VR has taken off in popularity with the introduction of new VR headsets over the past few years. To keep up with this trend, many online browsers have released VR support for users.
In today’s post, we’ll review the best browsers available on the internet for VR support. Along with that, we’ll discuss some important features and FAQs.
Before we jump into the reviews, let’s check our top 3 picks.
Winner
Opera
Opera is one of the first virtual reality-enabled browsers. It comes with complete VR system support for many VR headsets. Besides that, it has built-in optimization for consistent performance.
Runner Up
Mozilla Firefox
Mozilla’s Firefox reality feature lets you jump into the world of VR conveniently. It has a powerful data collection system to improve how users experience VR. Moreover, it is compatible with high-end VR headsets.
Also Great
Google Chrome
Chrome is one of the few browsers that come with WebVR support. You can use it with a desktop or even a phone with VR features. Furthermore, it can easily sync your account and various devices in one place.
Best VR Browser - Top 3 Reviews
#1: Best Overall VR Browser - Opera Browser Review
Our first pick is the Opera browser because of its optimized nature. Many other browsers with WebVR content consume a lot of RAM on your computer.
We found that Opera automatically allocates a portion of RAM to the browser to keep the Windows system in an optimal position.
What sort of features does Opera have?
First of all, Opera comes with 360-degree virtual reality support. You can experience your entire browser like a VR world.
Another feature includes compatibility with various websites. For example, you can watch any video on YouTube in VR.
Factors to Consider Before you Decide to Get Opera Browser
Compatibility: We found that Opera is compatible with Windows, Android, and iOS operating systems.
You simply download and connect your VR headset to access VR media.
Utility: The VR version of Opera is similar to the desktop version. You can use it to control your RAM usage, various built-in widgets, and web tools.
Price: The VR features of the Opera browser are free of cost. The only basic requirement for VR is a stable internet connection.
Moreover, you can buy various community-supported themes from the Opera website.
- Easy to use
- Multiple built-in widgets
- User-friendly interface
- Home-page bookmarks
- Multiple device compatibility
- Requires a high-performance PC
Best Overall VR Browser
The best overall VR browser is the Opera Browser. This is because it is highly optimized to browse VR. Moreover, it supports multiple functions of a VR headset. You can watch videos in high-quality or simply explore the web.
#2: Best User-Friendly VR Browser - Mozilla Firefox Reality Review
Mozilla Firefox is one of the few browsers that support virtual reality on Windows. We picked it because of the Firefox Reality feature.
Firefox Reality is an extension of the original Firefox browser. You can use it with multiple standalone VR headsets like HTC Vive Focus.
Is Firefox Reality compatible with web extensions?
Another feature we must mention is the extension support. You can download multiple extensions from the web store created by developers around the world.
Moreover, you can install and customize new tools to change the overall outlook of your virtual space.
Factors to Consider Before you Decide to Get Mozilla Firefox Reality
Compatibility: We found that Firefox Reality is compatible with VR headsets with or without an operating system.
Besides that, it also features compatibility with iOS and Android devices.
Utility: You can use Firefox Reality as a tool to familiarize yourself with VR. It lets you choose between 2D and 3D planes for convenience.
Moreover, it lets you unlock the full potential of headsets like the HTC Vive and Oculus Quest 2.
Price: Our team found that the basic version of Firefox Reality is free of cost to download and install on your computer.
However, some extensions share the paid feature.
- Highly compatible
- Easy to operate
- Multiple device connectivity
- Enhanced VR depth
- Frequent updates by developers
- Needs at least 16 GBs of RAM
Best User-Friendly VR Browser
The best user-friendly VR browser is Firefox Reality. This is because Mozilla designed it specifically to explore webVR. You can view multiple websites in 2D and 3D planes. Moreover, it also supports keyboard and mouse connectivity.
#3: Best Optimized VR Browser - Google Chrome Review
It is no surprise that Chrome is the most optimized browser for a computer with Windows. We picked it because it provides the same optimization in VR.
You can connect any standalone VR headset and explore the world of VR. Our team found the virtual reality experience to be seamless.
How do I access the VR option in Chrome?
The VR version of Chrome has to be manually enabled. You can simply do it by the link provided on Google Chrome’s website.
Once you have enabled it, your browser will automatically load every page in VR. We found that HTC Vive and Oculus Rift show the best results.
Factors to Consider Before you Decide to Get Mozilla Firefox Reality
Compatibility: Even though Google Chrome’s VR version is still experimental, it still features compatibility for phones.
Moreover, standalone headsets like HTV Vive and Oculus Rift are completely compatible.
Utility: You can use Chrome to surf the web in VR. Every Google-powered website is available in VR.
Besides that, you can also explore VR extensions available on the Chrome store.
Price: You can download Google Chrome and access its VR feature without any cost. It is currently a free service for Chrome users.
Since it is a new project, Google has made it accessible for computer and phone users alike.
- Compatibility for multiple devices
- No separate app required
- Optimized security system
- Extensions enabled
- Doesn’t slow down the computer
- Controls might lag a bit
Best Optimized VR Browser
The best-optimized VR browser is Google Chrome. We picked this browser because it comes with built-in VR support. Furthermore, you can surf the web on most of the standalone VR headsets devices available on the market.
Buyers’ Guide
Compatibility
The world of VR browsers is still in the experimental phase. Every company has its version with slight variations.
However, one consistent thing you should keep an eye out for is compatibility. Before you install a browser, make sure it works with your VR headset.
Why is compatibility an important factor?
To put it simply, compatibility highly impacts your VR experience. A completely compatible VR browser will make your experience seamless.
We recommend that you read the device compatibility section of every browser before you make a decision. It’ll save you a lot of time and unnecessary hassle.
Utility
The next factor to keep an eye out for is the overall utility. From a user’s perspective, your choice should be based on the features a browser provides.
You should be able to access and browse websites in total VR. Otherwise, it beats the purpose of a VR browser.
What are some features I should look out for?
For starters, you should look out for VR video viewing and multiple device compatibility. This will cover most of the sites on the internet.
Price
Lastly, you have to keep an eye on the paid features of a browser. The price changes from company to company.
Some developers provide these features free of cost. It depends on your personal preference which sort of service you want.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Let’s check out some commonly asked questions from around the web.
Does the Oculus browser come with VR option?
The default browser in Oculus Rift and Meta Quest headsets comes with a VR feature. You can enable it manually in the settings tab. Furthermore, it is also compatible with the phone app available for Android and iOS devices.
How do I fix controller lag in VR browsers?
There is no immediate and reliable fix for input lag in VR browsers. Many users have reported that low battery on controllers often causes this problem. If the lag persists, you can always try to disconnect and reconnect your controllers.
Do I need headphones for VR browsers on PC?
For PC VR browsers, you are not required to connect headphones. Although they are highly recommended because they help you identify input commands. You can third party headphones or the ones that come with your VR headset.
Final Verdict
This brings us to the finish line of our review on the best VR browsers. After a thorough comparison, our team has found Opera Browser to be the clear winner.
The Opera browser comes with high performance and optimized VR world exploration. You connect any VR headset to your PC and browse an endless number of websites. Moreover, it has multiple extensions to change the outlook.
Do let us know what you consider to be the best VR browsers in the comments.