The Samsung Gear VR is an interesting option for people who want to explore virtual reality. It has a relatively low cost and works with some of the world's most popular phones.
As your usage increases, you'll want to invest in some essential accessories to get the most out of your Samsung Gear VR. Here are a few recommendations to get you on your way.
Gamepad
Not every game for the Gear VR requires a gamepad, but most of the best games are made even better by not having to touch the pad on the side of your headset. Enhance your gaming experience on the Gear VR with what we call the best gamepad for this headset.
SteelSeries Stratus XL
As mentioned above, SteelSeries makes a quality controller. So while the SteelSeries Free has been priced out of consideration, the Stratus XL is arguably your best bet — as long as its bigger size isn't an issue.
The Stratus XL is similar in size and feel to an Xbox One controller with analog sticks laid out similarly to Sony's DualShock controllers. It's a great compromise between the two leading console gaming standards and will instantly feel familiar the moment you pick it up. This Bluetooth controller is compatible with Android devices and Windows 10, plus it'll only set you back $43.50.
Xbox One controller
The Stratus XL may earn the crown for the best controller to use with the Gear VR, but you could already have a solid controller in your house, meaning you don't have to purchase another one. The Xbox One controller works with the Gear VR and has a comfortable fit in the hand. It's important that you make sure to get the Bluetooth enabled version since older Xbox One controllers and the Xbox One Elite controller do not support Bluetooth. If you aren't an Xbox gamer or just want to grab another one, it's available for $39.99
Headphones
A fully-immersive VR experience is only possible with the right pair of headphones. Whether you prefer the over-the-ear variety or in-ear buds, we've picked out some prime options that pair well with the Gear VR headset so you can block out reality as you delve into your favorite VR games and apps.
Over-the-ear headphones
Sennheiser HD 598 C
If you are looking for the best audio experience with your Gear VR, this is where you start. This is among the best set of headphones you can get for under $150, and the included cable is short enough you can have them connected to your Gear VR without worrying about getting tangled up.
This isn't designed to keep the rest of the world out, so there's no active noise cancellation to be found here, but you'll get quality audio from headphones comfortable enough to be worn for extended periods of time.
One more thing: If you're looking to go wireless or you need noise cancellation in your life, check out MrMobile's review of the Bose QC 35 headphones!
In-ear headphones
Panasonic ErgoFit In-Ear Earbuds
If you're looking for simple, straightforward in-ear headphones, Panasonic has what you need. They're pretty basic in-ear headphones, which include a mic and a pause/play button built into the main cord, but they'll deliver great sound comfortably at a great price. With three different pad sizes available, you should be able to find the right fit for your ears, and they should stay in as you move about wearing your Gear VR.
ErgoFit buds are available in a variety of colors, but they've also been lumped in with a few other Panasonic in-ear options — drops360 and drops360 Luxe. If you're switching around the colors and suddenly see the price jump up, it's because Amazon is showing you one of those higher-end models instead. And you might be inclined to spend a bit more for the better drivers, which provide better bass and build quality, if that's important to you.
Otherwise, the ErgoFit earbuds come with a 90-day warranty and should be more than serviceable — especially for under $15.
Want something nicer? Check out our Samsung Level In headphone review!.
Microfiber cloths
Another thing that might distract from your VR experience with your Samsung Gear VR is dust or smudges on your device or the VR headset lenses. To prevent that problem, it's a good idea to have some microfiber cloths around to give things a good (but gentle) cleaning.
AmazonBasics offers a 24-pack of microfiber cleaning cloths for around $10 — that's about $.50 a cloth. Better yet, they're machine washer safe, so you'll be able to keep your gear clean for months and months with this small, one-time investment. And of course, you'll also have microfiber cloths on hand for cleaning all your other devices. Also available in packs of 36, 48, and 144 — which may essentially constitute a lifetime supply.
Storage
microSD cards
This is a must-have accessory, especially if you're using a Samsung Galaxy S7 or any newer model — the only current Gear VR-compatible mobile devices with microSD slots. Loading up your favorite movies, tv shows, apps and other media onto the microSD card allows you to use your Gear VR to its full potential without clogging up your phone's internal storage, or continually cycling through content.
We've broken down a list of the best microSD cards to use with your Galaxy S8, but to save you a bit of time, we'll recommend the $55.97 Samsung EVO Plus 128GB, which is sure to provide you with more than enough storage for hours upon hours of VR entertainment.
USB-C flash drive
The latest Gear VR models allow you to do a number of things with the USB-C port on the bottom of the headset. One option is to watch local media. You can use a USB-C flash drive to take content from other devices and view it in your Gear VR. This drive from UGREEN works with both USB-C and USB-A making it easier to work across devices of different ages. It's available in 16GB or 64GB variants for $16.99 and $44.99 respectively.
Power
The newest Gear VR models also allow you to plug in your headset while using it. This doesn't charge your phone but instead draws power from an outlet to power the Gear VR which leaves your phone with more of a charge when you're finished.
You can get a two pack of nylon braided cables for $11. These are each 10ft long which is long enough to leave plugged in while playing in VR, as long as you aren't playing a game the requires you to walk around. They also support quick charging for when you want to use them to charge your phone directly.
What do you use?
If you own a Samsung Gear VR, we're curious to know what your must-have accessories are. Anything we've omitted on our list? Let us know in the comments!
Updated March 2018: We've added some great new accessories for your new Gear VR!
