All > HP Reverb G2
HP Reverb G2
Retail Price
$600.00
Lowest Price
$399.00
Release Date
November 1, 2020
The HP Reverb G2 is a good VR headset, but it can be problematic depending on your PC and play space. The G2 would be a great option if the Index didn’t exist. The G2 also has a lightweight advantage, and lighthouse tracking may be better than camera-based tracking. The resolution is outstanding, but the sweet spot with the new lenses is still not proven, but if it turns out to be great, then the price is worth the package.
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Overview
- Summary
- Overview
- Drawbacks
- Price
- Gaming
- Comfort
- Recommendation
- Positive
- Negative
Summary - It's an all-around good VR headset with a good price and specs. It's lighter with better resolution, uses Valve lenses and audio, and doesn't need base stations.
Overview - It's a good VR headset, but it can be problematic depending on your PC and play space. The G2 would be a great option if the Index didn't exist. The G2 also has a lightweight advantage, and lighthouse tracking may be better than camera-based tracking. The resolution is outstanding, but the sweet spot with the new lenses is still not proven, but if it turns out to be great, then the price is worth the package.
Drawbacks - It boasts a super clear display, great audio, and great comfort. However, it suffered from a few big problems, such as tracking quality, the field of view, the mixed reality portal, which added more weight, and the lack of capacitive sensors in the controller. It may also have limited appeal for gamers who value resolution at all costs or refuse to agree to Oculus's Facebook policy. But there are many reasons to spend half as much on a headset that offers close to the same resolution but with fewer limitations.
Price - It's worth considering if you plan to only use tethered VR and want the sharpest picture for the lowest price. It has more value at only $200 than the Rift S, and Oculus will have to reduce their price if it wasn't for the global shortages.
Gaming - It's more suited for certain game genres and those willing to compensate for the tracking loss and just want visual fidelity. It's not the best choice for sim racing or flight sims, as the overall experience isn't quite as good as expected from a next-gen HMD at its price. It's tempting for a gamer as it supports SteamVR and has inside-out tracking, but it doesn't quite match up with expectations with only a small sweet spot of the lenses, and it requires an Intel-based PC or laptop to drive it.
Comfort - The G2 seems like it can solve the issue of comfort, cable length, and losing track when hands are placed at the side with the Samsung VR. Also, it includes Index lenses and speakers. Overall, the redesigned G2 offers a more comfortable fit and reliable experience while maintaining its sharp picture and reasonable price, though it lacks some of the competition's more compelling benefits.
Recommendation - If you have a budget of $600, are in the market for a headset that provides the best visuals and audio available, can overlook the flaws with the controllers and minor tracking issues, and want a headset that's a little more data and privacy friendly and isn't controlled by Meta, or you're a sim enthusiast. The G2 is the right VR option.
Sources
Tags
- Summary
- Overview
- Drawbacks
- Price
- Gaming
- Comfort
- Recommendation
Sources
- YouTube
- TECH ADVISOR
- IGN
- PCMag
kinsarc
05/29/2020
Mestaritonttu
05/29/2020
TypingLobster
05/29/2020
bicameral_mind
05/29/2020
Cas and Chary VR
12/05/2020
TECH ADVISOR - Jim Martin
06/23/2021
devnop
01/03/2021
ThrillSeeker
01/03/2022
IGN - DAVE JOHNSON
04/13/2021
kobriks
05/29/2020
PCMag - Will Greenwald
04/04/2022
Cas and Chary VR
12/05/2020
TECH ADVISOR - Jim Martin
06/23/2021
TECH ADVISOR - Jim Martin
06/23/2021
PCMag - Will Greenwald
04/04/2022
elev8dity
05/29/2020
Virtual Reality Oasis
11/11/2020
ThrillSeeker
01/03/2022
ThrillSeeker
01/03/2022
See All Sources
Cons & Pros
- Cons
- Pros
- Positive
- Negative
Cons - Some cons include the occasional hiccups on camera-based tracking, higher price compared to Q2, even when factoring in the optional cable for PC tethering, the Windows Mixed Reality is almost completely dead as a VR platform, it only has a tiny sweet spot, and it has issues with AMD-based PCs.
See All Sources
Inclusions
- Inclusions
- Positive
- Negative
Inclusions - The headset comes wrapped in a soft material bag with warranty information, a quick start guide, 2 controllers which have AA batteries pre-installed, a power adapter, and a 5-meter headset cable that has a breakout box at the end that features DisplayPort and USB-C cables to connect the headset to your PC.
Virtual Reality Oasis
11/11/2020
Sources
Tags
- Inclusions
Sources
- YouTube
Virtual Reality Oasis
11/11/2020
See All Sources
Build & Design
- Build
- Connectivity
- Controller
- Design
- Earphones
- Headset
- Microphone
- Speaker
- Weight
- Positive
- Negative
Build - Despite the plastic finish, it feels well-made, and there's thick foam padding around the lenses and headband. The shape is similar to the original but with comfort and motion tracking upgrades. Also, it has a smooth, plastic visor, with 2 forward-facing cameras on the front panel, a slider for adjusting the IPD, 4 side cameras for tracking movement, a facemask with memory foam, and it has velcro straps to ensure a snug fit. Additionally, it can be flipped up to see the outside world without completely removing it.
TECH ADVISOR - Jim Martin
06/23/2021
PCMag - Will Greenwald
04/04/2022
TECH ADVISOR - Jim Martin
06/23/2021
PCMag - Will Greenwald
04/04/2022
IGN - DAVE JOHNSON
04/13/2021
PCMag - Will Greenwald
04/04/2022
IGN - DAVE JOHNSON
04/13/2021
TECH ADVISOR - Jim Martin
06/23/2021
IGN - DAVE JOHNSON
04/13/2021
PCMag - Will Greenwald
04/04/2022
ThrillSeeker
01/03/2022
PCMag - Will Greenwald
04/04/2022
Connectivity - It doesn't have other audio options, such as a headphone jack or alternate headphones. Connectivity options only include USB-C 3.0 and DisplayPort 1.3 ports, and the USB-C input supports power delivery.
Controller - The controller has simple, black, plastic grips with large, LED-covered rings mounted above the controls for better tracking. The touchpads under the thumbs have been replaced with 2 control and 2 menu buttons, and triggers are placed more ergonomically. They run on 2 AA batteries per controller with a battery life of 7 to 10 hours. However, the controllers still feel cheap, with weak haptic feedback and a lack of capacitive touch sensors.
Design - Design-wise, it may be the best-looking VR headset for its price.
ThrillSeeker
01/03/2022
Earphones - The sound from the near-field earphones is good, and they sit off the ear, which allows you to hear your surroundings, but reduces immersion.
TECH ADVISOR - Jim Martin
06/23/2021
Headset - It doesn't have headphone earpads, so it lacks noise isolation and has audio bleed.
PCMag - Will Greenwald
04/04/2022
Microphone - It has built-in dual microphones, with an issue of sounding overblown, which require the audio input levels to be reduced to around 30 to make it sound okay.
Virtual Reality Oasis
11/11/2020
Speaker - The speaker drivers covered in black metal grilles are mounted on the small arms of the headband's sides, and they pivot down to sit near the ears.
Sources
Tags
- Build
- Connectivity
- Controller
- Design
- Earphones
- Headset
- Microphone
- Speaker
- Weight
Sources
- TECH ADVISOR
- PCMag
- IGN
- YouTube
TECH ADVISOR - Jim Martin
06/23/2021
PCMag - Will Greenwald
04/04/2022
TECH ADVISOR - Jim Martin
06/23/2021
PCMag - Will Greenwald
04/04/2022
IGN - DAVE JOHNSON
04/13/2021
PCMag - Will Greenwald
04/04/2022
IGN - DAVE JOHNSON
04/13/2021
TECH ADVISOR - Jim Martin
06/23/2021
IGN - DAVE JOHNSON
04/13/2021
PCMag - Will Greenwald
04/04/2022
ThrillSeeker
01/03/2022
PCMag - Will Greenwald
04/04/2022
PCMag - Will Greenwald
04/04/2022
Cas and Chary VR
12/05/2020
PCMag - Will Greenwald
04/04/2022
Cas and Chary VR
12/05/2020
Virtual Reality Oasis
11/11/2020
IGN - DAVE JOHNSON
04/13/2021
ThrillSeeker
01/03/2022
TECH ADVISOR - Jim Martin
06/23/2021
PCMag - Will Greenwald
04/04/2022
Virtual Reality Oasis
11/11/2020
PCMag - Will Greenwald
04/04/2022
IGN - DAVE JOHNSON
04/13/2021
ThrillSeeker
01/03/2022
TECH ADVISOR - Jim Martin
06/23/2021
IGN - DAVE JOHNSON
04/13/2021
See All Sources
Display & Graphics
- Display
- Image Quality
- IPD
- Refresh Rate
- Resolution
- Visual Improvements
- Visuals
- Positive
- Negative
Display - It can provide a sharp image because of its high resolution at 2,160 by 2,160 pixels per eye with a refresh rate of 90Hz, and a field of view of 114 degrees. Overall, the experience is impressive, with extremely clear text, vivid colors, and a contrast ratio that makes black look dark grey. Also, there's no screen door effect.
PCMag - Will Greenwald
04/04/2022
PCMag - Will Greenwald
04/04/2022
IGN - DAVE JOHNSON
04/13/2021
ThrillSeeker
01/03/2022
Cas and Chary VR
12/05/2020
Cas and Chary VR
12/05/2020
TECH ADVISOR - Jim Martin
06/23/2021
Virtual Reality Oasis
11/11/2020
ThrillSeeker
01/03/2022
Image Quality - LCD screens don't offer the kind of deep blacks that OLED can, but when you get immersed, you simply won't think about it.
TECH ADVISOR - Jim Martin
06/23/2021
IPD - The IPD adjustment range is 60-68mm and can be adjusted via the slider on the visor's bottom.
Refresh Rate - The WMR software allows changing refresh rates between 90Hz and 60Hz, which is used for movie watching.
Resolution - Its resolution is 2160 x 2160 per eye, but it is better than claimed due to the lenses and displays.
Visual Improvements - Some minor god rays are visible, but the screen door effect is eliminated.
Virtual Reality Oasis
11/11/2020
Visuals - It offers the best visuals for a consumer VR headset with its sharp and clear text, rich environment detail, and a decent sweet spot that allows the easier location of the center of the image. Overall, the visual quality during gaming is beautiful and more immersive.
Sources
Tags
- Display
- Image Quality
- IPD
- Refresh Rate
- Resolution
- Visual Improvements
- Visuals
Sources
- PCMag
- IGN
- YouTube
- TECH ADVISOR
PCMag - Will Greenwald
04/04/2022
PCMag - Will Greenwald
04/04/2022
IGN - DAVE JOHNSON
04/13/2021
ThrillSeeker
01/03/2022
Cas and Chary VR
12/05/2020
Cas and Chary VR
12/05/2020
TECH ADVISOR - Jim Martin
06/23/2021
Virtual Reality Oasis
11/11/2020
ThrillSeeker
01/03/2022
TECH ADVISOR - Jim Martin
06/23/2021
SeconddayTV
05/29/2020
Cas and Chary VR
12/05/2020
PCMag - Will Greenwald
04/04/2022
Cas and Chary VR
12/05/2020
TECH ADVISOR - Jim Martin
06/23/2021
ThrillSeeker
01/03/2022
TECH ADVISOR - Jim Martin
06/23/2021
Virtual Reality Oasis
11/11/2020
Virtual Reality Oasis
11/11/2020
Cas and Chary VR
12/05/2020
See All Sources
Features
- Features
- Mixed Reality Portal
- Positive
- Negative
Features - The features of the G2 include the adjustable IPD, Valve-designed lenses and earphones, 6m DisplayPort cable, and 550g or 1.2 lbs weight.
TECH ADVISOR - Jim Martin
06/23/2021
Mixed Reality Portal - There are no instructions for linking the mixed reality portal to the SteamVR library. But it was indicated online that the windows mixed reality portal must be downloaded in steam.
Virtual Reality Oasis
11/11/2020
See All Sources
Performance, Setup & Specs
- Audio
- Comfort
- Fit
- Inside-Out Tracking
- Performance
- Setup
- Specs
- Tracking
- Positive
- Negative
Audio - There are dual microphones located below, and out-of-the-box, they are very loud and can cause cracking. Therefore, to get better microphone quality, the recorded volume must be reduced in the settings, and it will make the sound better. On the other hand, the speakers are also loud and clear and give a good impression of space since they float above the ear. Performance-wise, they are best in class for watching content in VR and experiencing spatial audio, which is what they are designed for.
Comfort - It's light at around 600 grams with a head strap that make it easy to get on and off, and it also has a padded cushion that cups the back of your head. Performance-wise, it did not produce any discomfort after hours of use.
Fit - The headband hinges upwards, which makes it easier to put on, especially if you wear glasses, and unless you have unusually wide frames, they should fit comfortably in the G2.
TECH ADVISOR - Jim Martin
06/23/2021
Inside-Out Tracking - It's a tethered headset that uses inside-out tracking, which requires connecting to the PC via the 20-foot cable.
IGN - DAVE JOHNSON
04/13/2021
Performance - The better clarity and higher resolution are tempting for users who only use it for sim gaming and don't mind the controllers. Overall, the graphics it can provide are similar to Ultra HD. However, using it with an X370 motherboard and Ryzen 7 1800X CPU caused video cuts in some apps and games, sometimes temporarily or permanently.
Setup - For setup, the Windows Mixed Reality must be installed first, then connected to the hardware via the 6m cable to the headset and plug in the USB-C and DisplayPort connectors at the other end. Then plug the G2 into its power supply. After installing the WMR portal, it'll walk you through ensuring the controllers are properly paired and connected and instruct you to set up a play area. Then to use SteamVR, all you need is the "Windows Mixed Reality for SteamVR" app. Overall, the setup is simple, but you must take a few extra steps to access content afterward.
Specs - The G2 is a tethered headset that has a dual RGB LCD measuring 2.89" diagonal with 2160 x 2160 pixels per eye resolution, a 90Hz refresh rate, 114-degree horizontal FOV, 6DOF motion detection, controlled by motion controllers, Valve-designed off-ear headphones, integrated microphone, Bluetooth and USB-C connectivity, adjustable IPD between 57 – 72mm, comes with a 6m cable, requires Windows Mixed Reality that supports SteamVR, with dimensions of 2.95×7.32×3.31in or 75x186x84 mm, and weighs 1.2lb or 550g.
Tracking - The tracking has trouble when controllers are moved out of the camera's viewing range as it has a small range, so there are several areas where the controllers lose tracking, including the top of the headset, below the headset, and right in front of the headset. However, the camera-based motion tracking is generally solid but is not quite consistent. But the G2 V2 was updated with better camera angles to provide a 30% increase in tracking volume, allowing it to be placed above the head and at the sides without losing track.
Sources
Tags
- Audio
- Comfort
- Fit
- Inside-Out Tracking
- Performance
- Setup
- Specs
- Tracking
Sources
- YouTube
- PCMag
- IGN
- TECH ADVISOR
Cas and Chary VR
12/05/2020
PCMag - Will Greenwald
04/04/2022
ThrillSeeker
01/03/2022
IGN - DAVE JOHNSON
04/13/2021
Virtual Reality Oasis
11/11/2020
Virtual Reality Oasis
11/11/2020
Virtual Reality Oasis
11/11/2020
TECH ADVISOR - Jim Martin
06/23/2021
IGN - DAVE JOHNSON
04/13/2021
anthonymckay
05/29/2020
TECH ADVISOR - Jim Martin
06/23/2021
TECH ADVISOR - Jim Martin
06/23/2021
TECH ADVISOR - Jim Martin
06/23/2021
TECH ADVISOR - Jim Martin
06/23/2021
PCMag - Will Greenwald
04/04/2022
Cas and Chary VR
12/05/2020
TECH ADVISOR - Jim Martin
06/23/2021
PCMag - Will Greenwald
04/04/2022
Cas and Chary VR
12/05/2020
PCMag - Will Greenwald
04/04/2022
ThrillSeeker
01/03/2022
See All Sources
Comparison
- Comparison vs Index
- Comparison vs Pimax vs Index
- Positive
- Negative
Comparison vs Index - The Index and Reverb G2 are analogous to the Rift and Rift S. Rift was intended to be as good as possible for its time, and was replaced with Rift S, an upgrade with better resolution, inside-out tracking, lower price, and better convenience. On the other hand, the intention with Index was similar to Rift and was replaced by G2 as a cheaper side-grade with higher resolution and inside-out tracking.
auwsmit
05/29/2020
Comparison vs Pimax vs Index - The Index has a unique controller, higher FOV, base stations, and higher refresh rate, while Reverb 2 seems more like a Rift S+.
Indyjones007
05/29/2020
See All Sources
Price
- Price
- Positive
- Negative
See All Sources
Miscellaneous
- Concerns
- Customer Support
- Deleting Reviews
- Improvements
- Issues - Camera Placement
- Issues - Focus
- Issues - Sweet Spot
- Issues - Tracking
- Issues
- Lack - Capacitive Sensors
- Lack - Lighthouse Support
- Requirement
- Target Market
- Positive
- Negative
Concerns - It retails for $599/£639 with the highest available resolution display at 2160x2160 pixels per eye. In the US, it costs $599 from HP. In the UK, direct from HP, it costs £622.80. Due to that lack of availability, prices range from £650 to £950.
SvenViking
05/29/2020
Customer Support - Some concerns for the G2 include the lack of capacitive sensors in the controller and the 6m long cable. But a pro is the ability to flip up the headset when you want a break or want to check your surroundings. HP's lack of customer support is worth noting before buying a unit.
Deleting Reviews - HP is deleting honest reviews for G2 in their forum.
OverenthusiasticWind
01/03/2021
Improvements - If you buy a G2 right now, it'll still just say G2. However, you'll get an upgraded version with a massive hardware-based tracking update that should improve accuracy and tracking volume by 30%. This updated face gasket system improves the field of view clarity. It increases comfort for glasses wares, the ability to launch SteamVR without the Windows Mixed Reality portal, and a longer cable with better support for AMD video cards.
ThrillSeeker
01/03/2022
Issues - Camera Placement - The camera placement may cause issues, as it looks like it will easily lose track when reaching high. It would be better if they went for a Quest design with those cameras.
r/VirtualReality
05/29/2020
Issues - Focus - The focus will be lost if it moves a bit on your head while moving around, as does immersion, so you'll have to stop and put it right as the blurriness is nauseating.
TECH ADVISOR - Jim Martin
06/23/2021
Issues - Sweet Spot - The sweet spot is very small, and looking ahead, it will give a great lifelike definition, but the edges and things are very blurry, so you need to spend time getting the G2 adjusted perfectly when you put it on, as there's no room for error.
TECH ADVISOR - Jim Martin
06/23/2021
Issues - Tracking - The G2 cameras don't like working in a restricted space, despite no minimum space requirements, and they need the right amount of light. Otherwise, they simply can't properly track head movements.
TECH ADVISOR - Jim Martin
06/23/2021
Issues - Audio also cuts out but was fixed with a firmware update, and video issues were fixed by plugging the headset into the USB-C to USB-A converter, then plugging that into one of the USB 3 ports on the hub and plugging that into a USB-C port on the motherboard.
TECH ADVISOR - Jim Martin
06/23/2021
Lack - Capacitive Sensors - The controllers lack capacitive sensors.
ThrillSeeker
01/03/2022
Lack - Lighthouse Support - There's no lighthouse support. A full lighthouse is not necessarily needed in a way where the HMD tracks itself, and the lighthouse tracks the controllers, and you use some math to line up the spaces.
PumkinSpiceTrukNuts
05/29/2020
Requirement - The G2 requires a minimum of an Intel Core i5 CPU and an Nvidia GeForce 1080 or AMD Radeon 5700 GPU.
PCMag - Will Greenwald
04/04/2022
Target Market - The resolution is higher but depends on the use cases for each user, but for simmers, the G2 will be the purchase to make without question.
dsaddons
05/29/2020
Sources
Tags
- Concerns
- Customer Support
- Deleting Reviews
- Improvements
- Issues - Camera Placement
- Issues - Focus
- Issues - Sweet Spot
- Issues - Tracking
- Issues
- Lack - Capacitive Sensors
- Lack - Lighthouse Support
- Requirement
- Target Market
Sources
- YouTube
- TECH ADVISOR
- PCMag
SvenViking
05/29/2020
Ringo717
01/03/2021
WShekster
01/03/2021
OverenthusiasticWind
01/03/2021
ThrillSeeker
01/03/2022
r/VirtualReality
05/29/2020
TECH ADVISOR - Jim Martin
06/23/2021
TECH ADVISOR - Jim Martin
06/23/2021
TECH ADVISOR - Jim Martin
06/23/2021
TECH ADVISOR - Jim Martin
06/23/2021
ThrillSeeker
01/03/2022
PumkinSpiceTrukNuts
05/29/2020
PCMag - Will Greenwald
04/04/2022
dsaddons
05/29/2020
See All Sources
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