Now that Apple has announced its AR/VR headset, the Vision Pro, VR is once again in the limelight. The Meta Quest 2 is the current leader among the best VR headsets that don’t require a PC to run — though the PSVR 2 has emerged as competition and the Meta Quest 3 has been announced — but it does have issues (not least a price hike).
My biggest gripe is the Quest 2’s head strap. It’s aggressively average, which means it can and should be replaced with something more pleasant to use for long periods of time.
What is the best Meta Quest 2 head strap?
I really like the GeekVR battery head strap right now. It is extremely comfortable, even for long gaming sessions, and it uses hot-swappable batteries to keep your gaming going as long as you like. In fact, it is so easy to swap the batteries you can do it while the headset is still on.
The best head straps have plenty of support around the back of your head, and firm fittings to the front. In order to test out these Quest 2 head straps, I spent a lot of time playing in VR. Playing games for a living is not easy, but I endure it for you. Here’s a list of my favorites.
The best Meta Quest 2 head straps
Having a battery on the back of your head strap is very helpful, but most of the straps on this list have a battery integrated into the band, so they can only offer a finite amount of extra charge. Once the battery and the Quest 2 run out of power, you’re done playing.
The GeekVR uses replaceable batteries that can be charged off of the head strap and swapped in as needed. This means if you had a few extra batteries, you could play indefinitely. The batteries are easy to swap, too, as they use copper contacts to transfer the energy. They simply slot into the back. It’s so easy you can do it while the headset is still on and running.
I love the level of comfort this strap gives me. The weight of the battery helps balance the HUD and the forehead cushion makes the entire headset feel secure through the most energetic games.
A new version of this headset was recently released with a new ratchet on the back and a more comfortable front shape. The extra comfort now makes this my go-to head strap.
One of the most important parts of a head strap is the padding, as it keeps your head secure while maintaining a good comfort level. This head strap from Yoges took that importance onboard and went all-in on making sure your head is padded everywhere. The strap even has extra pads that offer a counter to the pull from the back as the ratchet is tightened.
For long-term use, the Yoges offers one of the most comfortable experiences I’ve had so far. My only gripe is the center strap. It’s a little too short for my head, so it doesn’t feel as secure across the top.
The Kiwi head strap is a great budget alternative to the Elite strap, with a few nice editions that make it stand out from the competition. My son loves using this for long Beat Saber sessions, so it’s a firm favorite in our house.
Often when you’re wearing glasses with VR, the headset can often be uncomfortable to remove. I’ve banged my glasses and knocked them off a few times. The Kiwi head strap can tilt at an extreme angle, allowing you to put the headset on without knocking it into your face. It’s a far more comfortable experience than the Elite strap.