Virtual reality’s popularity continues to grow. There are many affordable virtual reality headsets now compatible with smartphones, making it easy for everyone to enjoy VR experiences.
Today, we’ll take a look at the top virtual reality headsets for the Samsung S9 Plus that will enable you to become immersed in movies, videos, and games through virtual reality.
What to Look for When Choosing a VR Headset
Before we go into the best VR headsets for the Samsung S9 Plus, let’s quickly go over what you should be looking for when you get a virtual reality headset for your mobile device.
Budget
Getting a Samsung S9 virtual reality headset is one of the most affordable ways to experience VR. You can get started with less than 10 bucks.
In this article, we will explore both budget options and more expensive options. Of course, the more expensive options will also give you a better experience.
Immersive Experience
While you can get a VR headset for cheap, it is only going to offer you a basic, introductory experience to virtual reality.
If you want a more immersive experience, you’re going to have to spend a bit more.
When choosing a headset, try to find the right balance between your budget and how much of a quality VR experience you are looking for.
If you are just starting out, it is okay to get a cheap one in order to get a taste of VR and then move on to more expensive ones.
Size and Portability
Some virtual reality headsets will be quite big and won’t be able to be moved around much. Others are nothing more than large goggles.
Heavier headsets put more pressure on your head and face and can become uncomfortable. In addition, it can be hard to carry them around.
In this article, we’ll look at headsets that are light.
Compatibility
Today, we will be looking at headsets that are compatible with the Samsung S9 Plus. However, if you have any other devices as well, take that into account when purchasing your headset.
Not all headsets will be compatible with all devices.
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Best VR Headsets For The Samsung S9
Now that we know what to look for, let’s have a look at the best VR headsets you can get for the Samsung S9.
1. Merge STEM AR/VR Headset
The lenses are adjustable, and the headset comes with a lens cleaning cloth. There are two buttons on the device, so you can use it without a separate handset.
The Merge STEM is great if you are looking for a headset that you, your kids, or your students can use to learn through virtual reality.
Virtual reality is a great way for students to experience places and situations that they are learning about and which they would never otherwise be able to see.
You can switch between virtual reality and augmented reality modes.
There are over 300 hand-picked apps that work with the Merge STEM headset. You can explore caves, travel the word, play games, and enjoy other immersive educational experiences.
The Merge headset is compatible with the Merge Cube, our next listing.
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2. Pansonite VR Headset With Remote Controller
![Pansonite Vr Headset with Remote Controller[New Version], 3D Glasses Virtual Reality Headset for VR Games & 3D Movies, Eye Care System for iPhone and Android Smartphones](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51-JzvWYkxL._SL500_.jpg "Pansonite Vr Headset with Remote Controller[New Version], 3D Glasses Virtual Reality Headset for VR Games & 3D Movies, Eye Care System for iPhone and Android Smartphones")
The Pansonite VR Headset is another affordable option. It was designed to be as lightweight and comfortable as possible.
Not only does it have padded leather and an adjustable head strap, but it also has a deepened nose area to reduce pressure on your nose while you are wearing it.
The HD resin aspherical lenses are designed to reduce the strain on your eyes. They can also be adjusted for pupil/object distance.
The Pansonite VR Headset is compatible with most smartphones that are between 4.7 and 6 inches.
3. Google Daydream View
For those looking for something more than the Google Cardboard viewer, you can always get Google’s Daydream VR headset.
Unlike the Google Cardboard, the Daydream View is made of soft fabric. It also has a head strap that wraps around your head.
There is an ever-increasing number of apps and games compatible with the Daydream View on the app store.
Following is a list of phones that are compatible with the Daydream View:
- Samsung S9
- Samsung S9 Plus
- Google Pixel
- Google Pixel 2
- Google Pixel 3
- Samsung Galaxy S8
- Samsung Galaxy S8 Plus
- ASUS ZenFone AR
- LG V30
- Samsung Galaxy Note 8
- Motorola Moto Z
- Motorola Moto Z Force
- Motorola Moto Z2 Force
- Huawei Design Mate 9
- Huawei Mate 9 Pro
Go here for a list of authorized retailers currently selling the Google Daydream View. While you can get it on Amazon, you might not be getting the most current version.
4. Merge Cube
The Merge Cube takes a revolutionary approach to virtual reality. It is not even a headset, though it can be used in conjunction with the Merge headset or any other compatible headset.
As its name suggests, the device is a small cube that you hold in your hands. The walls of the cube are covered with glyphs.
When you look at the cube, whether through a headset or simply by viewing it through your phone when you are using the Merge Cube app, the cube will come to life and display virtual content.
Merge has collected all of the apps compatible with the Merge Cube on their Miniverse platform. There are also some apps specific to the Merge Cube, both free and paid.
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5. Oculus Go Standalone Headset
Oculus is well-known in the virtual reality world, as they have designed a number of standalone and PC VR headsets.
The Oculus Go doesn’t require you to put your Samsung into the headset or connect it with a wire. Instead, you only need the Oculus app on your phone to set up Oculus Go and you are good to go.
There are over 1,000 apps on the Oculus store.
There are all kinds of games you can play, and you can even meet up with friends around the world through virtual reality and watch movies, conferences, or sports events together.
In addition, you can watch movies and videos from Netflix, Hulu, Facebook, Showtime, Youtube, Melody VR, Plex, Pluto TV, Fox Sports VR, and Red Bull TV.
To be clear, the Oculus Go is a standalone headset. It has its own computer and storage, and you don’t always need your phone to use it.
However, to make payments and download games, you will need to use the headset in conjunction with the Oculus app on your Samsung phone (the app is available on all Android and iPhone devices).
The Oculus Go headset has a space that is designed to accommodate most glasses, so you won’t have to take them off when using the headset.
There are two versions of the Oculus Go. The one with more storage will allow you to take more VR experiences with you on the go.
You can choose from 32GB & 64GB version. You can also get a number of accessories:
- Oculus Go Case
- Fitted Interface: Replacement interface for users with low nose bridges and high or wide cheekbones
- Prescription Lenses: If you prefer lenses that integrate with the headset instead of wearing your glasses, you can get these lenses.
6. Oculus Quest Standalone Headset
The Oculus Quest is another great VR headset by Oculus. It is designed to give you the ultimate virtual reality experience.
When you use the Oculus Quest, built-in sensors will track your movements and translate them into VR. For example, you can duck to avoid objects with your body and it will be registered on your screen.
There is positional audio built into the headset, which allows you to become fully immersed in the experience without wearing headphones.
The headset comes with two touch controllers, one for your right hand and one for your left.
There are two versions of the Oculus Quest as well. The 64GB and 128GB version.
Available accessories for the Oculus Quest are:
- Oculus Quest Travel Case
- Oculus Quest In-Ear Headphones
- Replacement parts for your headset, such as an extra facial interface or controller
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7. Lenovo Mirage Solo/Google Daydream Standalone
The DayDream Standalone, or Lenovo Miragel Solo, is a lot more expensive than the regular Daydream, but it doesn’t require your phone to use. Like the Oculus, it is a standalone headset.
Google partnered with Lenovo to develop the Lenovo Mirage Solo with Daydream Standalone.
It uses Worldsense technology to sense your movements and translate them into virtual reality without needing to set up external sensors.
You can use all of the Daydream apps with your Mirage Solo. You can do things like visit museums, go on expeditions, and experience history.
Lenovo has also developed the Mirage Camera. This is a lightweight five-ounce camera that you can take anywhere to record VR experiences.
You can view the recordings you took with your Mirage VR Camera on your Mirage Solo VR viewer.
8. Samsung Gear VR
If you own a Samsung S9, you might be a fan of Samsung products. What better way to experience virtual reality on a Samsung phone than to use Samsung’s own VR gear?
The Samsung Gear VR has a 101 degree field of view and a gyro sensor. It features an ergonomic design and a comfortable head strap.
At seven ounces, it is an incredibly light headset.
The Samsung Gear VR headset comes with a handheld controller with a touchpad and an activate button.
The downside of the Samsung Gear VR is that it is only compatible with specific Samsung phones.
This means that if your friends or family members have other Android or iPhone devices, they won’t be able to use your headset.
Samsung partnered with Oculus to create its headset. Oculus is known for their device-free virtual reality headsets, such as the Oculus Go.
Because the Samsung Gear VR is powered by Oculus, you can use all of the content in the Oculus app store with your headset.
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9. Google Cardboard VR Headset
Google Cardboard has been around since 2014. While it’s more of a viewer than a headset, and it won’t offer you a full virtual reality experience, it is still a cheap and easy way to get a taste of VR.
Google Cardboard basically turns your phone into a virtual reality screen. You insert your phone into the front flap, pull it up, and then view it through two holes and a lens.
The Google Cardboard viewer doesn’t have any straps to keep it secure on your face, so you will have to hold it up the entire time you are using it.
As its name suggests, the Google Cardboard is actually made out of cardboard. This means that it won’t necessarily feel the most comfortable on your face, and it definitely won’t have integrated audio.
In addition, there will be some outside light leaking in.
Besides the official Google Cardboard viewer, there are a number of other viewers that are certified “Works with Google Cardboard,” including the Irusus V2.
Some of these other viewers are made out of plastic instead of cardboard. However, they are all based on the same idea – a cheap virtual reality viewer that won’t break your bank.
Each viewer will work for differently sized screens, so check each one’s specifics to sure that your Samsung S9 Plus won’t be too large for the one you are buying.
While there are many VR apps that work on Samsung, Google Cardboard has its own apps. These apps are designed with the Google Cardboard viewer in mind so that they offer you a better experience.
Examples of Google Cardboard apps, include:
- Titans of Space VR – Take a virtual tour of the solar system
- Expeditions of Google – Take a virtual tour of places such as Machu Picchu
- Public Speaking VR – Practice public speaking through virtual reality
Most Cardboard viewers are fairly easy to set up. Some viewers even have an activate button that is compatible with some Google Cardboard apps.
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Wrapping It Up
You don’t need expensive, bulky machines to experience virtual reality. It is available at your fingertips, as long as you have a few bucks to spare.
Use any of the above options with your S9 Plus and you will be able to experience life in a different way.
Benjamin Levin is a digital marketing professional with 4+ years of experience with inbound and outbound marketing. He helps small businesses reach their content creation, social media marketing, email marketing, and paid advertising goals. His hobbies include reading and traveling.