Without a doubt, a lot of people around the globe enjoy the experience that comes with the use of VR. It is a technology that has modified some aspects of our lives.
The virtual reality field is evolving. We are confident that a time will come when almost anyone will be able to afford a VR headset and its accessories. Owning a VR headset will be similar to owning a mobile phone, and the type you buy will depend on your taste and financial capacity.
There are different types of accessories for VR, choosing the best head strap for VR might present a major challenge for regular users. There used to be a time when the accessories of VR were not readily available. But not anymore!
In this article, you will learn about things you have to consider before purchasing a head strap and headphones for VR in 2021. You will learn about the best features of different products. The in-depth analysis of different products should help you to determine which product is suitable for your VR experience.
We will also tell you the process we went through before picking these products. Our goal is to make sure that you get the best value for money when you decide to make a purchase. We’ll also answer the most frequently asked questions about head straps and headphones for VR you might have.
You would agree that picking up the wrong strap and headphones can frustrate the virtual reality experience. Weight and poor audio quality are two major constraints for the virtual reality experience.
So, without further ado, let’s dig in.
Before you buy: 5 things to consider before purchasing head straps and headphones for VR
1. Sound Quality
Every VR enthusiast should be concerned about this. For you to enjoy whatever you are using your VR headset for, you need good headphones. To gauge the sound quality of audio, all you need to do is to listen. Sound quality can also be measured objectively, there are tools meant for this.
Before committing your cash, you want to read some reviews and make a proper check before buying one.
You don’t want to start blaming or hitting yourself why you went for it. Reading and checking the specification for sound quality is very important. You can also carry out the ultimate headphones test to determine the sound quality of a product. Sound quality is one of the things you should watch out for before making a purchase.
2. Comfort
In all sincerity, a lot of people around the world are rightly concerned about the comfort that VR headphones and head strap provide. If you are a VR enthusiast, nothing can be more frustrating than having your head strap falling off your head while playing your favorite VR game.
Another issue with some low-grade straps is that they are just too tight. After removing your VR headset, the head strap or headphones can make some indentations and marks on the cheeks of the user due to the weight it exerts on the cheekbone.
Many users would like to have about 3-4 hours of VR sessions at a stretch, they can not afford to have that because of the discomfort they feel. For some people with glasses, the strap presses on their glasses into the bridge of their nose.
For you to conclude how comfortable your head strap is, your two ears are the best to judge. If you observe the head strap is hurting both ears, it would be wise to find a replacement. If an audio strap works for a friend, it doesn’t mean it will suit you comfortably. Same goes for headphones.
You should consider the level of comfort that a head strap and headphones provide before doling out your cash to buy one. It is better to check whether it fits you perfectly before buying.
3. Durability
There is no VR head strap manufacturer that would tell you their product is not durable. You are the one that needs to carry out your inquiry to make sure what you are buying is durable enough.
It is not uncommon for head straps to come with a user manual and warranty. You want to make sure you patiently study the user manual to understand the best way to handle your device.
An important factor that contributes to the durability of your VR headphones is the way you handle them. Learning the best way to wear them on your ears and the way to pull them off can significantly determine how long it would last.
4. Battery life
No one likes to keep charging a battery multiple times a day.
If you are the type that uses your VR accessories often, that may mean having less time to charge your headphones.
So getting headphones with a battery life that would last long might be the best option for you.
And if you are the kind of person that is just starting with VR, it may be better to go with the headphones which have an average battery life as they are usually easier on the budget.
5. Price
The last but not the least factor to consider. There are many headphones and head straps on sale in the technology market today. It is quite important to choose the ones that fit your budget.
Minding the fact that VR products can get pretty pricey, this will probably be one of the most important factors.
Quick summary
VR Head Straps
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | DETAILS | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Our #1 Choice
HTC Vive Deluxe Audio Strap |
|
Check on Amazon |
 |
LICHIFIT Audio Strap Leather for HTC Vive |
|
Check on Amazon |
 |
Iovroigo Adjustable Halo Strap for Oculus Quest 2 |
|
Check on Amazon |
 |
Orzero Adjustable Headband for Oculus Quest 2 |
|
Check on Amazon |
Headphones
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | DETAILS | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Our #1 Choice
Logitech G Pro Oculus Quest 2 |
|
Check on Amazon |
 |
Koss Porta Pro |
|
Check on Amazon |
 |
Sarlar VR Headphones for Oculus Quest 2 |
|
Check on Amazon |
The Best Head Straps and Headphones for VR in 2021
1. HTC Vive Deluxe Audio Strap
Top 3 Features of HTC Vive Deluxe Audio Strap:
- Integrated headphones with superb audio quality
- Comfort padding and even weight distribution
- Easy to use adjustment dial
Overview
The HTC Vive Deluxe Audio Strap is specially designed for the HTC Vive VR headset. The product is a big-time upgrade from its predecessor.
Before the Deluxe audio strap was introduced, it was a big problem playing VR games for an extended period. There were a lot of complaints and criticism about how tight the stock head strap was. Some people had headaches after a session of gameplay.
With the introduction of the Deluxe Audio Strap, all the discomfort experienced by the stock head straps literally disappeared. It was built in a way to offer maximum comfort for the user.
There is also an adjustable knob at the back of the strap to control the level of tightness.
It also offers improved weight distribution. The weight of the audio head strap is evenly distributed.
The audio quality is top-notch. A virtual experience without quality audio can be compared to trying to take a cup of coffee without water.
You know how that sounds, right?
Quality audio is critical to an immersive virtual reality experience. The HTC Deluxe Audio Strap offers just that.
The inbuilt headphones offer angle and height adjustment. Some head straps can be very difficult to put on and also difficult to remove. With the height and angle features, you don’t have to worry about all of that.
Before the introduction of the Deluxe Audio Strap, there have been cases of headphones pulling off while in use. The deluxe version has improved the user experience of comfort and quality.
There used to be so many wires with the HTC Vive audio strap. People spend a lot of time detangling the wires. We know how frustrating that experience can be. With the HTC Deluxe Audio Strap, we no longer have to spend so much time dismantling wires before we can enjoy playing the games we love.
The head strap is padded to provide comfort and support. Along with the strap, there are adjustable headphones that you can adjust to fit your convenience.
You can easily adjust the size of the strap by using the adjustment knob. One good thing is that the VR screen can be adjusted by reducing the length of the velcro strap.
With the Deluxe Audio Strap, you don’t have to worry about cable earphones falling off from your ears. It was built in a way that the headphones sit comfortably over your ears without falling off.
Another interesting thing is that you can connect this device with your Oculus Quest 2. All you need is an adapter. It is simple to assemble and disassemble, thereby improving your VR experience.
Pros
- Offers comfort for long gaming sessions
- Adjustable dial
- Headphones allow for 360-degree realistic sound
Cons
- Relatively expensive
Bottom line
The Deluxe Audio Strap is one of the best head straps you can get in the tech market today. It’s hugely popular with VR enthusiasts. It offers decent sound quality. The comfort it offers is second to none.
The only downside of this product is the cost. If you are on a tight budget, you may want to consider some other alternatives.
2. LICHIFIT Audio Strap Leather for HTC Vive
Top 3 Features of LICHIFIT Audio Strap:
- It is suitable for HTC Vive VR. Good design and aesthetic appearance.
- Good quality leather and an adjustable band.
- It is suitable for the head size of children and adults.
Overview
This product is a decent alternative to the Deluxe Audio Strap. It’s a head strap that offers comfort while using your VR headset. The major difference it has with Deluxe Audio Strap is that it has no inbuilt earphones.
The headband is comfortable. It contains a soft pad to improve comfort. The headband is made of quality leather to make it durable.
One thing worthy of note is that the strap can be used by both children and adults. For a child to use it, the head strap would need to be adjusted.
Pros
- Comfortable and adjustable
- Budget-friendly
- Easy to use
Cons
- No inbuilt earphones
Bottom line
LICHIFIT Audio Strap is undoubtedly a good alternative to the Deluxe Audio Strap. If you are on a tight budget you may decide to go for this.
If you have kids or children that are interested in playing VR games alongside you. The head strap can be adjusted to fit their head.
3. Iovroigo Adjustable Halo Strap for Oculus Quest 2
Top 3 Features of Iovroigo Adjustable Halo Strap for Oculus Quest 2:
- The head strap is made of high-quality plastic.
- Ergonomic design
- Front to back weight ratio is 50:50
Overview
The Iovroigo Adjustable Halo Strap is a good alternative for the HTC Vive Deluxe Audio Strap, with a good design. It’s not 3D printed, which makes it durable and strong.
The head strap is padded with high-quality leather to provide comfort for users. At the back of the head strap, you have a knob that can be used to control the level of tightness.
The weight of the headset is also perfect. It sits comfortably on your head. The weight ratio of the front part of the headset is equal to the back part with a ratio of 50:50
Pros
- Premium material
- Beautiful and durable
- Easy to adjust
Cons
- The strap might sit high in those with a big head circumference
Bottom line
The Iovroigo Halo strap is a good alternative for the Deluxe Audio Strap and it is well designed to fit different head sizes. There have been many positive reviews about the comfort it offers.
You don’t have to break the bank to get one. It offers real value for its price.
4. Orzero Adjustable Headband for Oculus Quest 2
Top 3 Features of Orzero Adjustable Headband:
- Specially designed for Oculus Quest 2 VR headset
- Full leather head cushion
- Improved support and balance.
Overview
Specially made for Oculus Quest 2 VR headset. It weighs about 1.76 ounces. It is built with high-quality ABS plastic.
It is easy to remove and install. You can easily adjust the knob to fit your head size.
The middle head strap can be easily detached if you decide to clean it. The pad is made up of soft sponge material. The soft sponge reduces the pressure on the head and face.
Pros
- Easy to install
- Great comfort
- Super easy to clean
Cons
- Not portable
Bottom line
This is a specially designed head strap.
It’s a strap that fits different head sizes. If you are looking for a strap that you can clean so easily, we would recommend this strap.
3 Best Headphones for VR in 2021
1. Logitech G Pro Oculus Quest 2
Top 5 Features of Logitech G Pro Oculus Quest 2:
- Passive noise isolation to improve your VR experience
- Pro-G 50mm drivers
- Top-notch VR gaming experience
- Optimal comfort for long hours of VR experience
- It is designed to be durable with a steel-reinforced headband.
Overview
This headset was specifically made to be an improvement on the former version. The product is made to be compatible with Oculus Quest 2. Even though the Quest 2 has some inbuilt speakers, for you to take your VR experience to a whole new level, a compatible headset is needed.
The headset has a custom length cable made for the Oculus Quest 2. We all know how disturbing it can be for too many cables to get in your way of focusing or enjoying your VR moment.
With the Logitech G Pro headset, you get a clear sound quality that makes you completely immersed in the VR experience. Pro-G 50mm audio drivers were specially made for game lovers. The sound quality is precise across the different frequency spectrum.
The Logitech G Pro headset is lightweight. It was made with quality materials to ensure optimal comfort for prime game lovers. It has a soft headband and ear pads to give you the comfort you so much wanted.
Pros
- Offers comfort during long gaming sessions
- Low latency 3.5mm connection
- Detachable 6mm microphone
Cons
- No active noise cancellation
- No carrying case
Bottom line
Logitech G Pro Wired Stereo for Oculus Quest 2 is undoubtedly a good headset to have to truly enjoy the virtual reality experience. It’s comfortable and the audio quality is superb. It would take your VR gaming experience to the next level. The immersion it gives is second to none.
The headset is relatively expensive and it has no carrying case to move it around. The headset is not perfect. But, it offers value for money.
2. Koss Porta Pro
Top 3 Features of Koss Porta Pro Headphones:
- Optimized gaming sound effects
- Lightweight
- Comfort
Overview
One of the main features of these headphones is the comfort it provides. It is very lightweight and comfortable to use. We would personally exchange a lightweight headphone for a heavy one. Especially when it has to do with the VR experience.
You can always adjust the headband to securely fit the size of your head. The headphones have a custom-made pad to provide comfort for users.
Another standout feature of this product is its performance.
The Koss Porta Pro is specially designed by its manufacturers for quality audio sound and strong bass performance. The specifications are:
- Frequency: 15-25000Hz
- Sound Impedance: 60ohms
- Sound Intensity:101Db SPL/1mW
- Audio cable: Straight, dual entry, 4ft
- Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty.
A good feature about the Koss Porta Pro is that you get a feeling of being with a live band while listening to music. You also get a feeling of being immensely involved while playing VR games.
It is also very comfortable to strap to a virtual reality headset. It is very easy to detach, unlike some other products. When you are done using at a time, you can easily collapse the headphones and put them in your bag or even your pocket.
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Extremely lightweight and portable
- Good protective case
Cons
- Sound leakage
Bottom line
The Koss Porta Pro is one of the cheapest quality headphones you will certainly find around. These headphones are for those that truly care about sound quality but don’t want to break a budget.
They work well with the HTC Vive headset.
As the name ‘Porta’ suggests, the headphones are very portable. You can carry them around with you as often as you like.
3. Sarlar VR Headphones for Oculus Quest 2
Top 3 Features of Sarlar Headphones for Oculus Quest 2:
- Optimized gaming audio drivers
- Memory protein ear pads for noise isolation
- Increased VR immersion
Overview
These headphones have cable length designed for Oculus Quest 2 VR headset.
The headphones are also capable of blocking outside noise through the use of enlarged protein ear pads.
When using this product with your VR headset, you don’t have to worry about distracting noise from the outside world.
The product package comes with some additional accessories that will suit your needs.
Pros
- Minimal latency
- Optimal comfort
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- None
Bottom line
Sarlar VR for Oculus Quest 2 is a type of headphones that a real VR lover should endeavor to have. It ticks the boxes for all the basic requirements of headphones.
It gives a decent quality sound for its price.
How we chose these products
It took us a lot of effort to come up with the listed products. There are so many head straps and headphones out there with different specifications.
In the VR world, some basic specifications must be met for users to adopt or be willing to recommend the products to others. The efforts we spent were to make sure these products exceed the basic specifications.
We understand that the HTC Vive Deluxe Audio Strap to be the most popular among VR game lovers. But, is the product worth it? We will talk about that below.
We knew how expensive the Deluxe Audio Strap is, so we decided to write a list of head straps and headphones that might work together.
We needed to come up with some alternative straps and quality headphones because we understand some are on a tight budget.
For example, if you can not afford to buy the HTC Deluxe Audio Strap, you can buy the Koss Porta Pro headphones and use them with Vive and Oculus VR headset.
The factors listed above all came into play when we were compiling the list of best VR head straps and headphones.
How to Remove the Vive Head strap and Attach HTC Vive Deluxe Audio Strap
Do you still have the old Vive head strap and you are wondering how you can replace the strap with the HTC Vive Deluxe Audio Strap? You are in the right place, we will discuss step by step guide on how you can go about this.
Detaching the Vive Head strap
- To remove the Vive head strap from the strap belt, all you need to do is to rotate the strap belt into a downward position. To know the strap has been removed, you will hear a snapping sound when the belt has been freed.
- Separate the connection between the strap and the headset by opening the enclosure cover.
- In this step, it is time to remove the cables. You start by detaching the power and USB cables. You also need to gently remove the tab till the HDMI cord is detached.
- Detach all the removed cables from the velcro straps.
It’s important to ensure all the cables have been detached with nothing connected to them. You have now detached all the cables, you can now safely attach your Deluxe Audio Strap.
Connecting Deluxe Audio Strap
- Attach the connector belt of the Vive Deluxe Audio Strap to the point of connection on the headset. You need to use your fingers to fix it until you hear a snapping sound.
- Insert cables to their appropriate slots on the headset.
- Synchronize the ridge on the HTC enclosure cover with the tabs. You should then propel the cover until it falls in place.
- Connect the cables to their appropriate place on the right-hand side of the strap.
- Take the velcro cable tie and coil it around the HDMI, power, and USB cables, you will clamp it tightly in place.
You are set to use your Vive Deluxe Audio Strap. Remember to adjust the knob at the back of the strap if it becomes too tight. The headphones can also be adjusted to suit your needs.
Relish your VR experience.
If you are left feeling confused, you can watch this video for further explanation:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Deluxe Audio Strap worth it?
The simple answer to this question is yes.
Though the retail price is about $100 or thereabouts. It is relatively expensive. But there are some factors you should consider.
The Deluxe Audio strap offers maximum comfort. It also has inbuilt earphones. It ain’t just a strap, but a strap with quality headphones for your VR experience.
Does the Deluxe Audio Strap have a mic?
No, but the headset does. It is located at the bottom of the VR headset.
The device also has headphones that are connected through a 3.5mm female connector on the VR headset.
What is FrankenQuest?
FrankenQuest is a name for a mod that is meant to detach your Oculus Quest head strap and attaching the Deluxe Audio Strap to the Oculus Quest 2 headset.
For you to connect the two, you need to get Quest 2 Deluxe Audio Strap Adapters.
How do I Connect my Headphones to my HTC Vive?
For you to connect your headphones to the Vive headset, you are required to get an alternate kit from Vive’s Customer Support.
- Remove the custom headphones. On the right side of the VR headset, remove the plug of the audio cable from the audio connector.
- Detach the side leather and the foam pad from the headset. Gently remove the cable of the inbuilt headphones from the aperture.
- Connect the cord guides to the headset. You will find the cord guides inside the replacement kit produced by Vive.
- Put the earphone cable into the audio plug connector(3.5mm) on the right part of the headset.
Conclusion
The VR market is still as pricey as ever. Choosing the best combination of head strap and headphones might still pose a problem for a lot of people.
From the products we listed, which of the products do you have experience with?
Have you observed any pros and cons that are not listed in this article?
We would love to hear from you in the comment section. Please feel free to share your thoughts and opinions with us.
You are free to share this article with your friends and relatives as you have learned one or two things. Please do not forget to follow us on our social media channels to get more relevant content.
Until next time.
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