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6 Best VR Gadgets That Will Enhance Your VR Sessions

Woman working out while wearing VR headset

IN A HURRY? CHECK OUT Blync VR Bike TOP PROS:

Blync VR Bike

Blync VR Bike

Blync VR Bike combines virtual reality with indoor exercising. It is simple and easy to use. This product provides great value for the money.

Virtual reality has revolutionized the world. You likely agree with that statement. Almost every sector of technology has incorporated the use of virtual reality.

Thanks to VR, we can sit in the comfort of our rooms and travel the whole world. The immersion VR produces is second to none.

Different fields of knowledge are employing the use of the best VR gadgets to solve problems and to impart knowledge. Fields ranging from military to real estate are making use of virtual reality.

There are many gadgets and accessories in the VR world that are currently making waves. You don’t want to be left out.

In any case, to have the best immersive experience with virtual reality, you sometimes need the best and the latest VR gadgets and accessories.

Virtual Reality still seems like a futuristic idea to some people. But that is not the case anymore. In many western countries, VR has now blended with almost every part of our lives.

One thing about VR is that you need all the necessary gadgets and accessories to fully enjoy the immersion that comes along with it.

To get a VR gadget for yourself, you don’t have to be so rich. These gadgets come at fairly affordable prices.

There are a variety of VR gadgets in the tech market. You can always select the one that suits you.

In this article, we’ll discuss the factors to consider before buying VR gadgets. Finally, we’ll do an objective review of the best VR gadgets we have available today.

CONTENTS:

 

IMAGE PRODUCT DETAILS
Blync VR Bike

Blync VR Bike

  • Easy to use software
  • Great value for money
  • Helpful community
Check on website
BHaptics TactSuit

BHaptics TactSuit

  • It is cheap
  • Low latency
  • Increases immersion
Check on website
Insta360 EVO

Insta360 EVO

  • Very compact
  • High resilution photos and videos
  • Easy to use software
Check on website
HP Z VR Backpack G2

HP Z VR Backpack G2

  • Low power usage
  • Light to carry
  • 1TB storage
Check on website
GoPro Fusion Digital VR Camera

GoPro Fusion Digital VR Camera

  • Waterproof
  • Excellent smartphone app and software
  • 5.2k resolution at 30fps
Check on Amazon
Atlasonix VR headset

Atlasonix VR headset

  • Suitable for kids and adults
  • Comes with a wireless controller
Check on Amazon

Before you buy: 4 things you have to consider before buying VR gadgets

There are some important factors to consider before buying VR gadgets. Considering these factors would help you in making the right decisions.

The factors you should consider are:

  • Brand
  • Compatibility
  • Cost
  • Comfort

Brand

Consider the brand of the VR gadget before you buy. There are dozens of different VR brands in the market.

Buying a sub-par VR gadget is one of those things that can cause disappointment.

When it comes to VR gadgets, some brands are more popular than others. But you should know that popularity doesn’t necessarily mean quality.

Some brands are not very popular, but they make quality VR gadgets. The truth is —you will have to pay more when buying the products of a well-known brand.

The ultimate decision of which VR brand to go for depends on you and your budget. We are here to help you make the best of decisions.

Cost

Before buying VR gadgets, consider the cost. Cost is one of the important factors to consider. For example, different headsets are being sold at different prices.

Doing your research before doling out your cash is important. You should also know that quality products are usually more expensive.

If you are going for premium VR gadgets, bear in mind you’ll likely spend more.

Comfort

Comfort is another important factor that should be on your checklist. As you have likely known; nothing beats comfort.

If your VR gadgets won’t provide an expected level of comfort, you should look for an alternative.

If you are buying a pair of VR controllers, the controllers should be well strapped onto your hands. A good pair of controllers would also not drop down while in use.

A good VR headset would also sit well on the head of the user without causing any form of discomfort.

An expensive piece of VR headset doesn’t necessarily mean it would fit your exact head size. The need for proper research and investigations when planning to buy VR gadgets can not be overemphasized.

Compatibility

When planning to buy a VR gadget, compatibility is one of the things you should consider.

For example, if you are buying a PC for virtual reality, make sure it is compatible with the VR headset you are pairing it with.

Buying a compatible VR gadget saves you both time and money. Compatibility often goes with comfort. Buying a compatible VR gadget is crucial to enjoying VR.

Best VR gadgets

1. Blync VR Bike

Blync VR Bike

Unique features:

  • Realistic cycling experience
  • Path and speed sensor
  • Ride history tracking app

Overview

This VR bike controller lets you ride your bicycle in a virtual environment. You can decide to ride from the comfort of your living room.

The innovation behind this gadget was due to the COVID-19 lockdown when people were unable to leave their houses.

It is easier to stay in shape with this VR gadget. This bike pairs the immersive space of VR with the ease and comfort of indoor exercise.

This VR bike controller has first and third-person modes. You may choose any of these two to view the virtual world.

To choose either the first person or the third person mode, all you have to do is to place the bicycle on the Blync path sensor and attach the speed sensor to the wheel.

This VR Blync controller also allows users to join network games and activities. This VR gadget has developed a way for people to avoid dizziness during use. You can avoid dizziness by looking at a computer screen instead of a VR headset.

In addition, users can create events and send invitations to friends so they can all bike together from their different locations.

You can also chat with friends while riding together. This VR gadget provides a lot of opportunities for users.

A lot of people would love to cycle more than they currently do. But limiting factors such as the weather and environmental factors have put them off.

With this VR bike, you don’t need to worry about the weather conditions before you can ride. From the comfort of your room, you can ride to explore different places.

To ride this bike, you mount the back tires to a standard bike trainer. You also have to attach a speed sensor to the hub.

The front tires sit on a path sensor that tracks the position of the handlebars in real-time. This path sensor enables users to make turns in real-time.

This VR gadget is equipped with a companion app that stores the ride history of users. This app helps users to track their performances, calories, and power.

The pre-programmed worlds you can ride include a wooden village, a forest path, a medieval town, and a beachside filled with ramps and jumps to play around with.

What makes this gadget stand out is that even if you don’t have a VR headset, you can still make use of a computer monitor.

The company made us understand via their website that they are still working to make this gadget compatible with other VR devices.

After our team subjected this gadget to a practical review, we found that it is better enjoyed with a VR headset rather than a computer monitor.

This VR gadget is relatively cheap. You can be on a low budget and still afford it. As of the time of writing this review, the Blync is being sold for around $89.

Blync helps you have consistent fitness activity for improved physical well-being. You can choose to ride at any time of the day or any season of the year.

One advantage of this VR gadget is that it is suitable for both kids and adults.

Pro tips:

After downloading Blync Companion App and creating your blend account, you will need to set up your Blync sensors with your bicycle before use.

Before installing your Blync sensors, you must first secure your bicycle on a bike trainer. There are different brands of bike trainers in the market. Currently, smart trainers are not fully supported.

Once you have your bike securely mounted on the trainer, then you are ready to connect the sensors.

Pros

  • The software is super easy to use
  • A helpful community that helps with troubleshooting
  • Cheap and provides great value for money

Cons

  • The Blync path sensors have issues connecting to a mobile device over bluetooth
  • Joystick controller to control handlebars

Bottom line

Blync pairs the immersive environments of virtual reality (VR) with the ease and comfort of indoor exercise. This gadget is simple and easy to use. Recommended!

2. BHaptics TactSuit

 

 

BHaptics TactSuit

Unique features:

  • Vibrating feedback
  • 87 feedback points
  • Audio-haptic features

Overview

BHaptics Tactsuit gives a unique experience when playing both virtual reality and computer games.

BHaptics TactSuit can be worn over the body to feel haptic feedback when playing VR games. This Tactsuit is made up of different small devices that operate through wifi.

This VR suit is made of a Tactot vest, Tactosy arm, hand and feet units, and the Tactal, which is a mask that fits onto your VR headset display.

The tactsuit is not connected to a cable which gives users freedom while playing games.

When our team subjected this VR gadget, Tactsuit, to a test, we found out that the issue of latency has greatly reduced.

For a gamer to feel more involved in a game, feedback is crucial. For example, when using this Tactsuit, you can feel it when shot by an enemy. You could also determine the direction of the bullet.

Environmental factors are incorporated into the game. With this VR Tactsuit, you can feel the effects when an enemy is close to you in real-time.

The level of immersion experienced with the Bhaptics Tactsuit is better experienced than described.

For instance, instead of hearing the enemy’s footsteps via audio, the Tactsuit gives vibration feedback. This feedback often helps gamers to know the direction where the enemy is coming from.

When we subjected this VR Tactsuit to a test, it provided a lot of wonderful VR features. Imagine being able to feel the effects of a creepy reptile slithering on your body.

Imagine for a moment, feeling the full weight of a blow punch by an enemy via vibration feedback in the virtual space.

Users of this haptics Tactsuit can use it for a good 15 hours when it is fully charged. You don’t have to worry so much about the battery when it’s on a full charge.

This Tactsuit is not compatible with every headset out there. It is compatible with a handful of VR headsets.

Examples of compatible VR headsets include the Oculus Quest, Oculus Rift, and the HTC Vive.

If you are a PC gamer, you can still make use of this Tactsuite. It delivers positional haptic feedback in a precise manner.

This VR gadget makes its users spontaneously feel stuff they are unable to see on the PC screen. The Tactsuit gives PC gamers more than enough realism.

The tactile actuators around the torso are mainly responsible for providing haptic feedback in real-time.

One thing that makes this VR suit stand out is that it’s not heavy unlike other products similar to it. It is also not difficult to wear and remove. The latency that is common between gameplay and feedback is eliminated.

But one major downside of this suit is that it gets sweaty after a short period of use. Also, those who wear eyeglasses may find it so difficult to wear a haptic mask.

Although you can get around the above issue by slightly adjusting the headset. This Tactsuit can be worn by both old and young.

Pro tips:

Be sure to use an authorized AC adapter and include a charging cable to charge the product.

Use of an unauthorized device or accessory may result in personal injury, may cause damage to the product or your property, and may void your warranty.

If the product is left unattended for a long time while the battery is discharged, the LED may not light even if the charging cable is connected. In this case, the light turns on again after charging for more than 1 hour.

Pros

  • Relatively cheaper than other similar products
  • No delay between the game and the haptic feedback
  • Provides great immersion for VR and PC gamers

Cons

  • Very heavy
  • Few games that support the best
  • Gets sweaty quickly

Bottomline

This suit is relatively cheap at $149 compared to the level of immersion it offers. All it needs to become more popular is for it to support more games.

3. Insta360 EVO

Insta360 EVO

Unique features:

  • Flowstate stabilization
  • 360° capture
  • Naked-Eye 3D Playback

Overview:

This VR camera is one of the leading gadgets in the technology world. Just as the manufacturers of this gadget put it —EVO has eyes that see just like yours.

With this gadget, you can capture any experience in true-to-life depth and then relive it in immersive detail.

The Insta360 Evo combines both 3D 180° and 2D 360° filming to capture the best images. It is one of the few cams that can both do 180-degree and 360-degree shooting.

The Insta360 Evo has two cameras pointing to entirely different directions in its default state. It can capture either a photo or video sphere.

This gadget is designed with 5.7K resolution which makes videos look sharp, while 18MP shots make for stunning photo quality.

This camera allows its users to be able to access some quality mobile and desktop applications. If you are interested in a VR shooting option, this camera has you covered.

If you are highly interested in the battery life of gadgets, this product is equipped with 1,200mAh. Although our team didn’t subject it to a practical test, the battery seems to match the claim.

Data transfer and recharging are mainly done via the USB port. If you wish, you may choose to use your phone apps to transfer the files.

With this camera, you get to store all your data on a micro SD card. The card can easily be found on the side of the camera.

The manufacturer of this gadget could have done a lot better in protecting the micro SD slot. It is well exposed to the elements.

One downside of this product is that it’s not waterproof. You have to be a lot careful when using this product around a body of water. While filming your VR moments, avoid water, dirt, or snow.

Looking at the design of this gadget, we found out that it is functional rather than attractive.

The design of the Insta360 Evo is quite similar to that of the uglier GoPro. The tripod mount equipped with this VR camera makes it functional.

You can even attach this gadget to a helmet or a filming rig. The feature is not common to 360-degree VR cameras.

This VR camera might not be attractive, but it is certainly well built and solid. The two cameras of the Insta360 Evo work simultaneously courtesy of two metal locks to film the best VR masterpieces.

Another thing our team noticed about this VR camera is that the buttons on top of this gadget are not the most intuitive. But you’d certainly get used to it after using it for some time.

One edge this VR camera has over its competitors is the flexibility it offers when it comes to filming. You can rely on this VR camera to capture your best moments.

Apart from the one or two stitching problems in certain shots this VR camera produces, we ended up being generally impressed about this VR camera.

We noticed that this VR camera struggles with fast movement. We are not too concerned about this due to its price. The 6-axis video stabilization helps, we understand it can’t perform miracles.

The major reason this gadget was produced is to get VR filmmaking into the hands of almost everyone.

If you are a beginner just starting with the Insta360 Evo, you don’t have to be worried. This gadget is beginner-friendly. You need some time to get the best out of it.

Pro tips:

For the highest quality 360 videos, we recommend shooting in 5.7K 30fps AUTO. That’s the sweet spot for epic reframed action shots.

FlowState Stabilization is applied automatically when shooting 360 videos, keeping your shots upright and level.

If you ever notice anything unusual with your camera’s stabilization, you can also re-calibrate the gyroscope in the settings menu to ensure optimal results.

Pros

  • Compact and versatile
  • High-quality photos and videos
  • Excellent mobile software

Cons

  • One hour of battery
  • Occasional stitching problems

Bottom line:

The Insta360 Evo VR camera provides great value at a reasonable price. Its compact structure and the quality of photos and videos make it a popular choice among users.

4. HP Z VR Backpack G2

HP Z VR Backpack G2

Unique features:

  • 8th Gen Intel Core i7 CPU
  • NVIDIA GeForce™ graphics
  • Angled mounting plate

Overview

This portable and versatile VR laptop is optimized for an on-the-go experience. This gadget helps you to unlock VR with a wearable PC.

The wearable PC offers comfort and simplicity. This free roam VR gadget is easy to use.

This gadget is specifically designed to tackle VR engines like Unreal and Unity. This VR backpack provides good framerate support.

There is a 25% graphical improvement over its predecessor thanks to a 30% performance boost.

The HP VR Backpack G2 will feature an 8th Generation Intel Core i7-8850H processor with a maximum of 32 GB DDR4-2666 memory.

The cable management system of this gadget is awesome. It allows for an increased range of motion. The comfortable padded straps increase comfort as well.

This product practically allows you to roam about while enjoying virtual reality games. The VR immersion it provides is noteworthy.

The immediate predecessor of this gadget —The HP Omen X’s was not so popular due to its complicated setup.

But the HP Z VR backpack is designed to run immersive VR games. The inside-out tracking ability used by the headset was greatly improved.

The overall specs have been greatly improved with impressive hardware. It is arguably the only VR gadget that provides true freedom.

This product comes with an 8th generation Intel Core i7 processor and a massive 1TB of internal storage. The graphics are designed by NVIDIA’s GeForce RTX 2080 that’s packed with 8GB of dedicated memory.

The above features help avid VR users to play HD and 4k games with ease. The massive 1 TB storage helps you in storing as much data as you like.

With this VR gadget, you can turn your immediate environment into a VR playground.

When you purchase this gadget, these are the things you get —HP VR Backpack G2, an HP Z VR Backpack battery charger, a dock, a harness, an external battery, and two power adapters.

What makes this VR backpack stand out is the fact you can transform it from being a backpack to a desktop by setting it up on a dock it came with.

This particular gadget is ENERGY STAR certified. As a devoted gamer, you don’t have to worry so much about it consuming a lot of energy.

One major downside of this product is that it doesn’t come with its own VR headset. But the good thing is that it supports VR headsets like the Oculus Rift and Fove.

From our findings, you will simply get the best out of this VR backpack PC by pairing it with HP’s Reverb G2 headset.

To enjoy the immersive experience provided by this VR backpack, it comes at a premium. It is currently being sold for $3,299.

Pro tips:

There is a safety feature that prevents the PC from being turned on accidentally during shipping.

The computer must be in the docking station and using AC power when you turn on the computer for the first time.

Make sure the computer is firmly inserted into the docking station, and then check the connections between the power adapter, power cord, and docking station to make sure they are securely connected.

Pros

  • Energy efficient
  • Not heavy; the weight of the backpack is equally distributed
  • Massive 1 TB storage

Cons

  • Very expensive
  • Short battery life
  • Headset not included in the package

Bottom line:

HP VR backpack is an awesome gadget to have. It delivers an unparalleled VR experience. To buy this gadget, you must be on a premium budget.

5. GoPro Fusion Digital VR Camera

GoPro Fusion Digital VR Camera

Unique features:

  • Waterproof
  • Spherical video
  • Immersive 360° experience

Overview:

This digital VR camera captures spherical videos and photos, recording everything so you can find the best photos later.

You can also decide to playback captured photos and videos in VR or use over capture to create traditional videos and photos that you can share right on your phone.

This VR camera is equipped With ultra-smooth stabilization and 5.2K video, Fusion is like having professional cinema equipment with you wherever you go.

When recording in environments with contrasting lighting conditions, you should adjust the exposure value compensation to get the best image quality.

To adjust this setting, you can switch from -2.0 to +2.0. Although the default setting is 0. Higher values usually result in brighter images.

You should turn off the status lights if you are shooting in an area with windows or mirrors that may cause reflection in the photo.

This gadget can capture spherical video + photos. It can capture an incredible 5.2K video and 18MP photos of everything around you by shooting in each direction at once.

This VR camera takes incredible 360° shots that you may decide to split into regular photos using the OverCapture feature.

What makes this product unique is the two lenses it is equipped with. These two lenses can capture video in a massive 5.2k resolution at 30 frames per second.

The two cameras of this product deliver incredible images that are unparalleled.

Images can also be edited and stitched together using the Fusion Studio GoPro app.

When we examined it, it had good connectivity features. Another thing worthy of note is that this gadget is waterproof up to 5 meters. Never attempt to submerge it in water.

A downside of this gadget is its complicated editing process. The Fusion Studio GoPro app is a bit complicated to use.

While reviewing this VR digital camera, we noticed that it gets very warm when it is recording longer clips.

For this gadget to perform optimally, make sure your Fusion camera has the latest software and always uses the latest versions of the GoPro Mobile App and the GoPro Fusion Studio Desktop App.

This gadget requires two microSD cards, one for each lens. We recommend using microSD cards from a reputable manufacturer such as San disk.

It is also quite important to use memory cards with complementary speed and capacity. While recording, ensure there are no problems.

The OverCapture feature of this gadget enables you to alter the field of view of a video and present it in a fisheye projection.

Pro tips:

To get the best shot when using this VR camera, follow the following steps:

  • Keep Fusion at least 7.5in (20cm) away from anything you want in the shot.
  • Even though GoPro Fusion captures everything around you, aim one of the lenses directly at the main subject to get the best shot.
  • When not using Fusion Grip in hand-held use cases, carefully hold this gadget to keep your hand out of the shot.

Pros

  • Full-featured apps and software
  • Two free microSD cards
  • Waterproof design

Cons

  • Large physical size
  • Constant connection issues
  • Lacks 100fps slo-mo

Bottom line

The Fusion sets itself apart from many other 360-degree cameras with its resolution.

6. Atlasonix VR headset

Atlasonix VR headset

Unique features:

  • Eyesight protection system
  • Adjustable Head Strap for Improved Comfort
  • Breathable Foam Face for Extended Wear

Overview:

This gadget allows you to turn your smartphone into a powerful gaming machine. The ATLASONIX 3D is a truly remarkable video game system.

By inserting a compatible smartphone securely into the front face piece, you can play games in a total 360-degree mode.

The Atlasonix 3D Virtual Reality Headset provides a whole new world of experience.

You can ride on virtual roller coasters, watch 3D YouTube videos and experience thrilling scares like never before.

This 3D VR headset offers FD and OD adjustments to expand the viewing angle and perfectly match focal distance and unilateral myopic alignment for reduced distortion.

This VR headset is compatible with a huge list of the most popular phones: iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, Motorola, Moto, Nexus, Droid turbo 2, HTC one, Huawei, Google Pixel 2, and many more.

This VR headset is equipped with a fully adjustable head strap, eyesight protection system, and a soft nose piece to reduce pressure.

One good thing we noticed about this VR headset is the phone latch that holds it in place. This headset can also be comfortably used by both kids and adults.

While reviewing this headset, one of the downsides of this gadget is that you have to keep taking the smartphone out to advance to the next VR movie you are watching.

Another downside of this product is the lack of apps to use with it, especially the free ones.

It’s certainly not the best VR headset out there, but it offers value compared to its price.

Pro tips:

To know more about all the optical adjustments associated with this VR headset, read the manual carefully.

Pros

  • Suitable for both adults and kids
  • Equipped with a remote control

Cons

  • Lack of quality apps
  • Faulty QR code

Bottom line

This is by far not the best VR headset available for purchase. But this headset offers great value for money coupled with the fact that it is suitable for both old and young.

Tips to maintain VR gadgets

To ensure long-lasting VR gadgets, some things need to be done to ensure these gadgets remain in top conditions.

Before you begin, always make sure to wash your hands thoroughly. Washing your hands would prevent the spreading of germs in case someone else uses it.

The following are some steps to follow when using VR equipment:

  • For PC VR headsets, remove the face cushion.
  • Use an air pump to blow away dust and particles from the lenses (and trackers.
  • Use a dry microfiber cloth to wipe the lenses (and trackers).
  • Do NOT use alcohol wipes, anti-bacterial wipes, or other cleaning agents on the lenses. It will damage the lens coating.
  • If you have pets or children, leave the gadget out of their reach.
  • Never toss your Gear VR headset around

Frequently Asked Questions

What equipment is required for virtual reality?

All you need is a device equipped with a gyroscope for 360-degree interaction, and a VR headset to transform your phone’s display.

Can VR change your brain?

VR allows patients to be totally immersed in an environment, and this sense of immersion can lead to changes in the way the brain processes the body.

Can you use VR without a PC?

You can use a standalone VR headset without a PC or smartphone. Put the wireless glasses on your head and start VR gaming. This makes standalone VR headsets, such as the Oculus Quest, very suitable for traveling.

Conclusion

The world of Virtual Reality is ever on the move. There are a variety of VR gadgets available for different purposes.

We can only expect more innovations shortly. It can only get better for all VR enthusiasts around the world.

What VR gadget do you currently own? What have been your experiences?

We’ll love to read your comments in the box provided below.


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