The mobile VR Headset game is well ahead but everyone’s favorite mobile brand, Apple, has yet to come out with its own VR line, so we have listed the 5 best VR Headsets to buy for iPhone in 2016.
In the tight race for mobile VR headset supremacy, how could you possibly pick just five out of all the headsets that are out in the market today? The task was difficult but someone’s got to do the job. So we rolled out our sleeves, created categories that make a VR Headset ideal for iPhone users and points were awarded for each category. The Headset is then ranked according to their accumulated points.
What are these categories?
First on our list, of course, is the price. With iPhones already coming in with hefty price tags, it would be incredibly helpful for the headset to be budget-friendly. We’ll let you in on a secret – everything that’s on this list is under $100, which makes each of them perfect for our list of the 10 Cool Tech Gifts and Gadgets to Buy on Amazon under $100.
Second, we look at the hardware’s stability. After all, no one would want to spend ANY amount of money on something that gets damaged within weeks.
We have also factored in the comfort and convenience of using the Headset; it has to be handy, easy to use, and comfortable to use in any situation.
Of course, we cannot forget about the functionality – compatibility with external hardware (e.g. Bluetooth joystick), compatibility with various apps, and viewing capacities.
Lastly, we cannot forget about the Headsets’ versatility in terms of how many iPhones it can accommodate in terms of OS and size especially with the iPhone 6 Plus being on the bigger side.
To come up with this list, we have taken up suggestions from Wareable, Know Your Mobile, Redmond Pie, Shopomo and we got their most recent prices on Amazon.
So, which VR Headsets should be on your Amazon shopping list this week? Check the list out!
5. Mattel View-Master Virtual Reality Starter Pack
$16.49
The View-Master was part of the childhood of an entire generation and has made a comeback in a more advanced version that both parents and kids will enjoy. The View-Master is foremost of all cheap – even cheaper than the Cardboard Kit V2, at only $16.49 (and the cheapest on our list of the 5 best VR headsets to buy for iPhone in 2016) but is certainly more solid and sturdier than the flimsy cardboard headset from Google. The Mattel-made headset is not the most comfortable but it is pretty versatile as far as the viewing capacities are concerned. It works well with larger phones as much as it did smaller-screened phones. The software packs are a little expensive but that should not turn you off as the View-Master can work well with the cheaper software packs for the Google Cardboard.
4. Google Cardboard Kit V2
$18.99
The revolutionary Google Cardboard is the second cheapest on our list of the 5 best VR Headsets to buy for iPhone in 2016. The sleeker-looking version 2 of the Cardboard Kit is certainly earning bigger scores compared to the earlier version thanks to the added convenience of a head strap, the comfort of the nose pad, and the versatility in screen capacity as it can now hold screens with sizes from 3 to 6 inches. The only reason why it’s on the bottom of the list is its questionable durability; after all, it is made of cardboard and is therefore NOT ideal for sweaty people.
3. Homido Virtual Reality Headset for Smartphone
$70.97
Homido is a clear winner in many categories. First off, it is very comfortable and convenient to use – thanks to its padded head strap and padded inner outline. Easy to say, it is perfect for binge-users because of its top-notch comfort. Homido can accommodate up to 6-inches in screen capacity so your large iPhone 6 Plus units should fit rather snugly. And did we mention that the Homido can be adjusted for people with vision troubles? It has three viewer settings – Normal, Near-Sighted, and Far-Sighted – to give the user its optimum viewing experience. The only letdown? It is pretty expensive. In fact, it is the second most expensive of all the items on our list of the 5 best VR Headsets to buy for iPhone in 2016.
2. Freefly VR Virtual Reality Smartphone 3D Headset
$74.70
Number two on our list of the 5 best VR Headsets to buy for iPhone in 2016 is the Freefly VR Headset. While it is the most expensive one on the list, the price comes in with the GLIDE VR Bluetooth Controller (hurrah for gamers!). The features are also pretty well worth the price. The faux leather gives it a sleek look that is always great in our books though aesthetics were not considered on this list. The padding makes it very comfortable to wear, the strap keeps it snug although it can very easily feel constricting after some time, and the smartphone clamp keeps the gadget snug and in place. It can accommodate up to 6.1 inches of a screen so it can very easily take care of your iPhone 6. The best part? It offers a 120-degree field of view and tracks head movements for the complete immersive experience.
1. Tepoinn VR Headset
$28.99
And the landslide winner for the ultimate list of the 5 best VR Headsets to buy for iPhone in 2016 is the Tepoinn 3D VR Headset! First off, it comes at a very affordable price. At under $30, this headset’s features can put any other headset twice its price to absolute shame. Its plastic hardware may not be the sturdiest and may require more careful usage than, say, the more expensive Homido or Freefly, but it can hold up on its own. The new version can fit a large iPhone 6 or iPhone 6 Plus too easily, and the head strap offers a rather snug fit. But perhaps the best part about the Tepoinn is its dual-axis lens adjustment that allows for optimum viewing experience for any user.
