Leave Quest in the dust! It’s official: a new low-cost virtual reality headset has been crowned king. The HP Reverb G2 VR headset is usually $599, but there is a huge $250 reduction starting today that brings the price down to only $349. When compared to the $399 asking price of the standard version of Meta Quest 2, a $50 savings is apparent.
VR Headset From HP, the Reverb G2 Costs $349
As a general rule, the HP Reverb G2 will set you back more than the Quest 2, and the screen is the primary reason for this. Each of the G2’s two LCD screens can display a full 2160 by 2160 pixels in resolution. Alternatively, the Quest 2 has a single fast-switching LCD panel that can display 1832 x 1920 per eye.
With the G2, you get roughly 30% greater pixel density. Manually adjusting the HP Reverb G2’s IPD from 60mm to 68mm is a seamless process. Due to its usage of a single LCD, the Quest 2 only offers three predetermined IPD settings (58mm, 63mm, and 68mm).
The G2’s front visor is somewhat heavy, but the cushioned headband more than makes up for it, creating a well-balanced design that keeps your neck from getting tired. However, the Quest 2’s default head strap design renders the visor top-heavy in the front (especially since it also has a battery). The Elite head strap can be yours for the low, low price of $60.
Sound quality is another area where the G2 excels. Like the Valve Index, the G2 comes with headphones that sit only a hair’s breadth from your ears. That will keep your headphones dry and protect your natural hearing environment.
In the box, there are no earphones or headphones for the Quest 2. Instead, it features a speaker in the visor that emits high-pitched, distorted sound. To get the most out of your experience, I suggest plugging your headphones into the available jack (external headphones cost extra, of course).
The Quest 2 excels in terms of tracking precision. The G2’s four cameras employ a WMR-based inside-out tracking system to track your controller’s every move. The tracking is good, but it pales in comparison to that of the Quest 2, which likewise employs an inside-out technology but has far superior tracking.
Because HP updated the technology in 2021, the G2 now has superior tracking, but the Quest 2 is still superior overall. The G2 is the superior choice for games that place greater emphasis on visual fidelity than on rapid button mashing. For Microsoft Flight Simulator X, the G2 is the best headset you can buy. However, the Quest 2 may be a better option if you place a premium on tracking sensitivity, like in Beat Saber.
In comparison to other virtual reality headsets, the Quest’s main selling point is the ability to play without being attached to a computer. There is still a no better option than the Quest if it is a must-have for you. If you don’t need or want wireless mobility, however, the G2 is a very competitive headset offering high-quality visuals at a reduced price.