VR Equipment Guide Author: Belle Tuen

Last Modified: 2020-04-06

Important Information This guide was written in February of 2020. All prices and information may be outdated in the future.

Prices may fluctuate.

Introduction This guide contains general information about the big VR headsets that are out in the market in

February, 2020. There are mainly 2 big manufacturers that are creating interactive immersive VR, Oculus

and HTC. There has been a long debate about which company is better, but both have their own

strengths. HTC is known to have better controller tracking than Oculus but over time, tracking in Oculus

has improved as well. One of the biggest benefits Oculus has over HTC is that it does not need external

trackers to set the play area and track the controllers. However, HTC just released the Vive Cosmos that

competes with the Oculus Quest which is a completely wireless headset that does not need external

trackers. One of the biggest reason Oculus managed to stay competitive with HTC is their low prices.

They managed to make their headsets affordable and high quality.

A standalone headset does not need to hook up to a computer whereas PC headsets need to be

hooked to a computer. If you already have a VR ready computer, you should get a PC headset because it

is cheaper and it usually has higher refresh rate than a standalone. On the other hand, if you want a

more portable headset and don’t want to pay $1000+ for a PC, you should get a standalone headset. If

you want a PC headset and do not own a VR ready computer, there are 3 recommended VR computers

below, one desktop and two laptops.

General Advice When looking for headsets to watch 360 photos and videos, you would want less expensive/standalone

headsets because of the low amount of cpu power needed.

If you want a more portable headset, you should get the standalone headset. However, if you require a

stronger headset, you could get a PC headset with a portable gaming laptop.

If you have a VR program that’s more interactive, then you would want a headset with two controllers.

For use cases that require higher graphics, such as designing, modelling, and/or animating 3D objects,

you would need a more expensive, higher CPU headset. Usually PC headsets would be stronger.

Use cases that involve a lot of moving around, you would want a headset with 6 degrees of freedom. If

you are concerned with wires, it would be better to get a stronger powered standalone headset.

Oculus Oculus Go Type: Standalone

Price: $329.99

Specifications:

Operating System: Android 7.1.2

Memory: 3GB (LPDDR4)

Storage: 64 GB internal memory; does not have external memory

Display: 5.5" fast-switching LCD (RGB-stripe)

2560×1440 resolution (1280×1440 per eye)

12.67 pixels per degree

Refresh Rate: 60 to 72 Hz

Graphics: Adreno 530

Sound: Integrated Speakers, Also has 3.5mm headphone jacks

Dimensions: 190 mm × 105 mm × 115 mm (7.48 in × 4.13 in × 4.53 in)

Mass: 468g (1.032 lbs)

Description:

The Oculus Go is the first version of standalone headsets that came out in May of 2018. It features

one controller with built in audio for immersive sound. It is relatively light and is comfortable with

glasses. The Oculus Go was designed for anyone to use thanks to its minimalistic set up and affordable

price.

Pros and Cons:

Suited Use Cases:

- 360 video/photo viewing

- Minimal interaction in VR needed

Pros

• Great Device with Affordable Price

• Large Built-In Library of Apps

• Easy to Use with Minimal Set-Up

Cons

• Limited by Its Hardware

• Only 3 Degrees of Freedom - Meaning only head movements and controllers are tracked

• Battery lasts 2 hours with 3 hour charge

- Mostly used sitting down – only movement is head turning (good with google expeditions)

- Portable Design

Oculus Quest Type: Standalone

Price: $549.99 – 64GB

Specifications:

Operating System: Android 7.1.1

Memory: 3GB (LPDDR4)

Storage: 64 GB internal memory (can pay more for the 128 GB of internal memory); does not have

external memory

CPU: 4 Kryo 280 Gold (ARM Cortex-A73 based) @ 2.45 GHz + 4 Kryo 280 Silver (ARM Cortex-A73 based)

@ 1.9 GHz

Display: PenTile OLED 1440 × 1600 per eye

Refresh Rate: 72 Hz

Graphics: Adreno 540

Sound: Integrated Speakers, Also has two 3.5mm headphone jacks (one on each side)

Connectivity: USB Type-C

Bluetooth

Wi-Fi

Dimensions: 7.5 x 4.1 x 4.5 inches Mass: 571g

Description:

The Oculus Quest is the second version of standalone headsets that came out in May of 2019. It

features two 2nd generation Oculus touch motion tracked controllers with built in audio for immersive

sound. It is heavier than a regular standalone headset and has padding for those who wear glasses.

Compared to the Go, this headset has stronger processing power and a higher refresh rate, minimizing

the screen-door effect. The Oculus Quest was designed to be a stronger gaming console with little setup

required and within an affordable price range.

Pros and Cons:

Suited Use Case:

- If you want an easy to set up device that is more portable and interactive (2 controllers)

o Eg. Using it to interact with a 3D model of a flower

- Stronger Specs than the Go – if you want higher graphics/cpu power

o More then just 360 photo and video editing

- If there is a need to track body motion and movement

Oculus Rift S

Type: PC Headset

Price: $549.99 – 64GB

Headset Specifications:

Display: Fast-switch LCD 2560×1440 (1280×1440 per eye)

Refresh Rate: 80 Hz

Sound: Integrated Speakers, Also has two 3.5mm headphone jacks (one on each side)

Connectivity: DisplayPort 1.2

USB 3.0 Mass: 1.1 lb (500 g)

Description:

The Oculus Rift S is the second version of Oculus PC virtual reality headsets that came out in

May of 2019, replacing the first generation Oculus Rift CV1. It features two 2nd generation Oculus touch

motion tracked controllers with built in audio for immersive sound. Since this headset needs to be

connected to a powerful PC, this headset can load in much strong graphics and interactive apps. It has a

higher refresh rate, minimizing to eliminating the screen-door effect. The Oculus Rift S is the same price

as the Oculus Quest; however, the price of a VR ready PC will increase the prices drastically.

Pros

• 6 Degrees of Freedom - Meaning hand controllers and body movement are tracked

• No External Tracking Stations

• Easy to Use with Minimal Set-Up

• Stronger hardware than other standalone headsets

Cons

• Still less powerfull than wired headsets to PC because it has a mobile processer

• Need to take into account storage space

• Battery lasts 2 hours with 2 hour charge

Computer Requirements:

Minimum Specs:

Graphics Card: NVIDIA GTX 1050Ti / AMD Radeon RX 470 or greater

Alternative Graphics Card: NVIDIA GTX 960 / AMD Radeon R9 290 or greater

CPU: Intel i3-6100 / AMD Ryzen 3 1200, FX4350 or greater

Memory: 8GB+ RAM

Video Output: DisplayPortTM 1.2 / Mini DisplayPort (with adapter included in the box)

USB Ports: 1x USB 3.0 port

OS: Windows 10

Recommended Specs:

Graphics Card: NVIDIA GTX 1060 / AMD Radeon RX 480 or greater

Alternative Graphics Card: NVIDIA GTX 970 / AMD Radeon R9 290 or greater

CPU: Intel i5-4590 / AMD Ryzen 5 1500X or greater

Memory: 8GB+ RAM

Video Output: DisplayPortTM 1.2 / Mini DisplayPort (with adapter included in the box)

USB Ports: 1x USB 3.0 port

OS: Windows 10

Pros and Cons:

Pros

• 6 Degrees of Freedom - Meaning hand controllers and body movement are tracked

• No External Tracking Stations

• Stronger hardware than other standalone headsets

Cons

• Needs to be wired to a PC

• Safety and Durability Problems with Wires

• Needs a VR Ready Computer

Suited Use Case:

- If a standalone headset is not strong enough

- If the headset is not going to be moved everywhere

- If you have a space already designated for VR

o Wired may be a better choice for better graphics

HTC

HTC Vive Pro Starter Kit Type: PC Headset

Price: $1500

Headset Specifications:

Display: Dual AMOLED 3.5’’ diagonal 1440 x 1600 pixels per eye (2880 x 1600 pixels combined)

Refresh Rate: 90 Hz

Sound: Hi-Res certificate headphones (removable), has integrated microphone

Connectivity: USB-C port for peripherals

Bluetooth

Mass: 741g

Description:

The HTC Vive Pro is the upgraded vive model that replaced the discontinued HTC Vive. It

features two 1st generation SteamVR tracking controllers with built in audio for immersive sound. Since

this headset needs to be connected to a powerful PC, this headset can load in much strong graphics and

interactive apps. It has a higher refresh rate, minimizing to eliminating the screen-door effect. The HTV

Vive Pro includes VIVE Pro HMD. It is a refined fit, balance, and comfort for extended usage. The play

area can be up to 15m2, which is approximately a 3.5m x 3.5m area. The whole bundle comes with the

headset, 2 controllers, 2 base stations, and cables to attach to the computer.

Computer Requirements:

Recommended Specs:

Graphics Card: NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 1070/Quadro P5000 or above, or AMD Radeon™ Vega 56 or

above

CPU: Intel Core™ i5-4590 or AMD FX™ 8350, equivalent or better

Memory: 4GB RAM or more

Video Output: DisplayPortTM 1.2 or newer port

USB Ports: 1x USB 3.0 port or newer port

OS: Windows® 7, Windows® 8.1 or later, Windows® 10

Upgrade to Windows 10® for the best results with the dual front facing cameras

* driver is required to download and install before using VIVE Pro's dual cameras on Windows® 7.

Pros and Cons:

Suited Use Case:

- If a standalone headset is not strong enough

- If the headset is not going to be moved everywhere

- If you have a space already designated for VR

o Wired may be a better choice for better graphics

HTC Vive Pro Full Kit Type: PC Headset

Price: $1750

Headset Specifications:

Display: Dual AMOLED 3.5’’ diagonal 1440 x 1600 pixels per eye (2880 x 1600 pixels combined)

Refresh Rate: 90 Hz

Sound: Hi-Res certificate headphones (removable), has integrated microphone

Connectivity: USB-C port for peripherals

Bluetooth

Mass: 741g

Description:

The HTC Vive Pro Full Kit is the Vive Pro headset with extra features on to. It features two 2nd

generation SteamVR tracking controllers with built in audio for immersive sound. Since this headset

needs to be connected to a powerful PC, this headset can load in much strong graphics and interactive

apps. It has a higher refresh rate, minimizing to eliminating the screen-door effect. The play area can be

up to 100m2, which is approximately a 10m x 10m area. The whole bundle comes with the headset, 2

controllers, 4 SteamVR base stations 2.0 (which is the 10 by 10 play area), 2 base stations (which

Pros

• 6 Degrees of Freedom - Meaning hand controllers and body movement are tracked

• Stronger hardware than other standalone headsets

Cons

• Needs to be wired to a PC

• Safety and Durability Problems with Wires

• Requires Base Stations to Set Up Play Area (i.e. External Tracker)

• Needs a VR Ready Computer

supports the 3.5 by 3.5 play area), and cables to attach to the computer. The SteamVR base stations

allow multiple users to be in the play area and manage to track all controllers with precise accuracy. This

package also comes with 24-hour email support and a repair service.

Computer Requirements:

Minimum Specs:

Graphics Card: NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 970 or AMD Radeon™ R9 290 equivalent or better

(Recommended graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070/Quadro P5000 or above, or AMD Radeon Vega

56/Pro WX7100/FirePro W9100 or above)

CPU: Intel® Core™ i5-4590 or AMD FX™ 8350, equivalent or better

Memory: 4GB RAM or more

Video Output: DisplayPortTM 1.2 or newer port

USB Ports: 1x USB 3.0 port or newer port

OS: Windows® 7, Windows® 8.1 or later, Windows® 10

Upgrade to Windows 10® for the best results with the dual front facing cameras

* driver is required to download and install before using VIVE Pro's dual cameras on Windows® 7.

Pros and Cons:

Suited Use Case:

- If a standalone headset is not strong enough

- If the headset is not going to be moved everywhere

- If multiple users want to be immersed in the same area at the same time

- If you have a space already designated for VR

o Wired may be a better choice for better graphics

HTC Vive Cosmos Type: PC Headset

Price: $939.99

Headset Specifications:

Display: Dual 3.4" diagonal 1440 x 1700 pixels per eye (2880 x 1700 pixels combined)

Refresh Rate: 90 Hz

Pros• 6 Degrees of Freedom - Meaning hand

controllers and body movement are tracked

• Comes with Strong Customer Support

• Can Track Multiple Headsets and Controllers

• Stronger hardware than other standalone headsets

Cons• Needs to be wired to a PC

• Safety and Durability Problems with Wires

• Requires Base Stations to Set Up Play Area (i.e. External Tracker)

• Needs a VR Ready Computer

Sound: Hi-Res certificate headphones (removable), has integrated microphone

Connectivity: USB-C 3.0

DP 1.2

Connection to Mods

Mass: 651g

Description:

The HTC Vive Cosmos is the newest release of the HTC Vive series. This headset has a few

improvements to the HTC Vive Pro. First, this headset finally gets rid of the base stations that was

needed to set up the play area in the Vive Pro. Instead this headset contains 4 cameras that can locate

the controllers and the boundaries of the play area. One of the unique ergonomic feature that exists on

the Cosmos is the flip up visor. This allows the user to lift the visor up so that they can switch between

the virtual world and the real world without taking off the head straps. The whole bundle comes with

the headset, 2 controllers, and cables to attach to the computer.

The Visor Flipped Up

Computer Requirements:

Minimum Specs:

Graphics Card: NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 970 or AMD Radeon™ R9 290 equivalent or better

CPU: Intel® Core™ i5-4590 or AMD FX™ 8350, equivalent or better

Memory: 4GB RAM or more

Video Output: DisplayPortTM 1.2 or newer port

USB Ports: 1x USB 3.0 port or newer port

OS: Windows 10

Pros and Cons:

Suited Use Case:

- If a standalone headset is not strong enough

- If the headset is not going to be moved everywhere

- If your eyes get tired easily

- If you have a space already designated for VR

o Wired may be a better choice for better graphics

Recommended VR-Ready Computers

Desktop Alienware Aurora

https://pilot.search.dell.com/desktops/alienware%20aurora

(Newer Model) (Older Model)

There is a range of specs that are available to purchase with this desktop. Starting from $1500, this

desktop can cost up to $4900 for the highest specs on this computer. The older versions and the newer

versions of the Aurora meet the recommended specs for all VR headsets. The price ranges depending on

how strong the CPU, how much RAM, and the type of graphics card in the computer. The cheapest

Aurora is able to run the VR headsets but if you want to run higher end programs without lag or with

better graphics, you would want to opt for one of the more expensive Auroras. Currently the top

recommended model is the Aurora S9, which costs around $4900. This computer is an advanced

Pros

• 6 Degrees of Freedom - Meaning hand controllers and body movement are tracked

• Does Not Need External Trackers

• Allows Eyes to Rest Without Taking off the Headset

Cons

• Needs to be wired to a PC

• Safety and Durability Problems with Wires

• Needs a VR Ready Computer

• Not Great at Tracking Controllers

computer that will last for several years without being outdated by the constant changing in VR

technology. The S9 features an Intel Core i9-9900K Coffee Lake 16M 8-core processor with a 2Tb SSD

hard drive. It has an Nvidia Geforce RTX 2080 TI 11GB GDDR6 top of the line graphics card. The 2Tb hard

drive allows the computer to store large files such as 3D Models and large databases. Finally it comes

with a 64 GB RAM that’s already built-in. Moreover, this computer allows you to further custom

additions if needed, which makes this computer very adaptable.

Laptop Falcon TLX

https://www.falcon-nw.com/laptops/tlx/design/detail

The Falcon TLX costs $2953 and is one of the more expensive Oculus ready gaming laptop due to

its high specs and its small, light weight frame. This laptop features an Intel 9th Gen 4.5 GHz 12MB

Cache, Core™ i7-9750H 6-core, 12-thread CPU with a NVIDIA® GeForce® RTX 2060, 2070 & 2080 Max-Q

with 8GB GDDR6 graphics card. It has 3 storage devices 2 M.2 drives & one 2.5” SSD and supports up to

32 GB of 2666 MHz DDR4 memory. The TLX is very light and compact with a 16” screen and the whole

laptop frame only being 0.78” tall. It weights 4.6 pounds, making it very easy to travel around with. I

would recommend this laptop to those who have to bring their virtual projects around a lot and needs a

strong CPU to run their VR programs.

Legion Y740 (15”)

https://www.lenovo.com/us/en/laptops/legion-laptops/legion-y-series/Lenovo-Legion-Y740-

15/p/88GMY701059

If the Falcon TLX is too expensive, you can opt for a Legion Y740 instead. It costs around $1500

and is the cheapest Oculus ready laptop out there. This laptop features a 9th Gen Intel® Core™ i7-9750H

with a NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX™ 1660 Ti 6GB graphics card. It has 16GB 2666MHz DDR4 (2 x 8GB) with a

1 TB HDD 7200 RPM hard drive and a 512GB SSD PCIe as a second hard drive. This laptop is not as light

as the TLX, but it is still very portable with a 15” screen. This laptop can still run VR applications since it

meets all of the recommended requirements and is a good size to carry around. This is a good

alternative to the TLX, but it might be slower since the TLX has better specs than the Legion Y740.

Comparison Table

Standalone Headsets Oculus Go Oculus Quest HTC Vive Focus Plus

Price $329.99 $549.99 $1059.00

Operating System Android 7.1.2 Android 7.1.1 Qualcomm Snapdragon 835

Memory 3GB (LPDDR4) 3GB (LPDDR4) 4GB

Storage 64 GB internal memory; does not have external memory

64 GB internal memory (can pay more for the 128 GB of internal memory); does not have external memory

32 GB internal memory; MicroSD slot,up to 2TB MicroSD external memory

Display 5.5" fast-switching LCD (RGB-stripe) 2560×1440 resolution (1280×1440 per eye)

PenTile OLED 1440 × 1600 per eye

Dual AMOLED 3.5” diagonal; 1440 x 1600 pixels per eye (2880 x 1600 pixels combined)

Refresh Rate 60 to 72 Hz 72 Hz 75Hz

Graphics Adreno 530 Adreno 540 No Info

Sound Integrated Speakers, Also has 3.5mm headphone jacks

Integrated Speakers, Also has two 3.5mm headphone jacks (one on each side)

Built-in speakers + 3.5mm headphone jack

Dimensions 190 mm × 105 mm × 115 mm (7.48 in × 4.13 in × 4.53 in)

7.5 x 4.1 x 4.5 inches No Info

Mass 468g (1.032 lbs) 571g 695g +/- 1%

PC Headsets Oculus Rift S HTC Vive Pro

Starter Kit HTC Vive Pro Full Kit

HTC Vive Cosmos

Price $549.99 $1500 $1750 $939.99

Display Fast-switch LCD 2560×1440

Dual AMOLED 3.5’’ diagonal 1440 x 1600 pixels per eye

Dual AMOLED 3.5’’ diagonal 1440 x 1600 pixels per eye

Dual 3.4" diagonal 1440 x 1700 pixels per eye (2880 x

(1280×1440 per eye)

(2880 x 1600 pixels combined)

(2880 x 1600 pixels combined)

1700 pixels combined)

Refresh Rate 80 Hz 90 Hz 90 Hz 90 Hz

Sound Integrated Speakers, Also has two 3.5mm headphone jacks (one on each side)

Hi-Res certificate headphones (removable), has integrated microphone

Hi-Res certificate headphones (removable), has integrated microphone

Hi-Res certificate headphones (removable), has integrated microphone

Connectivity DisplayPort 1.2 USB 3.0

USB-C port for peripherals Bluetooth

USB-C port for peripherals Bluetooth

USB-C 3.0 DP 1.2 Connection to Mods

Mass 1.1 lb (500 g) 741g 741g 651g

Recommended Computer Minimum Requirements

Graphics Card NVIDIA GTX 1050Ti / AMD Radeon RX 470 or greater

NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 970 or AMD Radeon™ R9 290 equivalent or better

NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 970 or AMD Radeon™ R9 290 equivalent or better

NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 970 or AMD Radeon™ R9 290 equivalent or better

CPU Intel i3-6100 / AMD Ryzen 3 1200, FX4350 or greater

Intel Core™ i5-4590 or AMD FX™ 8350, equivalent or better

Intel® Core™ i5-4590 or AMD FX™ 8350, equivalent or better

Intel® Core™ i5-4590 or AMD FX™ 8350, equivalent or better

Memory 8GB+ RAM 4GB RAM or more 4GB RAM or more 4GB RAM or more

Video Output DisplayPortTM 1.2 / Mini DisplayPort (with adapter included in the box)

DisplayPortTM 1.2 or newer port

DisplayPortTM 1.2 or newer port

DisplayPortTM 1.2 or newer port

USB Port 1x USB 3.0 port 1x USB 3.0 port or newer port

1x USB 3.0 port or newer port

1x USB 3.0 port or newer port

OS Windows 10 Windows 7, Windows 8.1 or later, Windows 10 Upgrade to Windows 10 for the best results with the dual front facing cameras * driver is required to download and install before using VIVE Pro's dual

Windows 7, Windows 8.1 or later, Windows 10 Upgrade to Windows 10 for the best results with the dual front facing cameras * driver is required to download and install before using VIVE Pro's dual

Windows 10

cameras on Windows 7.

cameras on Windows 7.

Computers Alienware Aurora Falcon TLX Legion Y740 Dell Computer

(AR Sandbox)

Type Desktop Laptop Laptop Desktop

Price $4900 $2953 $1500 $2117

CPU Intel Core i9-9900K Coffee Lake 16M 8-core

Intel 9th Gen 4.5 GHz 12MB Cache, Core™ i7-9750H 6-core, 12-thread

9th Gen Intel® Core™ i7-9750H

Intel Core i7-9700, 8 Core, 12MB Cache, 3.0Ghz, 4.7 Ghz Turbo

Hard Drive 2Tb SSD 2 M.2 drives & one 2.5” SSD and supports up to 32 GB of 2666 MHz DDR4 memory

1 TB HDD 7200 RPM hard drive and a 512GB SSD PCIe as a second hard drive

3.5" 500GB 7200rpm SATA Hard Disk Drive

Graphics Card Nvidia Geforce RTX 2080 TI 11GB GDDR6

NVIDIA® GeForce® RTX 2060, 2070 & 2080 Max-Q with 8GB GDDR6

NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX™ 1660 Ti 6GB

Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060

RAM 64 GB RAM No Info 16GB 2666MHz DDR4 (2 x 8GB)

16GB (2x8GB) 2666MHz DDR

Weight N/A 4.6 pounds 5 pounds N/A

Glossary

Pixels per degree - a way accounting for both distance from the display and the resolution of the

display, which means that the information here is not limited to headsets, and

applies universally to any type of display

Screen-door effect - a mesh-like appearance that occurs where visible gaps between pixels are seen on

an electronic screen, usually when viewed at close proximity.

More Links To Explore This link contains all possible headsets that are out in the market. This guide only looks at the major 2

companies currently in Canada whereas this page compares all the headsets.

(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_virtual_reality_headsets)