This overall score is made up of user comfort score (40%), performance score (35%), and ease of use score (25%).

Ease of use refers to the process of installing and getting each headset up and running, in addition to downloading and installing content such as games and experiences; the control method for each headset is also assessed.

User comfort score is judged after a 10min session by our tester, which takes the following aspects of each headset into consideration: sizing, padding and adjustments, heat and fogginess, cable management, freedom of movement, and the comfort of any supplied controllers and navigation methods.

Performance includes image detail, headset field of view, image focus, image blurring, tracking latency, and overall immersion.

We recommend headsets that score at least 70% overall.

In some instances, at the request of members and when products are still available on the second-hand market and via sites like eBay, we include discontinued models in the tables. 'Active' indicates the products can still be found in shops and 'inactive' that they are discontinued models.

Reflects RRP as of November 2016. Cost of product covers all items included in the base package. Prices listed in Australian dollars unless otherwise specified. Oculus Rift and DODOCASE P2 converted from US to Australian dollars in November 2016. Price does not include shipping, if applicable. 

Weight of headset (not including headband), with cable if applicable. Smartphone-based models weighed without phone.

This will show the type of display, if it is specified, such as OLED (organic light emitting diode); phone-dependent refers to the headset using a smartphone's screen as the display.

Phone-dependent refers to the headset using a smartphone's screen as the display.

The width of the image as viewed through the headset; the wider the field of view, the more immersed you can feel in the content; not all vendors state this figure.

The number of times per second the image on the screen is refreshed; the faster the rate, the more stable the image will look. Faster rates can also help reduce nausea. PS VR supports two refresh rates; 90Hz and 120Hz. Refresh rate used varies between programs.

Specified by the manufacturer.

The type of interface required to connect the headset to the device powering it (e.g. HDMI). Your device, such as your PC, will require the listed interface in order to use the headset.

Whether or not external sensors are used to track the user's head movements.

Whether or not external sensors are used to track other movements, such as hand gestures.

This field states the type of equipment you need to use VR headset. Does not include optional peripherals.

Low-end refers to being able to use any phone with the VR headset; mid-range refers to having to use a specific phone or console; high-end refers to having to use a powerful computer.

The way content can be controlled or loaded once inside a VR app such as Google's Cardboard, for example.

Where to buy software for each headset.

Standing or sitting means that the VR platform can not be used while you move around; room-scale means that you walk around a pre-defined area.

The level of physical involvement required to get the most out of the VR experience offered by each headset.

Our recommendation for the type of content that is best suited to each type of VR headset.