HP Reverb G2 Review

The Reverb G2 is a tethered headset, meaning it must always be connected to a computer via a cable. To get the most out of the headset, the computer should have a powerful graphics card (recommended: NVIDIA® GTX 1080 or higher for the highest resolution, or NVIDIA® GTX 1060 for lower resolutions).

The HP Reverb G2 offers the same display resolution as its predecessor, the HP Reverb G1. However, due to the improved lenses, the image quality is significantly enhanced. The G2's display consists of two panels, each with a refresh rate of 90 Hz, and a crystal-clear resolution of 2160 x 2160 pixels per eye. Combined, this results in a total of 4320 x 2160 pixels, which is unprecedented among comparable VR headsets! To give an idea of how the image quality compares to other headsets: the Reverb G2 boasts a whopping 9.3 million pixels on the screen. That's more than two and a half times the number of pixels found in the Oculus Rift S!

Thanks to the updated display technology, colours are beautifully and accurately rendered. However, it remains a challenge that black is not displayed as true black (as is the case with OLED displays). Another example of the extremely high resolution of the Reverb G2 is that it significantly improves professional use. Where reading in virtual reality was previously limited by the relatively small sweet spot of other headsets, this is no longer an issue with the Reverb G2!

The HP Reverb G2 uses improved lenses. These lenses ensure that images are displayed more beautifully, there is less ghosting in the headset, and the sweet spot is larger. The improvement in the sweet spot is a significant advantage over comparable headsets. With the Reverb G2, the sweet spot is not limited to a single spot you need to focus on, but is much broader (for example, compared to the HTC Vive Pro, Valve Index, and Oculus Rift S). Additionally, the IPD (interpupillary distance, the distance between your eyes) is adjustable between 60 mm and 68 mm. This adjustability makes the headset practically suitable for everyone.

The FoV (field of view) of the HP Reverb G2 is 114 degrees. This is comparable to the Reverb G1. However, combined with the better sweet spot, the FoV of the HP Reverb G2 promises to be even better than that of the G1.

Due to the extremely high resolution and improved lenses, the Reverb G2 comes as close as possible to eliminating the screen door effect. This makes the headset exceptionally suitable for watching videos or playing simulation games, as virtual reality has never looked so realistic with the G2.

The G2 has four built-in cameras, two more than the G1. These two extra side cameras (placed on the sides of the headset) ensure that the tracking of the space and the controller is more reliable. The inside-out tracking means that the headset unfortunately cannot be used with external sensors by default and therefore cannot be used with Valve Index controllers and/or Vive trackers.

The controllers of the Reverb G2 have been improved compared to the known models. The design has remained similar, but the controllers now offer better tracking and more possibilities regarding individual finger tracking (like the Oculus touch controllers). The controllers now automatically connect to the headset as soon as it is turned on, so you no longer need to pair the controllers with the headset each time.

The tracking of controllers has also been significantly improved. Especially with the addition of the two extra side cameras on the headset, you can move the controllers much more freely without losing tracking. However, there is still a point on the top of the headset where the controllers are in a blind spot. In that case, external sensor tracking remains superior to inside-out camera tracking, although inside-out tracking is also very practical in use.

The Reverb G2 uses the same headphones as the Valve Index. This headset, and its headphones, are praised for their excellent sound that rotates 180 degrees around the user. This makes the sound feel like you are in a movie, greatly enhancing the immersion. The ear cups of the headphones can be moved forwards and backwards, as well as up and down. This allows the headphones to be adjusted to fit everyone well and makes it absolutely not bothersome to have the headphones on your ears. The Reverb G2 does not have a headphone jack, so it is unfortunately not possible to detach the built-in headphones and connect your own (wired) headphones.

The Reverb G2 has the same (dual) built-in microphone as the G1. One of the microphones is specifically intended for use during gaming, while the other microphone can be used for voice commands (via Cortana).

The HP Reverb G2 offers a similar fit to the Valve Index. That's good news; because the Valve Index is an incredibly comfortable headset! Another handy feature is that the entire headband can be tilted up at a 90-degree angle. This makes it comfortable to hold the headset against your face without actually putting it on. This is especially useful for users who frequently put the headset on and off (such as developers).

The headset can be secured by tightening the Velcro straps. The G2 does not have a dial like the Valve Index on the back of the headset. This means the back of the headset cannot be tightened, and you need to loosen the Velcro straps each time someone else uses the headset.

The Reverb G2 is one of the lightest headsets currently available. Weighing only 550 grams, the headset is very light and comfortable to wear for extended periods. Only the Oculus Rift CV1 (which is now out of production) is a lighter headset at 471 grams.