Discover new experiences with virtual reality headsets for your iPhone. With incredible resolutions in 3D or even 4K, these gadgets will immerse you in the heart of your images, your favorite films or even your games. And for more adrenaline, some models are equipped with headphones to let you experience sound effects.
What to know before purchasing
- Some smartphone VR headsets are only compatible with the iPhone while others are compatible with all smartphones. You will therefore not be able to enjoy virtual reality with your Samsung for example. To do this, you will need a Samsung Gear VR.
- VR headsets are also called HMD ( head-mounted display) or headset which translates as head-mounted display in French.
- VR headsets for iPhone don't really allow you to play big VR games but rather to enjoy videos and 3D virtual environments on your couch. For a better experience, we advise you to connect your virtual reality setup with an audio headset or earphones.
Comparison of the best VR headsets for iPhone
BeVifi VR headset/glasses: come and discover the potential of virtual reality
Features and Reviews
Designed by the BeVifi brand, this VR headset/glasses is based on innovative technology. For a price of €67.76, it is undoubtedly the most expensive in its category. The helmet shell is made from ABS plastic and then coated with gold oil. As for the headband, which is elastic, it is made of high density nylon. For a better graphics experience, BeVifi has combined an anti-blue ray HD optical resin protective lens to reduce eye fatigue and an 8-layer nano coating for 9 clear and anti-dizziness polishes.
In terms of compatibility, this headset is suitable for Smartphones with a screen size of 4.7 to 6 inches, namely the iPhone 6/6S/6S Plus/7 models. But also, it is suitable for other Android Smartphones like the Galaxy S7 and S6 models from Samsung or for other brands Huawei, Sony... Easy to use, just press the switch button to turn it on and install your iPhone.
Find suitable applications on the Apple App Store and transform your iPhone into a 3D cinema screen or even for VR games without forgetting the headphones to immerse yourself in the sound effects. More than 300 applications are available for the VR headset. Comes with a Bluetooth remote control that runs on 7e batteries, you can use this as a mouse or gamepad to operate this virtual reality headset.
Discover the potential of this VR headset that adapts to your needs and your body. The wear band and the pupil distance are adjustable for better visual comfort. You can also wear the VR headset with or without glasses.
WUFENG VR Shinecon VR headset: an affordable VR headset that fits your budget
Features and Reviews
This Shinecon VR headset model is designed by the WUFENG brand. It appears in our comparison due to its price which adapts to all budgets. For €8.29, treat yourself to this VR headset with an ergonomic and modern design compatible with your iPhone. At an ultralight weight of 158g, this virtual reality accessory is designed to reduce pressure around your head and eyes during use for greater comfort.
The materials making up this VR headset are ABS plastic for the shell and 3D optical resin lenses. Elastic straps and protective face foam reduce pressure on your nose. You will no longer need to go to the cinema to see your favorite films in 3D. Just put your iPhone on and enjoy a 3D screen effect. Apart from movies, you can also play your VR games. For better visual comfort, you can easily adjust the lens to your comfort. Whether forward or backward, press the 2 buttons to obtain your optimal focal length and pupil distance.
With dimensions of 15.6 x 10.1 x 8.8 cm, this Shinecon VR headset is easy to use. It is compatible with iOS and Android Smartphones with a screen of 4.7 inches to 6 inches. You can use it anywhere you want. Its plus is its design on the placement of your Smartphone, which is studied for accelerated multidirectional ventilation to dissipate heat during continuous use. This accessory comes with a user manual and cleaning cloth.
HAMSWAN VR headset/glasses: an accessory very popular with users
Features and Reviews
A product from the Hamswan brand, this virtual reality headset/glasses is highly appreciated by users, because it represents good value for money. For a price of €22.94, you can enjoy virtual reality by immersing yourself in your game or your film in 3D resolution. The graphics can be panoramic or even 360°. And this in the best possible conditions. With an ergonomic and original design, this VR headset is made from ABS and a woven nylon headband that you can adjust according to the size of your skull. Regarding the lens, it is made of 42mm aspherical optical resin.
On the other hand, it is also made of ventilated leather fabric to ensure heat dissipation. This revolutionary fabric is made to provide the user with greater comfort, especially for prolonged use. All for a light weight of 238 g. For optimal visual comfort, the distance of the pupil and the screen is adjustable according to your needs. The effect once the VR headset is worn is as if the user is looking at a large 1050-inch screen at a distance of 3 m.
You may or may not wear glasses during use, as the visual angle is between 100 and 120 degrees. This Hamswan headset is suitable for Smartphones measuring 4.7 to 6 inches. Namely the 5/5C/5S/6/6 Plus/6S/7/7 Plus/8/8 Plus/X/XS versions or the Samsung Galaxy and Note versions… An anti-vibration cover is provided for protection from your phone.
BNEXT VR headset: enjoy a graphics experience with 4K resolution
Features and Reviews
This virtual reality headset was designed by BNEXT. Collecting the maximum number of reviews on Amazon.fr, this headset seems to satisfy and satisfy its users. Sold for a price of €36.99, you can enjoy a unique VR experience. Based on new technology, you can watch your films or play your VR games in several graphic resolutions, namely HD, 3D, 720 p, 1080 p or even in 4 K.
Designed so that the distance between your eyes and the screen is ideal, your field of vision will be expanded. Or to reduce distortion, the brand offers a unilateral myopia adjustment. For prolonged use, BNEXT ensures the comfort of its user thanks to the adjustment strap and the breathable foam. A vision protection system is provided to reduce pressure against your nose. To fully immerse yourself in your game or movie, this VR headset has an audio jack for your headphones and makes your user experience more pleasant and sensational.
Compatible with Smartphones with a 4 to 6 inch screen, you can use it with your iPhone or your Andoid devices. This headset is also suitable for drones. You can download a variety of games from App Store in a 360-degree perspective and experience the sensations of graphic effects up close. A user manual is provided with purchase to better enlighten you on this VR device.
Primus® VA4 VR headset: from advanced and up-to-date technology to transform your Smartphone into VR
Features and Reviews
This VR headset is the product of advanced technology to provide you with a better graphic experience, but also to make your moments of relaxation more incredible. Designed by the VR brand Primus, this VA4 virtual reality headset model is sold for a price of €34.99. A very affordable price for its features. Ideally for the latest generation Smartphones with a 4.7 inch to 6.2 inch screen and a gyroscopic sensor, including the iPhone X/XS or Android models.
This VA4 VR headset comes with a remote control connected by Bluetooth for Android Smartphones. The latter is unfortunately not compatible for IOS devices. It will allow you to use it as a controller for certain gaming applications. Experience virtual reality with your favorite images, films or games with a breathtaking field of vision of up to 120 degrees. Compatible with Google Cardboard Apps, you can find your favorite applications with the QR code already provided.
For better visual comfort, the lenses are adjustable to enjoy 3D images. To keep you comfortable, the adjustable strap is made with a soft foam lining. For more fun and to immerse yourself in the sound effects, headphones are integrated with headphones. You can control them from the provided buttons to turn the sound down or up.
Besides, if you want to use your own headphones, a 3.5mm headphone jack is also provided. In the case of 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 for?
Nowadays , the application of VR headsets is multiple . First of all, we have VR games but we find a use for virtual reality in medicine, architecture, IT, cinema, etc. So many applications which target these high-tech headsets to all those wishing to live an experience with virtual elements and form of reality, different from the real world.
There are 3 types of VR headsets:
- Desktop VR headsets (or VR headset for PC but in reality PlayStation VR falls into this category): these are all headsets that need a PC or a game console to function.
- Standalone VR headsets all-in-one VR headsets directly integrate games and a computer for virtual simulation and a perfect feeling of immersion.
- Mobile VR headsets : these are the VR headsets for smartphones that we are going to cover today. This virtual reality is intended for viewing video (in 360 degrees) and virtual applications beyond augmented reality glasses.
What are the types of VR headsets for iPhone?
At the risk of disappointing you, there is only one type of VR headset for iPhone and it is the same virtual system for other phones. This involves placing and blocking your smartphone on the front of the helmet. This is then connected via Bluetooth or jack (when iPhones still had them) to the VR headset, which will allow your head movements to be synchronized with the screen (smartphones being equipped with a gyroscope). Now all you have to do is adjust the lenses of the VR headset which reflects the iPhone screen and that's it.
The advantages and disadvantages of a VR headset for iPhone?
Although VR headsets for iPhone have evolved in recent years, you shouldn't imagine having total immersion worthy of an HTC Vive, Oculus VR or PlayStation VR either. However, great virtual experiences are now possible at a lower cost with a mobile virtual reality headset. An HMD must have these 3 elements:
- Immersion
- Comfort
- AND obviously virtual content for fun.
Let's see the advantages and disadvantages of VR headsets.
Advantages
The advantage of mobile VR headsets compatible with your iPhone is that at a lower cost you already benefit from a very good VR experience . Indeed, it is not a standalone VR headset and even less a VR headset for PC which requires significant tracking through controllers, or even a powerful machine to run the games .
All you need is a phone and that's it. In addition, the helmets are comfortable due to their low weight. In short, VR headsets for iPhone are easy to use for top comfort.
The inconvenients
However, you will be a little limited in virtual model and immersion . Indeed, the resolution of the headset and the size of the screen will be limited by those of your smartphone even though the lenses of the virtual reality headset do a good job on this, and an iPhone has a high resolution screen and large size.
In addition, you will not be able to play like on an Oculus Rift due to the absence of equally efficient motion sensors as well as additional computer hardware such as a PC or joysticks (controllers). In short, the virtual environment and immersion are less with a VR headset for iPhone but will guarantee you virtual content that is different from reality.
iPhone VR headset buying guide
Now that we have laid the foundations of the VR headset for iPhone, we invite you to see in detail the characteristics of a mobile VR headset so that you can choose the best virtual reality headset suited to your needs.
Height and weight
If these elements do not suit you, they risk severely damaging your virtual user experience with your VR headset for iPhone. HMDs are lighter than others, it is the weight of your smartphone that will determine the weight of your head-mounted display . In all cases, make sure there are adjustable straps that will allow you to adjust the VR headset so that it does not pinch your nose and cheekbones. Finally, those wearing prescription glasses must check whether they fit into the VR headset or risk not enjoying the immersive experience of virtual tours.
Screen resolution
This will be determined by the screen quality of your smartphone transcribed through the lenses of the HMD , although the latter tarnish the color fidelity. Either way, the screen resolution of your VR headset for iPhone actually allows VR cinema, VR ride, Fish tank VR or even cinematic VR.
Lenses
In a virtual reality headset , the lenses are essential. They are what give you the impression of distance and a 3-dimensional image by refracting the light from your smartphone. Fresnel lenses are the most used for VR because they are extremely thin, reducing the weight and comfort of the headset. If comfort is low , then these big virtual reality glasses are less immersive.
The FOV field of view
The smaller the field of vision in your VR headset, the worse the immersion. For mobile VR headsets, the FOV is generally lower than on gaming VR headsets . For an iPhone HMD, we advise you to go at a minimum of 180 degrees . However, if you can go above, you will have a better immersion.
The refresh rate
Unlike standalone or PC virtual reality headsets, mobile headsets do not have scanning frequency (refresh rate) concerns. Indeed, where you need a large graphics card and processor on other head-mounted displays, here it is your phone that will be PC. In general, VR applications or videos have no refresh problem and will run at 30fps to 60fps minimum, going up to 120Hz or even 144Hz for certain immersive experiences.
Tracking
Tracking is the position tracking of your VR headset for iPhone in space. Don't imagine finding hand-tracking or eye-tracking on a mobile VR headset. However, inside-out tracking will be favored. This type of tracking refers directly to the sensors of your VR headset. Here, the HMD will also use those of your laptop such as the gyroscope . The less precise the tracking, the more likely you will be to touch reality and not benefit from a virtual model different from the real world.
Degrees of freedom
The degrees of freedom represent the number of movements you can make. For example, a 3DoF (360 degree) VR headset means that the sensors of your virtual reality headset detect its movements in all 3 dimensions, while a 6DoF VR headset synchronizing space virtual movements with those registered in reality . For a VR headset for iPhone, 3DoF is what you're going to come across.
FAQs about iPhone VR headsets
We hope that this buying guide will have allowed you to make a choice from our comparison of the best VR headsets for iPhone . However, below we have provided answers to our readers' frequently asked questions most immersive mobile head-mounted displays.
Can I use a VR headset with glasses?
virtual reality headset manufacturers have wanted to overcome for a long time. Now, we invite you to test the HMD before purchasing it so as not to have any unpleasant surprises. Obviously, don't imagine that all types of glasses will fit into the VR headset in the same way. Some glasses will be crushed more than others on your nose . Please note that if you are a millionaire you will be able to make your own virtual reality glasses.
Does VR headset hurt your head?
Just like a computer screen, if you spend 9 hours a day on it, you should expect a few migraines. However, some people (and this varies depending on the person) may experience motion sickness while using a VR headset for iPhone. This is due to the contrary information that the brain receives. So he sees that you are moving forward while your feet are not moving. Your brain prefers to return to reality or total immersion at the risk of reminding you of the constraints of reality.
Won't my phone fall out of the VR headset?
No, your phone is safe even during sudden movements. The holding system of mobile VR headsets is precisely designed to firmly hold your smartphone. Firstly it is to protect it, secondly it is to maintain immersion which would not be great with an unstable screen (in addition to making you sick).
What budget for a VR headset?
VR headsets for iPhone and other smartphones are the cheapest on the market. Indeed, it is ideal for cinematic VR, VR ride, or VR cinema with less effort. For around thirty euros , you will have a VR headset compatible with your IOS operating system guaranteeing you a satisfactory first VR experience in your new HMD , to give reality another flavor.