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Almost everyone enjoys watching movies, and since VR technology has protruded into every sphere of modern life, today, cinephiles can use the revolutionary headsets to binge-watch their favorite titles.
There are many video apps specially designed for VR headsets to allow you to relish an authentic cinematic experience or to watch TV shows and movies in a simulated 3D environment with friends and family.
Think about watching YouTube series in 4K, and if you are brave enough—dive your head into this trend and arm yourself with the best VR headset.
There is an enormous variety of virtual-reality products, but we’re here to find the best VR headset to watch movies that truly deserves your attention—and your money!
5 Best VR Headsets to Watch Movies
Various brands offer VR headsets, but not all of them are equally good or let you view movies.
Picking the best VR headset to watch movies is a real state-or-art, and here are the best-quality headsets for seeing films you can buy today:
- HTC Vive Pro;
- Oculus Quest 2;
- Pimax Vision 8K X;
- HP Reverb G2;
- Goovis VR Pro.
1. HTC Vive Pro
As the first headset from HTC, the Vive Pro VR headset has a very modern design that allows extreme comfort for the head.
With a 2880×1600 display resolution and a 90Hz refresh rate, HTC Vive Pro promises sharp images.
The HTC Vive Pro VR headset is a PC-tethered, so you need to tie the headset before you start catching a movie, and the PC will do the job for you.
Users can also perceive a super-wide 110-degree field of view (FOV). This headset weighs about 550g, and although it isn’t the lightest one on the market, it isn’t the weightiest one either.
Even though Vive Pro comes at a higher price than its rivals, it provides the best cinematic experience for watching movies. Users love its simple design as it highlights its contemporary look.
Pros:
- Incredible graphics;
- Perfect control scheme;
- Outstanding sound quality.
Cons:
- Difficult setup;
- Expensive.
2. Oculus Quest 2
Oculus Quest 2 is a perfect example of how far virtual-reality technology has come.
The company primarily planned this VR headset model for gaming, but it later proved the best VR headset to watch movies. With its universal look, it’s one of the best-selling VR headsets today.
Customers love the affordable price of the Oculus Quest 2, including its specifications.
With a resolution of 3664×1920, 90-degree FOV, and a refresh rate of 90 Hz, Oculus Quest 2 is a true beast.
Due to its built-in speakers and excellent sound, you will become a witness to the best 3D cinematic experience ever.
In addition to these fantastic specifications, Oculus Quest 2 differs from its rivals as it has both a standalone and tethered functionality.
It means that the Oculus Quest 2 provides full mobility, and you can enjoy seeing films from the coziness of your couch or your soft bed.
At the same time, this revolutionary model is a stunning tethered headset, and you can pair it with your PC.
However, having a FB account is a must when using Oculus Quest 2. If you aren’t too keen on this social media platform, that’s something to keep in mind.
Pros:
- Better price than most VR headsets;
- Tethered and standalone functionality;
- Modern inside-out tracking.
Cons:
- Mandatory Facebook account.
3. Pimax Vision 8K X
Another leading provider of VR tech is Pimax—the place where convenience meets style! Their Pimax Vision 8K X best pairs with RTX 3080 graphics cards, and you can always add a power amplifier for superior sound.
Besides the modern look, this headset also provides the highest possible resolution for watching movies.
You can view films in 2D and 3D so long as your computer can handle them.
In addition, the Pimax Vision 8K X lets you play ever-popular titles like Five Nights at Freddy’s, Phasmophobia, and Skyrim.
Currently, the product sells for over $1,000, meaning it’s a high-end VR headset.
It’s catered chiefly to extreme fanatics and not those just now having their first-ever encounter with virtual reality.
Pros:
- Stylish design;
- Compatible with popular games like Five Nights at Freddy’s;
- Broad FOV (field of view).
Cons:
- Not beginner-friendly;
- Requires potent hardware.
4. HP Reverb G2
As a highly renowned company, HP has several products, and the Reverb G2 VR headset is one of them.
This stylish VR headset uses content websites such as Netflix or other movie-watching platforms while ensuring top-quality sound and high-resolution images similar to those on your computer.
Reverb G2 VR headset offers a real home theater experience—plus you don’t need to worry about entangled cables and wires.
Thanks to its internal sensors and four cameras, users have a chance to immerse themselves in a TV show or movie from multiple angles.
Unlike some Reverb G2 rivals, where you need to take the goggles off and put them in a separate box, you can use the Reverb G2 from the second you unpack it.
Pros:
- Smooth design;
- Crystal-clear image;
- Simple to use.
Cons:
- You must remain in the same place while using it.
5. Goovis G2 Pro
Goovis G2 Pro is known as a highly compact VR headset that is here to replace your home theater, tablet, smartphone, TV, or console for an otherworldly cinema-like experience.
Customers rush to purchase this VR headset as it has a unique design, doesn’t weigh a lot, and is easy to set up and use.
This model comes with 32GB internal storage and 256GB external space option so that users can download their preferred movies on their accounts.
Goovis G2 Pro has two high-resolution AM-OLED Sony micro displays with 1920×1080 resolution. As such, many deem it the best VR headset to watch movies.
Goovis G2 Pro also works with an HDMI interface, and owners can pair it with smartphones, PC, PS4, Xbox, Nintendo, and drones.
Goovis G2 Pro is a familiar guest in many VR enthusiasts’ homes thanks to these specifications and the eye-protected HD lenses.
Pros:
- Eye protected HD lenses;
- Lightweight;
- Unique appearance.
Cons:
- Uncomfortable for the nose after more prolonged use.
Cheap VR Headsets to Watch Movies
Premium VR headsets have been extremely popular in the last few years, but fortunately, some brands offer low-cost variants for new VR headset fans to have a go at.
Besides the fact that each cheap VR headset to watch movies comes with some limitations, they are all ideal for those who want to check whether VR headsets fit their lifestyle.
So, if you don’t want to spend a fortune buying an expensive VR headset to watch movies, check out these cheap VR headsets instead:
- Samsung Gear VR;
- Google Cardboard;
- Playstation VR.
1. Samsung Gear VR
The Samsung Gear VR was a real hit when it first came out, but it presents a more low-budget option since it’s been on the market for a while now.
Gear VR is a smartphone-based version of the VR headset released with the Samsung Galaxy Note 7.
Before you start watching your favorite movie, you must be aware that the Gear VR display quality depends on your smartphone.
Another thing to keep in mind before purchasing this Samsung headset is that it boasts a limited list of compatible smartphones.
However, if you’re just starting to dip your toes into the 3D simulation, the Gear VR is a superb deal that won’t cost you more than $50.
Pros:
- Standalone and wireless;
- Adjustable focus;
- Rich content library.
Cons:
- Limited compatibility.
2. Google Cardboard
Google Cardboard is maybe the best cheap VR headset to watch movies you can find nowadays.
All you’ll require is a foldable pattern of cardboard and your smartphone for it to work.
You can enjoy watching VR movies on this device as it is convenient and compact.
Google Cardboard works best when paired with a phone device that boasts a high-resolution screen, as the quality of the image depends on it.
Watching your favorite movies or TV shows on Google Cardboard will drain your phone battery faster than regular.
So, we recommend you put your phone on airplane mode when you watch VR movies.
With an average price of $15, the Google Cardboard VR headset is the cheapest option for watching movies.
Moreover, Google Cardboard also works with iPhone to offer you a unique movie experience and other VR content such as games.
Get the headset, fold it, and start your incredible VR movie-watching adventure!
Pros:
- Super affordable;
- Increase creativity.
Cons:
- Difficult to set up.
3. PlayStation VR
PlayStation VR is best VR headset to watch movies and videos on a modern PlayStation 4 console.
Thanks to its OLED display, users can enjoy mind-blowing quality visuals. This option is suitable for all Hulu clients that want to hop into the exceptional VR environment.
We suggest movie fans who wish to explore the rich Hulu library opt for the Playstation VR headset, as it guarantees a high refresh rate.
And thanks to the 1080p resolution, all the action will unfold seamlessly in front of you.
The Playstation VR headset is some of the cheaper alternatives on our list and will cost you about $300.
You can either purchase it as a standalone headset or bundle it with a camera, controllers, and a blu-ray disc.
Pros:
- Very immersive;
- Suitable for games;
- Very precise in motion tracking.
Cons:
- Not as comfortable as other VR headsets.
Important Features to Consider
- Field of View (FOV): Understanding the importance of FOV, which dictates the immersive experience; higher FOV enhances the sense of presence.
- Comfort: Evaluating the comfort level and considering the potential need for additional comfort modifications, with awareness of associated costs.
- Resolution: Recognizing the impact of higher resolution and pixel densities on image clarity and reducing the screen door effect for a better visual experience.
- Lenses: Contrasting Fresnel Lenses with Pancake Lenses, emphasizing the latter’s advantages in clarity and reduction of god rays for an upgraded viewing experience.
- Price: Considering the budget and determining how much one is willing to invest in a VR headset.
- Tethered or Wireless: Weighing the pros and cons of tethered and wireless options, and ensuring compatibility with the PC if choosing a tethered headset.
- Gaming: Assessing the level of gaming activity planned to ensure the chosen headset aligns with entertainment preferences.
- Refresh Rate: Acknowledging the importance of refresh rate, particularly for gaming, and its impact on the smoothness of motion in movie-watching scenarios.
- Color Passthrough: Exploring the capability of color passthrough for overlaying VR elements on the environment, offering unique possibilities such as creating a virtual TV screen in the physical space.
Best Movies to Watch in VR
Virtual reality has never been so popular, and thanks to the available VR games and apps, there are tons of such titles to immerse yourself in!
However, there are some things to keep in mind when choosing which movie to see.
A considerable number of the VR movies are new, and you may run into less-than-satisfactory resolution, poor plotline, etc. Most of these films are also relatively short instead of two or three hours long.
Nonetheless, there are some noteworthy titles deserving of your attention. The following list denotes the best VR movies to watch:
- El Camino;
- Star Wars: The Last Jedi;
- The Invisible Man;
- Bloodshot;
- Cargo;
- Maze Runner;
- A Quite Place Part 2;
- The Matrix;
- Onward.
Is VR Headset Worth for Watching Movies?
A VR headset is an excellent option for watching movies at home, as it provides an authentic, 3D cinema experience.
The image quality is unmatched, and the sound is more than satisfactory.
If you choose a VR set with built-in speakers, you’ll receive surround sound to capture that in-theater presence.
Given all the benefits, we can guarantee that VR headsets are ideal for watching your favorite movies at home.
VR Headset to Watch Movies Drawbacks
Although modern VR headsets boast impressive resolution, a significant challenge remains: glares. VR headsets use fresnel lenses, and their primary drawback becomes evident in high-contrast scenes, such as a loading screen with white text against a black background.
While some individuals can overlook these glares, others find them bothersome. A workaround is adjusting the background during movie watching; for example, a black ‘space’ background may result in noticeable glares, whereas a living room background may not.
Following hands-on testing and benchmarking of each product on this list, our team of experts will unveil the best VR headsets for an optimal movie-watching experience.
Can I Watch Netflix on VR Box?
Your VR headset serves as a way to play games and watch movies on various streaming platforms—including Netflix.
All you have to do is download and install the designated Netflix VR app available on Google Play Store, Oculus Store, etc.
After that, log in to your account, and you’re good to go!
We must, however, mention that there are specific limitations regarding the app.
The resolution isn’t the best, and you cannot use it to download any tv shows or movies.
If this isn’t too much of a nuisance, watching your favorite Netflix title on VR will be a blast.
Final Thoughts
Watching movies using a VR headset can elevate your viewing experience and immerse you into the big screen.
If you’re a cinema lover, this may be the highest engagement level that you can get.
Fortunately, many VR headsets currently offer different prices that can match all tastes and budgets.
The good thing is that most of the latest VR headsets that let you watch movies and are also suitable for other purposes, such as playing games and attending virtual conferences and concerts.
Whether you prefer cheaper or more sophisticated headsets, we strongly recommend having a go at one and witnessing the power of VR yourself!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I watch movies lying down?
Absolutely. The great thing about VR is you can adjust the screen wherever you want, so you can have it front of your eyes whilst you’re lying down.
Will I get motion sickness from VR?
No you won’t. Movies don’t cause motion sickness.
You only get motion sickness when there’s artificial movement going on e.g. when you’re playing games and using the controller to move. The reason for that is your eyes detect motion, but your body is stationary and this sensory conflict confuses the brain and causes motion sickness.
But for 2D and 3D movies – you won’t get motion sickness.
What is the best VR headset for Netflix?
The Oculus Go by far, because it offers the most benefit for cost. Samsung Gear VR is a good budget headset for those who already have a Samsung phone.
Can I use headphones or earphones with these VR headsets?
Yes you can. All these headsets come with integrated audio speakers, but if you got earphones, they’ll fit into these headsets. Most headphones on the other hand won’t fit, you’ll have to buy custom sized ones.
