What parents need to know about the VR gear their kids want

Thinking of treating your family to some virtual reality this holiday? Have no idea where to start? Don’t worry.

From Google’s cheap Cardboard VR headset to Sony’s new PlayStation VR, this guide will help you figure out what makes sense for your family’s interests, needs, and budget. These are your options whether you want to dip your toe in the water, wade knee-deep in water, or really swim with the big VR fish.

Keep in mind that VR is a rapidly changing technology, so always check company websites, professional reviews on sites like CNETand user reviews before taking the leap.

Virtual reality headsets are inexpensive handheld devices that offer three-dimensional views and the feeling of being in a different place. Spectator Lenses work by extending the depth of static images or animation, but do not allow you to interact with your surroundings. To use them, download any app labeled “VR” on iTunes or Google Play, launch the app, and insert your smartphone into the headset. Most viewers use their phone button or other basic input to control the action.

key features

• Cheap

• Compatible with most smartphones and iOS or Android apps labeled “VR” (except View-Master, which uses specially designed apps)

• More like a 3D movie than true virtual reality

• Best for educational content and games

• Currently, the selection of high-quality applications is quite limited. try the Virtual Reality VR Stories from the New York Times Y these recommendations.

Products in this category

• google cardboard ($14.99)

Literally made of cardboard, this DIY handheld device is a fun and novel way to experience virtual reality. Use it with any iOS or Android smartphone and VR apps. Google offers many different viewers, including the steampunk-looking one Google Tech C-1 Glass Virtual Reality Viewer ($14.99).

• SmartTheater Virtual Reality Headset ($19.99)

This is a comfortable scope with adjustable lenses, a head strap, and an easy-to-use trigger input. It comes with a cardboard handheld motion controller that adds some oomph to gaming. It works with most smartphones and any iOS or Android VR app.

• View-Master Virtual Reality ($29.99)

Designed for learning rather than playing, View-Master is available in a variety of packs that let you explore dinosaurs, space, wildlife, and more. Each pack includes insertable image reels (your phone provides the power). Works with most smartphones and specially designed View-Master iOS or Android apps.

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Moving up in price and features are VR headsets. They are similar to viewers in that you download VR apps from the app store and insert your phone into them. The headset works with exactly the same apps as the headset (except Samsung Gear VR and Google Daydream View, but they give you a more immersive experience).

The advantages of headphones are that they are more comfortable to wear for longer, fit better (avoiding light leakage), have better lenses, and often have headphone ports. That’s why some people like to use them to watch videos. They don’t make videos three-dimensional, but they do provide a personal, cinema-like experience. They also typically have game controllers built into the headset or work with handheld controllers, giving you more choice in apps than you would with a simple headset.

key features

• More expensive than viewers

• Compatible with most smartphones (except Samsung Gear VR and Google Daydream View) and iOS or Android apps labeled “VR”

• A more believable experience that you are there, but with a limited ability to interact with your environment

• Good for gaming, educational content, and movie viewing

• Currently, the selection of high-quality applications is quite limited. try the Virtual Reality VR Stories from the New York Times Y these recommendations.

• Headphones have minimum age requirements set by manufacturers; check the age before buying.

Products in this category

• Merge VR Glasses ($79)

These large purple headsets are made of flexible foam and feature dual audio ports and input buttons for easy in-game control. Works with most iOS and Android VR apps.

• Google dream view ($79; ships November 2016)

Made from fabric, these lightweight and luxurious headsets are designed specifically for Google’s new Daydream VR platform. The platform includes Daydream-compatible phones (like the company’s Pixel phone), apps, and controllers. Daydream View comes with a controller and the company says there will be 50 apps at launchincluding games, educational content and streaming services.

• Samsung VR Team ($99)

Designed exclusively for Samsung phones, the Gear VR features an input panel on the side of the headset and works with bluetooth controllers, allowing you to easily navigate games. Works with Gear VR compatible games (including Minecraft Gear VR Edition).

• VR Kix Virtual Reality Headset ($49.99)

Individually adjustable lenses, a close fit, and a smartphone tray you can customize for your phone make the Kix a good choice for quality VR on any smartphone. Works with most iOS and Android VR apps.

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Right now, Sony offers the only VR game console. The company’s just-in-time-for-holidays PlayStation VR headset works with the PlayStation 4. If you don’t already have a PS4, you can buy the PlayStation 4 Slim or PlayStation 4 Pro (also new for the holidays) and the PSVR. The headset plus the power provided by the console provide an immersive and interactive virtual reality experience.

key features

• expensive

• Limited to Sony PlayStation

• Fully immersive and interactive; motion sickness potential

• Games tend to be mature but plentiful, including Batman Arkham VR, 100ft Robot Golf, Final Fantasy XV VR, Battlezone, and Resident Evil 7.

• Recommended by Sony the minimum age is 12.

Products in this category

• PlayStation VR Launch Pack ($499.99)

It includes everything you need to turn your PS4 into a virtual reality machine, including a headset, a camera, two motion controllers, a game, and cables.

• playstation 4 slim ($299.99); PSVR sold separately

A slimmer, newly redesigned version of the PS4, this one has improved graphics, an illuminated controller, and runs quieter.

• playstation 4 pro ($399.99); PSVR sold separately

Better graphics, faster action, and optimized to work better with specific “Pro-Enhanced” games

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You may have heard of the oculus Rift and HTC Vive, which sound ominous. These are ultra-powerful VR headsets that provide a fully immersive experience; some call it “the Holodeck” in reference to the alternate reality of Star Trek. Both require powerful, high-end PCs (costing upwards of $500).

key features

• Super expensive

• Require compatible games (for example, Everest VR is exclusive to Vive) and high-powered computers

• Full interactivity with your environment

• Games tend to be mature, including The Assembly and Deus Ex Mankind Divided.

• Ideal for families with teenagers; Oculus Rift minimum manufacturer age is 13; Valve claims that Vive is “not for kids”.

Products in this category

• htc lives ($799)

It offers a “room-scale experience.” If your kids play games on the Steam gaming network, they’ve probably seen ads for HTC Vive as it’s made by the same company, Valve, which owns Steam. Steam offers some exclusive Vive games designed to take advantage of the unique capabilities of these headsets.

• oculus crack ($599)

It comes with everything to make VR happen except the computer: a headset, a sensor, a remote, cables, an Xbox controller, and a game.