VR headsets have found their way into many homes over the past few years, thanks in large part to Meta’s regular releases, Sony’s PSVR 2, and PC-adjacent products from HTC, HP, and Vive. Many of these headsets are great on their own, but they shine even more when equipped with accessories. But with the industry currently in the midst of a Wild West era, it can be difficult to know what’s worth buying and what’s likely to end up in your closet within a week. yeah. That’s where Engadget comes in. Discover the best VR accessories to pair with the latest headsets.
We tried to keep these options as universal as possible to suit the different VR ecosystems out there. However, some of the best VR accessories only work on specific platforms, so we’ll keep that in mind going forward. I also avoided experimental and expensive add-ons like treadmills and force feedback wear to avoid going broke.
The best VR controller accessories
DeadEyeVR
For my money, games like Topgolf’s Golf+ and Walkabout Mini Golf are killer apps for VR headsets. And I’ve never played golf in my life. There’s something about the action involved in golf that translates perfectly to virtual reality. It already feels like the real thing, but you can always take it up a notch by hooking up club attachments. Golf clubs are long and heavy, but VR controllers are stubby and light. A weighted club attachment solves this problem, and DeadEyeVR’s DriVR Elite is the perfect choice. The pseudo-driver is integrated with the Meta Quest headset, and the iron core provides the necessary weight. It’s not as long as the real world ones, but it’s actually a good thing for windows and furniture. If mini golf is your thing, check out the company’s line of putters.
$110 on Amazon
M AMVR
First-person shooter games are another genre that lends itself well to VR, but a standard controller won’t do the trick. For even more realism, integrate your controller with some kind of stock attachment. We recommend this one from the reputable accessory manufacturer AMVR. It actually comes with two stock attachments, so you can live out your dual-wielding dreams like the ultimate villain from a John Woo movie. It also looks pretty cool, with an aesthetic reminiscent of old NES light gun accessories. The only caveat? These are designed to work with the new Quest controllers, so the only viable headsets are the Quest 3 and 3s. However, if you have one of these headsets, you’ll definitely start shredding with games like Arizona Sunshine, Population: One, and of course the rhythm shooter Pistol Whip.
$35 on Amazon
DeadEyeVR
There are a surprising number of great VR games where a bow is your primary weapon. Death: Unchained, Dungeons of Eternity, and Survival Nation all feature solid archery mechanics for starters. Gameplay typically involves pulling back on one controller and holding the other in place to mimic the motion of firing an arrow. This is fine, but it does reduce the sense of realism a bit. DeadEyeVR’s Shadow Shot accessory doesn’t just feel like you’re using a bow, it’s an actual bow. Controllers are attached to each end and are pulled back to fire. For real shooters, the learning curve should be close to zero. For beginners, this may be an interesting way to learn the basics of the sport.
$60 on Amazon
Best VR headset upgrades
Will Lipman Photography from Engadget
First, let’s get it out of the way. Works with any wired headphones and any VR headset. The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 4 headphones aren’t specifically designed for VR headsets, but they have plenty of features for enthusiasts. Featuring 360-degree spatial audio, a true game-changer for VR experiences, an AI-assisted microphone to reduce background noise, and fully customizable EQ, useful when streaming videos or listening to music on a VR headset .
These are also wireless headphones with Bluetooth, allowing you to connect them to just about anything. However, when shuffling around the VR space, you may want to connect directly to reduce lag. However, when you go wireless, you get 36 hours of use on a single charge and a fast charging feature that charges the headphones in just 15 minutes.
$78 at Walmart
kiwi design
To be honest, the head straps that come with most VR headsets, including the Quest series, aren’t all that great. Therefore, people tend to switch to third-party products that are more comfortable. Another issue with standalone VR headsets? Battery life is usually shorter than a power nap. A head strap with a built-in battery allows you to kill two virtual birds with two virtual stones. KIWI Design K4 provides approximately 3 hours of additional juice in a comfortable and balanced design. The included battery evenly balances the weight, reducing strain on your head and neck when using this strap.
$70 on Amazon
M AMVR
There’s no better place to hide your VR headset. You can put it somewhere on the counter or find an unused drawer, but neither option is necessarily ideal. That’s where a dedicated stand comes in handy, offering a snug spot for both the headset and controller. This one from AMVR is our favorite. It is budget-friendly, durable, and most importantly features a nearly universal design. This stand is compatible with any headset, including Quest 3, Pico 4, PSVR 2, and even Apple Vision Pro. There’s a side bracket for the controller and a tray on the bottom for other accessories (like the AVP’s battery pack).
$30 on Amazon
The best VR fitness accessories
ringside
From Supernatural to boxing sim Thrill of the Fight, exercise apps have become the de facto system sellers for VR headsets. If you’re serious about virtual workouts, consider standard weighted exercise gloves. These are not specific VR gloves, nor are they particularly technical. A well-made weighted glove that will enhance your training. These not only increase the effectiveness of your aerobic workout, but may also help increase muscle mass in your shoulders and arms. Not to mention, it can add immersion to boxing sims like Creed: Rise to Glory and The Thrill of the Fight. Ringside gloves come in 2-pound and 4-pound versions, and of course can be used in the virtual gym as well as the real one.
$15 on Amazon
Engadget
While many games allow you to play sitting down, standing up is actually the best way to immerse yourself in an action-packed virtual environment. However, there are some risks involved as you may step on your pet or knock over furniture. These headsets typically have software that prevents you from going outside of predetermined boundaries, but they’re not completely secure. Something like the Skywin VR Mat will let you know the moment you step out of bounds. Plus, it’s thick and plush and much more comfortable to stand on than hard floors.
There are many mats like this and they work with any VR headset. We chose Skywin because it has a circumference of 35 inches, small enough for apartment dwellers, yet large enough to move around.
$69 on Amazon
The best VR cables, chargers and batteries
Engadget
As anyone who wears a T-shirt on a plane can attest, moving a VR headset from place to place can be frustrating. You need a sturdy, durable carrying case that also serves as a good place to store your headset and controllers when not in use. Casematix’s affordable hard cases work with your original Quest, Quest 2, and Quest 3 right out of the box. However, if the headset has a unique design, the interior is filled with easily cutable foam. You can do the same with accessories. The carrying handle is easy to hold and the hard shell exterior is durable. The price is also reasonable. This product costs $35, but most first-party cases cost twice that, and Meta’s own cases cost about $70.
$59 on Amazon
Meta
Meta’s headset is standalone, so you can play hundreds of games without connecting any external hardware. However, it also works fine on a PC if you have a link cable. This gives you wired access to PC-only games such as the Steam Store. The Quest 3 and 3s are certainly powerful, but even they can’t run some of the best PC VR titles, including the excellent Half Life: Alyx. There are many different link cables out there, but Meta’s first-party release is probably the best one. It’s durable, measures over 16 feet long, and works with the entire Quest lineup, including the just-released Quest 3.
$79 at Walmart
nexigo
While a standalone VR headset can help reduce cable clutter, a dedicated cable management system gets the job done. NexiGo’s VR cable management system includes a series of ceiling hooks and adhesive fasteners in addition to traditional screws for a more permanent solution. The headset cable hangs from the ceiling and stays out of the way when not in use. There is also a retractable carabiner to increase the range of motion by about 5 feet. Perfect for headphones and charging cables even if you have a standalone headset.
For those using wired headsets, this is obviously a no-brainer. Because nothing ruins a play session more than tripping over a cable and falling flat on your face. This is also a very good way to keep your VR space clutter-free.
$30 on Amazon
FAQ
What equipment do I need for VR?
What you need depends on the VR headset you purchase. Some devices, such as the Meta Quest 3, are completely standalone. This means you don’t need anything other than the headset itself to use it. Other VR headsets must be connected to a system that can provide power and run the software. Some systems like the HP Reverb G2 need to be connected to a PC, while systems like the PS VR2 can be connected to a game console like the PS5. Most VR headsets come with the basic controllers needed to control actions and movements in the virtual world.
What is the difference between PC VR, smartphone VR, and game console VR?
The main difference between these three VR systems is the main machine that can run the VR headset. PC VR headsets require a PC to run, such as a gaming laptop or desktop, while smartphone and game console VR systems require a smartphone and game console to run, respectively.
Do all VR headsets require a phone?
No, not all VR headsets require a phone to work. Many VR headsets have a built-in display that is placed in front of your eyes and essentially acts as a window into the virtual world.
