Razer OSVR HDK 2

Razer's OSVR isn't a rival to the likes of Oculus Rift, PlayStation VR and Samsung Gear VR. Instead, it's intended to make life easier for developers to make applications for VR hardware, without technical (software and hardware) limitations getting in their way.

You can pick up the OSVR Hacker Developer Kit 2 now. Its 2160 x 1200 dual OLED display puts it right up against the big names. However, there are still some comfort issues to work through. As the name says, the headset still remains open source, allowing third parties to do whatever they want with it.

$399, razerzone.com

Fove 0

The Fove 0 differs from the likes of Oculus Rift and PlayStation VR because it offers interactive eye-tracking. Inside the headset is an infrared sensor that monitors the wearer's eyes; offering both a new control method and an edge on its competitors when it comes to realism.

Read this: We go eyes on with Fove 0 – less virtual, more reality

With Fove, simulated depth-of-field is possible, due to the system knowing exactly what you're looking at, and as a result, the virtual should appear more real. The Fove setup is an 5.7-inch, 1440p, display; a 100+ degree field of view; 90fps frame rate; and eye-tracking measured at 120fps.

With the redesigned developer kit, gone are the big side panels and quite a lot of the heft of the last prototype design. The company promises the new model offers "dramatically reduced weight, size and overall wearability, as well as better production efficiency." If you can wait, however, you can expect Fove to launch the full consumer version of the headset later this year.

$599, getfove.com

Microsoft HoloLens

Not a copycat of the big VR headsets, Microsoft HoloLens blends virtual and augmented reality to make one of the most ambitious launches ever planned – you can buy it now if you're a dev (and you've got money to burn). The device merges real-world elements with virtual 'holographic' images, meaning you can look at your Minecraft world on your kitchen table, or walk around the surface of Mars in your living room.

Must read: Everything you need to know about AR

Using Kinect-style tech to recognise gestures and voice commands, the headset has a 120-degree field of vision on both axis, and is capable of 'high definition' visuals, but it's still a letterbox compared to the likes of Oculus and Vive. More importantly, however, there's no connection to a PC – a full Windows 10 system is built into the headset and runs off a battery.

The Development Edition is available now for Windows Insider members with a price tag of $3,000.

$3,000, microsoft.com

Google Cardboard

Google announced its Cardboard virtual reality headset way back at I/O 2014. Popping a smartphone into a cardboard container and then strapping it to your head may sound like a joke, but it actually works and is a low-cost way to experience virtual reality.

After all, your smartphone contains all the necessary gyroscopic sensors and positioning systems to accurately track your head movements. There's actually a bunch of unofficial Cardboard headsets but Google also now sells the real deal in its store. It's better than you'd think... honest.

Take a look at the best Google Cardboard VR apps and games.

$15 | store.google.com 

Google Daydream View

The first headset born out of Google's Daydream VR platform, View was first revealed at I/O 2016 in late 2016. Google claims View is 30% lighter than other mobile headsets on the market – no names named but we'd guess they mean the newest Samsung Gear VR.

For now it's only compatible with Google's new Pixel phone, which is Daydream-ready, but Asus has announced one of its own is incoming, while we're expecting compatible phones from Samsung, HTC, Sony et al. We've done a full Google Daydream VR review and have to say the headset has gone down a storm at Wareable HQ. When it comes to mobile VR experiences, it's one of the best. It's also currently getting a bit of a discount, so it might be a good time to jump in.

$79 | store.google.com

Samsung Gear VR (2016)

The new Samsung Gear VR doesn't look much different to its predecessor but it has several upgrades that make it totally worth it. Gone is the hugely annoying lens fog thanks to new vents and more space inside the headset.

Of course, the visual experience of using Gear VR will depend on which Samsung smartphone you use.

But there are some improvements to the actual headset no matter which Sammie handset you've got – specifically Samsung has widened the viewing angle to 101 degrees (from 96 degrees) and darkened the colour tint to reduce glare and reflections.

The price of the new Gear VR hasn't gone up at all either – you'll just need one of the following compatible devices to plug in: Galaxy S7, S7 Edge, Note 5, S6, S6 Edge or S6 Edge+. Read our full Samsung Gear VR review for more details and impressions.

$95, samsung.com

Sony PlayStation VR

PS VR will be most people's introduction to 'good' VR. It's not perfect but it's going after console gamers hard and, ultimately, it is still a truly awesome PS4 accessory. There's nothing else in the PS VR's category of quality but affordable VR; therefore it is the benchmark for mainstream console VR.

Essential reading: Best PlayStation VR games

With its low price and PS4 compatibility, PlayStation VR has the chance to go big – even if, by its own admission, the tech isn't quite up to the standards of its competitors. Check out our full PlayStation VR review for all the in-depth details...

$399, sony.com