Virtual reality (VR) headsets are becoming increasingly popular for gaming, media consumption, and even productivity. As more people adopt VR technology, the need arises for proper storage solutions when the headsets are not in use.
VR headset stands provide a convenient way to organize and display VR headsets when they are not being worn. Stands elevate the headset off the desk or floor, preventing damage or cables from getting tangled. They also tend to anchor cabling and provide dedicated storage for VR controllers.
With VR stands gaining traction, there are now various design options available to match different user needs and headset models.
This blog post will provide an overview of the main types of VR headset stands, factors to consider when choosing one, and top recommendations for popular VR headsets.
Types of VR Headset Stands
There are a few main categories of VR headset stand designs, each with its own advantages. The three most common types are floor stands, desktop stands, and wall-mounted stands.
Floor Stands
Floor stands feature a broad, heavy base with a tall vertical stand to suspend the headset high off the floor. The base is usually round or hexagonal shaped to maximize stability. The vertical stand may feature indents or removable adapter clips to accommodate different headset designs.
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Desktop Stands
Desktop stands offer a smaller profile designed specifically for placement on an office desk, TV cabinet, or side table. These stands focus on saving space while still displaying the headset prominently.
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Wall-Mounted Stands
Wall-mounted stands attach directly to any wall surface using screws or adhesive pads. This stand style gets the headset completely off the desk and frees up the most physical space.
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Material Considerations
VR stand materials affect the price, weight, stability, and aesthetics of the product. Most stands use a combination of materials in their construction.
Plastic stands are inexpensive, lightweight, and easy to manufacture. But specialized engineering-grade plastics can also provide superb durability and intricate molded shapes.
Unique transparent or colorful plastic stands can fit well with gaming setups. However, plastic stands are inexpensive and often lack heft.
Metal stands, usually made of steel or aluminum, appear more premium and luxe. However, all-metal stands can get extremely heavy.
Metal stands also tend to be the most stable under heavier VR headsets due to their high durability. Combining metal bases with plastic vertical stands or accents creates an ideal blend of sturdiness and style.
Wood and wood composites provide an organic, eco-friendly aesthetic. Real-wood stands offer incredible craftsmanship for a natural look and feel.
Wood is lightweight while still rigid enough to withstand a VR headset stably. Wood also has unique acoustic properties for isolating sound. The only drawbacks are its higher cost and maintenance needs with potential splintering or cracking.
When evaluating materials, also consider overall weight and adjustability. Heavier stands stay planted on desks better, but excess weight makes them difficult to move. Look for stands with adjustable heights, swivel ranges, and tilt angles so each person can customize the viewing position.
Features to Look For
Beyond the base stand itself, several convenient features provide added functionality.
Controller Docking Stations
Dedicated controller docking stations on VR stands to keep hand controllers organized when not using them. Docking cradles recharge most controllers as well. This prevents controllers from getting misplaced after play sessions.
Cable Management
Cable management solutions prevent the headset’s connecting cables from dangling haphazardly off the edge of the stand. Retractable hooks, clips, and cable anchors route wires neatly along the stand’s stem.
Adjustability
Adjustable stands allow tweaking the exact headset height, angle, and swivel to customize the viewing position. Look for tilt, rotation, and telescopic height adjustment capabilities.
LED Lighting
LED lighting offers primarily aesthetic advantages for VR stands. Colorful ground effects or underlighting can accentuate gaming stations. Some stands even include USB ports to charge controllers, headsets, and other devices.
Top VR Headset Stand Recommendations
With many factors to balance, here are top-stand recommendations for the most popular VR headsets.
For Oculus Meta Quest 2
The AMVR Headset Stand Holder provides a premium home for Meta Quest 2 headsets. It features a circular weighted base and telescoping pole to precisely adjust the height between 15″and -17″. The stand even includes a 5-volt 2-amp USB charging port and cable clips.
For PlayStation VR 2
The sleek Collective Minds VR Stand is ideal for anchoring new PSVR 2 headsets. Its weighted round base and adapter rings accommodate all current VR headset models. Rapid charging docks juice up DualSense controllers and your headset simultaneously.
For Valve Index
Knox Gear’s Heavy Duty VR Stand offers robust stability purpose-built for the premium Valve Index. Its sturdy, weighted tripod base has an 18.5 lb load capacity that handles the Index headset’s 1.78 lb heft with ease. Plus, an Index face gasket holder protects the delicate gasket foam when stored.
For Multiple Headsets
RCGEEK’s HiBloks VR Stand takes a unique modular block approach to displaying VR headsets. HiBloks has adapters for every headset and controller model that interlock like LEGO bricks. Reconfigure or expand your stand anytime by adding more blocks.
Additional Considerations
Aside from technical factors, more subjective preferences affect which headset stand works best.
Budget often dictates material choices. Metal and wood stands cost more but have very high build quality. Well-designed plastic stands can still be quite durable and cost significantly less.
Aesthetics matter since the stand remains visible as part of your gaming or entertainment setup. Match stand colors and materials to your existing decor for a cohesive look. Transparent or LED-lit stands add extra flair.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a VR headset stand?
Owning a stand is highly recommended to properly store your VR headset. Headset stands protect the lenses from dust and scratches. Stands also organize wires neatly by anchoring them instead of letting them hang freely. Docking your controllers recharges them and keeps everything together in one place. So yes, a good stand is a worthwhile VR accessory.
Where should I place my VR headset stand?
Ideally, place your stand somewhere easily accessible from your usual VR play space. Many people position stand on their office desks or TV stands near where they use VR. For wall mounts, install them at around head height within reach. Make sure to keep pets, drinks, and food away from the stand area to prevent accidents.
Can I use a regular stand for my VR headset?
It’s better to buy a stand made specifically for VR headsets. Generic stands lack proper cable management, adjustable arms, and docking for VR controllers. Headset weight balance and ergonomics require stands to position lenses at eye level, too. Using universal stands risks headset damage or unstable mounting. Opt for purpose-built VR gear for proper functionality.
Conclusion
VR headset stands to provide vital organization solutions as VR gaming and media become more pervasive. Thankfully, there are now many stand styles to match different spaces and headset models. Consider your needs, available areas, headset model, and aesthetic taste when selecting the best option. Investing in a quality stand that properly showcases your headset makes the VR experience that much sweeter.