Discover new and unique experiences with virtual reality headsets for your iPhone. With incredible 3D or even 4K resolution, these gadgets will immerse you in your favorite images, movies, and games. And for an extra adrenaline rush, some models come equipped with headphones to let you experience immersive sound effects.
What to know before purchasing
- Some VR headsets for smartphones are only compatible with iPhones, while others are compatible with all smartphones. Therefore, you won't be able to enjoy virtual reality with your Samsung, for example. For that, you'll need a Samsung Gear VR.
- VR headsets are also called HMD ( head-mounted display) or headset, which would be translated as visiocasque in French.
- iPhone VR headsets aren't really suitable for playing demanding VR games , but rather for enjoying videos and 3D virtual environments from the comfort of your couch. For a better experience, we recommend connecting your virtual reality setup to headphones or earbuds.
Comparison of the best VR headsets for iPhone
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BeVifi VR headset/glasses: come and discover the potential of virtual reality
Features and Reviews
Designed by BeVifi, this VR headset/glasses utilizes innovative technology. At €67.76, it's undoubtedly the most expensive in its category. The headset shell is made from ABS plastic and then coated with gold oil. The elastic headband is made of high-density nylon. For an enhanced visual experience, BeVifi has combined a protective lens made of HD optical resin with blue light filtering to reduce eye strain and an 8-layer nano-coating for nine clear, anti-dizziness lenses.
In terms of compatibility, this headset is suitable for smartphones with screen sizes from 4.7 to 6 inches, namely the iPhone 6/6S/6S Plus/7 models. It is also compatible with other Android smartphones such as the Samsung Galaxy S7 and S6 models, as well as other brands like Huawei and Sony. Easy to use, simply press the power button to turn it on and connect your iPhone.
Find the right apps on the Apple App Store and transform your iPhone into a 3D movie screen or a VR gaming device, complete with headphones for immersive sound effects. Over 300 apps are available for the VR headset. It comes with a Bluetooth remote that uses AA batteries, allowing you to use it like a mouse or gamepad to control the virtual reality headset.
Discover the potential of this VR headset that adapts to your needs and body. The headband and interpupillary distance are adjustable for optimal visual comfort. You can also wear the VR headset with or without glasses.
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WUFENG VR Shinecon headset: an affordable VR headset that fits your budget
Features and Reviews
This Shinecon VR headset is designed by WUFENG. It's included in our comparison because its price is affordable for all budgets. For €8.29, treat yourself to this VR headset with an ergonomic and modern design compatible with your iPhone. Weighing in at an ultra-light 158g, this virtual reality accessory is designed to reduce pressure around your head and eyes during use for greater comfort.
The materials used to make this VR headset are ABS plastic for the shell and 3D lenses made of optical resin. The elastic straps and protective face foam reduce pressure on your nose. You'll no longer need to go to the cinema to see your favorite movies in 3D. Simply put on your iPhone and enjoy a 3D screen effect. Besides movies, you can also play your VR games. For better visual comfort, you can easily adjust the lens to your liking. Whether forward or backward, press the two buttons to obtain your optimal focal length and interpupillary distance.
Measuring 15.6 x 10.1 x 8.8 cm, this Shinecon VR headset is easy to use. It's compatible with iOS and Android smartphones with screen sizes from 4.7 inches to 6 inches. You can use it anywhere you want. Its key feature is the smartphone's placement, which is designed for accelerated multidirectional ventilation to dissipate heat during extended use. This accessory comes with a user manual and a cleaning cloth.
HAMSWAN VR headset/glasses: a very popular accessory among users
Features and Reviews
A product of the Hamswan brand, this virtual reality headset/glasses is highly regarded by users for its excellent value. For €22.94, you can enjoy the thrill of virtual reality by immersing yourself in your game or movie in stunning 3D resolution. The graphics can be viewed panoramically or even in 360°, all under optimal conditions. With its ergonomic and original design, this VR headset is made of ABS plastic and features a woven nylon headband that can be adjusted to fit your head size. The lens is made of 42mm aspheric optical resin.
Furthermore, it also features a breathable leatherette fabric to ensure heat dissipation. This revolutionary fabric is designed for greater user comfort, especially during extended use. All this in a lightweight package weighing just 238g. For optimal visual comfort, the distance between the pupil and the screen is adjustable to your needs. The effect created when wearing the VR headset is as if the user were looking at a large 1050-inch screen from a distance of 3 meters.
You can wear glasses or not while using these headphones, as the viewing angle is between 100 and 120 degrees. These Hamswan headphones are compatible with smartphones ranging from 4.7 to 6 inches, including the Samsung 5/5C/5S/6/6 Plus/6S/7/7 Plus/8/8 Plus/X/XS, as well as the Galaxy and Note models. A vibration-damping case is included to protect your phone.
BNEXT VR Headset: Enjoy a 4K resolution graphics experience
Features and Reviews
This virtual reality headset was designed by BNEXT. With top reviews on Amazon.fr, this headset seems to be fulfilling and satisfying its users. Sold for €36.99, you can enjoy a unique VR experience. Using new technology, you can watch movies or play VR games in several resolutions, including HD, 3D, 720p, 1080p, and 4K.
Designed to ensure the ideal distance between your eyes and the screen, your field of vision will be expanded. To further reduce distortion, the brand offers a unilateral myopia adjustment. For extended use, BNEXT ensures user comfort with its adjustable strap and breathable foam. A protective eyewear system is included to reduce pressure on your nose. To fully immerse yourself in your game or movie, this VR headset features an audio jack for your headphones, making your experience more enjoyable and immersive.
Compatible with smartphones with 4- to 6-inch screens, you can use it with your iPhone or Android device. This headset is also compatible with drones. You can download a variety of games from the App Store in a 360-degree perspective and experience the graphic effects up close. A user manual is included with your purchase to help you better understand how to use this VR device.
Primus® VA4 VR Headset: Featuring advanced, up-to-date technology to transform your smartphone into a VR experience
Features and Reviews
This VR headset is the product of advanced technology designed to provide you with a better graphics experience and make your relaxation time even more incredible. Developed by the VR brand Primus, this VA4 virtual reality headset is sold for €34.99. A very affordable price for its features. It's ideally suited for the latest generation smartphones with a 4.7-inch to 6.2-inch screen and a gyroscope sensor, including the iPhone X/XS and Android models.
This VA4 VR headset comes with a Bluetooth-connected remote control for Android smartphones. Unfortunately, this remote is not compatible with iOS devices. It allows you to use the headset as a gamepad for certain gaming applications. Experience virtual reality with your favorite images, movies, or games with a breathtaking field of view of up to 120 degrees. Compatible with Google Cardboard Apps, you can access your favorite apps using the included QR code.
For enhanced visual comfort, the lenses are adjustable to enjoy 3D images. For added comfort, the adjustable strap is lined with soft foam. For even more enjoyment and to immerse you in the sound effects, headphones are included. You can control the volume using the provided buttons.
In addition, if you prefer to use your own headphones, a 3.5 mm headphone jack is also included. For smartphones like the iPhone X or XS, you will need an adapter. This VA4 VR headset comes with a user manual and a cleaning cloth.
Who are these VR headsets intended for?
Nowadays , the applications of VR headsets are numerous . First and foremost, there are VR games , but virtual reality also finds uses in medicine, architecture, computer science, cinema, and more. These high-tech headsets for anyone wishing to experience virtual elements and forms of reality that differ from the real world.
There are 3 types of VR headsets:
- Desktop VR headsets (or PC VR headsets, but actually PlayStation VR falls into this category): these are all headsets that require a PC or game console to work.
- Standalone VR headsets : these true all-in-one directly integrate games and a computer for a virtual simulation and a perfect feeling of immersion.
- Mobile VR headsets : these are the VR headsets for smartphones that we'll be discussing today. This virtual reality is designed for watching videos (in 360 degrees) and using virtual applications through augmented reality glasses.
What types of VR headsets are available for iPhone?
At the risk of disappointing you, there's only one type of VR headset for iPhones, and it uses the same virtual reality system as other phones. This involves placing and securing your smartphone to the front of the headset. The headset then connects via Bluetooth or a headphone jack (back when iPhones still had one), allowing your head movements to be synchronized with the screen (since smartphones are equipped with a gyroscope). All that's left is to adjust the lenses of the VR headset that mirror the iPhone screen, and you're good to go.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of a VR headset for iPhone?
While iPhone VR headsets have evolved in recent years, don't expect the same level of immersion as an HTC Vive, Oculus VR, or PlayStation VR. Nevertheless, superb virtual experiences are now possible at a lower cost with a mobile VR headset. A mobile VR headset should have these three elements:
- Immersion
- Comfort
- And obviously virtual content for fun.
Let's look at the advantages and disadvantages of VR headsets.
The advantages
The advantage of mobile VR headsets compatible with your iPhone is that you can already enjoy a very good VR experience . Indeed, it's not a standalone VR headset, and even less so a PC VR headset, which requires complex tracking via controllers or a powerful machine to run the games .
All you need is a phone and you're good to go. Plus, the headsets are comfortable thanks to their light weight. In short, VR headsets for iPhones are easy to use and offer top-notch comfort.
The disadvantages
However, you will be somewhat limited in terms of virtual model and immersion . Indeed, the headset's resolution and screen size will be limited by those of your smartphone, even though the lenses of the virtual reality headset do a good job in this regard, and an iPhone has a high-resolution and large screen.
Furthermore, you won't be able to play like on an Oculus Rift due to the lack of such high-performance motion sensors and additional hardware like a PC or controllers. In short, the virtual environment and immersion are less pronounced with an iPhone VR headset , but it will still provide virtual content that differs from reality.
iPhone VR Headset Buying Guide
Now that we have laid the groundwork for VR headsets for iPhone, we suggest you take a detailed look at the features of a mobile VR headset so that you can choose the best virtual reality headset suited to your needs.
Size and weight
If these features don't suit you, they could severely detract from your virtual experience with your iPhone VR headset. Mobile HMDs are lighter than others; the weight of your smartphone will determine the weight of your headset . In any case, make sure there are adjustable straps to allow you to adjust the VR headset so it doesn't pinch your nose or cheekbones. Finally, those who wear glasses should check if they fit inside the VR headset, otherwise they won't be able to fully enjoy the immersive experience of virtual tours.
Screen resolution
This will be determined by the screen quality of your smartphone as reflected through the HMD lenses , although these lenses do reduce color accuracy. In any case, the screen resolution of your iPhone VR headset actually enables VR cinema, VR rides, Fish Tank VR, or even cinematic VR.
Lenses
In a virtual reality headset , the lenses are crucial. They're what give you the impression of distance and a 3D image by refracting the light from your smartphone. Fresnel lenses are the most commonly used for VR because they are extremely thin, reducing the headset's weight and comfort. If comfort is poor , then these bulky virtual reality glasses are less immersive.
Field of view (FOV)
The narrower field of view (FOV) For mobile VR headsets, the FOV is generally lower than on gaming VR headsets . For an iPhone HMD, we recommend a minimum of 180 degrees . However, if you can go beyond that, you'll experience better immersion.
The refresh rate
Unlike standalone or PC-based VR headsets, mobile headsets don't have refresh rate issues. While other headsets require a powerful graphics card and processor, here your phone acts as the PC. Generally, VR applications and videos run smoothly at 30 to 60 frames per second, reaching up to 120Hz or even 144Hz for some immersive experiences.
The tracking
Tracking refers to the positioning of your iPhone VR headset in space. Don't expect hand-tracking or eye-tracking on a mobile VR headset. However, inside-out tracking will be the preferred method. This type of tracking relies directly on the sensors in your VR headset. In this case, the HMD will also use those of your phone, such as the gyroscope . The less precise the tracking, the more likely you are to experience a virtual reality that differs from the real world.
Degrees of freedom
Degrees of freedom represent the range of movement you can make. For example, a 3DoF (360-degree) VR headset means that its sensors detect your movements in three dimensions, while a 6DoF VR headset does this in addition to detecting movements in space, synchronizing virtual movements with those in reality . For an iPhone VR headset, you'll find 3DoF headsets.
iPhone VR headset FAQs
We hope this buyer's guide has helped you choose from our comparison of the best VR headsets for iPhone frequently asked questions from our readers about the most immersive mobile VR headsets just below
Can I use a VR headset with glasses?
virtual reality headset manufacturers have been trying to address for a long time. Now, we encourage you to test the HMD before buying it to avoid any unpleasant surprises. Obviously, don't assume that all types of eyeglasses will fit the VR headset the same way. Some lenses will be more compressed on your nose than others . Keep in mind that if you're a millionaire, you can have your VR glasses custom-made to your prescription.
Does the VR headset cause headaches?
Just like with a computer screen, if you spend nine hours a day in front of it, you can expect some headaches. However, some people (and this varies from person to person) may experience motion sickness when using an iPhone VR headset. This is due to the conflicting information the brain receives. It perceives that you are moving forward even though your feet are not moving. Your brain prefers to return to reality or achieve total immersion, rather than risk reminding you of the limitations of reality.
Is there a risk that my phone will fall out of the VR headset?
No, your phone is safe even during sudden movements. The retention system of mobile VR headsets is specifically designed to hold your smartphone securely. Firstly, this is to protect it, and secondly, it maintains the immersion, which wouldn't be ideal with an unstable screen (not to mention making you feel unwell).
What budget is needed for a VR headset?
VR headsets for iPhones and other smartphones are the most affordable on the market. They're ideal for cinematic VR, VR rides, or VR cinema at a lower cost. For around thirty euros , you can get a VR headset compatible with your iOS operating system , guaranteeing a satisfying first VR experience in your new HMD , giving reality a whole new dimension.
