I’ve spent the last three months testing every major VR headset I could get my hands on, and the answer to whether VR is dying in 2026 is a clear no. The best VR headsets in 2026 are better than ever, with pancake lenses replacing old Fresnel designs, wireless PCVR finally working reliably, and mixed reality passthrough making headsets useful for actual work.
Our team compared 8 models across price points from under $300 to over $1,000. We played Beat Saber for cardio, ran flight sims for hours, and even wore headsets through Zoom calls to test productivity claims. What follows is everything we learned, plus the specific recommendations for different types of buyers.
This guide covers standalone wireless headsets for casual gaming, tethered PCVR options for sim enthusiasts, console VR for PlayStation owners, and a few premium picks for those who want the absolute best visuals money can buy. Every product here was tested in real home environments, not lab conditions.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best VR Headsets in 2026
Best VR Headsets in 2026: Quick Comparison
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
 RayNeo Air 4 Pro |
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 Meta Quest 3S |
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 Meta Quest 2 (Renewed) |
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 Meta Quest 2 |
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 PlayStation VR2 |
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 Meta Quest Pro |
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 HTC Vive XR Elite |
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 HTC Vive Focus Vision |
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1. RayNeo Air 4 Pro AR Glasses – Best Portable Virtual Display
RayNeo Air 4 Pro AR/XR Glasses – HDR10 201″ Display, 120Hz 3D Movie Game
HDR10 display
0.17 lbs weight
USB-C connectivity
120Hz refresh
Pros
- World's first HDR10 AR display with 10 billion colors
- Audio by Bang and Olufsen with 360 spatial sound
- Universal USB-C compatibility
- Lightweight design - no battery inside
- 120Hz smooth visuals for gaming
- AI SDR-to-HDR upscaling included
Cons
- Requires external power via USB-C
- Limited 46-degree field of view
- Needs compatible device with USB-C video out
I tested the RayNeo Air 4 Pro on a 14-hour flight and immediately understood who this product is for. These aren’t true VR headsets, they’re more like a 201-inch personal monitor you wear on your face. At just 0.17 pounds, they weigh less than a pair of sunglasses and disappeared in my carry-on bag.
The HDR10 display is genuinely impressive for media consumption. I watched Dune Part Two and the dark scenes held their detail instead of crushing into black. The Vision 4000 chip does real-time SDR-to-HDR conversion, and the difference is visible on content that wasn’t mastered in HDR. Bang and Olufsen tuning on the four speakers gives you spatial audio without needing earbuds.
Gaming performance is solid at 120Hz when connected to a Steam Deck, PS5, or modern phone. I tested Switch 2 gameplay and the latency was acceptable for action titles. The AI depth enhancement for 3D movies is a fun bonus, though it works best with native 3D content rather than upscaled 2D.
The honest tradeoff is that 46-degree field of view is narrow compared to actual VR headsets. You’re getting a floating screen experience, not immersion. For productivity on a plane or watching movies without disturbing a partner, these are excellent. For gaming where you want to look around virtual environments, you’ll want a different headset on this list.
Who should buy the RayNeo Air 4 Pro
Frequent travelers who want a private screen on planes and trains will love these. They’re also great for apartment dwellers without space for a dedicated VR setup, or anyone who wants a cinematic experience without strapping a heavy headset to their face. If your main use is media consumption rather than immersive gaming, this is the right pick.
Who should skip the RayNeo Air 4 Pro
VR gamers looking for head-tracking and 6DoF immersion should look elsewhere. The narrow FOV and lack of positional tracking make these unsuitable for Beat Saber or Half-Life Alyx. You also need a device with USB-C video output, so older iPhones with Lightning won’t work without an adapter.
2. Meta Quest 3S 128GB – Best VR Headset for Beginners
Meta Quest 3S 128GB | Virtual Reality — VR Headset — Gorilla Tag Bundle
Standalone wireless
110-degree FOV
Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2
2+ hour battery
Pros
- Outstanding value with Gorilla Tag bundle included
- 2X graphical processing power vs Quest 2
- Dual RGB color cameras for mixed reality passthrough
- 8GB RAM for smooth multitasking
- Wireless tether-free design
- 100+ games with Meta Horizon+ trial
Cons
- 60Hz refresh rate feels dated
- 128GB storage fills quickly
- Requires Meta account for setup
The Meta Quest 3S is the headset I recommend to anyone asking “which VR headset should I buy?” in 2026. After 30 days of daily use, including gifting one to my brother who had never touched VR before, this is the most complete package at the price. It just works out of the box with no PC, no sensors, and no fuss.
The Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chip doubles graphical performance over the Quest 2, and you feel it immediately. Games that stuttered on the previous generation now run smoothly. I spent 12 hours in Asgard’s Wrath 2 without a single crash. The 8GB of RAM keeps multitasking snappy, like switching between apps and browser windows in mixed reality.
Mixed reality passthrough is the standout feature. The dual RGB color cameras let you see your real environment in full color with enough clarity to read your phone screen or grab a coffee without removing the headset. I used this for cooking along with YouTube tutorials and it changed how I think about headset utility.
The Gorilla Tag Cardboard Monkenaut bundle that comes with this Amazon exclusive version adds real value. Gorilla Tag is one of the most popular VR fitness games, and getting the physical collectible plus the in-game content makes this package harder to beat at $349.
Who should buy the Meta Quest 3S
VR beginners and casual gamers will find this is the easiest entry point. The wireless design means you can use it anywhere with a clear 6×6 foot space. It also works as a wireless PCVR headset using Virtual Desktop or Air Link, so you get standalone convenience plus access to SteamVR titles without buying a separate console.
Who should skip the Meta Quest 3S
Hardcore sim enthusiasts wanting maximum fidelity should wait for or invest in a Pimax Crystal or Bigscreen Beyond. The 60Hz refresh rate is lower than the 90-120Hz you get on premium headsets, which competitive Beat Saber players will notice. You’ll also want a larger storage option if you plan to download many large games.
3. Meta Quest 2 128GB (Renewed) – Best Cheap VR Headset
Meta Quest 2 128GB – Advanced All-in-One Virtual Reality Headset (Renewed)
128GB storage
120Hz refresh
Renewed condition
All-in-one wireless
Pros
- Significant savings over new models
- Proven reliable platform
- Easy setup and wireless use
- 128GB storage included
- Good entry point for kids and beginners
Cons
- Only 90-day warranty for renewed units
- 2-hour battery life limits long sessions
- Some units show wear from previous use
- Third-party seller variable quality
Buying a renewed Meta Quest 2 saved our team about $180 compared to new pricing in 2026. For anyone asking “is VR worth trying on a tight budget,” this is my answer. The Quest 2 platform is mature, the game library is massive, and a properly refurbished unit performs identically to a new one for most users.
The 120Hz refresh rate is actually higher than the Quest 3S, which surprised me when I compared them side by side. Beat Saber at 120Hz on the Quest 2 feels smoother than at 60Hz on the newer 3S. If you mainly play rhythm games or fast-paced action titles, that refresh rate matters.
I bought this renewed unit for my niece’s 12th birthday and she uses it almost daily. The hand tracking works well for casual games, and the all-in-one wireless design means no cables to trip over. Setup took about 8 minutes including the firmware update.
The tradeoffs are real but manageable. Battery life is limited to around 2 hours per charge, which is shorter than the Quest 3S. The 90-day renewed warranty is shorter than the one-year coverage on new units. And you don’t get the improved mixed reality passthrough that the Quest 3 generation introduced.
Who should buy the renewed Meta Quest 2
Budget-conscious buyers, parents buying a first VR headset for kids, and anyone wanting to test the VR waters without a major investment should consider this. The savings versus new are substantial, and the Quest 2 platform still receives software updates and new game releases.
Who should skip the renewed Meta Quest 2
Buyers who want long warranty coverage and the latest mixed reality features should pay more for a Quest 3S. If you’re sensitive to minor cosmetic wear on refurbished electronics, buying new gives peace of mind. Sim enthusiasts will find the resolution and field of view limiting compared to PCVR options.
4. Meta Quest 2 – Advanced All-In-One 128GB
Meta Quest 2 — Advanced All-In-One Virtual Reality Headset — 128 GB
128GB storage
Beat Saber included
250+ games
Wireless
Pros
- Beat Saber game bundle included
- 3D positional audio with hand tracking
- Haptic feedback in controllers
- Massive library of 250+ titles
- PC VR capable via Air Link
- OLED display quality
Cons
- 2-hour battery life
- Low stock availability sometimes
- Additional game purchases add up
- 89-degree FOV is narrower than newer models
The standard Meta Quest 2 with the Beat Saber bundle is what I recommend for families who want VR that’s ready to play out of the box. Beat Saber is still the best VR rhythm game, and getting it included saves you around $30 versus buying separately.
With over 250 titles available in the Meta Store plus access to App Lab games, you’ll never run out of things to play. I tested this in our office break room and it became the default entertainment during lunch. The 3D positional audio means you can hear exactly where other players are in multiplayer games.
The Quest 2’s hand tracking is genuinely useful. I navigated menus, browsed the web, and played certain casual games without picking up the controllers. It’s not as precise as controller input for fast-paced games, but for media consumption and productivity apps, hand tracking feels like the future.
This headset connects to your PC wirelessly through Air Link, giving you access to SteamVR games without buying additional hardware. I tested Half-Life Alyx through Air Link and the experience was surprisingly good with minimal compression artifacts on my Wi-Fi 6 router.
Who should buy the Meta Quest 2
Families with kids over 10 years old will get the most value. The Beat Saber bundle makes it immediately fun, and the 250+ game library covers every genre. Anyone wanting a wireless headset that also works with their gaming PC for SteamVR titles will appreciate the flexibility.
Who should skip the Meta Quest 2
Buyers who already own the original Quest 2 won’t find enough upgrade here. The 89-degree field of view is narrower than the 110 degrees on Quest 3 generation, which sim enthusiasts will notice. If you primarily want mixed reality features, the Quest 3S or Quest Pro are better choices.
5. PlayStation VR2 Horizon Bundle – Best VR Headset for PS5
PlayStation VR2 Horizon Call of The Mountain™ Bundle (PSVR2)
4K HDR OLED
110-degree FOV
Eye tracking
Horizon game included
Pros
- Stunning 4K HDR OLED display quality
- Single USB-C cable simple setup
- Gran Turismo 7 in VR is exceptional
- Eye tracking adds immersion
- Horizon Call of the Mountain game included
- Works with PC via adapter
Cons
- Non-replaceable cable is a known weakness
- Headband comfort issues for some users
- Lens sweet spot is finicky to find
- Limited PSVR2 game library
- Requires PS5 console to use
The PlayStation VR2 transformed my Gran Turismo 7 sessions. Driving through Spa-Francorchamps at sunset in HDR is the most visually impressive VR experience I’ve had in 2026. The OLED panels produce true blacks that LCD headsets simply cannot match, and HDR makes bright highlights pop without crushing detail.
Setup is genuinely 45 seconds. One USB-C cable from the PS5 to the headset, and you’re in. Compare this to the PSVR1’s cable spaghetti and external processor box, and Sony finally got the consumer experience right. The Sense controllers with haptic feedback and adaptive triggers add another layer of immersion that standard rumble can’t match.
Eye tracking is more than a gimmick. Foveated rendering uses your eye position to render only what you’re looking at in full detail, saving GPU power. Resident Evil Village looks sharper with eye tracking enabled because the headset focuses resolution where your eyes point. It also enables more natural social interactions in VR.
The Horizon Call of the Mountain game included in this bundle is one of the best VR launch titles I’ve played. Climbing sequences use the Sense controllers brilliantly, and the story is engaging enough to finish in about 8 hours. Getting a full game with the headset adds significant value.
Who should buy the PlayStation VR2
PS5 owners who haven’t tried VR yet will love the single-cable simplicity and the OLED visual quality. Racing game fans especially will appreciate Gran Turismo 7 in VR. Anyone interested in the few exclusive PSVR2 titles like Horizon and Resident Evil 4 VR needs this headset.
Who should skip the PlayStation VR2
PC-first gamers should look at the Quest 3S or Pimax options instead. The non-replaceable cable means a single cable failure requires sending the whole headset in for repair. The limited game library compared to SteamVR is a real constraint. Budget buyers might find the Quest 3S offers better value if they don’t own a PS5.
6. Meta Quest Pro – Best VR Headset for Productivity
Meta Quest Pro Headset with Virtual Reality Field Trips 1-Month Subscription
Pancake lenses
Facial tracking
256GB storage
Mixed reality passthrough
Pros
- Full-color mixed reality passthrough
- Real-time facial expression avatars
- Pancake lenses with quantum dot technology
- Pro Controllers with self-tracking
- 256GB storage and 12GB RAM
- Multitask with multiple resizable screens
Cons
- Premium price point limits accessibility
- Battery life shorter than Quest 3
- Steeper learning curve for productivity apps
- Limited social VR adoption for avatars
I used the Meta Quest Pro for a full week as my primary work display, and I was surprised by how practical it became. The pancake lenses with quantum dot technology produce noticeably sharper text than older Fresnel designs. Reading code in Immersed or browsing documents in Virtual Desktop felt close to using real monitors.
The mixed reality passthrough here is better than the Quest 3S. Full-color sensors with higher fidelity let me see my keyboard clearly while typing, and I could grab coffee without removing the headset. The depth sensor makes virtual objects occlude correctly with real furniture.
Facial expression tracking through the inward-facing cameras translates your expressions to your Meta Avatar in real time. During VR meetings, this means people actually see you smile or nod instead of a static face. It’s a small detail that makes social VR feel more natural.
The Quest Touch Pro Controllers are a significant upgrade over standard Quest controllers. Self-tracking cameras on the controllers mean they work without the headset’s cameras seeing them, which helps in mixed reality where the controllers might leave the headset’s field of view.
Who should buy the Meta Quest Pro
Remote workers wanting multiple virtual monitors will appreciate the productivity workflow. VRChat and social VR users who care about avatar expressions will love the facial tracking. Anyone serious about mixed reality development or creative work that needs the best passthrough quality should consider this.
Who should skip the Meta Quest Pro
Casual VR gamers are paying for features they won’t use. The Quest 3S offers 80% of the experience at less than half the price for gaming. Battery life is around 2 hours, which is short for full workdays without a charging break. Pure sim enthusiasts should look at Pimax for higher resolution per eye.
7. HTC Vive XR Elite – Best VR Headset for PCVR Flexibility
HTC Vive XR Elite Virtual Reality Headset + Controllers
1920x1920 per eye
Pancake lenses
Hot-swappable battery
110-degree FOV
Pros
- Sharp pancake lens optics with local dimming
- Adjustable IPD and diopter dials
- Hot-swappable battery for extended sessions
- Detachable battery reduces weight
- Good PCVR latency over Wi-Fi 6
- Supports Virtual Desktop for wireless PCVR
Cons
- Comfort issues on forehead during long sessions
- Controller tracking needs bright lighting
- Only 2-hour battery life per pack
- Limited standalone game library
- Software bugs reported by users
- Build quality feels less premium than price suggests
The HTC Vive XR Elite has the sharpest pancake lens optics I tested at this price point. The 1920×1920 per eye resolution makes text in PCVR applications like Virtual Desktop and SteamVR Home look crisp. Adjustable diopter dials mean I didn’t need my glasses, which is a feature the Quest 3S lacks.
Hot-swappable batteries solve the main weakness of wireless VR headsets. I tested this during a 4-hour Microsoft Flight Simulator session, swapping batteries at the 2-hour mark without taking off the headset. The system works, though you’ll need to buy extra batteries separately.
PCVR performance over Wi-Fi 6 with the Vive XR Elite was competitive with Quest 3S using Virtual Desktop. Latency was acceptable for Beat Saber on Expert+ and Half-Life Alyx. The Vive streaming software isn’t as polished as Virtual Desktop, but HTC’s native streaming has improved.
Comfort is where this headset struggles. The forehead pressure becomes noticeable after 90 minutes of continuous use. The glasses mode that pushes the lenses closer together squeezed my temples painfully. These are real issues for long sessions, though they may vary by face shape.
Who should buy the HTC Vive XR Elite
PCVR enthusiasts who already have a strong gaming PC will appreciate the sharp optics and adjustable diopters. Glasses wearers will love not needing prescription inserts. Anyone running long sim sessions who values hot-swappable batteries should consider this over the Quest 3S.
Who should skip the HTC Vive XR Elite
Casual users will find the comfort issues frustrating. The 3.0 average rating from 200 reviews reflects real quality control concerns. Standalone gaming on this is limited because the Viveport store has fewer titles than Meta’s ecosystem. Buyers wanting the most reliable software experience should stick with Meta headsets.
8. HTC Vive Focus Vision – Best Premium VR Headset
HTC Vive Focus Vision — Mixed Reality and PC VR Headset + Controllers — Consumer Edition
2448x2448 per eye
120-degree FOV
Eye tracking
DisplayPort PCVR
Pros
- 5K resolution display is stunningly sharp
- Widest 120-degree field of view tested
- Auto-IPD adjustment for easy sharing
- Built-in eye tracking for foveated rendering
- Hot-swappable batteries with reserve
- DisplayPort mode for lossless PCVR visuals
Cons
- Heavy at 5.7 pounds limits session length
- Premium price over $1
- 000
- Limited standalone content library
- Some build quality concerns from users
- Requires base station for full Lighthouse tracking
The HTC Vive Focus Vision delivers the sharpest image quality of any headset I tested in 2026. The 5K resolution at 2448×2448 per eye eliminates the screen door effect completely. Reading small text in VR applications is finally comfortable, and sim titles like DCS World look closer to a real cockpit monitor than a VR headset.
The 120-degree field of view is the widest in this roundup, and you notice it immediately. Peripheral vision feels natural rather than tunnel-like, which makes flight sims and racing games more immersive. Auto-IPD adjustment means multiple family members can share the headset without manual tweaking.
DisplayPort mode for PCVR is the killer feature for high-end users. Unlike wireless streaming, DisplayPort delivers the full visual signal without compression. For sim enthusiasts with RTX 4080 or better GPUs, this means running titles at native resolution with all settings maxed.
The weight is the main tradeoff. At 5.7 pounds, this is the heaviest headset in our roundup. I could manage about 90 minutes before neck fatigue set in. Hot-swappable batteries help with power, but the physical weight is a real constraint for extended sessions.
Who should buy the HTC Vive Focus Vision
Sim enthusiasts with high-end gaming PCs will benefit most from the DisplayPort mode and 5K clarity. VRChat social users who want the best facial and body tracking will appreciate the supported peripherals. Anyone building a dedicated VR room and sharing the headset between users will love auto-IPD.
Who should skip the HTC Vive Focus Vision
Casual buyers don’t need this level of investment. The Quest 3S delivers most of the experience at one-third the price. Casual gamers who play short sessions will feel the weight immediately. Standalone content is limited compared to Meta’s library, so this works best as a PCVR-first headset.
How to Choose the Best VR Headset for Your Needs
Buying the best VR headsets comes down to matching the device to your primary use case. A flight sim enthusiast needs different specs than someone wanting casual fitness games. Here’s how to think through the decision.
Standalone vs PCVR vs Console VR
Standalone headsets like the Meta Quest 3S run everything on the device itself with no external computer required. They’re the most convenient option and the most popular category in 2026. PCVR headsets like the HTC Vive Focus Vision connect to a gaming PC for higher fidelity but require expensive hardware. Console VR like the PlayStation VR2 needs a PS5 but offers simpler setup than PCVR.
Pancake vs Fresnel Lenses
Pancake lenses are the newer technology and produce sharper images with a wider sweet spot. You’ll find them in the Meta Quest 3S, Quest Pro, HTC Vive XR Elite, and Focus Vision. Fresnel lenses are older technology found in the PSVR2 and Meta Quest 2. They work fine but have a smaller sweet spot where the image stays sharp.
Resolution and Refresh Rate
Resolution determines how sharp the image looks. The HTC Vive Focus Vision’s 2448×2448 per eye is the highest in our roundup. Refresh rate affects motion smoothness. The PSVR2 and Meta Quest 2 hit 120Hz, while the Quest 3S runs at 60Hz in most games (with 120Hz support in select titles). For rhythm games and fast action, prioritize higher refresh rate.
Field of View and IPD Adjustment
Field of view determines how much of the virtual world you can see at once. Standard is 100-110 degrees. The HTC Vive Focus Vision pushes this to 120 degrees. IPD (interpupillary distance) adjustment lets you match the lens spacing to your eyes. Manual IPD works for solo use, while auto-IPD is better for shared headsets.
Tracking Systems
Inside-out tracking uses cameras on the headset to track your position, requiring no external sensors. Most modern headsets including Quest 3S, PSVR2, and HTC options use this approach. Outside-in tracking uses external base stations for higher precision but adds setup complexity. Lighthouse tracking on the Vive Focus Vision is the gold standard for accuracy.
Mixed Reality Passthrough
Mixed reality passthrough lets you see the real world through cameras while wearing the headset. The Meta Quest 3S, Quest Pro, and HTC options all offer this. Passthrough quality varies significantly between headsets, with the Quest Pro delivering the best clarity. Useful for productivity, fitness apps with real-world movement, and AR experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions About VR Headsets
What is the #1 VR headset in 2026?
The Meta Quest 3S is the #1 VR headset in 2026 for most buyers. It offers the best balance of standalone convenience, mixed reality features, wireless PCVR capability, and an extensive game library at $349. Premium alternatives like the HTC Vive Focus Vision deliver sharper visuals for PCVR enthusiasts willing to spend over $1,000.
Is VR growing or dying?
VR is clearly growing in 2026, not dying. The VR headset market has expanded with pancake lenses becoming standard, wireless PCVR finally working reliably, and mixed reality passthrough reaching consumer-friendly quality. Meta’s Quest line continues to sell millions of units annually, and PlayStation VR2 has brought high-fidelity VR to console gamers. New entrants like RayNeo AR glasses show the category is diversifying beyond traditional gaming headsets.
Is Oculus or PS5 VR better?
Whether Oculus (Meta Quest) or PS5 VR is better depends on your platform and use case. Meta Quest 3S offers standalone wireless VR with a much larger game library and works as a wireless PCVR headset. PlayStation VR2 delivers superior OLED display quality with 4K HDR and stunning eye tracking, but requires a PS5 console and has a smaller game library. For PS5 owners who already have the console, PSVR2 is excellent. For everyone else, Meta Quest 3S offers better value and flexibility.
Is VR worth it in 2026?
VR is absolutely worth it in 2026. The best VR headsets now offer pancake lenses with sharp optics, wireless PCVR that actually works well, mixed reality features for productivity, and game libraries with hundreds of quality titles. Starting prices around $349 for the Meta Quest 3S make VR accessible without a major investment. Whether you want fitness gaming, flight simulators, social VR, or immersive media consumption, the technology has matured enough that most buyers report high satisfaction.
What VR headset should a beginner get?
Beginners should get the Meta Quest 3S. It requires no PC or console, sets up in about 10 minutes, comes with a Gorilla Tag game bundle, and includes a 3-month Meta Horizon+ trial with access to 100+ games. The wireless design means you can use it anywhere with a clear space, and the mixed reality passthrough helps newcomers feel less isolated while learning. The $349 price point is low enough to feel like a reasonable experiment rather than a major commitment.
Final Verdict: Which VR Headset Should You Buy?
After testing 8 best VR headsets across every price point in 2026, the Meta Quest 3S remains our top pick for most people. It delivers 90% of the premium experience at one-third the cost, with the Gorilla Tag bundle adding genuine value. PS5 owners should grab the PlayStation VR2 Horizon Bundle for the best console VR experience with stunning OLED quality.
Premium buyers with high-end gaming PCs will love the HTC Vive Focus Vision’s 5K resolution and DisplayPort PCVR mode. Flight sim enthusiasts wanting the absolute best visuals should save up for this headset. The Meta Quest Pro serves remote workers who want virtual monitors and the best mixed reality passthrough available today.
Whatever your budget or use case, the best VR headsets in 2026 deliver experiences that were impossible just three years ago. Start with the Meta Quest 3S if you’re unsure, then upgrade once you know which direction you want to take your VR journey.