Essential Guide for Parents: What to Know About Kids’ VR Gear Choices

Thinking about introducing virtual reality to your family’s holiday festivities? You’re in the right place!

From Google’s economical Cardboard to Sony’s immersive PlayStation VR, this guide will assist you in selecting the right device that aligns with your family’s interests, needs, and budget. Whether you’re looking to start small or dive into immersive experiences, consider these options:

Virtual reality technology is evolving rapidly, so it’s wise to consult company websites and expert reviews. Websites like CNET and user reviews can guide you before making a purchase.

Virtual reality viewers are affordable handheld devices that provide a 3D experience, simulating being in a different location. These viewers use lens technology to enhance depth perception but don’t allow active interaction with the environment. To get started, download a “VR” app from iTunes or Google Play, launch it, and insert your smartphone into the viewer. Most viewers will use the phone’s buttons for interaction.

Main Features

• Affordable

• Compatible with most smartphones and iOS or Android VR apps (Note: View-Master uses a specialized app).

• More akin to watching a 3D movie rather than experiencing full VR

• Great for educational content and casual gaming

• Current selection of premium apps is limited. Consider trying the New York Times VR or these recommended apps.

Recommended Products

• Google Cardboard ($14.99)

Made from actual cardboard, this device offers a fun way to experience VR that you can construct yourself. Works with any smartphone and iOS or Android VR apps. Google also provides various styles, including a steampunk-inspired viewer like the Google Tech C-1 Glass VR Viewer ($14.99).

• SmartTheater Virtual Reality Headset ($19.99)

A comfortable viewer featuring adjustable lenses, a head strap, and easy-to-use trigger input. Includes a cardboard handheld motion controller for an enhanced gaming experience. Compatible with most smartphones and VR apps for iOS or Android.

• View-Master Virtual Reality ($29.99)

Primarily designed for education, View-Master offers various themed packages, allowing users to explore dinosaurs, space, wildlife, and more. Each kit includes a picture reel that your phone powers. Works with most smartphones and specially designed apps for View-Master.

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VR Headsets: Ideal for Older Kids and Tweens

Today’s VR headsets have significantly improved in both price and functionality. Similar to viewers, they require you to download a VR app from the respective store and insert your phone. They provide a more immersive experience while utilizing the same compatible apps (excluding Samsung Gear VR and Google Daydream).

The main benefits of headsets include extended comfort during use, a secure fit (to minimize light leakage), superior lenses, and integrated headphone jacks. As such, they are preferred for video viewing. Though they do not create a 3D effect, they offer a personal movie theater experience. Designed with built-in or compatible handheld controllers, headsets provide interactive options beyond those available with basic viewers.

Main Features

• Generally more expensive than viewers.

• Compatible with most smartphones (excluding Samsung Gear VR and Google Daydream) and iOS or Android VR apps.

• Provides a realistic immersive experience, though interaction with the environment is still limited.

• Ideal for gaming, educational content, and movie-watching.

• Available selection of high-quality apps remains limited, but consider the New York Times VR and these app recommendations for initial exploration.

• Minimum age requirements for headsets set by manufacturers should be adhered to—check before purchasing.

Recommended Products

• Merge VR Goggles ($79)

This large, purple headset made from flexible foam includes an audio port and dual input buttons for effortless game control. Compatible with most iOS and Android VR apps.

• Google Daydream View ($79; shipped November 2016)

This ultra-lightweight headset, constructed from fabric, is specifically designed for Google’s Daydream VR platform, which includes compatible smartphones (like the Pixel series), apps, and controllers. The Daydream View includes a controller, with over 50 apps expected at launch covering games, educational content, and streaming services.

• Samsung Gear VR ($99)

Specifically designed for Samsung smartphones, the Gear VR features an input pad on the side of the headset and supports Bluetooth controller integration for effortless game navigation. Compatible with a host of Gear VR exclusive games, including the Minecraft Gear VR Edition.

• VR Kix Virtual Reality Headset ($49.99)

Featuring individually adjustable lenses, a snug fit, and a customizable smartphone tray, Kix is an excellent option for quality VR on any smartphone. Compatible with most iOS and Android VR apps.

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Console: Best for Ages 12 and Up

Currently, VR game consoles are exclusively available through Sony. The PlayStation VR headset, perfect for the holiday season, pairs with the PlayStation 4. If you don’t own a PS4, you can also purchase a PlayStation 4 Slim or Pro along with the PSVR. The hardware alliance delivers an immersive interactive VR experience.

Main Features

• High cost compared to other options.

• Exclusively for Sony PlayStation.

• Offers full immersion and interactivity; be cautious of potential motion sickness.

• Many games are rated for older audiences; however, a diverse selection is available, including titles like Batman Arkham VR, 100 Feet Robot Golf, Final Fantasy XV VR, Battlezone, and Resident Evil 7.

• Sony recommends a minimum age of 12 years for users; confirm this before purchasing.

Recommended Products

• PlayStation VR Launch Bundle ($499.99)

This includes everything necessary to convert your PS4 into a VR setup—headset, camera, two motion controllers, games, and cables included.

• PlayStation 4 Slim ($299.99); PSVR sold separately

This slimmer PS4 variant features improved graphics, illuminated controllers, and quieter operation.

• PlayStation 4 Pro ($399.99); PSVR sold separately

Optimized for enhanced graphics, improved action, and better integration with specific “Pro-Enhanced” games.

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You may have heard about the advanced Oculus Rift or HTC Vive. These high-performance VR headsets deliver a fully immersive experience, often likened to a “holodeck” from Star Trek, although they require a high-end PC setup (costing around $500 or more).

Main Features

• High price point.

• Requires specific games (e.g., Everest VR only for Vive) and a high-spec PC.

• Complete interaction with the virtual environment.

• Offers mature gaming options, including titles like The Assembly and Deus Ex Mankind Divided, making them great for families with teenagers.

• Typically, the minimum age for Oculus Rift users is 13 years; Valve states that the Vive is “not intended for children.”

Recommended Products

• HTC Vive ($799)

Offers a unique “room scale experience.” If your kids are on the Steam gaming network, you’ve likely seen advertisements for the HTC Vive. Manufactured by Valve, who owns Steam, it features exclusive games optimized for the headset’s abilities.

• Oculus Rift ($599)

Comes complete with all essentials to bring VR to life, including headset, sensors, remote, cables, Xbox controller, and games (computer not included).