provide a more realistic experience which is great for iRacing.
- Hardware - In order to have a great performance using this VR headset you don’t need a crazy high-end computer for it to run.
Cons
- Expensive - It is the most expensive on this list, with some of the features not being as good as previously listed ones.
RUNNER UP
Now that we’ve covered the most expensive option for Virtual Reality headsets, we are aware that most people don’t want to break the bank just to buy a gaming headset.
So, for those who want a budget-friendly option, we’ve got you covered. The Oculus Rift S is our best budget-friendly VR headset option.
Many of you who are interested in VR gaming may have heard of the Oculus Rift as it built its empire from Virtual Reality gaming.
It is often viewed as the first modern-day VR headset and the piece of technology that started the VR gaming movement.
The Oculus Rift S has an improved single LCD display.
The resolution is lower than others in the list as it is 1260x1440 per eye. Although this is an alright resolution and will give good details when you play, you won’t get the sharpest of images with this headset.
The Oculus Rift S has a refresh rate of 80Hz which is over the threshold set for avoiding motion sickness. The field of view is 115-degrees which is not the lowest in this list.
The redesigned Halo headband was designed with speed in mind, so you can keep this headset on your head. The design of this headset had practicality and comfort in mind as the headband was made so you can play this game for longer.
This is ideal for iRacing as you are able to make quick movements without worrying about your headset, keeping you immersed in the game.
The Oculus Rift S has insight tracking which makes it different from other VR headsets. This means it translates your movements in the VR reducing any problems you might have faced.
The quality of the sound might not be what users desire as it has off-ear speakers, the users do love the touch controllers.
Pros
- Cheap - This is one of the lowest-priced options on this list and it comes with all the hardware you would need.
- Motion Tracking - Users love the touch controllers and the accurate motion tracking.
- Comfortable - The newly designed headband keeps the VR headset in place as well as keeping it comfortable for you to use for hours.
Cons
- Audio - The off-ear speakers have reduced the quality of the sound, leaving some users disappointed.
- Resolution - The lower screen resolution has caused users to feel as though their eyes are straining. Also, there have been reports of motion sickness when using this headset.
RUNNER UP
We’ve mentioned resolution a lot when discussing the best VR headsets for iRacing. That’s why we felt it was important to include the best resolution Virtual Reality headset for iRacing.
With that being said, our favorite best resolution Virtual Reality headset for iRacing is the HP Reverb G2 headset.
The HP Reverb G2 definitely delivers when it comes to amazing resolution.
The HP Reverb G2 has a resolution of 2160 x 2160 per eye. This results in a total resolution of 4320 x 2160 that no competitor can compete with.
The field of view for the HP Reverb G2 is 114-degrees, which isn’t the widest field of view on this list. Although, compared to other VR headsets it is above average.
The refresh rate of this headset is 90Hz, which is not the highest but is above the threshold for avoiding motion sickness.
For the resolution that the HP Reverb G2 headset has a higher refresh rate would be better. However, if you have high-end PC hardware you would be able to make the most out of the high resolution.
This headset has 6 inside-out tracking through four integrated cameras. Some users have reported tracking issues with this headset.
This HP Reverb G2 headset has off-ear speakers which they teamed up with Valve, giving great audio quality for an immersive experience when iRacing.
HP also considered comfort when making this headset as it is fully adjustable to fit all heads.
Pros
- Resolution - The resolution of this VR headset is unbeatable.
- Audio - The audio quality is amazing and realistic making it wonderful for iRacing.
- Comfortable - The headset is adjustable so you can comfortably fit it to your head.
Cons
- Motion Tracking - Users have reported issues with the motion tracking which can be annoying when iRacing.
Best VR For IRacing Buying Guide
If you still need some help making a decision about which headset is right for you, read our handy buyers guide.
This guide has all the information you need to know about things to consider when purchasing a VR headset for iRacing.
Hardware
Hardware is extremely important when it comes to VR gaming.
If your headset doesn’t come with the basics such as base stations, controllers, or headphones you will need to purchase them as well. It is important to think about the added cost this will have.
Also, specifically for iRacing, you’ll need a steering wheel and a set of pedals in order to achieve a fully immersive experience.
Whilst, some users just sit on a couch this can impact your VR gaming experience, so you would need to consider whether these elements are important to you.
Resolution
The resolution of your VR headset can also have incredible impacts on your game if you buy the correct ones.
The resolution impacts how sharp the image is and in turn how realistic. If this is important to you we suggest trying to opt for a headset with a higher resolution.
Field Of View
When it comes to VR iRacing the field of view is something we consider to be extremely important for having a great experience.
We would suggest trying to find a VR headset that has a wide field of view so you can see all the details, like cars passing you.
Audio
Audio might not seem as important as other elements but it does change how realistic the Virtual Reality experience is.
We prefer having off-ear speakers that are high quality for iRacing. This is because it makes the sounds of cars passing you more realistic.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is iRacing?
IRacing is a Virtual Reality racing game. It replicates road racing making it a realistic and immersive experience for those who enjoy playing car racing games on other devices.
Is My VR Headset Only For Gaming?
VR headsets are getting better and better each time a new model is released.
Whilst VR originally dominated the gaming industry, VR headsets are now able to play movies. So it is likely that your VR headset can be used for other things like watching movies.
I want to share my passion for VR gaming with others through Moggles. This site is dedicated to providing others with all of the information they need to know about VR. From the best zombie games, the most suitable headsets, and how to successfully mod games, we have got you covered.
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