0:19 l'novo 3:08 Lnovo 5:47 leenovo 5:53 lenovovo 6:05 lenuovo 6:28 lenvo 7:01 lwlnvo 7:59 menovo 8:15 lenoov 9:42 lwleoawvo

9:41 My favourite pronunciation of "Lenovo"

Honestly "afraid of investing in a subpar experience" is definitely the dominant opinion I've seen from people hesitant to jump into VR. I'm saving up for the Index but I'm a bit of a perfectionist so I definitely wouldn't expect everyone to agree with me

He pronounces it in alot of funny ways, but the one that really caught me off guard was the ''llellennovfvvo'' at 9:42

I love how he pronounces Lenovo a different way every time he does lmfao.

top tip for wmr users: about every year or whenever it gets noticeably bad, you'll want to disassemble your controllers and clean the battery contacts or your controllers will think that the batteries are low/flat if they actually aren't

I hate people who treat VR like a guarded wall like you have to have the best or nothing. I have an index, but I always say if you want to experience VR you're not missing a ton if you go for a Windows mixed reality headset it is still an amazing experience.

5:54 Ah yes, the "Fallout 3" filter.

*uses valve index exclusive weapon skins whilst playing with a lenovo* "wait, that's illegal"

I was one of those "it's either Index or nothing". Now I really intend to buy a WMR device and dig into VR. Thank you very much, Philip, for clearing things up for us!

Massive respect on the connectivity bit - both you for mentioning it, and them for pulling it off. I gotta tell you - I didn't expect it any other way, and am a bit disappointed the Index needs an external PSU and uses DP.

6:15 At first I thought those were his legs

You are dangerously close to dealing fatal damage to my bank account, please spare me

Lenovo’s headset really gives you that headcrab on face experience

This video actually convinced me to buy a VR headset 2 years ago, and as a proud Lenovo Explorer owner, I am now playing through Half-Life Alyx for the second time. Thanks Philip for this detailed comparison, without it, I may have never experienced vr for myself.

Thx Philip for this Video. I was actually thinking getting a "proper" VR device will kost at least 500€. A WMR Headset was never an Option for me. Buying a VR Headset in the future was allways on the back of my head but for me they paywall was too high. After this Video I was looking aroung for an used WMR Device. I found an called "Medion Erazer", which seems to be the exact sam headset like the Lenovo one you are using in the video, under the name of another brand. I am having a blast using my new headset for the past 2 days now. Thank you for informing me on such things you called out in the video. I myself was to lazy too look such things up. Thank you for your content. Keep going. Love you.

A good "hack" for the Lenovo Explorer is switching the headband that goes on your forehead, with the headband that's on the back of the device. It puts your face closer to your screen and sort of forces a higher FOV. It worked great for me and improved my experiences a lot. I got my Lenovo Explorer for only €180, which is a bargain compared to the other headsets, and the price you'll have to pay for that is fiddling with the Mixed Reality software and making same DIY hacks on the headset for better comfort. But imo, this headset is superrrrr comfortable because of the low weight, and the good and soft pad. I'm lucky my nose fits in the hole, and because of this, I found this headset more comfortable that the Oculus Rift (S), haven't tried the Index tho. Also if the pad doesn't fit your nose or isn't comfortable, you can buy a €20 pad from VRcover that is more comfortable or buy a premium thick Vive pad, which fits kind of awkwardly but still fits and really blocks out ALL the light. A lot of the Lenovo Explorer shortcomings are fixed with some DIY hacks is what I'm pointing at (except for the crappy software sadly). Another tip is: Good rechargable batteries are expensive, but you can get the LADDA batteries from IKEA which are like the "Premium" Eneloop batteries. The LADDA cost only 6 per 4 pack, while the Eneloops go up to 30, and the catch is that they are both made in the same factory, meaning they are essentially the same battery. Beware though, the Lenovo Explorer is pretty much one of the top 3 Windows Mixed Reality devices, and the other ones from HP and Acer aren't as good but still go for the same price. So your experience may differ with another headset.

I was ignorant. I fell right into this "best or nothing" trap. Thank you, 2kliksphilip, for opening my eyes to the world of budget VR. I still bought the Valve Index though.

I felt it when he said “Lanueovuh”

“If the base stations are set up properly” Proceeds to show base stations pointing upwards from the floor.

As a long time WMR (Dell Visor) user, it's rare to see your hardware taken seriously. The comparison is always "it's not better than the index", which completely misses the point and when people think about getting into VR it's always "oculus or index"

Hey Philip, It seems like you accidentally uploaded a video that wasn't a longest killfeed video. Hope you fix this issue in the future.

Ive owned the explorer for about 3 years and I think I paid £140 from eBay. I love it. It introduce me to VR without breaking the bank. I was able to play the games that I wanted to play such as HLA, Boneworks, Pavlov. Zero complaints. It's a great headset for occasional VR play or just hanging out in VR chat.

10:31 When you're playing Half Life: Arizona

As someone who's owned the Lenovo Explorer for two years now, let me just say that you won't be disappointed for the price. You are definitely missing out on comfort and finger tracking, but if your first foray into VR is only $230, you will absolutely not regret it. I've had so much fun playing around with VR games and tech that this might be the best purchase I've made, except for the PC its self

Imagine if Microsoft would make an updated version of these for around 300 dollars, that would really put some pressure on oculus

A great and nicely balanced piece, that enables people to assess opposite ends of the price range in a more informed way.

this was a super helpful and informative video, I love your approach to coovering VR content

"Blacks - Poor VS quite poor" phillip out here with the social commentary

This video literally changed my view on vr and it's availability with a small budget

You know what's not a compromise? Watching your quallity content on KZfaq.

i love the message at the beginning. i’ve been stressing about saving up for the index because i want the best possible experience, but instead of shooting for an unrealistic goal and getting nothing at all, i’d rather enjoy vr at a lower cost

Lenovo, lenoov, linovo, man you had me laughing my ass off every time you said it differently

The biggest issue with VR is literally everything being out of stock

I’ve had my index for two weeks and I’m loving it! I came from a quest 1 which was a good headset in my opinion, but the display and controllers on the index are soooooo much better

22:40 The background gameplay is absolutely hilarious, especially with the look on his face as he commits about 3 felonies

For the first time ever I'm actually considering getting a VR headset. I swear this is something only you can do, great video!

possibly also worth mentioning that mixed reality headsets go on massive sale often, I got mine for $99 for the headset then £50 for the controllers, which are annoying to find. Also mixed reality for steam VR doesn't need launched separately, if you just start the game, then it opens automatically

This was an amazing video! thank you for putting the time and work into it!

9:42 I’m dying😂 “the leurverrrererle”

90% immersion 75% visual quality 50% comfort 25% price and 100% worth it

Thank you for not being biased. I'm getting tired of people saying WMR is useless

Thank you for this amazing video, many rewatches later while making decisions I had a Lenovo Explorer I managed to pick up used for $50CAD, played quite a while with that while I got used to VR because I've never explored it before, now I have a valve index and just like you claim, the difference is not make or break, but there is a difference, eitherway I had alot of fun on both pieces of hardware.

This is still one of my favorite videos by philip, even on the whole platform!

How many different ways can you say lenovo? 2kliksphilip: are you sure you wanna try me?

Ahem. I expected shirtless gameplay...

Thank you for covering the controllers! No one ever does and it's one of the most important issues to me and my tiny girly hands!

Well made video, now that I know a good yet cheap VR experience is possible, I'm going to consider buying into one in the next couple years. Thanks!

Best VR headset review i've ever seen. Probably because i just learned the fact that i don't neet to be a billionaire's son to play Half Life Alyx.

You can use “OVR Advanced Settings” to change color balance in real time with steamvr

Your introduction to the caveats is fantastic.

0:40 FLIPPED SIDEWAYS FLOOR MATTRESS AGAINST THE WALL we are looking at a true gamer in his natural habitat

"250$/205£" lmao no, in this period they have doubled the prices, ESPECIALLY on ebay man I hate scalpers

Alternative Title: Phillip mispronounces Lenovo for 23 Minutes straight

the only video i sit thru watching as none-VRer. thanks a lot, now i know what i need to get.

The different ways of saying "lenovo" were all quite good but 9:42 made me lol for real

so happy i grabbed an OG Rift for £190 last Christmas, even has a fan added to the top to keep my vision balls chilled B^)

Thanks philip, I've been holding off VR because I was worried I would be stuck with a sub par experience if I went with cheaper options than the flagship VR choices. But this video cleared everything up. I will be saving up for an affordable and still decent experience now thanks to you.

My first was a PSVR. Two days into owning it I already knew I wanted more and started saving for an Index, which I now have. No regrets whatsoever. I still suggest PSVR along with Quest or Rift for first time buyers. Just like he said, they are all amazing machines that provide relatively the same experience. The Index is, how he put it, a Lexus.

I’m glad you’ve had the positive experience with camera tracking, outside in is REALLY going to be the future for non-professional VR. I’ve never had issues with my Rift S either, and I play Pavlov regularly

Something to note about the batteries is that you will want to get rechargeables that are 1.5v. Some of the most popular ones are only rated for 1.3v and while you can still use them only expect them to last for a couple of hours at most.

Lenovo is the kings of being way too good for being usually the cheapest option

9:42 is by far the best pronunciation of the entire video

That little tongue movement at 2:29 made my day

im telling everyone right now, i bought a dell wmr headset for $170 bucks used and it was so worth it. its not perfect but its fun and does the job . also everyone go get a vrcover its a 3rd party cover worth every penny

I'm already playing with the Lenovo Explorer, and I can totally recommend it. It's a good way to jump into VR and learn about its Pros and Cons. Of cause the Lenovo Explorer is not as good at tracking as a complete VR-Setup with wall mounted sensors, but it's faster to set up. Take your VR-Setup to a friend or your family, just to show them how VR could work, is so easy and just plug-and-play. Now, two years of using the Lenovo Explorer, I think about buying a bigger VR-Setup. But nevertheless, I can totally recommend the Lenovo Explorer to every one who want to see what VR is good for. And hey, I can play and stream Half Life: Alyx and it works great! Coop ON! 💚

I'm currently in the process of upgrading to the index, for the following reasons: - The software IPD option does work, but the problem is that my IPD goes beyond the limits of what the software allows you to do. The minimum is 60, but my IPD is more around 58/59. I was able to change the setting further, but only through an archaic practice of messing with some tucked away files. - tracking is generally good enough for swordplay or something like that, but often times too jittery for smooth gunplay, causing me to miss when I shouldn't. - Throwing objects is a pain, due to the need to have these in your fov for them to maintain any momentum. Underhand works fine, but try throwing something overhand, and it'll maybe go 2 or 3 meters before hitting the ground. - The issue of controller collision. Seems like a lot more games are going for more realistic reloading schemes, which is difficult when you keep banging your controllers together. - Getting into the experience is a pain. I constantly have to wrestle with my headset just to get my PC to recognize my playspace on entry. If something goes wrong and the VR software crashes, I have to do this all over again, and spend 10 minutes getting it to work. - It takes forever just to get into Steam VR, and from there, there's a good chance that whatever game I boot up will crash on startup. This happens more often when I have the flashlight feature active, leading me to believe it's likely an issue with the WMR software. The flashlight feature is basically a thing where you can look at wherever you're pointing with your controllers through your cameras, though in black and white. Useful for grabbing a drink without removing the headset.

And on the "Alyx costs $1000 to play" argument, I think we really didn't have any proper counter-argument before you took the dive. Thanks for the video, really, it might help change the landscape!

Let's compare VR headsets! Philip: *shoots self in back, invents 3 new yoga poses and tries to swallow controllers to mislead tracking system*

I got EXTREMELY lucky when I started hunting cheap vr headsets on ebay after boneworks came out, I got an acer wmr headset (development edition, so a bit earlier one with a shitty headband) for 80 DOLLARS used. Yeahhhh the headband was broken....yeahhh the hinge was broken too....but I got to DIY fix it all to a very decently comfortable state, and honestly the price was worth it for the controllers alone. Completed half-life alyx on it too, absolute blast. Since I live in Hungary I'm quite broke anyways so I wouldn't have been able to spend much more money on it, and yet it's a great time. VR is worth it for the immersion itself even with less good comfort and people tend to forget that.

Thank you for the car analogy, I've never heard anyone put it that way but it makes sense, you don't need an expensive car just to move around.

one of the best vr videos ive seen yet. hopefully it will open a few peoples eyes. wmr is a great headset for its price. you dont need the best of the best. i could afford a valve index if i really wanted. just as i could put a deposit down on a ferrarri (ok maybe not. maybe a junked ferrarri lol) if i really wanted. doesnt mean i need to. my toyota altezza gets me around town just fine, as does my lenovo wmr for vr. i have had it for years and wont be upgrading until something decent enough convinces me. i was addicted since the first time i tried it and use it weekly. it is not google cardboard. it is real vr. and its cheap. even 2+years ago i managed to pick one up on amazon for $240usd and shipped to new zealand. very happy with my purchase.

I have a Lenovo Explorer, honestly, pretty good. Not too heavy, pretty good resolution and refresh rate. The only bad thing is the controllers, mine just don't sync sometimes. Edit: Resolution and refresh rate is better than the Quest/Rift S, but I think the lenses are worse as I still struggle some times. Edit 2: Completely agree about comfort, I seem to have got it to feel better by just not using the foam on my nose and poking it away, nothing rests on my nose. I also hate the audio jack position. Edit 3: I mainly use it for development, and it is amazing for that due to the fact it can play oculus games and steam games, while also using the windows store. It also means I can tune all my controller settings for every device due to being able to emulate every main one. Works flawlessly with Unity and the devs have a load of documentation. I have recently been working on some AI things with the wmr passthrough, like for instance, because it doesn't have it by default, when I go too close to my walls, it will enable passthrough so I can see where I am and recentre. Another thing is that I have managed to get the cameras to detect people so when someone comes in my room, passthrough highlights them inside the game so I don't swing for them by mistake. Edit 5: Yes, these scripts are heavy on CPUs, I'm running the detection on a python script using two cores on my r7 2700. It might take away from my tracking, but I haven't noticed that. Edit 4: Good job Phillip, very fair review.

This video must have been lots of hard work, thank you for the good video Mr klik :D

I'm from the future. The Oculus Quest 2 is all the rage. It also has its own Android computer built in. It will also hook up to your PC for more advanced games. Great video for the time you recorded it.

Good tracking is a relief. I think aspects like that are the most important since they can more directly get in the way of you playing. Bad tracking would instantly make you notice it take you out of the experience. But the “immersion” part or the color filter you can get used to and not notice after a while.

I have a Lenovo Explorer that I'll be soon swapping for an Index (as soon as they're in stock, that is). The ONE comfort improvement that makes it a different headset altogether is simple - Buy a Deluxe Audio Strap. I got one used for about €60 and it upped the comfort of the headset incredibly. Increased FOV, no unnecessary forehead pressure, and headphones with good sound quality - an all-over enhancement that makes the experience quality skyrocket. A secondary - but mandatory - modification is swapping the face foam for a Vive replacement cover.

I needed this video so much - and I had absolutely no idea I needed it. I wasn't even aware of budget VR options. Not that I was ever actively searching for any. As stated in the video, I was convinced that "Alyx costs $1000". I thought it's way out of my budget. Now I might consider partaking in this brave new world of consumer VR. Thanks, 2soapgrater!

Just an anecdote. I first watched this about a year ago, after seeing modded Skyrim and getting quite into the idea of VR. I hadn't been of the, "Index or nothing," camp but I still couldn't justify the purchase not knowing what I was really getting into. This video was the one that swayed me, and I hunted around until finding a new in box, FIRST gen HP VR set for $100. I thought, at such a price, I'd be able to make do with any shortcomings. And as a whole, I could. I ignored the screendoor effect, the subpar tracking and software. I sacrificed a pair of headphones to be permanently duct taped to the thing. But the biggest issue was comfort, which massively degraded the whole experience. There was no getting immersed, not when I couldn't turn my head without the whole thing shifting no matter how tight I had it, and the weight aching my neck within minutes. So I shelved it and went on. I'm not saying WMR is bad. I can't, as I haven't experienced it all. I'm just recommending away from the HP. I'm aware it wasn't out when this video was made, and that this is as stereotypical that you can get, but the best current budget option is easily the Quest. I got it at $250 Black Friday (Still the TYPICAL price of a WMR headset these years later) and have put in nearly 100* hours in the three months since. If it still isn't for you, since it's a current product you'll be able to return it, or at least pawn it off to an interested friend. (*: Counted both SteamVR and individual game play times, adding up to 200 rather than 100 hours.)

Well, I did own a Lenovo WMR in the first place, but I still bought Valve Index after a year in VR with WMR, it did served well. For a few months into Index, what I found some of the advantages of the index are the knuckles, the tracking, the durability of the controller, and most importantly, more immersive. but on the other hand, indeed, the WMR are really light, and convenient to carry around. My advice to those who struggle around, if you just want to try VR, WMRs are your best choice for theirs decent price. If you want to immerse in the Virtual Reality world, Valve Index are the best now on the market

i thought the title said "The Cheapest VR IS the Valve Index"

I might actually buy this headset, thanks for the review ;)

I just received my explorer yesterday and I'm addicted to it, best purchase of my life besides my computer

Love the video and the gameplay!!

I've had the Lenovo Explorer for a year now, and it's kind of falling to pieces right now. I can't flip the goggles up or down anymore because the part is on the verge of breaking, about 3 months after I got the headset the part was already getting weak and when I looked down to my feet, it would open by itself. So what I did is I attached a rubber band between the head rest and the goggles (somehow) and now it stays on my face when I wear it, at the cost of not being able to open it anymore. And that's fine! Well, even if I have to tweak the software and hardware, it does the job. It works. and it's wonderful. Best 200€ ever spent :) . Sure, it's not the best, but what it's offering you is a whole new way to play and to interact with other people online. I would recommend it to anyone who can afford it!

got my samsung odyssy that you mentioned in the end when hl:a first came out 100% worth it

i am waiting for next gen VR. I feel like VR has hit a good quality point but i wanne see what next gen will bring to the table. Very good video btw good comparison and DIY fixes for the lenn-eovo headset :p

I bought a Lanova WMR for £140, played all the way through HalfLife Alyx, and loved every second of it. The overview at 0:47 is bang on, I don’t have a vive or index to compare it to, so once I’m in game I can’t tell its all Blue and Lenava vision at all

Thanks for this. Definitely lowered my budget. It’s interesting how you mentioned that you’d only find issues if you looked for them. That’s exactly the criteria that Valve followed in bug fixing for HLA. If a player was trying to see if they could break the game, that’s not something they bothered looking into.

Although not covered, and not really sold anymore besides third parties, I used the original Oculus Rift (the one that they just replaced with the Rift S not a dev kit or something) and absolutely loved the experience. They're found for around the same price as the Lenovo, and I had finger tracking on four of my five fingers with the Touch controllers, and a really nice FOV with good colors.

I think a big issue is that a lot of VR content creators are creating this "Best or Bust" narrative. But this video finally shows it's not necessary. But for the enthusiasts it's also worth going for the pricy ones. And with the cheaper ones you can always upgrade later when the wallet is thicker and the latest gen is just out.

this video was so good, I watched it twice!

I have the Acer wmr headset. In most games tracking only breaks when I try to break it, but in vr chat it breaks constantly because my arms r naturally by my sides so out of the fov of the cameras

13:32 "kliks" wasn't edited into a subtle "kliks(phillip)" Immersion ruined

i like these type of videos! wish i could see a rundown/comparison of the various WMR devices.....

2 tipps: if you have problem with controllers needing pairing over again, try another Bluetooth dongle - it helped in my case. You can increase the FOV by getting the lenses closer to the eyes - you can easily swap the foam padding on the head strap thanks to velcro - the back foam is thinner and it will reduce the eye-lens distance.

I've had an HP WMR headset since their initial release (Around 3 years) and it's been awesome. There are some games that don't support it, but those are the really small games. (Mainly because of keybind support). I've been enjoying playing titles like boneworks and half life alyx with next to no compromises. Inside out tracking is a lot better than I initially thought it'd be. That being said, it has a couple downsides. The biggest ones are just due to age. Microsoft has discontinued the WMR lineup, so eventually they may start having problems. The warranty is only one year and about 3 years in I've started to notice dead pixels on the display. Over my time using it I've learned that extending the cable using a HDMI repeater and a USB 3.0 extension has made it so there is plenty of cable to play in my space. I've also learned that messing around with the strap position can shift the weight of the headset between the back of the head and the forehead. Doing this I've easily had all day play sessions with next to no comfort issues. (Granted, the HP one has padding between your nose and the plastic). The resolution and FOV are a little low, but after you start playing a game you completely stop noticing it and you're completely immersed. I tend to thread the cable through my shirt to keep it from flopping about. The controllers *do* start to hurt your hands after a while of games like boneworks where grip isn't toggle. My color is actually really good. No tint. The controllers don't have any unique battery level detection, so it'll always say they're low when you're using rechargable batteries. I notice I go through about one set a play session, but my sessions are pretty long. (6-8 hours) The buttons on the controller and the joystick eventually do become spongy and squeaky with use, but I only started noticing it after the third year of heavy use. This is best kept in mind if you're buying a used headset. Keep in mind that the USB cable *requires* USB 3.0 speeds. That's all my points. Hope it was useful. TLDR; It's worth it but make sure you are aware that the hardware will wear out over time.

“the cheapest” oculus: hold my headset

No one who paid a thousand dollars would want to admit it, but here's my honest opinion: I have a Lenovo Explorer, it has its faults but you can learn to live with them. You can add protection to not scratch lenses with glasses. You can modify the controllers for 3,7V recharchable batteries (still looking for a better solution). Ziptie the cable on the back. Also: You're using the nose padding wrong! Put it up so it doesn't squeeze your nose. Unlike the Index's, the Lenovo's padding can be removed more easily and washed without worrying about a plastic frame. So I just got an Index and it trades one thing for another... The good: no IPD issues, no additional WMR app, the controller ring (?) doesn't get in the way. Finger tracking is nice. Possibility of full body tracking (if you buy 3 vive trackers I think). Behind the back tracking (maybe good for VR chat or something). Throwing stuff in HL ALyx is awesome. Longer cable. Over ear speakers. The bad: finger tracking isn't always accurate. Sometimes it accidentaly grabs objects in HL ALyx (but I think you can learn to reduce it). The menu buttons are very hard to reach (for screenshots etc.). To fix that, loosen the straps, but be careful not to throw the controller away while throwing stuff in VR. Trackpads are very small. Thumbsticks positions are... not so good for my taste, too far on top. The HMD gets hot as hell. With glasses there is not much gain of the additional field of view. White text on dark backgrounds look crap. There's not much difference in resolution. I didn't notice any difference in color at all. It's twice as heavy as the Lenovo, so during fast head movements: you have to move more weight around... first I thought "wow nice soft padding" but I heard it will soak up sweat! So I got a silicone cover, but then it doesn't feel so smooth anymore. And after 2 hours of playing my face hurt! It took a while until I positioned the headset, the rear part and the top strap correctly! (you have to wear it higher above the ears, else it will squeeze your face to death! The strap on top will pull the massive weight a bit up. Then it's bearable. They're different in terms of comfort. Fact is the Lenovo is much lighter and I simply prefer that for long VR sessions. The small sweetspot is the biggest disadvantage of the Lenovo. It could've been solved with a simple mechanism to adjust the lenses, which would've probably costed 20 more dollars in production... Too bad there's no V2 of it. For a thousand dollars, I expected much more from the Index, but instead it's worse than the Lenovo in some parts, and trades some features for others... so I think I will return it after all.

I appreciate this video a lot actually. It always feels like with most people, no matter what they criticize all the inferior points of it, instead of just saying "Yeah, you can play this game or this game with the same experience."