I just ordered my Oculus Quest 2 headset this morning — and it already came this evening.

Initial impression is that it’s the easiest-to-use headset I’ve tried so far. Very comfortable, very lightweight, and I didn’t even need to charge it up when I took it out of the box.

Next step — figure out how to use it with OpenSim.

First, I need to install Steam and Steam VR (and find a light skin for Steam, since my eyes suck and can’t read white text on a black background). Then, install the Oculus app on my computer.

Then, there’s something called the Firestorm VR Mod, and  the latest download link is here. Unfortunately, I get an error when I try to run it.

Welp, I guess this is going to take a while! Anybody have any ideas or suggestions for fixing the Firestorm problem?I’ll keep you guys posted.

Meanwhile, watch my unboxing video below.

My new Oculus Go headset arrived today ($199 on Amazon) and I wasn’t originally planning to get it because I’m not a big fan of standalone headsets. That’s a headset that has the computer and screen built right in, so you don’t need to plug in a phone, computer or gaming console in order to play with it.

In my experience, they were almost impossible to use, had crappy graphics, and no native apps. The VR Sky was the perfect example of the genre.

The thing is, when you’ve already spent several hundred dollars for the latest smartphone with the best screen you could afford, why spend another couple of hundred dollars on mostly the same technology, but in the shape of a headset, when you can just put your existing phone inside a headset? Plus, you’re probably going to have better speed and graphics on your phone than on a $200 headset, unless you have a really cheap phone.

That, combined with the usability problems, lack of developer support, and no apps to speak of, led me to conclude that all-in-one headsets were only suitable for an extremely limited set of applications, such as doctors offices or real estate agencies, where they would be used to run just one app.

The Oculus Go has made me change my mind.

Graphics, speed and ease of use

The Oculus Go is a step down from the HTC Vive and the Oculus Rift, both of which connect to high-end PCs.

The graphics are pretty good but not quite there, but, most importantly, you don’t get full position tracking. So the headset knows when you’ve rotated your head and are looking in a new direction, but not that you’ve hopped to the side to avoid a sword.

The HTC Vive and the Oculus Rift have external cameras to pick up your movement. There are folks working on getting inside-out tracking, where the headset can see where it is in relation to the surrounding room and know when you’ve moved, but that’s not really available yet.

The HTC Vive and the Oculus Rift also have two motion controllers instead of just one, which is handy if you want both of your arms to get a workout.

But where the Oculus Go beats both of those headsets by a mile is with usability. And here, it even beats the mobile-based headsets.

I’ve used both the Gear VR and the Daydream View, and you have to download all the apps on your phone. If you give the headset to someone else to try out, and you don’t want to give them your phone, they have to install all those apps on their phone, plus whatever apps they want to play.

With the Oculus Go, you use the Oculus Go app during the initial setup, but it went really quickly. And you use the phone app again if you want to set up payment details.

Otherwise, everything is on the headset itself. All the apps are right there, and the Oculus Go app store is reasonably well stock and very easy to navigate.

In fact, navigation is very similar to the Daydream View, which made it particularly easy for me. I was also pleasantly surprised that apps that I had previously purchased on other platforms were already available to me to download, without having to buy them again. Sweet!

All the old familiar apps from Gear VR and Daydream View are here — Netflix and Hulu, Eve Gunjack and End Space, Ocean Rift and my favorite roller coaster app, Epic Roller Coasters.

It has new releases, like Ann Frank House VR and Henry. And it has all the major VR social apps like AltspaceVR and vTime, as well as Oculus’ own Oculus Venues and Oculus Rooms.

Since its a standalone headset, I can leave it in the living room for anyone in the family to play with. They don’t have to fiddle with anything on their phones — they can just put on the headset and go.

I can take it with me to get-togethers and let other people try it out.

If I was a doctor, I could have one in my waiting room for patients. There are several apps in the Oculus Go store that might be very suitable, including several meditation apps, a pain relief app, and some fun casual kid games that could make long, difficult procedures go more smoothly.

After setting it up and spending a couple of hours playing with the apps, I took the headset with me to a writers’ get-together. The location didn’t have Wifi, but the Epic Roller Coasters and Jurassic World Blue apps worked fine, since I had downloaded the content previously.

And the people who tried it out — neither of whom had used the headset before — were easily able to use it.

The controller is intuitive, the headset doesn’t need any adjustment when you put it on, except maybe to tighten the straps, and the only button you might have trouble finding by feel is the volume control.

It even fits over my glasses.

There’s a minor usability problem with using YouTube on Oculus Go. There’s no separate app for YouTube, but if you pull up the browser, YouTube is the first choice on the navigation screen.

However, playing a 360-degree video is a bit annoying — you have to press play, then switch to full screen view, then use the pop-up control bar to switch into 360 VR mode. Sometimes it take a couple of times before it clicks in, and I couldn’t figure out to pause and restart the video from within the VR view mode. Plus, when you take off the headset to pass it along to someone else, it switches back into default, 2D mode, and you have to talk your friend through how to switch back to VR.

Not all video sites have this problem. For example — purely for research purposes! — I browsed over to PornHub, and their VR videos loaded without any extra fiddling.

Of course, there are many dedicated video apps for the Oculus Go. In addition to Hulu and Neflix, there’s Showtime, CNN, BBC, Discovery, Sky, The New York Times, Within, Arte360, Complex VR, Aurora Videos, Samsung VR Videos, and Facebook 360. Except for Facebook 360, these all offer curated, professional-quality videos. Not that there’s anything wrong with that.

Final thoughts

For me, the Oculus Go sits above Cardboard, Daydream, and Gear VR in terms of quality and below Playstation VR, Oculus Rift, and HTC Vive.

The $200 price point is also in line with that positioning — the mobile-based headsets are typically under $100, and the higher end ones cost several hundred dollars each.

I can easily recommend this headset for families, and for doctors’ waiting rooms, real estate agencies and other places where you might want to make a VR headset available to the public.

And for those who want to be able to watch VR movies that aren’t part of the official Oculus Go app store, you can also upload your own.

Given how fast virtual reality is evolving, I normally don’t recommend that people spend more than $75 or so on a headset. It will be obsolete soon, anyway.

The Oculus Go is my one exception to that rule. Even in its current form, it’s already enjoyable and has enough content to make the $200 investment worthwhile. And whether or not an updated version comes out in time for Christmas, it should definitely be on your holiday gift-buying list.

I got the Xiaomi Play2 VR headset in the mail today, and while it looks a lot like Google’s cutting-edge Daydream View headset, it’s not. It’s just a Cardboard-compatible. It’s not made of cardboard — it’s made of plastic and fabric — but it is compatible with the tens of thousands of VR apps and 360-degree videos available for the Cardboard platform.

It is covered with a T-shirt style fabric, like the Daydream View headset, but that’s the only similarity. It does not work with the Daydream View apps, and it does not have a motion controller.

On the plus side, it works with all late-model Android and iOS smartphones, instead of just the handful of phones that are Daydream compatible, and you can play the tens of thousands of VR apps and 360-degree videos already available.

Bottom line: While it’s not a Daydream headset, and doesn’t have other nice-to-have features like adjustable lenses or built-in headphones, it is still super easy to use, fits great, has a built-in button, and has excellent image quality, so I’m recommending it for people with older phones.

Disclosure: I received the Xiaomi Play2 VR headset free from GearBest, where it currently sells for $25.

1. Field of view

The official field of view is listed as 93 degrees, which is very reasonable. With my phone, the Pixel XL, the field of view felt even wider. The black edge was on the far limits of my vision to the right and left, reducing the ski mask effect. And there was no light leakage from the edges, which also helped with immersion.

So I give it two thumbs up for the field of view.

2. Weight

The official weight is just 6.5 ounces, which is very super low — even lower than the original Daydream View headset, which weighs just under 8 ounces.

3. Straps

This headset has a single strap, without the overhead strap typical of many viewers. But the Xiaomi Play2 is so light that a second strap isn’t needed. This makes this viewer very easy to put on and adjust to fit.

4. Fits over glasses

This headset fit easily over my glasses with room to spare. However, I found the picture very clear even without my glasses.

5. Adjustable lenses

So, no adjustable lenses. However, it does fit over glasses, and, as I said above, the picture is clear even without them.

And if there is a problem, you can adjust the settings using the Sites in VR app.

6. Ready for augmented reality

Nope. The outside cover is solid. You can probably take a hacksaw to it and cut out a little window for your camera, but it probably won’t look very nice if you do. Plus, there are many other viewers on the market that do have an open view if this is important to you.

7. Fits over cables

Yes, there’s room on both sides of the phone for your cables to go through you need to charge up the phone while using it or want to plug in headphones so people around you can’t listen in on the 360-degree videos you’re watching. There’s some racy content out there. Or may you just don’t want to annoy them with game sound effects.

8. Controller

There is a button on top of this headset which lets you interact with all the Cardboard apps that require it.

I personally prefer a separate, hand-held controller, because I’m out of shape and my arm gets tired when I have to hold it up to push the button. On the other hand, you never have to take apart the couch when you lose the controller under the cushions, and it works with iPhones, which don’t support external Bluetooth game controllers.

9. Price

The one that I received retails for $25 from GearBest. You can also get it for $23 from AliExpress. It is also available on Amazon, for $39 (affiliate link).

10. Ease of use

I love how easy this headset is to use. The phone goes right in and I didn’t have to take off my phone’s protective cover.

My only complaint is that the phone did not come with an official Google Cardboard QR Code — just the code that takes you to the company’s official Chinese site.

However, the VR Shop has a QR Code that reasonably well:

I also played around with the settings in the Sites in VR app, and came up with my own QR Code, as well, which I think has a little less distortion. But my eyes are wonky, so your results may vary:

When you first get the headset, download the official Google Cardboard app for Android or iOS , then go to the settings menu — the three dots in the top right — select “Switch viewer” and point your phone’s camera to one of the QR codes above. Full instructions here.

The padding isn’t as soft as on some other headsets, especially around the nose, but the headset is so light that this really didn’t bother me.

Bottom line

This is a great virtual reality headset for watching 360-degree videos and playing casual games on late-model iPhones and Android phones.

I would definitely recommend it for someone’s first VR headset.

The first set of Daydream View clones have hit the market, and I just got one of them in the mail – the BoboVR Z5.

Disclosure: I received the BoboVR Z5 free from GeekBuying, where it currently sells for $60.

Bottom line: The big pluses are that the field of view is wider, it has adjustable lenses, and, for those who like built-in headphones, it’s got them. The downside is that it doesn’t automatically switch into Daydream VR mode when you put the headset in. As a result, I do not currently recommend buying this headset, especially if you plan to switch back and forth between Daydream and Cardboard apps. Buy the official Daydream View, instead.

What is Daydream?

Google came out with the new Daydream VR platform last fall, a significant upgrade to its previous Cardboard platform. Back then, the only headset available was the official one from Google, and the only phone it worked with was the Google Pixel phone. I immediately went out and bought both the phone and the headset, and I loved it.

Since then, the number of phones that work with Daydream have expanded, as has the selection of apps.

What I like about Daydream is that it’s an open platform — any manufacturer making late-model Android phones can support it, and, since Daydream is built right into the latest Android operating system, at some point all will. Plus, the app store is open — any Android developer who can get an app into the Google Play store can publish Daydream-compatible apps, so we’re likely to see a lot of them.

Finally, Daydream headsets can run all of the existing Cardboard-compatible apps, and there are thousands of them.

The only major downside to the Daydream platform is that, unlike Cardboard, it’s not compatible with iPhones.

Meanwhile, though I loved my Daydream View headset when I got it last fall, and it immediately became my favorite of all the VR headsets I’ve tried so far, the design wasn’t perfect.

The BoboVR Z5 that I got yesterday addresses some of the problems that I had with Google’s official Daydream View headset — but it also has a couple of new problems of its own.

1. Field of view

The official field of view is 120 degrees, which puts it in the “excellent” range. When I tested it with the Sites in VR app, it did seem to be in the high 90s. The field of view depends on the phone you have — mine is a Pixel XL — so your experience may vary.

Also, if you have an older phone with a low-resolutions screen, you wonâ€t want a high field of view because it makes the image look pixellated. But with a new, high-resolution phone like mine, the wide field of view is excellent.

However, I could see the edges of my smartphone screen at the bottom and sides. This is likely to be a sign that if you have a larger screen, you’ll get an even better field of view than I did. My Pixel XL has a 5.5-inch screen.

I then tried it with a phone with a 4.9-inch screen and now there was a lot more light leaking in, the field of view was a lot smaller, and you could see all the edges of the phone.

The official spec recommend a screen size of between 4.7 and 6.0 inches. But I would recommend using this headset with a phone that’s got a screen of at least 5.5 inches, or higher.

2. Weight

The official weight is 12 ounces, which is very good for a viewer with built-in headphones. I personally didnâ€t have a problem with the weight while wearing it.

By comparison, the original Daydream View headset weighs just under 8 ounces.

3. Straps

This headset has a single plastic strap that sits on your head, a little higher than a strap would normally sit. The fit is adjustable, and works remarkably well.

To adjust the size of the strap, pull out the knobs above the earphones and turn them.

4. Fits over glasses

This headset fit easily over my glasses with room to spare. However, my glasses have weird three-way progressive lenses, so I mostly used it without my glasses on.

5. Adjustable lenses

Both the focus of the lenses and the distance between the lenses is adjustable.

This was very good because of that whole progressive lenses thing I mentioned above.

Combined with the fact that this headset fits over glasses means that thereâ€s a very high likelihood that youâ€ll be able to see well in it.

This is definitely a feature where the BoboVR Z5 is an improvement over the Daydream View, which did not have adjustable lenses.

6. Ready for augmented reality

Unlike the original Daydream View headset, which has a solid outside cover, the BoboVR Z5 has a smaller flap to hold the phone in place. That means that the phone’s camera can see out, and you can use it with augmented reality apps.

This is a feature where the BoboVR Z5 is an improvement over the Daydream View.

7. Fits over cables

There’s plenty of room on all sides of the phone for your cables to go if you need to charge up the phone while using it. Plus, thereâ€s also a built-in plug if you want to use the headphones that come built into the viewer.

8. Controller

The controller that comes with his headset looks very similar to the original Daydream View controller, and works exactly the same.

I tried it out with my favorite Daydream space shooter game Eve Gunjack 2 and it worked great.

The BoboVR Z5 controller was just a little bit bigger than the official one that came with the Daydream View, and the touchpad on top was more square. The Daydream View controller also came with a strap. The BoboVR Z5 controller has a spot where the strap would attach, but the actual strap was missing.

Also missing — a charging cable. Like the Daydream View, the BoboVR Z5 controller charges with a USB-C cable. But the Daydream View didn’t come with a charging cable either.

One issue that I had was when I first tried to use the controller, the headset wouldn’t recognize it, but it recognized my old Daydream View controller just fine.

I Googled around for how to fix this and, in case you’re in the same situation, you go to the Daydream app, go to the Settings, go to the Controller section and unpair the existing controller.

Finally, the official Daydream View headset has a spot to store the controller right inside the headset when it’s not in use, so that you don’t lose it. The BoboVR Z5 doesn’t have that.

9. Price

The one that I received retails for $60 from GeekBuying. You can also get it for $54 from AliExpress. It is not currently available on Amazon, which typically gets these headsets a little bit later than the other sites.

10. Ease of use

Iâ€ve got to say, everything except the automatic VR mode works well. Putting the phone into the headset is super simple — just open the front flap a little bit and drop the phone in.

However, the fact that it doesn’t automatically go into virtual reality mode is a problem.

You have to queue up the official Daydream app, or any Cardboard app, or the video you want to see before you put on the headset.

For the Cardboard apps, you will need to have a QR Code — and your motion controller will no longer work. The BoboVR Z5 didnâ€t come with an official code. This is extremely disappointing, especially if you want to use it to play old Google Cardboard apps.

I made my own with Sites in VR:

Of course, my eyes are wonky, so if you have any problems with the focus using that QR Code, you can adjust it with the Sites in VR app yourself.

The instructions for how to calibrate your viewer with a QR Code are here.

Update: On Monday, July 24, the company sent me an official QR Code for the headset. Here it is:

A bigger issue was switching back to the Daydream mode after you’d had it in Cardboard mode.

The official Daydream View headset has an NFC tag that tells the phone that you have a Daydream View. The BoboVR Z5 does not.

This means that if you were previously using the Daydream View, you can use the BoboVR Z5 and everything works great.

But if the last headset you used was a Cardboard headset — or you used a Cardboard app on the BoboVR Z5 and used the QR Code I provided to select the viewer — then Daydream games won’t work.

To fix this, I followed the official instructions to Clear VR Services app data — close all apps, go to the phone’s Settings, then Apps and then Google VR Core Services and then Storage and then Clear Data and then OK, and then opened the Daydream app and went through the initial configuration again.

(Or you could just put it into your official Daydream View headset, if you have both.)

So the BoboVR Z5 is usable with Daydream, but it’s awkward, and a built-in NFC tag would solve all the problems.

Bottom line

This is an excellent headset if you have a phone with a large screen and don’t plan to do a lot of switching back and forth between Daydream and Cardboard apps.

However, I don’t think the built-in headphones and adjustable lenses are enough of an improvement over the original Daydream View, given the lack of an NFC tag.

Until they fix that issue, I recommend paying the extra $20 for an official Daydream View headset.

Here’s what would make this headset perfect:

• An NFC tag, to switch it to Daydream VR mode
• A built-in capacitative touch button so it can be used with Cardboard apps that require a controller
• A version without the built-in headphones
• A place to store the controller when not in use

Now, I personally don’t like viewers with built-in headphones, and was at first put off by the headset’s bulk, stiff plastic construction and black color. But after trying it out, it turns out that this headset actually has everything that I am looking for in a Cardboard headset.

Disclosure: I received a review version of the headset free from HelloPro. But you know me — I’m happy to bash a headset that I don’t like, even if I do get it for free. Another disclosure is that if there are affiliate links available to the product, I’ll include them, which means that if you buy the headset through the link, we’ll get a commission that we can use to pay for more OpenSim coverage.

1. Field of view

The official field of view is 102 degrees, which puts it in the “excellent” range. When I tested it with the Sites in VR app, it did seem to be in the high 90s. The field of view depends on the phone you have — mine is a Pixel XL — so your experience may vary.

Also, if you have an older phone with a low-resolutions screen, you won’t want a high field of view because it makes the image look pixellated. But with a new, high-resolution phone like mine, the wide field of view is excellent.

2. Weight

The official weight is 15 ounces, which is a little heavier than I like. However, some of that weight is in the headphones, which makes it a bit more balanced on your head. I personally didn’t have a problem with the weight while wearing it.

3. Straps

Standard three-way straps.

4. Fits over glasses

This headset fit easily over my glasses with room to spare.

5. Adjustable lenses

Both the focus of the lenses and the distance between the lenses is adjustable. Better yet — and this is very unusual for a mobile VR headset — the focus of each lens is adjustable individually.

Combined with the fact that this headset fits over glasses means that there’s a very high likelihood that you’ll be able to see well in it.

6. Ready for augmented reality

There are cut-out windows on the front of the headset, which allows my smartphone’s camera to see out. Your should, too, unless you camera is in a weird position, like the center of the phone.

7. Fits over cables

There are openings on both sides of the front cover for cables to go through if you need to charge up the phone while using it. Plus, there’s also a built-in plug if you want to use the headphones that come built into the viewer.

8. Controller

This is the one thing I liked best about this headset — thereâ€s a nice capacitative-touch button on the top of the viewer. If your phone is an iPhone and you canâ€t use external controllers, or you have an Android phone and just donâ€t like using external controllers, this is a must-have feature.

I tried it out with my favorite space shooter game, Minos Starfighter VR, and it worked great.

9. Price

The one that I received retails for $35 from Amazon. You can also get it for $28 from GearBest.

10. Ease of use

I’ve got to say, everything works. Putting the phone into the headset is super simple — just flip open the cover, drop the phone in, and snap the cover shut.

There are little adjustable shelves at the bottom to hold your phone in place. The first time I put in my phone, one of the shelves was higher than another, so everything was out of focus, no matter what QR Code I tried or how much I tried to calibrate it with calibration apps. So, if you’re having the same problem, check for that.

And speaking of QR Codes — the headset didn’t come with one. Instead, it came with a code that took you to a 360-degree video app, VeeR VR.

I couldn’t find an official Google Cardboard QR Code for this headset anywhere, so I made my own with Sites in VR:

Of course, my eyes are wonky, so if you have any problems with the focus using that QR Code, you can adjust it easily with the Sites in VR app yourself.

The instructions for how to calibrate your viewer with a QR Code are here.

Bottom line

I have nothing bad to say about this headset, and would recommend it for anyone looking for an entry-level virtual reality headset that works with late-model smartphones, both Android and iPhone. It is a very good headset for watching 360-degree videos and playing casual games.

This is also the only headset I’ve seen so far that has a built-in button, individually adjustable lenses, and built in headphones.

Once you get your headset, click here for instructions on what to do next.

Here are some of my favorites — and I’ve personally tried these, and have had other people try them, and can confirm that they’re great for watching 360-degree videos and playing casual games, and aren’t overpriced. (Please note that affiliate shopping links are included where available.)

Goggle Tech C1-Glass

This is the headset that I carry with me in my purse and pull out whenever I want to demonstrate virtual reality to anyone. It’s super easy to use, comes in four colors, and even has a nice carrying case. It also works with any smartphone.

As with the other open-sided headsets on this list, it does let in light from the open sides, so it’s not super immersive. And you do have to hold it up to your face, so you’re not going to be watching long movies on it. You don’t need a button or controller with this or any other open-sided headset since a tap on the screen works just as well as hitting a button, and these kinds of headsets offer easy access to the screen.

Get it for $25 on Amazon.

Read my full review here.

VR Fold

This headset is just $6 on Amazon. and works on any late-model smartphone, both Androids and iPhones.

It has a very decent 95-degree field of view, adjustable lenses, is available in black, purple and red, and folds in half to fit into even the smallest stocking. You use it by snapping it onto your phone, holding it in your hands, and looking through the lenses. It’s not for watching long movies — your arms will get tired holding it up — or playing complex, interactive games. But it’s great for short 360-degree videos and quick casual games.

Read my review here.

Mattel View-Master VR

The Mattel View-Master may be a toy, but it is a fully-functional Google Cardboard headset. You can pick up the latest version, which has adjustable focus, in person at Target, Walmart or Toys R Us. Buy it for $14 at Amazon for the older one, or $30 on Amazon for the new one.

There are no straps, but it is very easy to use and is great for kids. I bring mine with me when I do VR headset demos and people love it.  It’s has a nice built-in button, so this is a great headset for users with iPhones, who can’t use a Bluetooth remote since Apple doesn’t support them.

Read my review here.

VR Case

This VR headset,actually doubles as an iPhone case and phone stand. It folds flat and comes in several different color combinations.

You can get the black one with the rose gold accent for the 4.7-inch iPhone 6 and iPhones 6s for just $4 on Amazon because it’s currently on sale. There one that’s all rose gold, all regular gold, all silver and all black for $6 on Amazon and a silver one for $8 on Amazon.

For the 5.5 inch iPhone 6 and 6S Plus you can get a black-and-silver case for $5 on Amazon.

I haven’t written a full review of one these, but I’ve tried it out, and gave it as a gift to a friend with an iPhone. It’s nice if you’re a VR fan and don’t already have a phone case, but not so nice if you do have a case and have to take it off in order to use this viewer.

Leji VR

I love the Leji headset and it was my favorite for much of the past year.

It’s small, lightweight, easy to use, and comes with straps. That means that you can actually use it to watch movies with your headset. It fits both Androids and iPhones, but it doesn’t have a built-in button, so if you’re an iPhone user, you’ll be limited to applications that don’t require a button. Fortunately, most of the popular ones don’t and are either passive experiences that you just watch, or use a look-to-activate functionality where you just look at a lever or other object inside the virtual reality experience to make it do something.

If you search for “Leji VR” on Amazon you’ll also find sellers that bundle it with a little Bluetooth controller, but these will only work on Android phones.

Get the white one for $10 on Amazon. Get a blue one for $10 on Amazon. Get a yellow one for $13 on Amazon. Get a pink for for $12 on Amazon.

Read my review here.

Cobra VR

This is a very cool-looking folding headset. It’s $17 on Amazon, fits any smartphone, and folds flat.

This one of the sturdier folding headsets, but is still pretty small and light, so it fits nicely in a stocking.

Read my review here.

Powis VR

People love this headset when I bring it to conferences, because it’s nice to hold and is extremely easy to use. The built-in button makes it a nice choice for iPhone owners. But the basic material itâ€s made of is cardboard, so it might not be the most durable headset, the lenses are not adjustable, and it is one of the most expensive headsets on this list. It might also be a little big to fit in a stocking. But look how cute it is!

Buy it for $30 directly from Powis or for $25 from Amazon.

Read my review here.

Dscvr

This is a brightly-colored, easy-to use headset. It’s also sturdy, comes in five different colors, and has a nice button. It works with all smartphones, including iPhones. You do have to hold it in place, though, since it doesn’t have any straps.

Buy it for $25 from Amazon or for $25 directly from the manufacturer, I Am Cardboard.

Read my review here.

Samsung Gear VR

If you have a late-model Samsung phone that hasn’t exploded yet, the Gear VR is the best mobile headset you can get. Samsung has partnered with Oculus, one of the biggest names in virtual reality, to get some great developers on board and there’s a very large selection of video apps, including Netflix and Hulu.

Buy it for $85 on Amazon, or directly from Samsung for $100, or pick it up in person at Best Buy and other retailers. Call ahead first, though, to check for availability. Some stores will also do free demos.

Read my review here.

Daydream View

The Gear VR isn’t the best mobile VR headset on the market, however. That prize goes to Google’s Daydream View, which just came out.

I got this headset in late November, and stopped using all the other headsets I own. This headset is immersive, light-weight, and extremely easy to use. It’s got a great catalog of applications, including all the top video apps — Netflix, Hulu, HBO Now, YouTube VR  — and a nice and growing selection of games. Plus, unlike the Samsung Gear VR, you can run all the thousands of apps already created for the Cardboard platform. Just search for the “VR” in the app store.

What’s the catch? It’s only works with the very latest Android phones. Right now, those are the Pixel, Pixel XL, Moto Z, Moto Z Droid, and Moto Z Force Droid.

I love this headset. And I really love the controller, which senses motion so that you can use it as a wand or a sword or a golf club.

If you have someone in your family with one of the supported phones, this is the headset to get. Mine came free with my Pixel XL, too — so check with your provider before you buy your new phone to see if you can get one for free as well.

Can you still get it in time?

The BestBuy website — which lists it for $79 — says that they can ship it to you by Dec. 22 if you order today, and it’s also available in some stores.

Verizon offers it for $80 in three different colors with two-day shipping available. You can also buy it directly from Google for $79 and the website tells me that if I order it now, I can get it by Dec. 22.

Read my review here.

Do want to give a VR headset as a gift to someone with an iPhone — or buy one for yourself?

You can.

You won’t get the best possible mobile experience, however, since the two best headsets — the Samsung Gear VR and the Daydream View — don’t work with iPhones. Plus, there are no remote controllers that work with iPhones, so you are limited to choosing from headsets that have built-in buttons, or open-sided headsets where you can easily touch the screen, instead.

Here are your best options (affiliate codes included where available):

Mattel View-Master VR

The Mattel View-Master may be a toy, but it is a fully-functional Google Cardboard headset. You can pick up the latest version, which has adjustable focus, in person for around $40 at Target, Walmart or Toys R Us. Or you can get last year’s version, where the focus does not adjust, for around $17. There are no straps, but it is very easy to use and is great for kids. I bring mine with me when I do VR headset demos and people love it. Read my review here.

Phone size: 4 to 6 inches. Field of view: 98 degrees. Weight: 13 ounces.
Purchase details: Buy it for $17 at Amazon for the older one, or $33 on Amazon for the new one.

Xiaomi Play2

This headset doesn’t have the bells and whistles of other viewers, like adjustable lenses, or built-in headphones, but it is very easy to use — just open the outside flap and drop your phone in. The only control is the button right there at the top of the headset, and it is extremely lightweight. You can read my full review here. The price is a little high right now, but you can expect it to come down quickly.

Phone size: 4.7 to 5.7 inches. Field of view: 93 degrees. Weight: 6.5 ounces.
Purchase details: Buy it for $39 on Amazon or $24 on GearBest.

BoboVR Z4

Built-in control button on the underside of the headset, built-in headphones, adjustable lenses, a super-wide 120-degree field of view, and an easy drop-in phone holder makes this one of my favorite headsets. And if the headphones get in the way, it’s also sold in a mini version without them.

Phone size: 4 to 6 inches. Field of view: 120 degrees. Weight: 15 ounces with headphones, 11 ounces without.
Purchase details: Buy it for $36 at Amazon with headphones and $30 without.

Xiaomi VR

This is an older Xiaomi VR viewer, low-priced, with a a decent field of view, a built-in button, straps, openings on the front cover for virtual reality applications, and it fits over glasses. Read my full review here. The lenses are not adjustable, however, and the zipper can be a little annoying to use, but it costs a lot less than the newer Xiaomi Play2.

Phone size: 4.7 to 5.7 inches. Field of view: 95 degrees. Weight: 7 ounces.
Purchase details: Buy it for $16 from Amazon, $15 from AliExpress and $12 from GearBest.

Goggle Tech C1-Glass

You don’t need a control or button for this headset since you can just touch the screen to interact with apps — without having to remove the phone from the headset. This is particularly convenient when switching apps or videos. However, the open design means that the headset doesn’t block out outside light, so it’s less immersive, and the lack of straps means you’ll have to hold the viewer up to your face. It folds flat, and comes with a nice carrying case. Read my review here.

Phone size: any size. Field of view: 90 degrees. Weight: 1 ounce.
Purchase details: Buy it for $25 from Amazon.

VR Fold

Another open-sided headset, the VR Fold has adjustable lenses, and folds flat and then in half, so it makes a great stocking stuffer. It also comes in several different colors, and costs just $6. Read my review here. Check out more options for open-sided headsets here.

Phone size: any size. Field of view: 95 degrees. Weight: 2.7 ounces.
Purchase details: Buy it for $8 from Amazon.

Dscvr

This is a brightly-colored, easy-to use headset. But the lenses are not adjustable, and there’s no straps to hold it in place — and, despite the lack of functionality, it is one of the pricier headsets on this list. Read my review here.

Phone size: 4 to 6 inches. Field of view: 96 degrees. Weight: 9 ounces.
Purchase details: Buy it for $25 from Amazon or for $25 directly from the manufacturer, I Am Cardboard.

Powis VR

People love this headset when I bring it to conferences, and it’s extremely easy to use. But the basic material it’s made of is cardboard, so it might not be the most durable headset, the lenses are not adjustable, and it is one of the most expensive headsets on this list.  Read my review here.

Phone size: 4.7 to 6 inches. Field of view: 90 degrees. Weight: 5 ounces.
Purchase details: Buy it for $30 directly from Powis or for $25 from Amazon.

SmartTheater VR

These come in four colors, are extremely light-weight, and are very easy to use and comes recommended by one of my readers as a light, comfortable inexpensive headset.

Phone size: 3.5 to 6 inches.  Weight: 11 ounces.
Purchase details: Buy it for $16 from Walmart or for $30 from Amazon.

Merge VR

This is the most expensive headset on this list, but it is not my favorite. It’s on the heavy side, doesn’t have the best field of view, and it’s hard to get the phone into the viewer — especially if you have a case on your phone. The company does do a nice job helping people find new VR apps with its VR Start website.

Phone size: 4 to 6 inches. Field of view: 90 degrees. Weight: 15 ounces.
Purchase details: Buy it for $60 directly from Merge VR or for $60 from Amazon.

Ritech Riem 3

A light-weight, low-cost headset made in China, with adjustable focus and comfortable straps. There’s also an updated version, the Ritech Riem 3 plus, which has an even smaller field of view. Read our review of the Ritech Riem 3 plus here.

Phone size: 3.5 to 6 inches. Field of view: 90 degrees. Weight: 5 ounces.
Purchase details: Buy it for $13 from GearBest or for $25 from Amazon.

Google Cardboard V2

This is the official Google Cardboard viewer, made of actual cardboard. It’s as minimal as you can get. Make sure you get the one with a button on top, not the magnet on the side. The ones with the magnets are cheaper, but the only work half the time, and fall off almost immediately. There are no straps, and the lenses are not adjustable, and it falls apart when you sit on it or get it wet.

Phone size: 3.5 to 6 inches. Field of view: 90 degrees. Weight: 5 ounces.
Purchase details: Buy it for $15 from Google, or choose from hundreds of options on Amazon.

Shopping tips

Given the choice, pick the headset with adjustable lenses, the widest field of view, and the lowest weight.

Last week, as all the other tech journalists were writing their reviews, I had to sit and grind my teeth because my headset hadn’t arrived yet.

But yesterday, it came! Whoo hoo!

For those who somehow stumbled into this site by accident, the Daydream platform is Google’s next stage of virtual reality evolution, and a big step forward from Google Cardboard.

You might not know much about Google Cardboard if you just watch the news, because most of the media coverage has been of the high-end headsets like the Oculus Rift and the HTC Vive, and more recently, Sony’s PlayStation VR. But Cardboard-compatible headsets are actually outselling all of those put together by millions.

There are more than 100 different manufacturers making Cardboard-compatible headsets, which are great for playing moving on private virtual movie screens, watching immersive, 360-degree videos, and casual games. And porn. Can’t forget porn. With prices as low as $5 a set, folks in emerging countries are snapping these up like crazy.

Daydream is the next stage of that and solves two of the most annoying problems with Cardboard-compatible headsets.

No configuring necessary

The original Cardboard specification allowed for an NFC chip that automatically told your phone to switch into virtual reality mode, and also told it how to adjust the image so that it would look right with the particular lenses your headset was using.

But I’ve never been able to find a headset that actually did this. And I have tried dozens of them.

Instead, you had to download the Google Cardboard app, find the Google Cardboard QR Code for your headset, and use the code to configure it.

Some manufacturers didn’t even have a QR Code, so you had to try random ones for other headsets until you found one that was close enough.

If you skipped this step, and tried to run VR apps anyway, you were likely to wind up with a horribly distorted image and be traumatized for life.

The Daydream View finally gets this NFC thing right. You put your phone in the viewer, and it switches to VR mode. You do need to download the Daydream app, though. But once you do, you’re in business.

You just drop the phone in, close up the flap, and hook the little loop over the little plastic nub on top. It’s not quite as easy as the magnetic holders some headsets have, but is still very simple and intuitive.

You also don’t have to fiddle around with the interface. Existing Cardboard headsets use various ways to interact with apps — some give you access to the screen so you can touch it to activate things, others have a magnetic button, some have a capacitative touch button, and many have nothing at all. Third-party Bluetooth controllers work with some apps, but only for Android phones.

The Daydream comes with its own controller and automatically pairs itself with your phone, and has three main buttons — including one that doubles as a track pad — and a volume control. Plus, it knows which direction it’s pointing in, which is a huge huge plus.

Virtual environment

On Cardboard, each app and video was its own, stand-alone experience. To load one up, you would take your phone, open the app or video, start it playing, then put it into your headset. To switch apps or videos, you needed to take the phone out of the headset, make the switch, then put the phone back on again.

Annoying!

Daydream has a virtual environment that lets you pull up apps and videos without taking off the headset.

It doesn’t work perfectly — I occasionally had to open it up and restart the app — but then again, it only came out ten days ago.  In addition, some dialogs aren’t VR-enabled yet. Not only do they break the immersion, but you have to take off the headset and take out the phone in order to deal with them. I’m hoping they’ll fix this in the next update.

The environment is very similar to that of the Samsung Gear VR, which, until its phones started exploding, was the gold standard of mobile VR.

While the Gear VR’s home is a living room scaled for a giant, with floating screens in front of you showing the various apps and other options, the Daydream home is a cartoony natural landscape.

But, other than that, the two are pretty similar. You can open apps that you already have, or download new ones.

It’s still easier to download apps the traditional way, though, because text entry in a virtual environment is not the easiest thing in the world.

App and phone selection

The thing that makes or breaks a platform, of course, is the size of its ecosystem.

And, with Google Daydream the potential ecosystem is ginormous.

Although only the Pixel phones officially support Daydream right now, more manufacturers have already announced that they’ll be releasing new phones this holiday season.

Plus, with Daydream baked right into the latest version of Android, Nougat, at some point all new Android phones will support the platform.

Sorry, Apple fans. Although the Cardboard headsets work fine with iPhones, and many apps are available in both systems, so far Daydream looks to be a little too closely tied to the Android operating system to work on iOS. That could change in the future, but if virtual reality support is important to you, then this might be the reason you finally switch. I personally am a huge Apple phone, and loved my iPhone with a passion. Switching to the Samsung Galaxy S6 a year ago so that I could use the Gear VR was a painful experience and I never got used to the interface. It just seemed to get in my way all the time, while on the iPhone everything just worked. I have to say that with the Pixel, I’m no longer constantly annoyed. It just works. And works extremely well.

Moving on to the apps, Daydream launched with a nice base — YouTube, Hulu, CNN, USA Today, Street View, a couple of games, and the new Ghostbusters and Fantastic Beasts.

Ghostbusters knocked me out of the VR mode, and neither my new Daydream controller worked with it, nor my old Bluetooth controller from Ipega, but the rest of the apps were great. And many of my old Cardboard apps also worked, though I had to load them up first, then put the phone in the headset — they didn’t launch from inside the virtual reality home. I hope Google fixes this soon, too, and also lets me use the new controller with the old apps as well.

Bottom line: this is the new best-of-breed mobile headset, the best overall headset for the general public, and the best headset for 360-degree videos and casual games. It doesn’t compete with the HTC Vive, or the PlayStation VR, but those are also aimed at very different audiences.

Watch a promo video for the headset below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rLLAA4ENIP4&feature=youtu.be

So I just received a Xiaomi VR in the mail. The headset has been getting some attention in the media recently because Xiaomi is a giant brand, but the headset itself left me underwhelmed. It has some … interesting … design choices, but is missing some major must-have features.

Disclosure: I received a review version of the headset free from GeekBuying.

1. Field of view

Xiaomi says the field of view is 95 degrees. GeekBuying puts it at 84. My gut feel — without measuring it, since I don’t now how, to be honest – is that 95 degrees is about right.

This is not a wide, immersive view by any stretch of the imagination. I could clearly see the borders around the view. Plus, since there’s no padding around the face, light also leaked in unless I actually held my hands across the sides of the headset to block out the light.

So not very immersive at all.

2. Weight

It weighs just a little bit more than 7 ounces, which is very, very light.

3. Straps

Standard three-way straps. Make sure that you don’t throw away the padding inside the headset when you first get it — the straps are actually inside.

4. Fits over glasses

Yes, my glasses fit very comfortably in side the headset. And a good, thing, too…

5. Adjustable lenses

… because the lenses are not adjustable at all. You can’t move them farther apart or close together, and you can’t adjust the focus.

Most newer headsets on the market right now do have adjustable lenses, and with Xiaomi being a late player in the game, I would have expected them to pay attention to features like this.

6. Ready for augmented reality

There are cut-out windows on the front of the headset. But, at least in the case of my Samsung Galaxy S6 phone, they were not positioned to allow the phone’s camera to see out.

Your phone may vary, but if augmented reality is important to you, pick one of the many, many headsets that does a better job at this.

7. Fits over cables

You can undo the zippers from either side to allow the cables to pass through.

8. Controller

This is the one good thing about this headset — there’s a nice capacitative-touch button on the top of the viewer. If your phone is an iPhone and you can’t use external controllers — or you have an Android phone and just don’t like using external controllers — this is a must-have feature.

9. Price

The one that I received retails for $14 at GeekBuying. It is also available for $21 from Amazon, $21 from AliExpress and $12 from GearBest.

10. Ease of use

It’s very obvious how this headset works — you unzip the front, put in your phone, and zip it up again. In practice, however, I found it tricky to get the phone positioned right, and upzipping and zipping back up again got annoying when I had to switch apps.

In particular, the headset had a habit of closing out the VR app when I put in the smartphone, forcing me to unzip and zip repeatedly.

Not fun.

The headset itself is made of a soft, flexible material and is hollow, to reduce weight even further. So it’s reasonably comfortable. But the lack of padding around the eyes means that light gets in, unless you have a particularly flat, wide, head.

The headset did not come with a Google Cardboard QR Code. Come on, manufacturers, step up! What’s wrong with you!

However, GeekBuying did have one up with their product listing, and I’m pasting it below, and on my QR Codes page.

To use the headset, download the Google Cardboard app for iOS or Android and point it at the QR Code above. More details here.

Bottom line

I’m not a fan of this headset. While it is light, and it does have a control button, it’s also awkward to use, and the lenses are not adjustable. There are much better headsets on the market for the same price or less.

Bottom line: This headset, while not my all-time favorite, is still a great buy. Light-weight, easy-to-use, adjustable lenses, and with an industry-leading 120 degree field of view.

1. Field of view

The field of view is officially listed as 120 degrees, which is the same as the BoboVR Z4, and is currently the best on the market. Unfortunately, you only get the full effect of this wide field of view with a large smartphone screen. My phone, a Samsung Galaxy S5, at 5.1 inches, was actually too small — I was able to see the edges of my smartphone in the periphery of my vision.

And I don’t have anyone around with a larger phone to try it out with.

However, the graphics are super crisp and clear, and I have a feeling it will look great. And once you get into the game or video you’re watching, you stop noticing the edges.

However, if you have a phone with a screen that’s 5.1 inches or less, you may want to choose a different headset.

This is a nasty Catch-22 situation for viewer manufacturers, by the way. Either you cut off the edges of the phone, or you have too much of the phone in your field of view. Maybe they’ll come out with some kind of adjustable mechanism to deal with this.

2. Weight

This headset weighs around 300 grams, or about 10.5 ounces. That’s a pretty lightweight set. By comparison, the Samsung Gear VR is 12 ounces. But it’s not the lightest enclosed headset around — the FiiT VR 2S, my current favorite, is about 9 ounces, and the super-tiny Leji VR Mini is just 7 ounces.

3. Straps

Usual straps that go around the sides and over the top of the head. No complains, just the standard straps. My headset came with the straps already attached, which was nice.

4. Fits over glasses

Nope. Glasses do not fit.

5. Adjustable lenses

There’s a little dial at the top of the headset that moves the lenses further apart and closer together. The two knobs on the sides adjust the focus.

6. Ready for augmented reality

Part of the outside cover slides off, so that the phone’s camera can see out for augmented reality applications. However, this means that it’s easy to lose a section of the front cover.

7. Fits over audio and power cables

There are gaps on the sides allow for power and audio cables.

8. Controller

There is no control button on the headset, Plus, mine did not come with an external controller, and you will need one if you use apps that require you to use a button. Keep in mind that there’s no Bluetooth controller that currently works with iPhones. So you will either need to use an Android phone with this, or stick with apps that use a look-to-activate mechanism.

9. Ease of use

The outside cover flips open easily, and the smartphone drops down onto a little shelf. Spongy material holds it in place. The cover is held in place with a magnetic latch.

I like this mechanism a lot. Out of all the various approaches I’ve seen to holding a smartphone in place, this is the style I like best. It’s easy to use, the phone is easy to adjust, it stays in place, and it’s gentle on the phone’s cover.

I found the padding to be nice and comfortable, but some people might not like the fact that it does not extend over the nose.

This headset also come with a Google Cardboard QR Code, which is excellent. Instructions for how to use it are here.

However, the Google Cardboard QR Code was in the little manual that came with the headset, not on the headset itself. The QR Code that’s on a sticker on the side of the headset just goes to the company website.

If you lose it, here it is again:

10. Price

As I mentioned above, mine was free, but it’s normally $24 on Amazon.

I wouldn’t recommend any of them, except for the folding ones, which are so cute. Instead, if you’re looking for a low-cost plastic headset to tide you over until you get a new phone, get the Leji VR, here for $14 from Amazon, or just $10 from AliExpress.

But I can’t keep myself from trying some of these cheap sets out. So a couple of weeks ago I went and ordered the HD VR Box II 3D for $8 from AliExpress. Not to be confused with the real VR Box 2, here available for $17 from Amazon.

I ordered the HD VR Box II 3D because I thought it was a re-branded version of the Baofeng Mojing D headset. which start at $17 on AliExpress.

But I was fooled. The real Baofeng Mojing D has soft padding around the face, which the HD VR Box II 3D doesn’t.

I do like the velvety feel of the plastic, and the fact that’s easy to use and seems to have a decent field of view. But the lack of padding around the face, and no lens adjustment, puts it in my “do not buy” category.

1. Field of View

I couldn’t find an official field of view for this headset, but my guess is that it’s around 90 degrees. Not great, but okay.

2. Weight

It weighs about 6 ounces, making it one of the lightest enclosed headsets I’ve tried to far, possibly due to the lack of any adjustments or padding.

3. Straps

Very stretchy straps on this headset, which would be a problem with a heavier headset, but seems to work fine for this one.

4. Fits Over Glasses

Nope.

5. Adjustable Lenses

Nope. You can’t move the lenses closer or further apart, and you can’t adjust the focus. And this is a problem because of the above. For me, everything was out of focus for me.

6. Ready for Augmented Reality

Yes, this headset is ready for augmented reality. As you can see in the image above, part of the outside cover is transparent, allowing the phoneâ€s camera to see out. In my case, my camera is able to look out.

7. Fits Over Cables

There are two openings on the headset, one on each side, which allows the user to keep their phone connected to power or audio cables.

8. Controller

There’s no button on the headset, so you will either have to take the phone out of its holder, use apps that don’t require a button, or — if you have an Android phone — buy an external controller.

9. Price

As I mentioned above, the HD VR Box II 3D is available for $8 from AliExpress.

But the Leji VR is about the same weight, has adjustable lenses, and has padding, for only a few dollars more.

10. Ease of Use

This headset is very easy to use, just drop the phone in.

It did not come with a Google Cardboard QR Code, so I had to randomly try QR codes from my list.

This one seemed to work the best for me, though it was still slightly out of focus. If you find a better QR code, please let me know.

Disclosure: This headset was provided free by GeekBuying.

I like the idea of using all-in-one headsets for things like real estate and auto show rooms, trade shows or roller coaster rides. There’s no point of using an expensive headset or a high-end mobile phone if all you’re doing is showing is a 360-degree video or running a simple marketing app.

Unfortunately, the VR Sky headset is not — yet — that headset.

I received the headset a month ago and have spent a solid month trying to get it to work, and have failed repeatedly.

The basic idea of this headset is that it has a built-in screen, and a built-in Android operating system. You don’t need to plug it into a computer, or put a smartphone in it.

So say, for example, you are currently using a Samsung Gear VR and a Galaxy smartphone to do your virtual reality demos. You’re spending a few hundreds dollars on the phone, and another $100 on the headset.

Spending just $106 on the VR Sky sounds like a great deal. You can pre-load your apps or videos, and put a bunch of these headsets around for your customers to use.

It has a field of view of 100 degrees, which is better than the Gear VR, and weighs 15 ounces. The Gear VR weighs 12 ounces, but the smartphone adds another 5 ounces, so the VR Sky is actually a little better on both those counts.

And the VR Sky, like the Gear VR, has an immersive virtual interface where you can download and launch virtual reality applications. Plus, VR Sky can run all the Google Cardboard VR apps — of which there are more than a thousand.

It supports WiFi and Bluetooth, and has a slot for a micro TF card. There’s a plug for your headphones, and a USB connector for the power supply. The screen resolution is about 400 pixels per inch, which is a little lower than the Samsung Galaxy S6’s 577, but the same as the iPhone 6’s 401 pixels per inch.

So, on paper, this sounds like a great headset.

In practice, however, I found it almost impossible to use, because it actually has three types of interfaces, only one of which works.

The immersive interface

The first interface you see when you turn on the headset is a nice immersive screen, very similar to that of Gear VR. There’s a dot in space in front of you, and when you turn your head, the dot moves, letting you point to different in-world objects. There’s also a trackpad on the side of the headset and a back button, and a volume button.

This is a nice, easy-to-navigate interface, and it works reasonably well. It’s not perfect, but I’m not going to go into the details because the other interfaces are so horrible.

The interface extends to some of the apps that came with the headset, such as the Pano app for downloading and watching 360-degree videos. The videos were very slow to download, and the app did not indicate how big the videos were, so you couldn’t tell ahead of time which would be longer or shorter.

The screen-hanging-in-space interface

The VR Sky headset is designed to play existing virtual reality apps. Unfortunately, most of the apps currently out there have some screens that are traditional full mobile screens, not the split screens you need for virtual reality.

For example, the Google Play app is all traditional, and you need it to download virtual reality apps.

VR Sky handles this really really badly. The app is shown as if it is hanging on a giant screen in front of your face. But there’s no dot to use as a pointer — after all, Google Play and other mobile apps are designed to work with a touch interface. Instead, you have to use the trackpad to move around the buttons on the screen. This is just awful. It took multiple tries — probably more than a couple of hours of effort altogether — to download just two apps.

When you need to type in text, a virtual keyboard pops up, which is extremely difficult to use. The Gear VR also has a difficult to use virtual keyboard, but it is far ahead of the VR Sky one. Plus, the Gear VR also allows for voice input, which helps make up for some of the keyboard problems.

There is a pre-installed YouTube app, but again this is the non-VR version of the application — the only one there is right now. In VR Sky, it is all but impossible to use. I have not actually been able to play any videos in it.

The VR apps interface

Finally, when you are able to launch a virtual reality app, and are able to get it switched to virtual reality mode, it only works some of the time. I was only able to get one app to work as intended. Others did not display correctly. For example, some would show the split-screen view, a giant screen hanging in front of view with the two side-by-side pictures on it. Others would show something somewhere halfway between a true virtual view and a screen split view, creating a headache-inducing out-of-focus double-vision effect.

There is a settings button on the left side of the headset, next to the power button, that offers the option of switching in and out of VR view. It did not help.

Performance

The one app I was able to download that worked, the Fibrum Roller Coaster, was jittery laggy. It was not a pleasant virtual reality experience. If you are using this to run apps, it will not make for a great marketing experience.

Watching videos was a little better. Ignoring the fact that everything was out of focus because of the whole not-fitting-over-glasses thing, I had to turn my head slowly to keep the display from lagging too much behind.

The operating system is  Nibiru, which is based on Android 4.4.2. The current Android platforms are typically Android 5 Lollipop or Android 6 Marshmallow, so the VR Sky is a bit behind. I would recommend putting off buying any VR headset until Android 7 Nougat is out, which will be in the few weeks, with much improved support for virtual reality.

Usability

The headset itself was easy to wear, with nice leather-like dotted padding, but it did not fit over my glasses, and there was no way to adjust the focus. So it was not at all pleasant to use. Plus, there was no ventilation, so that didn’t help with the comfort problems.

Plus, most headsets that run virtual reality apps use a Google Cardboard QR Code to calibrate the apps. This headset has no QR Code and, even if it did — or if I made one from scratch — there would be no way to use it because this headset does not have a built-in camera.

Bottom line: Wait for the interface to improve until it is actually usable, or for the Google Daydream platform to come out.

Still interested in buying one? Get it for $110 from GeekBuying, $130 from GearBest, $133 from AliExpress, or $150 from Amazon.

Watch GeekBuying’s unboxing and review below:

Disclosure: This headset was provided free by EverBuying.

To be honest, when I first received the Ritech Riem 3 Plus headset, I thought that the quality of this product was going to be poor because of its cheap price and basic design. However, when I tried it out, I was actually very impressed.

Overall, the headset has most of what you would want in a headset, including a comfortable fit, an easy-to-use mechanism for inserting the phone, and even a control button. Most low-cost Chinese-made headsets lack a control button, so this was very welcome. The downsides to this headset include an extremely narrow field of view and no focus adjustment.

1. Field of View

The field of view of this headset is listed at 75 degrees. This is the lowest of any headset reviewed by Hypergrid Business so far, even lower than the Shinecon’s 80 degrees. The only headset currently on the market with a narrower field of view is GoggleTech’s $99 Go4D VR, which is 70 degrees.

By comparison, the Samsung Gear VR is 96 degrees, the Oculus Rift and the HTC Vive are both 110 degrees, and the BoboVR Z4 is 120 degrees. In general, a larger field of view results in a wider picture and a more immersive virtual experience.

However, with a smaller phone, or a lower resolution screen, this headset works well. In fact, the narrower field of view can even be an advantage with these phones because the image is less pixellated.

My phone has a screen of 4.5 inches, and it worked well for me.

2. Weight

The Ritech Riem 3 Plus headset is extremely lightweight. It is only 290 grams or approximately 10 ounces. The weight does not interfere with the virtual reality experience.

3. Straps

There are three stretchy straps attached to the headset. There are one on each side and one on the top to make sure that the headset is held securely on your head.

4. Fits Over Glasses

The Ritech Riem 3 Plus does fit over glasses easily, which is a plus, since the focus is not adjustable.

5. Adjustable Lenses

There are tabs on the top of the headset to move the lenses side to side, allowing you to adjust the interpupillary distance. This is useful if your eyes are set closer together or farther apart.

However, the focal distance is not adjustable.

6. Ready for Augmented Reality

Yes, this headset is ready for augmented reality. As you can see in the image above, part of the outside cover is transparent, allowing the phone’s camera to see out.

7. Fits Over Cables

There are two openings on the headset, one on each side, which allows the user to keep their phone connected to power or audio cables.

8. Controller

The headset that I received did not come with a separate controller but there is a button on the headset that allows you to play interact with apps that require it. The button is in the center of headset, on the bottom.

In addition, if you search online, you can find versions that come bundled with external controllers of various types.

9. Price

This headset is currently available for just $12 on GearBest, making this one of the lowest-priced fully enclosed VR headsets on the market. You can also get it for $13 on EverBuying, $12 on Amazon, and $15 on AliExpress.

10. Ease of Use

This headset is extremely easy to use and enjoy as it securely holds your smartphone. Just open the cover, drop your phone, and close the cover.

It did not come with a QR Code, but the one for the Ritech Riem 3 headset worked well.

If you are looking for a cheap headset to get into virtual reality, this is definitely a great option. Included with this headset is an acceptable field of view, comfortable straps, and overall an amazing experience.

A couple of weeks ago, I received a review copy of the UCVR headset in the mail. I haven’t been in a rush to review it, Because I didn’t have anything nice to say. I enjoy writing positive reviews a lot more. But I also don’t want people to waste their money.

Disclosure: It was provided free by GearBest. But even though it was free, it still wasn’t worth the money.

It fits phones with screen sizes of 5 to 5.7 inches and comes with three sets of lenses.

1. Field of view

The field of view is listed as 110 degrees, and it did seem pretty wide. That’s the same field of view as on the Oculus Rift and the HTC Vive, and almost as good as the current market leader, the BoboVR Z4, with a 120-degree field of view.

2. Weight

I do have to say that the headset is extremely light weight — just 198 grams, or 7 ounces. a lot lighter than the Gear VR. In fact, it’s as light as the Leji VR Mini, which was, until now, the lightest enclosed headset I had tried.

3. Straps

The usual stretchy three-way straps. But, in some product images, the straps are a fixed, plastic design instead. In fact, the same product listing can show both kinds of straps. This is very upsetting to me, since I like knowing what I’m going to get.

4. Fits over glasses

It does not fit over my glasses, and the padding is fixed in place, so that you can’t squeeze them in even if you try. Some of the product descriptions say that it does fit over glasses. In some of the pictures, the padding also looks different. Again, very upsetting.

5. Adjustable lenses

The lenses don’t adjust, but the headset is shipped with two extra sets of lenses that you can swap in. Unfortunately, both of the replacement lenses had extra little tabs on their bottoms, so they didn’t fit into the headset.

6. Ready for augmented reality

No, the outside cover is not transparent. Plus, the holders that keep the smartphone in place aren’t very reliable, so you don’t want to use the headset with the cover off.

7. Fits over power and audio cables

There are little openings on both sides of the cover for the cables to go through.

8. Controller

There is no button, and it did not come with a controller, but you can buy one separately.

9. Price

Given the lack of functionality and usability, this headset is definitely overpriced. But really, I wouldn’t buy it at any price.

If you still want it, however, it’s $26 on GearBest and $36 on AliExpress.

10. Ease of use

Here the headset is a total and complete fail.

As I mentioned above, the headset doesn’t hold the smartphone in place firmly enough, it doesn’t come with a QR Code, you can’t adjust the lenses, and the accompanying manual is completely in Chinese.

The folks at VR-iPhone have a QR Code, though, and here it is:

Bottom line

Wait for the Daydream headsets to come out later this year. And if you really want a Cardboard-compatible headset before then, get the BoboVR Z4 — $26 on GearBest — if you want a wide field of view, and the Leji VR Mini — $10 on GearBest — if you want something light-weight.

The other mini headset that I ordered recently has arrived, the Shinecon Mini from AliExpress, which cost me $13.50.

Since it came at about the same time as the Leji VR Mini that I reviewed yesterday, I was able to compare the two mini headsets. They have a lot in common — both are “mini” headsets, both come in a variety of colors. But the Shinecon headset is heavier, bulkier, and more awkward to use.

I also liked the color selection of the Leji Mini VR better, but that’s just a personal preference.

1. Field of view

The field of view is officially listed as 90 degrees, which is actually less than the Leji VR Mini’s 96 degrees. It’s not a huge difference, but the view does feel narrower — though it could just be my imagination.

The field of view also depends on the size of the phone. Typically, the larger, the better.

The company says it will hold smartphones with screens of 4.7 to 6.0 inches, which is the same as the Leji VR Mini.

2. Weight

It weighs 252 grams, or 9 ounces. By comparison, the Leji VR Mini weighs just 7 ounces.

3. Straps

Usual straps that go around the sides and over the top of the head. These are stretchy, like those of the Leji, but the extra weight might make a difference with how well they hold.

4. Fits over glasses

My glasses fit easily, with room to spare. Here, the Shinecon Mini has an advantage over the Leji, which does not fit over glasses.

5. Adjustable lenses

The interpupillary distance is adjustable, via a dial on top of the headset. This is convenient, since you can make the adjustment while wearing the headset.

However, the focal distance is not adjustable.

6. Ready for augmented reality

The front is open, leaving plenty of room for the smartphone’s rear-facing camera to see out. That means that all augmented reality applications work work just fine.

7. Fits over audio and power cables

The open front means that there is plenty of space for cables as well.

8. Controller

This is another missing feature of this headset — no built-in button. You will either need to stick with look-to-activate apps and VR videos, or get an external controller. Some sellers will bundle the controller in with the headset.

9. Ease of use

The headset has nice padding around the lenses.

The design of the headset requires you to slide your phone in from the side, and it can be difficult if the phone has a case. In addition, it can be tricky to get the phone positioned just right — it needs to be centered, and level.

The headset did not come with a Google Cardboard QR Code, which was very disappointing. But I found that the Vrizzmo QR Code seemed to work fine.

10. Price

This headset is priced very competitively, and is a good alternative for anyone considering buying a headset made of cardboard.

This is also a great headset to get to tide you over while waiting for the Daydream sets to come out, or to buy for your kids.

It’s available for  $12 from AliExpress, $11 from GearBest, $22 from Amazon and $22 from GeekBuying. If you search the sites, you can also find offers that are bundled with a Bluetooth remote controller. Some AliExpress sellers also offer bulk discounts.

The Leji VR Mini that I ordered from AliExpress for $11 has just arrived, and I love it. It comes in a bunch of colors, including yellow, pink, light blue, and light green, but I got the white one because I’m boring.

It came with a lens cleaning cloth, some QR Codes that take you to Chinese-language websites, and a tiny little Chinese-language instruction sheet. Fortunately for those of us who don’t read Chinese, this headset really needs no instructions.

1. Field of view

The field of view is officially listed as 96 degrees, which is the same as the Gear VR.

And even though the headset looks tiny, I could actually see some of my smartphone outside my Samsung Galaxy S6’s 5.1-inch screen.

The company says it will hold smartphones with screens of 4.7 to 6.0 inches.

2. Weight

It weighs just 209 grams, or 7 ounces. By comparison, the DeePoon, another new headset with a similar design, weighs 9 ounces, and costs about three times as much.

3. Straps

Usual straps that go around the sides and over the top of the head. These are stretchy, which might not work for a heavier headset, but is fine with the Leji.

4. Fits over glasses

My glasses, which are tiny, definitely did not fit. On the plus side, the lenses are adjustable.

5. Adjustable lenses

The interpupillary distance is adjustable, which is the distance between the lenses. You change it by moving the lenses closer together or further apart. You have to take off the headset to do this, which is slightly inconvenient — some headsets have an external dial, so you can adjust the lenses while wearing the headset. However, given the small size, there was probably too little room to fit in that mechanism.

In addition, the focal distance of the lenses is adjustable as well.

To adjust the focus, click on the white buttons on sides of the headset. This makes the front of the headset, the part that holds the smartphone, pop out away from the main body of the viewer. Normally, I don’t like this approach because when you hold the viewer tight, or take the phone in and out, it’s too easy to squeeze everything together and ruin the focus.

However, with the Leji, if you try to push the headset back together, there will be a little resistance and you will hear clicks as the phone moves close to the lenses. I like this approach.

6. Ready for augmented reality

The plastic piece that keeps the phone in place has open sides, leaving plenty of room for the smartphone’s rear-facing camera.

That means that all augmented reality applications work work just fine.

7. Fits over audio and power cables

The open sides mean that there is plenty of space for cables as well.

8. Controller

This is the one missing feature of this headset — no built-in button. You will either need to stick with look-to-activate apps and VR videos, or get an external controller. Some sellers actually bundle the controller in with the headset.

9. Ease of use

I found this headset extremely easy to use.

The headset did not come with a Google Cardboard QR Code, which was very disappointing. But I found that the Vrizzmo QR Code seemed to work fine.

10. Price

You cannot beat the price of this headset. It is a very decent headset, one that compares very favorably with headsets costing several times more. It is also an excellent alternative for anyone considering buying a headset made of cardboard.

This is a great headset to get to tide you over while waiting for the Daydream sets to come out, or to buy for your kids.

It’s available for $10 from AliExpress, $10 from GearBest, $12 from Amazon and $13 from GeekBuying. If you search the sites, you can also find offers that are bundled with a Bluetooth remote controller. (Disclosure: I’ve included affiliate links where available.)

If you buy in bulk from AliExpress, the prices fall to less than $5 per unit — a great option for corporate deployments.

I just received a review copy of the Vrizzmo headset in the mail.

Disclosure: It was provided free by Vrizzmo sp. z o.o., the Poland-based company that makes it. But even though it was free, it still wasn’t worth the money.

The headset did have a cool, unusual design. But a design doesn’t make up for a high price or lack of features.

1. Field of view

The field of view is listed as 110 degrees, which is pretty good. It’s higher than the Gear VR, which is 96, and the same as the Oculus Rift and the HTC Vive.

The wide field of view is excellent, and the image is bright.

2. Weight

No complaints about the weight. It comes in at 250 grams, or 9 ounces, which is very decent — and lighter than the Gear VR.

3. Straps

The straps are decent, adjustable, and comfortable. The headset sits securely on my head.

4. Fits over glasses

It does not fit over glasses, not even my tiny glasses, which might be a problem for some users, especially because of the lack of adjustments to the lenses.

5. Adjustable lenses

The lenses are not adjustable. Not the distance between the lenses, and not the focal distance. This was a problem for me since it doesn’t fit over glasses.

6. Ready for augmented reality

Yes, since there’s no outside cover.

7. Fits over power and audio cables

Yes, because there’s no cover on the headset.

8. Controller

There are two orange buttons, one on each side of the headset. They’re touch buttons, so they’ll work both on Android and iPhones.

9. Price

It costs 60 Euros, or about US $68, plus shipping, from the company’s site. That’s about twice as much as some more functional headsets, like the DeePoon, FiiT VR, and BoboVR Z4.

10. Ease of use

The headset is pretty easy to use. The phone is held in place with a single Velcro strap, and it’s easy to knock the phone out of position, resulting in a double image.

It did not come with a QR Code, but I already had one on file:

Bottom line

If you like the looks, don’t mind the price, and don’t have any vision issues, then it could be a very nice, light-weight headset.

Otherwise, wait for the Daydream headsets to come out later this year. And if you really want a Cardboard-compatible headset before then, get the BoboVR Z4, FiiT VR, or DeePoon.

Where to buy

Buy it for 60 Euros, or about US $68, plus shipping, from the company’s site.

1. Field of view

The field of view is listed as a very reasonable 100 degrees, which is a little higher than the 96 degrees of the Gear VR.

2. Weight

The weight is 13 ounces, or 366 grams, which is a little bit more than the Gear VR’s 12 ounces. In fact, given the lack of features and functionality, the Loop is on the heavy side. I expected it to be a lot lighter.

3. Straps

The latch on the top strap, the one that goes over the top of your head, was really annoying. It’s the same one as the Gear VR users, and it’s annoying there, as well. It’s an unnecessary bit of tomfoolery that just makes life more complicated.

Otherwise, I found the straps just fine, and the headset was pretty comfortable to wear.

4. Fits over glasses

It easily fit over my glasses, with room to spare. But if you wear very large glasses, this could be an issue.

5. Adjustable lenses

Loop VR comes with orthoscopic lenses, which are supposed to have less distortion so, in theory, no need to adjust the focus. However, people’s eyes vary, and having the option is nice.

The distance between the lenses can be adjusted, but only a little bit. Those with wider-set or narrow-set eyes may have difficulties.

6. Ready for augmented reality

Yes, since there’s no outside cover.

7. Fits over power and audio cables

No problem here.

8. Controller

There’s no controller. You either have to slide the phone out and touch the screen, or get an external Bluetooth controller.

9. Price

I got this for free, plus $4.99 for shipping. So, pretty good deal overall. However, if you missed the give-away, you’ll have to pay full price — whatever that is. I don’t see the headset for sale anywhere except on eBay.

But frankly, it’s not worth the money. Not even $5. If I wanted a plastic headset for under $10 I’d get the Noton, which also doesn’t have adjustable lenses, but at least is easier to use.

10. Ease of use

Putting the phone into the headset means sliding it in between two fixed plastic lips with rubbery pads on the inside. The phone sticks, and it also limits the size of the phones you can use, though the company says the headset supports “most” smartphones with screens between 5 and 6 inches. If there’s a case on the phone, then getting it into the headset is even more difficult.

There was no good reason for OnePlus to do it this way. the DeePoon and the FiiT VR show two ways to hold a smartphone that are much easier and support a wide variety of phone sizes — and I would recommend both of those headsets over this one.

The headset was also missing its Google Cardboard QR Code, and when I contacted the company they told me they were still working on it. There’s no excuse for this — the QR Code takes only a few minutes to create, and its absolutely necessary if you want to run VR applications, especially if you switch headsets.

This is a very common problem with Chinese manufacturers, since they want to funnel users into their own, proprietary, Chinese-language apps. Since the Loop VR headset was designed to promote the OnePlus 3 launch, it’s designed to work with the OnePlus 3 Launch app, which includes the headset configuration. But not having a QR Code makes it difficult to use the headset for other applications.

Meanwhile, users on Reddit are reporting that the following QR Codes work. If your image is out of focus, doubled, or distorted, try one of these codes until you find one that works.

To activate the QR Code, download the Google Cardboard app for Android or iOS, click on the settings icon — the three dots at the top right — and select “Switch Viewer.” Then point your smartphone’s camera at the QR Code.

The open sides allow easy access to the phone screen for interactivity, or switching apps. However, they also allow in light and reduce the feeling of immersion.

I’ve used all the shopping sites mentioned below, including GearBest and AliExpress, and have been very satisfied with the service.

The headsets below are organized by price, with the least expensive first.

Disclosure: All of the headsets below that are linked to reviews, I’ve bought and paid for myself. For the shopping links, I’ve used affiliate links where available.

Mini VR 3D Glasses

$4 on GearBest, available for 3.5 to 5.5 inch iPhones and Android phones. Field of view ranges from 90 to 110 degrees, depending on screen size. Weighs less than 2.5 ounces.

VR Case 1S

$4 on Amazon, available for the 4.7-inch iPhone 6S, in black, gold, gray and pink.

VR Start Pro 8

$5 on AliExpress, available for 3.5 to 6 inch iPhones and Android phones. In black, blue, pink and white. Field of view is 80 degrees. Doubles as a phone stand. A simiilar case is available for $4 from GearBest in white, blue and black.

Foldable VR 3D Glasses

$5 on GearBest, fits any phone from 3.5 to 6 inch screen size, available in black, folds in half. The field of view is 80 degrees, and the weight is less than 1.5 ounces.

Foldable VR Glasses

$6 on GearBest, fits any phone from 4 to 6 inch screen size, available in white or black, folds in half.

VR Fold

$9 on Amazon. 95 degree field of view, adjustable lenses, fits any phone from 4 to 6 inch screen size, available in black, purple and red, folds in half. Review here.

VR Case

$5 on Amazon, $9 on GearBest, available for the 4.7-inch iPhone 6 and 6S, in rose gold and black. Folds flat, doubles as phone case and phone stand.

VR Case II

$10 on Amazon, available for the 5.5-inch iPhone 6S Plus, in gold, pink and gray. Folds flat, doubles as phone case.

Cobra VR

$10 on Amazon, fits any smartphone, folds flat. Review here.

VR Cat

$10 on AliExpress, fits iPhone 6 and 6s and iPhone 6 Plus and 6S Plus, folds flat, doubles as case.

Baofeng Mojing Small

$12 on AliExpress, fits any smartphone, folds flat, adjustable lenses. Also available in purple for $16. Available on Amazon for $15 in black, blue and purple under the bThere brand. Review here.

Homido Mini

$15 on Amazon, fits any smartphone. Folds in half. Review here.

VR Cups

$20 on Amazon, fits any smartphone, cups stick to screen.

Goggle Tech C1-Glass

$25 on Amazon, fits any smartphone, folds flat, comes with nice carrying case. Review here.

AntVR

$30 on Amazon, $15 on AliExpress, fits any phone from 4.5 to 6 inch screen size, available in white and black. A very similar design is available from GearBest for $7. Review here.

SmartVR

Preorder for $40 from Dodocase. Fits all smartphones, folds flat.

Pocket VR from Speck

$70 on Amazon, available for iPhone 6 and Samsung Galaxy S7.

FigmentVR

Preorder for $70, available for iPhone 6, 6 plus, 6S and 6S plus in white or black. Doubles as phone case.

I just received a review copy of the Pico 1 headset in the mail.

Disclosure: It was provided free by GeekBuying. But even though it was free, it still wasn’t worth the money.

Was I disappointed? Absolutely! From the pictures and early descriptions I had this fantasy that the Pico 1 would be the Cardboard alternative to the Gear VR, with its touchpad and built-in volume dial and control buttons.

But despite pairing it up over Bluetooth with my phone, I couldn’t get any of the controls actually working, and in many other respects the headset disappointed as well.

In fact, the best thing about the headset was its packaging. I loved the packaging.

1. Field of view

The field of view is listed as 96 degrees, and that’s about what it felt like. That’s the same field of view as the Gear VR — but significantly lower than the best Cardboard-compatible headset on the market today, the BoboVR Z4.

2. Weight

No complaints about the weight. It comes in at 300 grams, or 10.5 ounces, which is very decent — and lighter than the Gear VR.

3. Straps

The latch on the top strap, the one that goes over the top of your head, was really annoying. It’s the same one as the Gear VR users, and it’s annoying there, as well. It’s an unnecessary bit of tomfoolery that just makes life more complicated.

Otherwise, I found the straps just fine, and the headset was pretty comfortable to wear.

4. Fits over glasses

It fit over my glasses, but just barely, and my glasses pressed into the soft foam on the sides. If you wear larger glasses, this could be an issue.

5. Adjustable lenses

As with the Gear VR, you can adjust the focal distance but not the interpupillary distance, the distance between the lenses.

So if your eyes are particularly far apart or close together, you might have problems.

6. Ready for augmented reality

Yes, the outside cover is transparent.

7. Fits over power and audio cables

Not as far as I can tell. The holder for the smartphone is completely enclosed on all sides.

8. Controller

It’s supposed to have a Bluetooth touchpad, volume dial, and two control buttons. And although I was able to pair it with my phone, I could not get any of the controls to work.

The QR code provided in the little Chinese-language user manual takes me to Tencent’s WeChat app. Maybe Chinese users get a different app?

However, by going directly to the PicoVR website on my phone, I was able to side-load the PicoVR app. I do not recommend that people do this — apps should only be downloaded from the official app store, not from random sites on the web. But I’ve reported from Afghanistan, so my tolerance for risk is pretty high.

So I went and hit that “download now” button, and told my phone to go ahead and install it, despite the risk, then gave the app permission to draw over other apps, modify system settings, read phone status and identity, and read the contents of my SD card.  Yeah. Plus a few other permissions. Insane, right?

The app is partially in English, so you can kind of navigate it. There’s a bunch of Chinese videos and a handful of games. The touchpad does work inside the app, and I randomly found an option to switch to its virtual reality environment, where you can choose movies or games. However, I couldn’t figure out how to download anything.

9. Price

It’s $86 on GeekBuying and $74 on AliExpress. That’s far, far too much since it doesn’t work and you can get the BoboVR Z4 for less than half the price.

10. Ease of use

Here the headset is a total and complete fail. Getting your phone into it is a nightmare, as is figuring out how to use the controls. In a time and age when most high-end Cardboard headsets have gone to a simple shelf approach, this headset is actually worse than the Gear VR.

I had to watch a video to figure out how to use it. That’s a really bad sign, since I’ve probably tried more than two dozen headsets so far.

You pull out this cassette from the side of the headset, snap it open while trying not to break it, put the phone in, slide the cassette into the headset, and check to see if the image is aligned. It took me three tries to get the phone centered both vertically and horizontally in the thing.

Then, as I mentioned above, I couldn’t get the controls to work. The guys who did the unboxing video, The VR Shop, were able to get the volume control to work, but not the rest of it. I couldn’t even get the volume to work, despite checking all the settings in my Bluetooth configuration options.

Bottom line

Wait for the Daydream headsets to come out later this year. And if you really want a Cardboard-compatible headset before then, get the BoboVR Z4.

Oh, and it doesn’t come with a QR Code. Fortunately, the BoboVR QR Code I had installed from my previous review seemed to work after I fiddled with the smartphone’s positioning and the focus.

Where to buy

If you still want the headset, you can get it from GeekBuying for $80, or from AliExpress for $74.

I would not recommend that anyone go rush out and buy a virtual reality headset right now. The tethered ones, like Oculus Rift and HTC Vive, are too expensive, and you don’t want to buy the first generation of a technology anyway, unless you’re a really dedicated early adopter. And Google just announced its new Daydream platform, coming this fall, which promises to make mobile-based headsets much, much better than they are today.

But if you are going to buy a headset, this is the one you should get. Ignore all the articles I’ve written previously. The BoboVR Z4, distributed under various brand names, is the headset to get.

It fits all of the ten requirements I’ve got for a virtual headset, plus offers two bonus ones.

Disclosure: The headset I reviewed was distributed under the Virtoba X5 brand name, and sent to me free for review by GeekBuying. I’ve also ordered and paid for an original BoboVR, but that one hasn’t come yet.

1. Field of view

Its field of view is billed as 120 degrees. By comparison, the Oculus and Vive are 110 degrees, and the Gear VR is 96.

Is it actually 120 degrees? It certainly feels that way. The full human field of view is around 180 degrees, so any current headset is going to have a little bit of black border on the far sides, but to me, the BoboVR has the biggest view of any headset I’ve tried so far.

And I don’t even have the biggest possible phone. My Galaxy S6 has a 5.1 inch screen, and this headset can hold phones up to 5.5 inches.

The image quality was super bright and very sharp. I’m not the best judge of this, since I’ve got lousy eyesight, but to me, it looks fantastic.

2. Weight

I couldn’t find my trusty kitchen scale today (I’ll update the story when I do) but the headset is officially listed as weighing 15 ounces, or 419 grams. That makes it heavier than both the FiiT VR, my previous top recommendation, which weights 10 ounces, and the Gear VR, which weighs 12.

However, it does have built-in headphones. The version without the headset is listed at just 11 ounces, which is extremely reasonable.

Even the version with the headphones, however, feels light and comfortable to me when I put it on.

3. Straps

They’re the usual straps you get with most headsets, except for a little cap on the one that goes over the top of your head. Maybe it’s there to help reduce the perceived weight.

What I particularly liked about the straps on this headset is that they came already attached, and they fit my head immediately without any adjustment.

4. Fits over glasses

It fits over my glasses, but if you have larger glasses you might have a tight fit. However, the foam around the face area is so soft and flexible that you can just push it to the side.

5. Adjustable lenses

You can adjust both how far apart the lenses are — the interpupillary distance — and how far the lenses are from the smartphone screen, or the focal distance.

And here is my first quibble.

There are two ways to adjust the focal distance. You can either move the lenses forward and backwards within the headset, or you can move the phone itself. BoboVR moves the phone. So when you have the focal distance set at its maximum, the front part of the headset is actually extended out. And if you hold it in your hands and squeeze, it will move right back again. And it moves very easily with this headset.

That means that you have to careful when you hold it.

If the manufacturer is reading this, make a note to fix this in your next release.

6. Ready for augmented reality

Virtual reality headsets typically allow augmented reality use in either having a completely or partially open front, or a transparent cover, so that the smartphone’s rear-facing camera can see out.

The BoboVR has a transparent cover which lets the camera see out. I was a little worried about whether the cover would create distortion, but I tried it with a couple of augment reality apps, and it worked fine.

7. Fits over audio and power cables

The BoboVR has the now-common openings on all sides of the cover, allowing for both cables and air circulation.

8. Controller

The BoboVR has a working button. It is one of the few usable headsets I’ve tried that actually has one. Most either have you use a wireless controller, or are open sided so that you can tap the screen instead to interact with the apps.

The button is on the bottom right of the headset, where you can easily press it with your right thumb. There’s a little nub, a little smaller than a pencil eraser, that comes out and touches the bottom of the phone screen.

I’ve tried it out with a Samsung Galaxy S6 phone in a game that uses the button, and it works very well, and is comfortable to use. However, it worked only intermittently with my iPhone 5S. This may have been due to the kind of screen protector I have on the phone, but unfortunately, I don’t remember the type of brand.

9. Price

The Virtoba X5 I got free from GeekBuying costs $60. The site also has versions without a remote controller for $27, and without the headphones for $26. GeekBuying also has a version sold under the BoboVR Z4 brand name for $44.

I also ordered the official BoboVR one for $39 on Newegg.

On GearBest, prices start at $28. On AliExpress, you can get it from $30. Amazon prices start at $29.

10. Ease of use

The outside cover opens easily and smartphone insertion is simple — you just drop the phone onto a shelf. This is also rapidly becoming standard in the newest headsets.

There is a little spring-loaded metal piece that keeps the phone in place. Another quibble here — it could, theoretically, scratch the back cover of your phone. In the future, they might want to add a little bit of padding or plastic coating here.

Mine easily fit over my smartphone case, but this will depend on how bulky your case is.

If you want to use the headphones, there’s a little connector on the side that you plug in. You put on the headset, adjust the straps if needed, adjust the focus, and you’re in business.

For me, this headset was extremely comfortable and as easy or easier to use than any other headset I’ve tried.

Bonus features

I’ve already mentioned the headphones a few times. They’re easy to use and worked perfectly for me. Some Reddit users were originally concerned about how good the sound quality would be, expecting “tin cans” but after the headset started shipping, all the reviews I’ve seen have been extremely positive.

Of course, if you have your own headphones, or don’t want the extra bulk or weight, you can order a version without them.

The other bonus feature is the official Google Cardboard QR Code.

Yes, the headset comes with a QR Code. Mine had it on both the box and in the user’s manual.

Here it is close up, in case you’ve lost yours.

There wasn’t one anywhere on the headset itself, which would have been ideal — who keeps the box or the user manual? — but maybe the manufacturer can add it to their to-do list for next time. In a perfect world, the code would be located on, say, the inside front cover, so that if you switch headsets you can easily switch the settings.

The QR Code is needed because every headset has different lenses and physical configuration, and the phone needs to know how it’s set up so that the image isn’t out of focus or distorted.

Some folks on Reddit have complained that the official QR Code is distorted, and they offered some better ones. I’ve tried them out, and they do seem to have straighter edges than the QR Code above. Here they are, in case you noticed a similar problem. One of these may work better for you:

Bottom line

If you want a virtual reality headset and can’t wait, and you don’t have a late model Samsung phone, then get this headset.

If you do have a Samsung phone, seriously consider the $99 Gear VR, which has extra built-in sensors, a trackpad, and a better virtual environment for switching apps, as well as unique content such as Netflix, Hulu and Eve:Gunjack.

If you can wait a few months, then hold out for Daydream.

Disclosure: I bought this headset with my own money, and the purchase links at the bottom of this article are to all the major sites I know that carry it, with affiliate links where available.

Bottom line: This headset does not make my best-buy list. It is heavy in comparison to other viewers that have come out recently, and the outside faceplace seems a little too dark for augmented reality applications.

The headset came with a little user guide, in both English and Chinese, and the QR Code for the company’s own app. As I’ve come to expect with Chinese-made headsets, there was no Google Cardboard QR Code, and I’ve contacted the manufacturer to request one.

Update: Several months later, and I still haven’t been able to find an official QR Code, but this Shinecon code seems to work:

The packaging was adequate, and the headset arrived without any scratches or other damage. In addition to the bubble wrap, there was also protective plastic film on the outside cover and the lenses.

1. Field of view

The field of view is officially listed as 98 degrees, which is just a smidgen more than the Gear VR. I have no complaints on this score. The view was sharp, clear and very immersive.

2. Weight

Without straps, this headset weighed in at 13.5 ounces, or about 380 grams. That a little heavier than my favorite headsets are, but not too bad overall, if its adjusted to sit on your head well.

3. Straps

Usual straps that go around the sides and over the top of the head. No complains, but nothing particularly great about them, either.

4. Fits over glasses

My glasses fit very easily. The area around the eyes is pretty wide.

5. Adjustable lenses

The interpupillary distance is adjustable, which is the distance between the lenses. In addition, the focal distance of the lenses is adjustable, but not individually. I found no problems adjusting the focus on this headset.

6. Ready for augmented reality

The outside cover is translucent, but seems too dark and full of distortion to work for augmented reality. It’s one solid piece, so you can’t create an opening, and the cover doesn’t come off or fold out enough to create a clear view. Unless you’re willing to take a hacksaw to the cover, it’s not going to work with augmented reality, and for this reason alone I’d pass on the headset.

Yes, there are only a few augmented reality apps on the market right now, but there are some, and the demos are cool, and more are likely to come out in the future.

7. Fits over audio and power cables

Gaps on the sides allow for power and audio cables.

8. Controller

Mine did not come with a controller, but you will need one if you use apps that require you to use a button.

9. Ease of use

The mechanism to hold the phone in place now seems to be quickly becoming the industry standard — a simple shelf that you drop the phone onto, with a little sponge on the back to keep it from sliding around. Fits easily over my smartphone case. The cover opens and closes easily and firmly as well. Nice job there.

Where I found it to be a little less appealing was the comfort factor. The Vethien doesn’t have padding around the eye area, just a soft silicon mask. To me, that felt a lot less comfortable than foam padding. Also, unless I had the straps adjusted just right, it would sit painfully on top of my nose. On the other hand, the silicon is probably a lot easier to clean.

10. Price

If you want to get this headset for free, I’m giving one away to my readers who take a survey.

It’s available for $47 from EverBuying, $28 from GeekBuying,  $38 from GearBest, and $25 from AliExpress. It doesn’t seem to be available from Amazon yet — it just came out — but will probably be showing up soon.

Bottom line: For me, the headset felt uncomfortable, I want something that will work with augmented reality, and the looks kind of creep me out. It reminds me of something a cartoon villain would wear. Maybe a pair of googly stick-on eyes would help.

Disclosure: The folks at EverBuying just sent me a free review copy of the VRToto headset. Thanks, guys! The purchase links at the bottom of this article are to all the major sites I know that carry it, with affiliate links where available.

Bottom line: This headset does not make my best-buy list. It is heavy in comparison to other viewers that have come out recently, and the focal adjustment distance does not hold steady — it’s too easy to hold the headset in such a way that the smartphone moves towards or away from the lenses, losing focus.

1. Field of view

The field of view is officially listed as 96 degrees, which is the same as the Gear VR. I have no complaints on this score. The view was sharp, clear and very immersive.

2. Weight

This headset is officially billed at 300 grams, or about 10.6 ounces, but on my kitchen scale it came in at 14 ounces, or about 400 grams, without the straps.

3. Straps

Usual straps that go around the sides and over the top of the head. No complains, but nothing particularly great about them, either.

4. Fits over glasses

My glasses fit, but just barely.

5. Adjustable lenses

The interpupillary distance is adjustable, which is the distance between the lenses. In addition, the focal distance of the lenses is adjustable, but not individually. However, the focal distance adjustment knobs aren’t sticky enough. That is, they move the entire front of the headset back and forth, and its too easy to undo the adjustment just by holding the viewer or setting it down.

Given the choice, I prefer that headset manufacturers move the lenses themselves back and forth, instead of moving an entire section of the headset itself.

6. Ready for augmented reality

The colored plastic panel on the front of the viewer comes off, allowing the outward-facing camera on the smartphone a clear view.

7. Fits over audio and power cables

Gaps on the sides allow for power and audio cables.

8. Controller

Mine did not come with a controller, but you will need one if you use apps that require you to use a button.

9. Ease of use

The mechanism to hold the smartphone in place reminds me a lot of the FiiT VR. You open the outside cover, and there’s a little shelf to hold the phone in place, with a sponge pressing against the back of the phone to keep it in place.

The one major usability issue, as mentioned above, is the focal distance adjustment problem.

The VRToto also comes with a unique little piece of hardware, a little cap that gets attached to the smartphone camera that lets it take side-by-side virtual reality photographs.

It’s a little black plastic device that seems designed to split the camera’s view into two images.

There was a little diagram that came with the headset that showed how you were supposed to use this, but I couldn’t figure it out.

In any case, if I wanted to take virtual reality photographs, I would simply use my Cardboard Camera app.

10. Price

As I mentioned above, mine was free, but I probably won’t be keeping it. I’ll be giving it away to my readers who take a survey. However, if I were to keep it, I have a feeling it would become my go-to headset because it’s so easy to use.

It’s available for $27 from EverBuying, $30 from GeekBuying,  $22 from GearBest, $47 from Amazon, and $28 from AliExpress.

Disclosure: The folks at GeekBuying just sent me a free review copy of the DeePoon V3 headset. Thanks, guys! The purchase links at the bottom of this article are to all the major sites I know that carry it, with affiliate links where available.

Bottom line: Right now, this headset is giving my current top choice, the FiiT VR, a strong run for its money. The DeePoon is much smaller and lighter and is slightly easier to use because of the way the phone just drops in. It does have a slightly smaller field of view, and costs a little more, but I expect prices to drop quickly. Meanwhile, I haven’t tested the BoboVR Z4 yet — it’s scheduled to arrive within a few days.

1. Field of view

The field of view is officially listed as 96 degrees, which is the same as the Gear VR.

The lenses are a funky teardrop design, pointed inwards, and are supposed to fit better over the nose. I personally couldn’t tell the difference.

2. Weight

It weighs just 249 grams, or just under 9 ounces. By comparison, the Gear VR weighs 12 ounces and the Noton, which has a similar shape, weighs 6 ounces.

It feels extremely lightweight when you’re wearing it.

3. Straps

Usual straps that go around the sides and over the top of the head. No complains, but nothing particularly great about them, either.

4. Fits over glasses

My glasses fit, but just barely. This is a very small headset.

5. Adjustable lenses

The interpupillary distance is adjustable, which is the distance between the lenses, individually for each lens. In addition, the focal distance of the lenses is adjustable, but not individually.

6. Ready for augmented reality

The spring-loaded holder that keeps the phone in place is pretty compact, leaving plenty of room on both sides for the smartphone’s rear-facing camera.

That means that all augmented reality applications work work just fine.

7. Fits over audio and power cables

Plenty of space for cables.

8. Controller

Mine came with a cute matching remote controller, but this could depend on the bundle you get. If you use applications that require a controller — most currently don’t — then make sure to get an external one.

9. Ease of use

You can’t get much simpler than this headset. The smartphone drops right in, and a panel of rubbery grips keeps it firmly in place. Fits easily over protective cables.

If your headset did not come with a QR Code, here it is:

10. Price

As I mentioned above, mine was free, but I probably won’t be keeping it. I’ll be giving it away to my readers who take a survey. However, if I were to keep it, I have a feeling it would become my go-to headset because it’s so easy to use.

It’s available for $39 from GeekBuying,  $39 from GearBest, $40 from Amazon, and $32 from AliExpress with a controller. However, it only came out recently, so expect prices to drop quickly.

However, it does have decent lens adjustment options and is not too heavy.

1. Field of view

The field of view is a square — so I would guess about 90 degrees or so, since I don’t have an official measurement of it. Nothing to write home about, and visibly smaller than that of the Gear VR and the FiiT VR.

Basically, it’s a bit too narrow to compete with the latest virtual reality headsets, and a bit too wide for a good movie-watching experience for older phones.

2. Weight

When I weighed it on my kitchen scale, without the straps or the smartphone, it came in at 11.5 ounces, or 325 grams — the official weight is listed as 290 grams. So while it weighs less than the Gear VR, or Baofeng Mojing 3 or 4, it weighs more than the FiiT VR.

In fact, it feels remarkably light for something so bulky.

3. Straps

Usual straps that go around the sides and over the top of the head. No complains, but nothing particularly great about them, either.

4. Fits over glasses

My glasses fit, but just barely.

5. Adjustable lenses

The interpupillary distance is adjustable, which is the distance between the lenses. In addition, the focal distance of each lens adjusts separately.

When it comes to image quality here, I have no complaints.

6. Ready for augmented reality

One of the main reasons not to get this particular viewer — the cover is not see-through, and does not come off. So you won’t be able to use any of the growing number of augmented reality apps with this headset.

7. Fits over audio and power cables

Yes, there’s space on the side for cables.

8. Controller

Mine came with a cute matching remote controller, but this depends on the bundle you get.

9. Ease of use

It has a weird fan mechanism that I couldn’t get to work, and had trouble getting my smartphone into.

From what I can tell, you push the tab on the side of the fan mechanism to get it to open up, then put your smartphone phone in and squeeze the top and the bottom together to hold the phone tight.

Then you untuck the small cord from around the fan and plug it into the phone’s USB slot — which, obviously, will only work on Android phones since the iPhone uses an incompatible connector.

The fan is supposed to keep the phone cool, or keep the lenses from fogging up, but I couldn’t figure out how to get it to come on.

Plus, since you can’t see the face of the phone as you are putting it in, it is hard to get it perfectly centered.

10. Price

As I mentioned above, mine was free, but I won’t be keeping it — I plan to give it away to one of my readers as soon as I can think of a topic for another survey.

But given the specs, and compared to my current favorite, the $25 FiiT VR, this headset is significantly overpriced.

It’s available for $56 from GearBest, $67 from Amazon, and $83 from AliExpress,

If you want to trade up from a VR headset made out of cardboard, but don’t want to spend any more money than you would for a cardboard, check out the Noton headset.

The headset drops right in, and there’s a little pad inside the keep the phone firmly in place. The phone didn’t move even when I was whipping my head around in End Space VR trying to shoot down enemy spaceships.

Even though it’s an enclosed headset made out of plastic, it weights just 6 ounces with straps.

It fits any phone with screen sizes between 4.7 and 6 inches and the company claims a field of view of 95 degrees. It definitely felt that immersive to me.

The downsides is that it does not fit over glasses, and the lenses are not adjustable. There is also no button, and no direct access to the screen, so you will have to buy an external controller for some applications.

There is no padding around the lenses. This can make it uncomfortable for prolonged use, but also makes it easy to clean with a wipe if in a multi-user situation.

In addition — like many Chinese headsets — it did not come with a Google Cardboard QR code.

I tried several of the QR Codes on this page, until I found one that fit, which was from a BWM Cardboard viewer.

I’m posting it below as a temporary QR Code, until I find an official one:

I got mine for around $6 on GearBest with free shipping. It’s also available for $4 on DealsMachine, but you have to pay for shipping. I haven’t — yet — seen it anywhere else.

I’m definitely recommending this headset. I found it to have a clear and wide field of view, sturdy, and light.

Most folding headsets only allow you to move the lenses closer or further apart, or offer no adjustments at all. The VR Fold allows you to adjust both the distance between the lenses, the distance from the lenses to the screen of the phone, and also lets you move the lenses up and down.

The VR Fold is decently though not particularly beautifully packaged in a plain cardboard box with a second cardboard inset inside to keep it in place. Mine came with a small English-language manual and two cleaning kits.

The headset itself was inside a bubble-wrap pouch.

There was no protective case for the headset, which means that the lenses could get scratched. I plan to keep mine inside the bubble-wrap, if I can’t find a better bag to put it in.

In addition to the three-way lens adjustments, the other distinguishing feature of this viewer is the flaps on the side, which help reduce some of the outside light.

The other problem with this headset — as with many Chinese-made headsets — is that it does not come with a QR Code. However, a reader has just created a QR Code specifically for this headset. Here it is:

With the Galaxy S6, the viewer seems to have an extremely wide field of view — I’d estimate it at roughly 95 degrees.

This headset seems like a great alternative to a cardboard viewer for a promotional giveaway. There’s plenty of room for corporate branding on the side flaps. My suggestions would be to also include a carry pouch for the headset, and create a QR Code for it.

In addition to purple, the headset also comes in red and black.

Shopping links

Disclosure: Some of the shopping links may be affiliate links, when available.

Get it for $10.99 on Amazon in black, red, or purple. Get it from GearBest for $5.98 in black or $5.44 in red or purple. Get it for $4.99 from AliExpress in black.

Some sites also bundle it with a remote controller, but this viewer allows full access to the phone screen, and tapping the screen is equivalent to pressing a button on Google Cardboard. Plus, you’ll need both hands to hold the viewer up to your face. You won’t have a hand to spare to hold a controller with.

There are over a hundred headsets on the market right now, at all price points — and you can’t go by price. Some of the most expensive headsets on the market today are actually some of the worst.

What do you do? How do you choose? Here are some features to look for in your next headset.

1. Field of view

Some of the least expensive Chinese headsets on the market, and some of the earliest pricy ones, have narrow fields of view, either because the lenses are far from the smartphone screen, or because they’re deliberately designed to work with small or low-resolution phones.

In particular, headsets designed to be used as private virtual movie theaters, a popular use in emerging economies, have narrow fields of view.

What is a good number to look for?

Anything above 90 degrees is generally going to be pretty good. The Samsung Gear VR, for example, is 96 degrees. My current favorite headset, sold as the LeNest and the FiiT, is 102 degrees.

This is what a field of view of about 90 degrees looks like on a Galaxy S6:

Smaller phones will have even smaller images and a wider border around them, creating the feeling that you are looking through a ski mask. Some of the border is due to a smaller image on the phone itself, and the rest is due to the sides of the headset squeezing in.

And this is what a 102 degree field of view looks like on my Galaxy S6:

The picture fills the entire screen of the phone, and the remaining thin black border is due to the headset itself.

2. Weight

In general, you want a headset that is as light as possible, but not so light that it breaks immediately. For example, a headset made of tissue paper would be extremely light, but not very usable.

Headsets made out of cardboard are also light, but don’t last very long. They are good for give-aways, and to give people a taste of what virtual reality feels like, but they’re not a headset that you want to spend much money on.

The next heaviest are the open-sided headsets that basically look like a pair of sunglasses. These are also extremely lightweight, and, as a plus, fold up into your pocket. These are the viewers that you would carry around with you, especially if you want to show VR apps to other people.

One of my favorites is the GoggleTech C1-Glass, the black pair below at far left. Next is the Cobra VR, followed by the Homido Mini, the AntVR and the pink Baofeng Small Mojing.

Fully-enclosed headsets, like the Samsung Gear VR, weigh more because there’s more substance to them. These headsets weight anywhere from 1 ounce for the GoggleTech to 5.6 ounces for the AntVR, which has top and bottom flaps and a headstrap.

Enclosed headsets weight more.

The Gear VR below, for example, weighs 12 ounces. That’s before you attach the straps and insert the phone.

3. Straps

If you plan to wear the headset for any length of time, you’ll want headstraps.

Without headstraps, you’ll have to hold the headset up to your face. The open-sided headsets typically don’t come with straps, while the cardboard ones are available both with straps and without.

The fully-enclosed headsets typically all have straps, with the big exception of the Mattel View-Master. That set is primarily designed for children, and the idea is that people don’t want kids to spend too much time in virtual reality.

4. Fits over glasses

If you wear glasses, or have friends or family members who do and plan to share the headset with them, you’ll want a headset that’s wide enough to fit over them. The Mattel View-Master, for example, does not, and neither does the Shinecon VR. The Samsung Gear VR does, and so does LeNest and the Baofeng Mojing 3.

5. Adjustable lenses

There are typically two ways that lenses can be adjusted on virtual reality headsets.

First, the distance between lenses — the interpupillary distance can often be increased or decreased. If you have wide-set eyes, you’ll want the lenses further apart. If you’re a kid, you’ll want them closer together.

The other adjustment is the distance between the lenses themselves and the surface of the smartphone.

On the LeNest above, for example, each lens moves independently when you turn it in its socket. This is particularly useful when you have eyes with a different prescription for each — like I do.

6. Ready for augmented reality

There aren’t a lot of augmented reality apps on the market right now.

The Mattel View-Master does, but mostly as a sales gimmick. The Wizard Academy from Realiteer, however, uses the phone’s outward-facing camera to track a wand that you hold out in front of you.

Other uses for augmented reality include tracking if you have moved your head forwards or backwards, which current phone sensors don’t do. It can also be used to help you avoid walls and furniture, or to place virtual monsters into your actual home or office.

For example, the outside cover of the Mattel View-Master is translucent. When you look through the viewer at the company’s “experience reels” it looks as though objects — such as a space shuttle — float in the air above them.

Other headsets have either no outside cover at all, or have cut-outs in the cover to let the camera see out.

7. Fits over audio and power cables

Sound is important to a really immersive virtual reality experience, especially now that Google Cardboard officially support spacial sound effects.

Viewers that completely enclose the phone on all sides make it impossible to use headphones — or to plug in a power cable so that you can watch long movies without worrying about power running out.

You can see in the picture below, for example, that the outside cover doesn’t sit flush with the rest of the headset, but has openings on the sides, the top and the bottom.

As a bonus, the vents keep the headset cool and help prevent lenses from fogging up.

8. Controller

The Google Cardboard V1, the first one that Google released, had a magnet on the side that worked as a button — and constantly fell off. Plus, it didn’t work with all phones.

The second version of the headset had a capacitative touch button on the top. Basically, it let you touch the smartphone screen without having to open up the headset.

The open-sided headsets of course don’t have this issue at all — you can simply touch the screen itself to interact with the app.

Many other enclosed headsets, however, don’t have any buttons on them at all. They still work with the majority of Google Cardboard apps, since designers are aware of this problem and typically create apps where in-world interaction is based on looking at some button or object for a few seconds.

Other headset manufacturers bundle remote controllers with their headsets.

To be on the safe side, pick a headset that either has a built-in button of some kind, allows direct access to the screen, or comes with a remote.

9. Price

Right now, prices are all over the place.

Open-sided fold-up viewers run from $5 for VR Fold on AliExpress to $22 for the GoggleTech — and hit every price point in between.

Viewers made of cardboard run from $1 all the way up to $30.

Plastic viewers run from $10 to over $100.

In particular, viewers that have been around for a while, or have well-known brand names and strong marketing behind them, like the $100 Merge VR, the $130 Fibrum, the $80 Homido and the $120 Zeiss VR One are priced high but, in my opinion at least, aren’t worth the money unless you really really like their looks and are willing to put up with a lack of key features.

Right now, there seems to be a sweet spot for virtual reality viewers in the $20 to $50 range. Some of my favorites are here, including the Mattel View-Master, the Baofeng Mojing 3, and the LeNest.

The companies behind them seem to be selling enough of them to both invest in innovation and to allow for lower prices due to volume sales.

10. Ease of use

For me, this is the single biggest factor when it comes to which headset I reach for when I want to try out a virtual reality app. Do I go for the headset where I have to take off my smartphone’s protective cover, then struggle to get the phone into the set?

No, no, I do not.

I pick up the headset that lets me just slide the phone in.

Most of the open-sided light-weight headsets make this easy — the phone just drops into the tabs. The LeNest is also simple — the outside cover flips open, the phone drops in, the cover closes and latches shut. Very easy.

On the other extreme, the Freefly VR has an incredibly complicated multi-step mechanism to hold the phone in place. I actually had to look it up in the manual last time I used it because I couldn’t even remember how to get it open.

When a viewer has a complicated system for inserting a phone it also makes it difficult to switch apps, to pull up new videos, or to change settings since all of those functions currently require access to the phone’s screen.

If you haven’t bought a virtual reality headset yet and are looking for a low-cost fully-enclosed alternative to a cardboard set, then this is the headset for you.

Disclosure: I bought this headset with my own money, and the purchase links at the bottom of this article are to all the major sites I know that carry it, with affiliate links where available.

Pros

It comes in a nice sturdy package with custom insets to keep everything in place. The outside faceplate and the lenses are covered with protective clear plastic.

At 10 ounces, or about 283 grams without its straps, it is lighter than the Samsung Gear VR.

And with a 102 field of view, it actually has a wider view than the Gear VR as well.

It fits over glasses. The distance between the lenses is adjustable. Plus, it is the only headset I’ve tried so far where the focal distance of each lens can be adjusted individually.

The outside cover is transparent, for augmented reality applications.

It opens easily, with a very simple but tight-closing latch. The smartphone sits on an adjustable shelf, making it extremely easy to take in and out. The smartphone positioning mechanism, in fact, ranks with the simplest and easiest on the market today and fits very easily over smartphone protective cases, as well.

The straps are the standard three-point system — around the sides and over the top of your head. I had trouble getting them just right, but then I have trouble with all the straps on all the headsets. Maybe my head is shaped weird? Or I have too much hair?

There are gaps on the sides between the outside cover and the headset itself, so you can easily plug in cords — for charging, or for an audio headset.

This is a Google Cardboard compatible headset, so it works with the thousands of Google Cardboard applications currently on the market, as well as all the virtual reality videos. It can also be used as a private movie theater to play traditional movies.

Cons

I have to stretch to find any cons with this headset. There are a couple, but neither is a deal-breaker.

First, the openings on the side that let it cords — and air — through may also let in a little light for some people. To address this problem, the headset comes with a couple of different glare shields. The built-in one is nice and wide, good for watching videos, but does let in a little light.

There’s a second glare shield that comes in the box with the headset. You’re supposed to pull out the little shelves that the smartphone sits on, snap the shield in place, and put the shelves back in.

I couldn’t get the shelves out, so I took a pair of scissors and cut out the bottom openings and then it fit just fine. Update: the official site for the headset shows how to get the shelves out — you slide them apart as far as they go, then pull up on the outside edge and they come right out, then snap back in again. So I mutilated my glare shield for no good reason.

However, it actually narrowed the field of view a little bit with my phone, a Samsung Galaxy S6. If you have a smaller phone, you could try the shield. But if you have a phone as large as mine, or larger, you might want to skip it. I tried it both ways, and I prefer it without the second shield, and I didn’t see any light coming from the sides, just a little from the bottom, where my nose is. Adjusting the headset so it sits tighter on my face eliminated that light leakage as well.

The other issue with this headset, which is a problem I’ve found with every single Chinese headset I’ve tried so far, is that there’s no Google Cardboard QR Code.

I tried out a bunch of different QR Codes, and found that the Freefly VR one seems to work well.

If I get an official one, I’ll update this story.

Finally, my headset did not come with a controller, and there is no button on the headset itself. Fortunately, I have about a dozen controllers lying around, so this is not an issue for me. If you don’t have a controller, and come across an application that requires one, you will need to purchase one separately, or buy a version of this headset that comes with a controller — there are several.

Right now, however, most Google Cardboard apps have a look-to-activate interface because so many headsets are missing buttons. In my case, the only app that I actually use a controller with is End Space VR. This app also works without a controller, but I like the feel of holding something in my hand and clicking it to shoot.

Bottom line

Buy this headset for $26 on Amazon without a controller and $32 on Amazon with a controller.

This headset is also sold under the LeNest brand name $31 on Amazon without a controller and $27 on GearBest. It’s sold under several other brand names as well — look for the translucent cover, and the 102-degree field of view.

AliExpress has several of these headsets bundled with a variety of different controllers. You can get it for $23 with a tiny black controller, $25 with a slightly larger white controller, or $28 for a black-and-red two-handed gamepad.

If your company is considering giving away VR viewers made out of cardboard, this is what your customers will get:

The box itself is about the size of a paperback book, but a little thinner.

Flip it over.

There’s a pull-strip on the back.

Now you can unfold the package. Unfortunately, the QR code that you see above is on the part of the package that you throw away, not a part that goes into the viewer itself. That’s a design mistake right there — if you have more than one viewer, and need to switch back and forth, then you can’t afford to lose the QR code.

Anyway, here is the inside of that box.

After fiddling around with it for a little bit, I actually went and read the instructions.The black lens piece swings down into the tabs, and then the white nose piece swings down. It doesn’t say that the white nose piece side flaps also fold back and slide into tabs.

Here’s the headset after you fold it into place and slot all the tabs where they’re supposed to go.

Put your phone in, queue up the virtual reality app, and close the headset with the Velcro.

Bottom line

This is a slightly non-standard cardboard design. For example, there’s neither a magnet nor a capacitative touch button — instead, there’s an opening on the bottom you can stick your finger through to touch the screen.

It does fold up, but is impractical to carry around with you, not particularly sturdy, and does require a little bit of fiddling to assemble.

DodoCase is one of the leaders when it comes to custom branded viewers, and claims to have shipped half a million of these cardboard sets to more than 400 corporate clients.

Personally, I would recommend one of the open-sided plastic headsets for corporate giveaways instead.

Or check out DodoCase’s SmartVR viewer, currently in the middle of an IndieGoGo crowdfunding campaign and schedule for shipping in June.

If you want something now, check out the custom branding options for the Powis, Dscvr, and CobraVR headsets.