Best VR Headsets for Microsoft Flight Simulator

The global virtual reality market, which was valued at $15.8 billion in 2020, is expected to grow by 18% every year up to 2028. And while VR is used in many industries such as healthcare and business, the biggest market of VR is found in gaming. Flight Simulator is a perfect platform to enjoy virtual reality, which enables an even more immersive experience when flying a virtual airplane. With VR in MSFS, you are closer than you will ever be to the feeling of actually being in the cockpit, with the instruments all around you.

However, with so many headset options on the market, how do you know what to buy? Here’s a quick rundown on the best ones:

Valve Index

The Valve Index is a supercharged VR headset that’s built with the latest specs available, like SteamVR 2.0 sensors and RGB Bayer cameras. For example, the SteamVR sensors use advanced eye-tracking technology and room-scaling components to provide users with a very steady VR experience, mitigating the nausea experienced in VR games. Its display is 3.5-inches long with a combined resolution of 2880×1600, which is higher than your standard monitor resolution (1440×1080). Of course, this is to be expected as it’s made by the Valve Corporation — the company that owns Steams. The Index is specially made to run games that are available on Steam’s platform like Microsoft Flight Simulator.

HP Reverb G2

But if you want the best graphics in a VR headset, there’s no better option than the HP Reverb G2. Valve actually helped HP with its design, so the Reverb G2 has the Index’s familiar built-in headphones and overall look. And while it may not have the best specs overall, it’s one of few headsets that can support a combined resolution of up to 4320×2160. MSFS is a stunningly looking simulator, and the Reverb G2 is the best way to experience flying in this virtual world. Its only downside is its less-than-intuitive motion controllers. Fortunately, Microsoft Flight Simulator won’t make you navigate buttons often so it shouldn’t be a problem.

oculus quest msfs

Oculus Quest 2

Due to the powerful components needed to create VR headsets, these devices aren’t cheap. But the Facebook Technologies found a way to bring the cost down in 2012 and, since then, the Oculus line became one of the most popular VR headsets of all time. The Oculus Quest 2, despite being a recent addition, is no different. It’s even the best-selling headset in the Oculus line. The Oculus Quest 2 improves all good things about its predecessors, from its latest 865 Snapdragon XR2 processor to its affordable $299 base price. It’s also one of the lightest headsets on the market (17.7 ounces) so you’ll barely feel its weight. Microsoft Flight Simulator can suck you in for hours, and the Oculus Quest 2 is the most comfortable way to spend your time flying.

While Microsoft Flight Simulator can be played using a keyboard and mouse, nothing beats the immersive feeling of flying in virtual reality. Still, you’re going to be the best VR headset for the job, and depending on your preferences and budget, the ones above are your best bet.

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