Looking for the best VR headsets for MSFS 2020? You’ve landed at the right place. This review’s got your back.
We’ve dug into the nitty-gritty of the best headsets out there, guiding you through the VR jungle. No tech jargon, no fluff, just what you need to know to up your flight game. We’ll spill the beans on what’s good, what’s not, and why.
So strap in, and get ready to dive into the world of MSFS 2020. Let’s find you the best VR headset to crank up your virtual flight experience.
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Table of Contents
HP Reverb G2 VR headset
First up, and I can of course say this with first hand personal experience, the HP Reverb G2 VR headset truly immerses you in the cockpit, delivering an unparalleled flying experience for MSFS 2020 enthusiasts.
- Valve speakers for sharp visuals and immersive audio.
- Customizable Comfort: Includes Interpupillary distance (IPD) adjustment and ergonomic controllers for a perfect fit.
- Broad Compatibility, Easy Setup: Supports SteamVR and Windows Mixed Reality, offering diverse VR content access and simple setup.
With a resolution of 2160 x 2160 pixels per eye, the Reverb G2 offers one of the sharpest displays on the market. This resolution comparison puts it ahead of many competitors, making for a crisp and clear visual experience while soaring through the skies.
The headset’s comfort level is top-notch, featuring an ergonomic design with adjustable straps and a well-balanced weight distribution, ensuring your head won’t feel weighed down during long flights.
The audio quality of the HP Reverb G2 is another standout feature. It comes with built-in, off-ear speakers designed by Valve, the same company behind the acclaimed Valve Index VR headset. These speakers provide high-quality, spatial audio that further enhances the sense of immersion in MSFS 2020.
As for compatibility, the Reverb G2 seamlessly integrates with MSFS 2020, making for a smooth and hassle-free setup process. Moreover, the design and build quality is impressive, with a durable construction and attention to detail that speaks to the headset’s premium status.
One area where the Reverb G2 may fall a little bit short for some is its tracking system, which relies on four cameras instead of external sensors. While this setup is generally effective, it can occasionally struggle with tracking accuracy and stability, especially in low-light conditions or when the controllers are close to the headset. However, this issue is less pronounced in flight simulators like MSFS 2020, where hand gestures and controller movement are less critical than in other VR experiences.
Pros
- Exceptional Display: With a resolution of 2160 x 2160 pixels per eye, the HP Reverb G2 offers one of the sharpest displays in the VR market, ensuring a crisp and clear visual experience.
- Comfort: The headset is ergonomically designed with adjustable straps and balanced weight distribution, which is perfect for long flights.
- Quality Audio: It features built-in, off-ear speakers designed by Valve, delivering high-quality spatial audio that enhances immersion in MSFS 2020.
Cons
- Tracking System: The Reverb G2’s tracking system, which relies on four cameras instead of external sensors, can occasionally struggle with accuracy and stability, especially in low-light conditions or when the controllers are close to the headset.
- Less Effective in Low-Light: The tracking issue becomes pronounced in low-light conditions, which can affect the overall VR experience.
- Dependent on Controller Position: The tracking system’s efficiency is contingent on the controller’s proximity to the headset, which could limit certain movements or gestures.
Bottom line
The HP Reverb G2 is an excellent choice for MSFS 2020 fans, offering a high-resolution display, comfortable design, and impressive audio quality that combine to create a truly immersive virtual flying experience. For a more in-depth analysis, read my full review of the HP Reverb G2 VR headset.
Valve Index VR headset
- Superior Display and Optics: Delivers exceptional visuals for an immersive VR experience, backed by adjustable comfort features for prolonged use.
- Natural Interactions: Offers high-fidelity hand presence for intuitive interactions in the virtual world, emphasizing long-term comfort.
- Universal Compatibility: Seamlessly works with any VR title purchased on Steam, compatible with all SteamVR headsets, for versatile gaming experiences.
Look, when it comes to the Valve Index, you can’t help but be blown away by its top-notch visuals and performance, making it a strong contender for your Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 setup.
The comfort level of this VR headset is exceptional, thanks to its adjustable head strap and padding that conforms to your face. Add to that the innovative finger tracking controllers, and you’ve got a truly immersive experience that’ll make you feel like you’re in the cockpit of your favorite aircraft.
The Valve Index boasts a refresh rate of up to 144Hz, ensuring smooth and fluid visuals as you take to the skies in MSFS 2020. Its audio quality is equally impressive, with off-ear speakers delivering rich, spatial sound that adds to the realism of your virtual flights.
The headset offers customization options for the interpupillary distance and lens-to-eye distance, ensuring a fit that’s perfect for you and a sharp, clear image.
Despite its many advantages, the Valve Index does have some drawbacks. It requires a powerful gaming PC to run at its full potential, and its higher price point may be a barrier for some potential buyers. Furthermore, it relies on external base stations for tracking, which can be a hassle to set up and take up additional space in your gaming area.
Pros
- Comfort and Control: The Valve Index boasts exceptional comfort with its adjustable head strap and facial padding. Its innovative finger-tracking controllers add to the immersive experience.
- Visual and Audio Performance: With a refresh rate of up to 144Hz, it ensures smooth visuals. The off-ear speakers deliver rich, spatial sound for more realistic virtual flights.
- Customization: It offers customization for interpupillary distance and lens-to-eye distance, enabling a fit perfect for you and a sharp image.
Cons
- Hardware Requirements: To run at its full potential, this headset requires a powerful gaming PC, which might be a limitation for some users.
- Price: Its higher price point may be a deterrent for some potential buyers.
- Setup: The Index relies on external base stations for tracking, which might be inconvenient to set up and can take up extra space.
Bottom Line
The Valve Index delivers high-quality visuals, sound, and comfort, making it a top choice for MSFS 2020. However, the requirement of a powerful PC, higher cost, and cumbersome setup may be drawbacks for some users. Still, for those seeking an immersive flight simulation, it’s definitely worth considering.
Meta Quest 2
Imagine soaring through the skies in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 with the convenience and affordability of the Meta Quest 2 at your fingertips.
- High-Performance Display and Processor: Ensures smooth and seamless gameplay with a high-speed processor and high-resolution display, even during fast-paced action scenes.
- Total Immersion: Offers 3D positional audio, hand tracking, and haptic feedback, working together to provide a realistic virtual experience.
- Wireless Freedom: Provides unrestricted movement in VR thanks to a wireless headset, intuitive controls, and a built-in battery, requiring no PC or console for setup.
This VR headset offers a combination of impressive features, such as wireless capability, a vast app store, hand tracking, and a comfortable fit. With a high-resolution display and a 90Hz refresh rate, you’ll experience smooth and immersive gameplay that’ll make you feel like you’re in the cockpit of your favorite aircraft.
Pros of the Meta Quest 2 include its wireless capability, which allows you to move freely without worrying about tangled cables or restricted movement. The headset also boasts an extensive app store, providing you access to numerous games and experiences. Hand tracking, a feature that enables you to interact with the virtual world using just your hands, adds to the immersive experience. Additionally, the adjustable straps ensure a comfortable fit for extended play sessions.
However, the Meta Quest 2 does have some cons. The 90Hz refresh rate may not be sufficient for users seeking the smoothest possible experience, as other headsets offer higher refresh rates. Furthermore, the Quest 2 requires a Facebook account for use, which may not appeal to everyone.
Despite these drawbacks, the Meta Quest 2 remains an excellent choice for those seeking a convenient, affordable, and immersive VR experience for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020.
Meta Quest Pro
Soar to new heights in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 with the advanced features and capabilities of the Meta Quest Pro by your side. This high-end VR headset is designed for enterprise use cases, offering wireless connectivity, high resolution, and advanced controllers for an immersive and seamless flight experience.
- High-Resolution Mixed Reality Passthrough: Allows seamless interaction with physical surroundings while in virtual spaces, enhancing the immersive experience.
- Meta Quest Touch Pro Controllers: Captures detailed hand gestures directly into VR with advanced haptics, making virtual interactions incredibly lifelike.
- Powerful Hardware: Equipped with 256GB storage, 12GB RAM, and 10 advanced VR/MR sensors, ensuring an optimized, fast, and immersive VR experience.
With its comfortable design, you can enjoy extended sessions of flight simulation without feeling weighed down or fatigued. The Meta Quest Pro’s wireless connectivity means you can move freely and untethered as you navigate the skies, providing a sense of realism that’s hard to beat.
The high resolution display delivers crisp and clear visuals, ensuring you can make out every detail of your aircraft’s cockpit and the surrounding environment. Additionally, the advanced controllers offer precise and accurate input, allowing you to execute complex maneuvers and interact with your virtual cockpit like never before.
While the Meta Quest Pro is primarily aimed at enterprise customers, its features make it an excellent choice for flight simulation enthusiasts as well. The comfortable design and wireless freedom, coupled with the high resolution and advanced controllers, create an unparalleled flight experience in MSFS 2020.
Keep in mind that the Meta Quest Pro may come with a higher price tag compared to other VR headsets, so be prepared to invest in the best if you want to take your flight simulation to the next level.
Pros
- Wireless Capability: The Meta Quest 2’s wireless feature ensures free movement without worrying about cables or restricted motion.
- Extensive App Store: With its vast app store, it provides access to numerous games and experiences.
- Hand Tracking and Comfort: Hand tracking for more immersion, and adjustable straps for a comfortable fit, enhance your long play sessions.
Cons
- Lower Refresh Rate: Its 90Hz refresh rate, while decent, might not satisfy users who are after the smoothest possible experience.
- Facebook Requirement: The need for a Facebook account to use the Quest 2 may not be appealing to everyone.
Bottom Line
The Meta Quest 2, with its impressive wireless capability, extensive app store, and hand tracking, offers an affordable, convenient VR experience for MSFS 2020. Some users, however, might be turned off by its lower refresh rate and Facebook account requirement.
Pimax 8K X
Dive into the world of flight simulation with the impressive capabilities of the Pimax 8K X. It offers stunning visuals and a wide field of view that’ll truly immerse you in the skies. The Pimax 8K X boasts a jaw-dropping 7680×2160 resolution, significantly higher than its competitors, for exceptional resolution and crisp visuals.
- Superior Resolution: Features an exceptional 7680x2160 resolution, providing crisp visuals unmatched by its competitors.
- Wide Field of View: Delivers a massive 200-degree field of view for an unparalleled level of immersion.
- Adjustable Refresh Rate: Offers a refresh rate up to 90Hz, ensuring smoother gameplay.
- Compatibility: Compatible with most SteamVR games, though some users reported issues with certain titles and software.
- Design: Heavier and bulkier design compared to some competitors, which could impact comfort during extended play sessions.
This headset’s massive 200-degree field of view is another standout feature that sets it apart from other VR headsets. It allows you to see more of your virtual environment and provides an unparalleled level of immersion. The adjustable refresh rate up to 90Hz also ensures smoother gameplay for an even more realistic experience.
However, it’s important to consider the downsides before making a decision. The headset’s price point is notably higher than other options, which may be a deterrent for some potential buyers. Some users have also reported compatibility concerns with certain titles and software, despite the Pimax 8K X being compatible with most SteamVR games, including Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020.
The headset’s design is heavier and bulkier than some of its competitors, which may impact comfort during extended play sessions. Despite these drawbacks, if you’re willing to invest in a high-quality VR headset with unparalleled visuals and an expansive field of view, the Pimax 8K X is a fantastic option for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 enthusiasts.
Pros
- Superior Resolution: The Pimax 8K X offers an exceptional 7680×2160 resolution, providing crisp visuals unmatched by its competitors.
- Wide Field of View: With a massive 200-degree field of view, it delivers an unparalleled level of immersion.
- Adjustable Refresh Rate: The refresh rate up to 90Hz ensures smoother gameplay for a realistic experience.
Cons
- Price: Its price point is considerably higher than other options, which could deter some potential buyers.
- Compatibility Issues: Despite being compatible with most SteamVR games, some users have reported issues with certain titles and software.
- Design: The headset’s heavier and bulkier design may affect comfort during extended play sessions.
Bottom Line
The Pimax 8K X stands out with its superior resolution and wide field of view, offering an immersive MSFS 2020 experience. However, its higher cost, potential compatibility issues, and bulky design could be deterring factors. Yet, for those seeking top-notch visuals, it remains a compelling option.
Varjo Aero
Elevating the realm of virtual flight, the Varjo Aero takes a soaring leap ahead of its rivals. Its distinguishing feature, the high-resolution display, delivers a stunning 2880 x 2720 pixels per eye resolution, turning even the minutest details of your MSFS 2020 adventure into incredibly lifelike visuals.
- High-Resolution Display: Offers a stunning 2880 x 2720 pixels per eye resolution for incredibly lifelike visuals.
- Comfortable Design: Features an adjustable head strap and easy-to-clean materials for extended play comfort.
- Wide Compatibility: Connects with a range of PC hardware and software, including SteamVR.
Paired with wide compatibility, it effortlessly connects with diverse PC hardware and software, including SteamVR, a bonus for flight sim enthusiasts.
Comfort hasn’t been compromised either, thanks to its adjustable head strap and easy-to-clean materials, making prolonged gaming sessions a breeze. However, the experience comes at a cost. Its higher price point may give budget-conscious gamers pause, and to unlock its full potential, a robust PC setup is essential.
Despite these trade-offs, the Aero is a standout choice for those craving the pinnacle of VR realism. The upfront investment pays dividends in superior performance, quality, and immersion, redefining the boundaries of virtual flight simulation. It’s more than just a headset – it’s your ticket to the skies.
Pros
- Unmatched Visual Clarity: With a 2880 x 2720 pixels per eye resolution, the Varjo Aero offers an incredibly lifelike experience.
- Comfortable Design: It features an adjustable head strap and easy-to-clean materials for extended play comfort.
- Wide Compatibility: It pairs well with various PC hardware and software, including SteamVR.
Cons
- Price: The Aero’s higher price point might deter some potential buyers.
- High-end PC Requirements: To fully leverage its capabilities, a powerful PC might be required.
Bottom Line
The Varjo Aero sets a high standard in VR with unmatched visual clarity, comfortable design, and broad compatibility. The higher price point and the need for a powerful PC could be downsides. Still, for those seeking top-tier VR immersion in MSFS 2020, it’s an investment worth considering.
Overall VR Headset Comparison
| VR Headset | Resolution per Eye | Max Refresh Rate | FOV | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HP Reverb G2 | 2160 x 2160 | 90 Hz | 114° | Check Price |
| Valve Index | 1440 x 1600 | 144 Hz | 130° | Check Price |
| Meta Quest 2 | 1832 x 1920 | 90 Hz | 100° | Check Price |
| Meta Quest Pro | 2744 x 2864 | 90 Hz | 114° | Check Price |
| Pimax 8K X | 3840 x 2160 (7680 x 2160 combined) | 90 Hz | 200° | Check Price |
| Varjo Aero | 2880 x 2720 | 90 Hz | 115° | Check Price |
Interested in exploring the Top-Notch VR-Ready PC Selections for MSFS 2020? Visit our dedicated page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the setup process like for each of these VR headsets and are there any additional accessories needed for optimal performance in MSFS 2020?
Setup can sometimes be a little finicky, but there are great resources on YouTube for troubleshooting. When setting up your VR headset for an immersive experience in MSFS 2020, consider factors such as setup ease, accessory requirements, installation time, software compatibility, and the need for additional sensors.
Most headsets, like the HP Reverb G2 and Valve Index, offer straightforward setup processes. The former requires minimal accessories, and the latter needs base stations for tracking.
The Meta Quest 2 and Meta Quest Pro boast simplicity with their standalone design and lack of external sensors. The Pimax 8K X may call for extra accessories, like a powerful GPU to handle its high resolution.
The Varjo Aero delivers a premium experience but may require a bit more tinkering during installation.
How comfortable are the head straps and padding for extended gaming sessions in MSFS 2020, and can they be adjusted for different head sizes?
When seeking comfort materials and adjustability range in a VR headset for extended gaming sessions, consider the headset weight, pressure distribution, and customizable padding for an optimal experience.
For the HP Reverb G2, you’ll find a comfortable halo-style head strap that distributes pressure evenly across your head, while the Valve Index offers a ratchet-style head strap that can be adjusted for different head sizes and features a top strap for added support.
The Meta Quest 2 and Meta Quest Pro boast adjustable side straps and soft foam padding, ensuring a snug fit and comfort for various head shapes.
Pimax 8K X’s head strap is also adjustable, with thick padding to minimize pressure points, while the Varjo Aero’s ergonomic design provides premium materials for both comfort and adjustability.
What are the options for motion controller compatibility with MSFS 2020 for each of these VR headsets?
When exploring motion controller alternatives for MSFS 2020, it’s essential to consider the VR controller limitations and flight stick compatibility for each headset.
Most VR headsets, including the HP Reverb G2, Valve Index, and Meta Quest 2, offer limited native controller support for MSFS 2020. However, you can still utilize custom VR controls by mapping buttons and gestures to in-game actions.
For a more immersive experience, pairing your VR headset with a flight stick is highly recommended. It provides greater precision and a more realistic flight simulation.
Be sure to research the compatibility of your chosen flight stick with your preferred VR headset to ensure seamless integration and an optimal MSFS 2020 experience.
How do these VR headsets handle heat and sweat management during extended gaming sessions in MSFS 2020, and are there any recommended cleaning or maintenance tips?
When it comes to managing heat and sweat during extended gaming sessions in VR, pay attention to factors like heat dissipation, sweat absorption, and ventilation design. Proper heat management ensures a comfortable experience, while good sweat absorption helps maintain hygiene and prolong the life of your headset.
Look for headsets with efficient ventilation designs, as they can help regulate temperature and reduce fogging.
To keep your headset in top condition, establish a regular maintenance routine and use appropriate cleaning solutions for both the exterior and the interior components.
Final Thoughts
With our analysis of the top VR headsets for MSFS 2020 behind us, the moment to decide has arrived. Armed with insights from our detailed breakdown, trust your judgment. Your next flight, immersed in unparalleled MSFS 2020 realism, awaits. So, go ahead and let your choice take flight.
If you’ve made it down this far, remember, The HP Reverb G2 VR headset is my own personal favorite.
- Valve speakers for sharp visuals and immersive audio.
- Customizable Comfort: Includes Interpupillary distance (IPD) adjustment and ergonomic controllers for a perfect fit.
- Broad Compatibility, Easy Setup: Supports SteamVR and Windows Mixed Reality, offering diverse VR content access and simple setup.
