It has been quite some time that I have posted a comparison post on VR headsets.
Individual Merge VR review and the Samsung Gear VR review are posted on the site long back, however, a lot has changed in a couple of months in the VR world.
There have been a considerable amount of updates and some new contenders.
The review page of both the VR headsets have been published quite some time back but it is interesting to compare both these VR headsets and see which one is better.
So without any further ado let’s start the detailed comparison between the two VR headsets.
Table of Contents
Differences between the VR headsets
Comfort
The Merge VR Googles are purple color VR headset which is made up of high-end polyurethane foam.
This material makes the VR headset very durable and can undergo stress tests without any damages. On the other side, the Samsung Gear VR is a black and blue colored premium VR headset.
It is relatively more sensitive to stress tests and can get easily damaged which makes it not as durable as the Merge VR.
Both the VR headsets have a 3-way strap and it is advisable that you use the 3-way strap in order to have a better weight distribution.
The Gear VR is slightly lighter than the Merge VR, however, after inserting the phones, the weight would change and the overall weight would end up being the same. The Merge VR is a slightly heavier than the Freefly VR.
The Merge VR feels tight on the face and you certainly feel a bit hot inside since there is no air ventilation whatsoever in the headset.
Placing your phone against the foam of the VR headset also results in heating up of the phone. Honestly, there is no way you can use this headset without an ice pack on the back of the phone.
The Gear VR feels slightly a bit more comfortable and has much better controls as well which we would discuss in detail in the next section.
Overall, the Gear VR is way more comfortable than the Merge VR and even though the material on the Merge VR is unique it is just not as good as one might expect.
Controls
The Merge VR has touch controls on the top of the VR headset which helps in selecting menu items and even to pause or play videos.
It basically employs a lever system and when the touch buttons are pressed, the lever touches the screen resulting in selecting the right option. This avoids the hassle of removing the phone from the slot every now and then.
However, this failed to work accurately in my case and I ended up pulling out the phone every now and then when I had to select or open a new app.
You can select the option on a few apps by just staring at it and that is a life saver but most of the time you just end up pulling out your phone in case you want to change apps or select a few options inside the game.
It is better to use a controller with the Gear VR.
The Gear VR controls are much more defined and that includes a touchpad, home button, and back button and the latest version of the headset comes with a controller which is much convenient.
The Gear VR is way ahead of Merge VR when it comes to controls, so yes, the Gear VR wins again, in this section.
Overheating Issue
There is no fogging in the case of the Merge VR, that is what I want to believe but in reality, the insides get extremely hot and you might feel the need to remove the headset and take a breath of fresh air every now and then.
It is manageable if you are planning to play games with the VR headset for
Although, it can get a little hot after wearing the Gear VR for a really long time.
There are few gadgets available on Amazon for the Gear VR where you get the top cover replaced by one which has an exhaust fan, for other ways to overcome the overheating issues view my post on how to overcome overheating issues in a VR headset.
Technical Aspects
The Field of View in the case of the Merge VR is 85 degrees which aren’t bad but when compared to the Gear VR it is a bit less.
Even though the Gear VR does have a better field of view of 100 degrees, Merge VR has the second best FOV in comparison to all the other VR headset that we can find on Amazon.
Both the VR headsets without any doubt are premium quality VR headsets and their FOV never disappoints.
The VR experience is slightly pixelated in the case of the Merge VR, however, it is still better than most of the VR headsets in the market but when compared to the Gear VR, it can fall back.
The Gear VR has a much better resolution due to the limited phone compatibility which contributes to a better view of the VR world.
The screen resolution of your smartphone plays a major role in determining the pixelation of the VR world. Due to the top-notch Samsung compatible phones, it is very less in the Gear VR as compared to the Merge VR.
Moving on to the compatibility of the phones, the Gear VR is compatible with a few limited phones as seen in the table above.
The Merge VR is compatible with almost any smartphone with the screen size ranging from 4.5 inches to 6 inches. This makes Merge VR is a better option when you are planning to use Merge VR with your iPhone or any other phones which are not Gear VR compatible.
The Merge VR is way more resistant to scratches as compared to the Gear VR. It is definitely more travel-friendly and might require relatively less attention when it comes to maintenance.
Both the VR headsets are at a cut-throat competition so without any further ado let’s look at the gaming and content that they both have to offer.
Check out the FOV in the case of Merge VR headset
Games and Content
Games for the Gear VR can be directly downloaded from the Oculus Store. It is no brainer that the content on the Gear VR is going to be way more than the Merge VR headset.
Although the Gear VR beats the latter in this field when you compare the content provided by the Merge VR, it is no less either.
Compared to all the VR headsets that we currently have on the market, the Merge VR definitely has a lot more content to offer.
Although when up for a comparison between the Gear VR, the content on the Merge VR does fall short.
You can have dedicated apps for both the VR headsets and unlike most of the VR headsets available in the market they have a sorted and a variety of gaming apps.
The controls on the Gear VR is much defined with the touchpad on the side, however, the Merge VR has the touch buttons but that might just not be enough to play games which have extensive controls.
You can always pair up a Bluetooth controller along with these VR headsets but that totally depends on your comfort and sometimes the game you are playing.
Bottomline
Both the VR headsets are premium quality VR headsets. The Gear VR is definitely better but the only limitation being you cannot use it with any other devices apart from the few Samsung compatible phones.
In the case of Merge VR, you have an option of using it with almost any phone just that it should be VR compatible.
Another thing that I guess I must mention about the Merge VR is that they have a great support team and you could always email them with any issue or another alternative would be to tweet them.
You would get a response within a few seconds which is pretty impressive.
==> Check out the Lowest price for Merge VR
For Amazon reviews on the new Samsung Gear VR click on the link below.
==> Check out the Lowest price for Gear VR
In the case, you guys have any further questions or queries leave them in the comment section below.
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Hi Shrey
Nice review comparison between VR Headsets. VR isn’ an area of expertise for me, but I’ve always been interested in it. The improvements and versatile things to do with them keeps increasing rapidly. I can see them being a huge hit very soon.
I saw you mentioned that it can get a little hot after wearing the Gear VR for a really long time. Approx. how much time does it take for them to get uncomfortably hot?
The GEAR VR gets hot like within 35-40 minutes, however there are alternatives you could use to overcome the overheating issue.
I have been seeing different ads for VR here and there and have really wanted to learn more about them. I am very intrigued by the thought of VR. Since I was a kid I would see movies about the future and VR always seemed impossible. Here we are in a modern world and not only is it possible, but it is a reality! There isn’t just one type either! There are different brands that have different features, some of which I learned about by reading your article. Your comparisons really helped me to learn a great deal about the products. Thank you for sharing!
I’m glad you found the post helpful. These comparison posts really help you choose the right VR headset for yourself and even decide which VR is the best fit for your requirements.
There are a few more interesting comparison posts that I have written, do check them out as well-Noon VR vs Zeiss VR and Oculus Rift vs Gear VR.
Thanks for the review and show other alternatives besides the Samsung VR.
I was wondering if there is a good VR headset besides Samsung VR, because i have Lenovo mobile and didn’t want to purchase Samsung mobile, now i have just a simple VR headset and its not in the level of the high premium VR headset.
will definitely check the Merge VR.
Merge VR is really great for the phones that are not Gear VR compatible. It is the best when it comes to providing an immersive and quality VR experience,
I have always been a big gamer my whole life — and I have yet to buy a VR headset, so your review was really helpful for me.
I like other have said, mainly heard about Samung’s VR — but it’s nice to know there are some other ones out there that are just as good.
Do you own VR headset? If so which one do you have, and do you enjoy it?
Yeah I do own a couple of them since I get them in order to review. I don’t use all of them because of the disappointing quality in many cases but the Merge VR is pretty great and is one of my favorites.
I’ve been looking into VR for a while, and I just can’t afford and Oculus. I did purchase a Google cardboard headset for my Xperia Z2, and although it was cheap, its pretty awful.
Obviously, the Samsung Gear is not an option given my phone, so would the Merge VR be much of an upgrade over my Cardboard?
Definitely, Matt, I think the Merge VR would be one of the best options you can go for. It really gives a quality VR experience and is one of the best alternatives for people who are not having the Gear VR compatible phones.
I have a Google Daydream VR headset at the moment. I did have Google Cardboard when it first came out. Cardboard is really uncomfortable so I modified it and now it just looks like a cereal box on my head.
I think Gear VR looks the most appealing out of the two here. Merge VR looks like it could be uncomfortable.
Mobile Phone VR is just a fad at the moment, its the premium VR like Vive and Oculus which are going to revolutionise entertainment.
Nice review, thanks for sharing
Hmm.. I guess when you have are wearing pants on your face(Daydream VR) you should not even complaint about other VR headsets, LOL. The Merge VR is not uncomfortable and Mobile VR would take some time to revolutionize.
As a fan of VR headsets this is informative information. I have noticed how the technology is advancing so keeping up with all that can be quite hard. I have only used the Samsung brand VR headsets so seeing the options and comparisons is very helpful when chosing between the two. Very well constructed website you have here
Thanks.
Glad this website could help you in making a choice between the two VR headsets!
I am in the market for a VR headset and I really appreciate your review. It has informed me what headset to buy that fits my price range. I also like the Merge Vr better than the Samsung VR due to its features and aesthetics. I will buy one soon. Thanks for the info!
That is great, Neil. Feel free to share your experience here once you get your own Merge VR !
Hi Shrey.
I really enjoyed your review between the Merge VR and the Samsung Gear VR. I know absolutely nothing about VR headgear so this was a big help. I have a teenage gamer who has been begging for an Oculus Rift since it came out. After checking them out, and the cost, it was out of the question. I didn’t realize there were other options besides the Oculus Rift VR headgear……mostly because he didn’t mention it…lol. These seem like a more affordable option. I’ll definitely keep these in mind when his birthday comes around. He does wear glasses. Would they fit comfortably over a pair of glasses, as he can’t really see well without them?
Kim
Yes, the foam is flexible and can adjust into any shape so wearing glasses with the Merge VR should be any problem.
Hi Shrey.
Actually, I do not play games for some time, but years ago I liked it. I know that it is addicted enterprise and even do not start again look at gaming. But for a while, I catch myself that this futurist headset gaming mode interests me.
After reading your review and watching video…who knows maybe I will make a birthday present for my youngest son?
Yes, it is perfect for light gaming as well. Usually people who are too much into gaming get one of the PC VR headsets so trust me your son would have an average dose of gaming with the smartphone based VR headset.
This is such a cool idea. I recently got a Samsung s7 phone and had no idea about this VR thing till I was in the store. I got interested. You provide a lot of great information comparing and I will be picking up one soon. Do you think this is the way phone technology is heading towards?
Phone technology has different areas of development and I think VR is one of the areas where phones can be used for gaming and entertainment. It is interesting that the phone does not do much work apart from running the VR app and all the reprojection is done by the smartphone VR headset.
The fact that we didnt have to change our phones or get a specific phone for VR is in itself incredible.
Hi Shrey, I always wanted to try VR, but in my country prices of things like that drop after few years nad now there is no spare money to spend. I like how Merge VR is made out of polyurethane foam, seems to me that it should be a lot lighter than Gear VR couse it is made of plastic. What is your recommodation, what VR should I buy when I get some spare money ?
It depends on your phone. If you have a Gear VR compatible phone then you must go for the Samsung Gear VR and if you know any other phone then the Merge VR is going to be perfect.
Hope this helps.
Hey Shrey, I was actually looking into a VR headset as a gift to my father. He has an edge 7 phone, so it made sense for me to just go for the Samsung VR. I was still debating what to get until I saw your post, thank you for all this information, this definitely helped me made my mind and purchase the Samsung VR, thank you!
Glad that the post could help you. There is definaetly a lot of choices within the same price range when it comes to smartphone VR headsets.
I found this review knowing nothing about VR other than what I’ve been told from movies. My first reaction is …wait a minute, these things are only $79 and $99? I’m shocked! My second reaction is this – I’m glad someone’s thought of the fogging/sweat issue because that would definitely be an issue with me. The Merge sounds like it might be a better choice for me, especially given that it’s more lightweight and durable (we are fairly clumsy in this house). Thanks for the great information and comparing two leading VR products!
Yeah, Merge is made for people who are a little clumsy and you can even give it to kids without worrying that they would break them since the material it is made up of keeps it protected most of the time.
Glad that you liked the comparison and about the prices, well the MSRP of the Merge VR has changed to $59.99 and the Gear VR comes at the same price after the multiple discounts on Amazon. SO they are cheaper than you expected them to be.
Hey there! I found your article very informative and interesting to read. I’m interested in VR. My niche is drones and they are a key accessory. But I don’t have a lot of knowledge about VR glasses. I tried searching some but I don’t understand the different types of features. I’m gonna use this guide in finding my first pair. Thank you very much for sharing this information.
I’m glad that my posts are helping so many people. 🙂
I bought the Samsung Gear VR after reading your review. The Merge VR looks like it’s just as good for a cheaper price. I bought the Samsung Gear VR because I have always bought Samsung products and a big fan. Thanks for the great review! Is there other VR headsets that are better?
Jack
Hey, I’m glad I could help you find the right VR headset. The Gear VR is perfect for Gear VR compatible phones. Merge VR is good though it is not as great as the Gear but it is the next best option you have in the smartphone VR.
The other VR headset which I would probably recommend is the Noon VR or the Freefly VR. Do check out their reviews when ever you have some time on your side.
Really like how you compare all of the technical aspects of both the VR headsets comparing even how they both generally even slip on the same way with the there straps for optimal weight distrubution I am a major gamer myself but I just haven’t really dabbled on the whole VR concept to much mainly cause I just don’t know that much about it but this has really opened my eyes to just how far we have come as far as the gaming industry goes very informational man keep up the good work
Thanks. Hope you found a reason a get a VR headset really soon 😛
Always wanted to try and own a VR but didn’t know one. Although these VR really sound impressive and cool, is there any other recommendations that are cheaper? I recently saw one made by a China Company and it was only about $30. What do you think is a good VR headset that is easy and can be used for first timers? Thanks!
There are a few Chinese VR headsets which are less than $30 but the only disadvantage with them is that the VR quality is not as good and the product might be a complete fail by being unable to focus correcty and might end up giving double images.
I have personally tried those VR headsets and can tell that they are pretty disappointing. The experience is non immersive and it is really not worth the money.If you are a first timer and want to try out the VR world then go for Google Cardboard or Xiaomi VR headset.
These two VR headsets are pretty cheap and you even get a taste of the VR world without spending much. The Chinese VR headsets most of the time are made up of poor material quality, however, in the case you want to check them out, read the reviews on Canbor VR headset and IncrediSonic VR headset which I have written recently.
Hi Shrey,
This is really good information, and a very throughout comparison review. I have tried some different kinds of VR headsets, but not anyone that have been very good. The screen resolution of those I have tried before tent to be quite bad, even with a good phone. So with these two VR headset the resolution is better? One other thing I would like to know, is there a big different from VR headphones that use phones and those that are connected directly to a PC or other gaming platforms?
I really love VR and I will follow your website to be up to date one it!:)
Cheers,
Sondre
Yes, there is a difference between a smartphone VR headset and a VR headset that is connected directly to a PC. You can read on the Oculus Rift vs Gear VR comparison where Oculus Rift is a PC VR headset and the Gear VR is a smartphone based VR headset.
The resolution really depends on your phone as well and since Samsung Phones have a pretty great resolution, I would recommend that you choose the Gear VR. In hte case you do not have a Gear VR compatible phone then it is always better to go fro the Merge VR.
Hey, first of all thanks for your great and very informative comparisons of the two VR headsets. I have heard of the Samsung gear VR before but not of the Merge VR. I thought Samsung would be some of the only and best VR makers. But I was surprised of how much competition they actually have.
Yes, that is actually true. The Gear VR does have some competition from the Merge VR. The major advantage that the Merge VR has over the Samsung VR headset is that it has a wider phone compatibility.
Samsung Gear VR caters to only a few limited Samsung phones whereas the Merge VR can be used with both iPhones and Android phones. The Merge VR headset is pretty cool although you need to make sure that the phone screen size is within the given range of the Merge VR else it will eb a herculean job to insert the phone in the VR headset.
Merge VR seems like a logical choice to me. You are allowed to use almost any phone with it. You’re sacrificing 20 degrees, but hey, more possibilities.
Also Merge VR looks more badass to me. It can also be used as agood decorative in the living room. But if you’re using a Samsung phone then Samsung VR is probably your best choice.
Haha, using Merge VR as a decorative in the living room is a good idea although I have never done that! Yeah probably the best option for Samsung Phone users is the Gear VR and for the rest of the lot there is always Merge VR from which you can expect some premium quality VR experience.
Thanks for stopping by Tyler, hope you found the post helpful!
Thanks for the review! It seems like the Gear VR is a little better than the Merge VR. Unfortunately for me, I have an iPhone and would have to go with the Merge VR between these two. I don’t think I’m going to be buying one anytime soon, but I have considered it. If I go ahead with the decision to buy one, I’ll definitely keep in mind the aspects you reviewed and talked about in mind. Thanks again!
Glad that you found the post helpful!
You could always bookmark this page and check it out whenever you feel the need to go though the differences between the two VR headsets.
Hi Shrey! Always a big fan of VR! I have always seen this 2 different VR but I have yet to seen a comparison before yours! Anyways, I felt your comparison was really clear and elaborate.
I personally own a google cardboard but it is not adjustable and the images appearing on my phone is a little blur. Is there a fix for it? Also, what are the phones that are able to use together with it? Thanks!
Since the images appearing on your phone is blurry so you need to fix the probblem with your phone, the VR headset just projects what your phone displays. It mainly depends on your Phone display resolution so try keeping that to the maximum, otherwise there is nothing much you can do about it.
The phone compatibbilty for the Merge VR is almost any phone between the gievn screen size range as mentioned in the comparison table above. Even the phone compatibilty for the Gear VR is mentioned in the comparison table above.
The Samsung Gear VR looks really cool, something that I would be interested in getting. It looks really comfortable. I have seen it on commercials and I’ve been wanting to more about it. Thanks for giving a side by side review on both headsets, it really puts in perspective the difference between headsets in general. Does it matter which Samsung device you use for the Samsung Gear VR. I am really curious. Thanks in advance.
Yes, there are only few phones that are compatible with the Samsung Gear VR, I have mentioned the phone compatibility in the table above. Comparing the two VR headsets side by side actually puts in a lot of features in perspective.
Both the VR headsets are the best and comparing them was indeed interesting and fun. Glad you liked it nad founf the post helpful.
From the looks of things, seems like the Gear VR is the one to go with! Only downside is HAVING to have a Samsung phone.
I’m wondering how they function with the phone. Do you just slide the phone in, and it starts working? Or is there an app or some other program you have to download in order for the VR box to function?
You need to download a VR app on your phone and then insert it inside the VR headset to view the game or the video in Virtual Reality mode. It is more like 3D glasses where the phone is the TV screen and the VR headset are your glasses(just a comparison for better understanding).
If you have a Samsung compatible phone then the Gear VR is fine else you should go with the Merge VR.
Great comparison between the Merge VR and the Samsung Gear VR. But i must say I like the looks of the Samsung VR over the Merge VR. I think the gaming aspect of the VR is the most interesting to me, I own a PS4-VR is there any difference in these VR devices compared to the VR devises focused on gaming?
I’ve seen plenty of VR videos on Youtube and Samsung’s VR but I never knew there was a VR headset compatible with android like the Merge VR.
This article actually got me a bit excited for VR. I was looking at getting the HTC Vive VR, which is way more expensive but like a whole package thing.
As you can tell, I’m pretty new to VR. I don’t have a Samsung phone (I have a HTC phone actually). What would you recommend to someone just getting started? HTC Vive or Merge VR? I know that the big difference is that one is mobile and the other isn’t but just for the experience, which would be better for beginners?
Actually if you go with the HTC Vive then there is no going back. You would not like any other VR headsets once you have seen how the VR looks in a quality headset like the HTC Vive.
It really depends on what you want to do, if you are investing in a Vive then go ahead with that, however, if you want to wait then try out the Merge VR for your smartphone because I really cannot compare the two due to their totally different specs.
As a computer gamer, I would absolutely love to take gaming to the next level and try this! Imagine being able to play a game like Modern Warfare and actually be able to use this?? I like the comparisons you did. I assume the heat isnt that much of an issue if you are keeping a time limit on? Also, is there any interactions with computers yet? Thanks!
Yes, if you have a time limit on it wont be an issue. You do have the PC based VR headsets like the Vive and the Rift. The Merge and the Gear VR are smartphone based VR headsets, however you do have some great games on them as well!
It seems like the Merge is a pretty good deal at almost half the price and more durable. The Gear has better specs all around, but when you say it is more sensitive to stress tests that makes me wonder how durable it will be in the long run. Thanks! I’m gonna keep researching.
I’m glad I could help but there is going to be one headset from the two that is going to be more durable. That does not mean that if you drop the gear vr once it would break down into pieces,LOL.
I absolutely LOVE the way you do your reviews. Most people just talk about what they like and dislike about a product and if they are comparing products they usually go into great detail about one or the other. But you made a table and actually compared them in a way that people understand. Quite frankly it is a way that I really respect. Thank you so much!!!!!!!!!
Haha, glad you liked the way I write my posts. Appreciate your words 🙂
Thanks for all the stats comparing the Samsung with the Merge. I wasn’t sure I could get into the whole v.r. gaming thing but now I can’t wait to go out and buy one. Watching you try out the Merge was hilarious, but you really got across that you felt like you were right there. I felt there with you (that doll, omg). Great review.
Glad I could help!
Very nice breakdown of the features of each headset. I’m really interested to see the future of VR and all of its applications. We’re really in the infancy stage right now. Which makes me wonder, where is Apple at in this market? You’d think with Samsung having a product, that Apple would be trying to top it. Or are they already?
Apple too has been working on VR/AR and soon we might see somthing grom them but it surely will take time.
I found this website about various VR headsets very thoroughly done. However, the questions raising possible concerns are:
Is there a safe time limit for using this headsets? Does the heat of these devices is causing heating of the brain, maybe feelings of agitation and edginess after using them for prolonged periods of time? For how long should kids use it, what is the recommended time of usage within a day? Can they cause balance issues once a person stop using them? Disorientation?
1. It is safe to use these VR headsets for 30-45 minutes and after that, it is better to take a small break.
2. It can cause motion sickness in the case of a few games but I really never felt that with the smartphone VR headsets as much as you can in a few games with the PC VR headsets. Most of the games are being made VR ready so there is a very slight chance of feeling motion sick. If you play a game where you are on top of a building and if you are scared of heights in real life then you might feel motion sick the same way you would if exposed to that situation in real life.
3. Kids could use it for the same time as suggested for adults. There are many kids who even use the big guns like the rift and the vive and have zero complaints about any problems.
4. I don’t think you would face any balance issue with a smartphone VR headset since most of the games you play with then would be by just sitting. There is not much movement involved in real space. Hope this answers all your questions.
Nice chart. Very in-depth content. I tried my co worker’s Samsung gear. He put on a dinosaur and swimming setting setting. It was a very 3D dimensional experience-the way how you navigate. Did you buy both to compare them? Keep up the good work.
Thanks.
Good layout. I actually went through your website and I must say it’s impressive and sets a good example. Onto the review – nice chart and very in-depth review. I tried my co worker’s Samsung gear. He put on a dinosaur and swimming setting setting. It was a very 3D dimensional experience-the way how you navigate. Did you buy both to compare them? Keep up the good work.
Hello Shrestha, I really liked this site useful for me to buy a virtual reality product. I always wondered what is this all about and got a clear explanation from your site on the VR. Kindly suggest which is the good one to go as the comparison makes it more difficult to judge which one is best. Thanks.
Yes, you can go for the Gear VR if you have a Gear VR compaitble phone. If you have any other android phones then you must go for the Merge VR.
Hey Shrey!
I really love your VR comparisons! I already checked the one with the Oculus Rift and the Samsung Gear VR and they are very helpful when you’re looking for a product.
I would also vouch for the Merge here, more resistant, cheaper, and with a wide range of compatibility for phones.
The thing is that I’m a huge fan of Samsung products, but budget usually matters to me in this cases. If they were cheaper, I would doubt a little 🙂
Thanks again for a clear and thorough review!
Looks like you are in love with Merge VR, do check them out on their official website as well since they have different colors availabble there. In the case you have any further questions let us know!
I’ve been wanting to learn more about the difference in V.R headsets as I don’t own one yet.
I’m currently still on iPhone, so the merge would suit me and the price is nice too. Build quality and comfort is very important to me especially the touch controls should not feel cheap.
Good info thanks !
Both have a premium quality to them because you are actually spending some money and you would really enjoy both the VR headsets. Narrowing down to what might suit you, if you have a Gear VR compatible phone then you should go for the Gear VR.
Else you have the Merge VR which is compatible with almost any phone and still provides a great VR experience.
Shrey,
I like the comparison that you have put together. As an owner of the Note 5, I think the Gear VR would be a better choice. I have a 12-year old that would be using it most of the time, what do you think of the durability of this unit for a rough boy. Do the straps hold up well.
What is the average cost of a game for this type of unit, are they all about the same cost.
Does either of these units require a power supply of any kind? Do they get this power from the phone unit or can they run on rechargeable batteries?
John
I think you need to read the review carefully and maybe go through the article on What is the Virtual reality to get a better idea.
Great review! I have been looking for a great VR headset for my S6 and I think I have now made my decision! I had the PSVR for PS4 and I loved it. I did get a little motion sickness but the more I played, the longer it took to affect me. I will be looking into making my purchase, thanks for the awesome review!
Hey
I think you can try your hands with the Gear VR, however, do let me know how you like your new Gear VR. In the case, you have any further questions you can always leave them in the comment section below.
Nice review nice video VR headsets seem like they are amazing and I’m looking for one to get for myself and some family members as gift. These headsets seem quality and affordable. under $100 for a head set seems like a great deal and the one for $59 would be good for gifts.
Loved the video very entertaining felt like I was there with you. Thanks for the laughs brother.
Cedric H
You are welcome!
I’ve just got a new Samsung Galaxy S8 and I’ve been looking at a few different reviews for VR headsets. I really had no idea they were available for phones until recently, but now I just really want one!
These reviews are awesome because you’ve actually made some comparisons which are super helpful!
Will let you know if I go onto purchase!
Jack
Yes, the new Samsung Gear VR comes with a remote and you have to purchase the newest version of Gear VR for the Galaxy S8. Just go through the Samsung Galaxy S8 and Gear VR post to know more about it!
First off, I absolutely love how the page is clear, uncluttered and concise. That’s a huge thing for me as a browser, I don’t like a lot of clutter on pages. It makes me feel like I’m trying to be sold on something, and I end up leaving.
I feel like this page is very well laid out, I honestly think you should venture into adding game reviews (if you don’t have another page that covers that already) — The content was very well laid out on the VR headset review. It was informative and reader-friendly.
I was only disappointed that there was the gaming laptop section, but nothing in reference to actual games lol. That’s just me nerding out, but I really love your page! Great job and keep on keeping on!
Haha, I would definitely try and add more game reviews. It is just that I do not get enough time to play all the games and end up writing about the games which I have personally tried!
I think you missed the games and graphics section in my laptop reviews because that is where I talk about the games that you can play on the laptop and the quality of gameplay offered!
Thanks for your feedback!
cool comparison on the two items.
First opinion though: the merge vr set looks kind of shitty tbh…. Do you agree?
cool table/info graph showing the differences btw, it was really helpful.
do you recommend one over the other? or maybe the oculus rift? I haven’t even heard of some of the ones you posted
thanks for the post!
Lol, the Merge VR looks fine actually, there are many other VR headsets out there that look shitty so this one in comparison looks better.
The Gear VR is amazing for someone who does has a Gear VR compatible phone, if you wan another option, you can even look into the Daydream VR.
The Merge VR seems to be a great option. It got me on the “exhaust fan” part. It’s a great option to buy and a great feature that is available because sometimes VR headsets can get really hot.
But Samsung seems to be more elegant and USB connectivity seems a better option then ounting a phone to the set.
Great revew keep up 🙂
Thanks Tyler!
I’ve bee thinking about buy a VR headset for a while now but was hesitant to make a purchase without going through some reviews. I found this article very informative because it specifically deals with two headsets that I have had my eye on. One thing I was wondering about though is if your have to use the hand held controls for the VR experience? I’m looking for a headset that I can simply watch movies on without having to be boggled down with a handheld controller. Is there anything like that on the market?
Just to watch movies you may not need handheld controllers. You can jsut launch the app and insert in inside the VR headset. Handheld controllers are more for gaming since you need to constantly interact within the game.
Honestly, the new Merge Cube makes me think that it would be fun to try out the Merge VR but the Gear VR is really good when it comes to the VR experience quality and other features.
Overall, I really found this post helpful and I think for now since I do not have a Gear VR compatible phone and upgrading my current phone is going to cost me a lot, I prefer the Merge VR.
Yeah, upgrading your phone to a Gear VR compatible phone is going to cost you a bit and hence you should go with the Merge VR. Hope you like the VR experience!
Hello Shrestha,
Good comparison on both products. It seems price wise, they are both fairly comparable. Earlier I saw a website of yours regarding the VR headset for porn. Would either of these work and if they do. Which one would you recommend for that purpose? What about console gaming like on the PS4?
I am new to the market for VR Headsets, so It would be great to get some insight from professionals like yourself.
Well, these two VR headsets work great with android phone and if you are looking for a VR headset that would work with the PS4 then you should check out the PlayStation VR.
I was looking at these for my kids for Christmas but I could not decide between the two. I know cheaper isn’t always better so I like to do my research. Thank you so much for your review. It has helped a lot on my decision. I also like the fact that the tables are here because it really helped with the side by side comparison.
Well, now I think there is going to be a tough competition between Daydream VR and any other VR headset given that they are slowly increasing their phone compatibility.
One of the key things I look for when deciding to buy a headset is the comfort and I like how you have put this first. That merge VR headset looks very tempting with the comfortable foam and the fact it is comfortable and cheaper makes it good. As I guessed though, samsung products are premium and their technology is always the better option.
Great review overall
Thanks Josh. Merge is comfortable and now there are a couple more VR headsets that you can look into Daydream VR as well since it is rising as another major contender to the Gear VR.
Wow these are awesome! I have not been keeping up to date on VR headsets and had no idea they were so cheap.
I tried a VR game at my local EB games store, and it made me sick! But that was probably because it was a first person shooter that required quite a lot of quick movements. It probably also takes a bit to get used to.
I’m excited to see the future applications of these, like in movies and shows, maybe even on sites like Netflix!
Thanks for the great review! I have been wanting to a VR headset for some time now, but I can’t figure out which one to buy.. It would have been so much easier to have an iPhone, cause there’s not that many options for them.. But I have a Samsung, and there’s so much to choose from! I think I will be going for the Samsung Gear VR, and try it. Thank you again for the review, really helpful!
Emilie
Glad this helped!
I guess it really boils down to what devices will work with the VR first of all. I really like the Samsung Gear VR for its features over the Merge VR. But my son and I both have iPhones, so that means that we have to go with the Merge right? Is there any other VR that works with the iPhone? I would like to get my son one for Christmas, and I want to try and get a good one, that of course is for the iPhone. Thanks!
Awesome article, easy to follow with great pictures to go along with it. I was considering the samsung but since I don’t have a samsung phone I need an alternative. The Merge looks perfect and I’m glad it’s pretty versatile. Thanks for sharing! Overall excellent article, glad to have read it.
Hey Shrey,
Thanks for the comparison post, it gives me a great idea what to look for. VR is definitely kicking into the mainstream of things and I was looking to get a Samsung one, as I have a Samsung phone.
Can you notice much changed with a 15 degrees FOV difference?
Yes definitely. The difference of 15 degrees can be noticed actually although I would suggest if you do have a Gear VR compatible phone then do go for the Gear VR. The Merge VR is more like an alternative for people with no Gear VR compatible phone, the Merge VR is pretty good anyway once you team it up with a nice bluetooth controller.
ive seen so much of vr headsets and heard a lot of good things but never actually looked into buying one or looking at the different products that were available. i didnt know that there were any difference between vr headsets at all other than looks. after reading this article i feel much more knowledgeable on them and actually know enough to decide which one i want to purchase myself
Glad that you found the post helpful!
My husband is a big gamer and I wanted to get him a VR headset for Christmas. Your post helps narrow down the choice for me in great detail. We have Samsung products already that we really enjoy so that would be my first choice. What do you think of the PS4 VR gear?
I think the PSVR is amazing for someone who has a PlayStation 4, it is probably the best and the only option out there for console users. If you have the console the PlayStation VR is a really good option!
Virtual Reality Headsets is something which I’m definitely interested in, and I like the look and feel of the website. It’s easy to navigate around and has lots of quality content written. One small change, would be to include a little bit about yourself in the “About Author” as it just has a re-direct link to your Google+ account. But all in all a great website. Well done.
Trying to stay low-key Steven, haha. I’m confused on what to write in the about author section and that is the reason I have left it for the time being.
I’m convinced to buy the Merge VR, however I wonder if I would need a separate controller to play more interactive games with it. I have had a cheap VR headset previously and felt that they do need some good Bluetooth controllers in order to give you the best experience., do you think the same?
Yes, I have to agree that even though Merge VR has some controls on top but they are not that effective when it comes to selecting different options and you might want to invest in a bluetooth controller. I had bought a GameSir G3s bluetooth controller since I wanted a premium one but any average bluetooth controller like the Moga ones are also going to work really well.
Honestly I have a Samsung Galaxy S7 and I did not get the Gear VR while buying the phone, now when I look at it, I should have considered bundling it while buying my phone. However, I would love to buy it now and after reading your comparison post I’m having second thoughts about Merge VR. Should I get the Gear VR or Merge for my phone
Get the Gear VR, the newer versions comes with the remote control and has more features than ever!
Hi Shrey,
Thanks for your post on this. It was a really detailed comparison between the two in a market where more VR headsets are starting to look the same. I like the fact that the Merge VR works on basically any device as I tend to own phones which are on the cheaper end of the market. Definitely going to give the Merge VR a look.
Cheers
James
Sure, James. If you want to know anything else, feel free to ask.
for me, I feel the Gear VR is better for me as an android user. If you’re spending this money on VR anyway, why not get a better FOV and quality? If I was an iPhone user than the merge makes sense, but with the Gear beating the Merge in virtually every category, I think the price is worth it. Do you consider the differences negligible considering the price gap?
Honestly, the differences are really difficult to compare because FOV even depends on the screen size and quality. The Gear VR maintains a standard screen resolution by only catering to the Samsung Galaxy Franchise phone which are one of the best considering screen resolution and hence giving the best VR quality.
The Merge VR when used with newer iPhone versions also gives a really good quality VR experience which is good but not as good as the Gear, the reason merge would be better while looking from the purchase point of view is that it gives you a good immersive experience and is compatible with most of the phones.
They say VR is the future… to that I say, yeah probably. I worked at AT&T for a while and used the Samsung VR and holy SMOKES was I blown away. Our Samsung rep would always come by and pretty much force them on the customers (which was hilarious) and they always had the same opinions as I did. Samsung Gear VR is amazing and affordable and I see many people having one in the future.
Haha, thanks for sharing this with us, Corey!
Can I open the front hole to watch movies from Mac laptop?
I do not understand the question but as far as I think what you are saying is if you can open the front part of the Merge VR which is meant for augmented reality and use it to watch movies on your Mac Laptop in VR?
If that is the question then NO, you cannot do that on any VR headset. You need to have a movie in the VR format in your phone in order to watch it in VR or maybe use the Netflix VR app.