Virtual reality is fast becoming the next big space in video games. the Meta Quest 2 is the current leader among best VR headset which does not require a PC to run — although PSVR2 was recently released as competition
— but it has issues (not least a price increase). My biggest complaint is the Quest 2’s head strap. It’s aggressively average, which means it can and should be replaced with something more comfortable for long-term use.
The best head straps have plenty of support for the back of your head, as well as strong straps in the front. To test these Quest 2 head straps, I spent a lot of time playing in VR. It’s not easy to play for a living, but I put up with it for you. Here is a list of my favorites.
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A new version of this headset has just been released with a new ratchet on the back and a more comfortable shape on the front. The added 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 safe while maintaining a good level of comfort. This head strap from Yoges takes that importance aboard and does everything to make sure your head is covered everywhere. The strap even has additional pads that offer a counter to pulling from the back as the ratchet is tightened.
For prolonged use, Yoges offers one of the most comfortable experiences I’ve had so far. My only complaint is the center strap. It’s too short for my head, so it’s not safe on top.
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Kiwi
The Kiwi head strap is a great budget alternative to the Elite strap, with some great editions that make it stand out from the competition. My son loves using it for long Beat Saber sessions, so it’s a firm favorite in our house.
Usually when you wear glasses with VR, the headset is often uncomfortable to remove. I broke my glasses and removed them a few times. The Kiwi’s head strap can tilt at an extreme angle, allowing you to wear the headset without it hitting your face. It’s a much more comfortable experience than the Elite strap.
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Yoga
I have always been impressed with the comfort of the Yoges strap. The padding around it makes it incredibly secure and the extra weight of the battery helps balance the front screen. The battery is only 5,000mAh but that’s enough to charge the Quest 2 about one and a half times, so it should keep you playing for a long time.
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Amazon
If I’m looking to upgrade to an “elite” head strap for my virtual reality experience, I don’t need to spend the money for the official Oculus Elite version. I was looking for an Oculus Quest bundle that combines accessories, and I found this one from Esimen.
It includes a nice carrying case, which is what sold me on it. The strap is as good as the others on this list, but the case is a bonus that the others lack.
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I bought the Elite strap as a bundle with my Oculus Quest 2 at launch, and while some people have suffered breakages with the first batch, mine has been admirable. This latest run of Elite straps completely eliminates the error, so if you want to have a fully branded headband, this is your best choice.
I’ve used my Elite strap more times than I care to count. From playing sweaty and energetic games like Supernatural to sitting in VR for an eight-hour workday, the only time the Elite strap felt uncomfortable was when I tightened it too much. If you can dial it in, it’s great.
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Colohas via Amazon
One of the best things about a wireless VR headset like the Quest 2 is sharing it with others. Having taken my headset to many parties, I can say that hearing a disappointed “aww, OK” when you tell someone they can’t play because the battery died is a real bummer. I’ve used third-party battery packs that clip onto your belt before to keep other headsets on, but the Oculus-made battery strap for the Quest 2 is something completely different.
For starters, the added weight of the battery strap is a good thing – since it’s behind the headset, it causes a balancing effect that takes pressure off your nose and forehead. The battery also adds 2 hours of playtime, and you never have to take it out. When you want to charge the headset, you simply charge the battery. Power flows into both with no noticeable difference in performance. It’s such a joy to use that I honestly can’t imagine using a Quest 2 without one at this point.
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Helpful head strap accessories
Having a better head strap can improve your VR experience, but there are also ways to improve your new head strap to make it even better than that. Here are some of our favorite add-ons.
Anker
I’ve been using Anker battery banks for my phones for years now, so it makes sense that I’d favor them for my Oculus as well. you CAN just put it in your pocket and attach the cable, but it works better when connected to your head strap in any number of ways. I even have velcro.
The bench isn’t too heavy, but it has enough bulk to help offset the Quest 2 headset and plenty of power to power up your Quest 2.
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Amazon
While I think it’s a better idea to buy a complete head strap replacement, it might cost you more than you can afford. After all, the headset isn’t cheap in the first place. This cool little add-on from Kiwi adds a halo ring to the existing head strap to increase your comfort.
Adding a halo to the back of your head distributes the weight more evenly and makes it more comfortable for long periods.
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What should you look for in a headband?
There are a few important things to look for when choosing a headband:
- A good halo that sits comfortably on the back of your head helps keep some of the weight off your neck, making the Quest 2 feel lighter than ever.
- Padding is essential. Your skull has less padding; that padding should come from the head strap, not you.
- A ratchet to tighten the Quest 2 is also helpful. You don’t want the head strap to be as tight as possible, but you need it to stay the right amount of tension even as you jump.
- Finally, it’s best if you have a strap that bends but doesn’t break. You will put the strap on the head through the wringer, so the side pieces should stay on that.
Is the Quest 2 Elite strap broken yet?
While there have been isolated reports of breakages, the issue that plagued the Elite straps seems to have disappeared. Most of the issues we see today are from misuse as opposed to regular wear and tear. Our last bullet point of what you should look for exists because of this issue, so make sure that whatever strap you choose has good reviews and isn’t broken all the time.