Name: Daydream VR
Brand: google

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Verdict and competition

Verdict

Google Daydream View is priced for everyday consumers, but still best suited for early adopters of tech, at least for the next several months.

With more content and phone compatibility to come, it's going to become the must-have VR headset for Android owners outside of the Samsung ecosystem.

Of course, if you own a Pixel or Pixel XL phone right now and want to wade in the early VR games barely in double digits, Google has made its headset cheap enough to buy without much debate. It's a worthy purchase when you're ready, but not something you desperately need to run out and buy today.

Who's it for?

Google Daydream View is meant for someone who wants to invest in a mobile VR headset, but doesn't want to break the bank. Unlike the Gear VR, it'll let you use non-Samsung phones in the future, too.

That said, don't expect the same full VR experience until Google is able to fill its dedicated Daydream app store section with more content. That'll come, but this is why early adopters may be best for this headset for the time being.

Should I buy it?

Yes, if you own a Google Pixel phone. Eventually, Google Daydream may be the best Android-based VR headset you can buy no matter which Android you have. That day isn't today, however.

If you're keen on being the first to own the latest tech on your block, this is a sound investment. It's only going to get better. It's cheap enough to buy and recommend without hesitation if your phone is compatible.

Competition

Samsung Gear VR

You can't go wrong with the Samsung Gear VR, unless of course you're plugging an exploding Samsung Galaxy Note 7 into the headset.

Its latest all-black model works with Samsung's micro-USB phones like the Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge as well as future USB-C phones. That likely means the Samsung Galaxy S8.

Best of all, Samsung has partnered with Facebook to bring the Oculus VR store to the headset. It's filled with more games than you'll find on the Google Daydream View, which is way more meaningful than Google's comfy fabric headset exterior. The downside? You're locked into owning a Samsung phone.