James Bricknell/CNET

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.

Kiwi

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.

Yoges

I am constantly impressed with the comfort of the Yoges straps. The padding all around makes it incredibly secure and the added weight of the battery helps to balance the front screen. The battery is only 5,000mAh but that’s enough to fully charge the Quest 2 about one and a half times, so should keep you playing for a good long while.

Amazon

When I was looking to upgrade to an «elite» head strap for my virtual reality experience, I didn’t necessarily want to spend the cash for the official Oculus Elite version. I was looking for an Oculus Quest bundle that combined accessories, and I found this one from Esimen. 

It includes a nice carrying case, which is what sold me on this. The strap is as good as others on this list, but the case is a bonus that the others lack.

James Bricknell/CNET

I bought the Elite strap as a bundle with my Oculus Quest 2 at launch, and while some people have suffered from breakages in that first batch, mine has performed admirably. This latest run of the Elite strap has removed the flaw altogether, so if you want to have a fully branded head strap, this is your best choice.

I’ve used my Elite strap for more hours than I 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 get it dialed in, it’s great.

Colohas via Amazon

One of the best things about a wireless VR headset like the Quest 2 is sharing it with others. Having brought my headset to a number of 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 to your belt in the past to keep other headsets going, but the Oculus-made battery strap for the Quest 2 is something entirely different.

For starters, the added weight of the battery strap is a good thing — because it’s in the back of the headset, it causes a balancing effect that removes pressure from your nose and forehead. The battery also adds 2 hours of gameplay, and you never have to take it off. If you want to charge the headset, you just charge the battery. The power will flow through to both with no noticeable performance differences. It’s such a joy to use that I genuinely can’t imagine using a Quest 2 without one at this point.

Anker

I’ve used Anker battery banks for my phones for years now, so it makes sense that I’d favor them for my Oculus, too. You could just put it in your pocket and attach the cable, but it works much better when connected to your head strap in any number of ways. I’ve even used velcro.

The bank isn’t too heavy, but it has enough bulk to help offset the Quest 2 headset and plenty of power to top up your Quest 2.  

Amazon

While I think it is a better idea to buy a complete head strap replacement, it can cost more than you might have. After all, the headset wasn’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 much more comfortable over long periods. 

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• PSVR 2 Review: The New Best VR Gaming Headset

• Meta Quest 2 Review: Still the Best VR Headset For Now
• Meta Quest Pro Hands On: What $1,500 Does for the Metaverse
• Best Meta Quest 2 Games
• Best PSVR 2 Games 

Read all our virtual reality coverage here.