Google Daydream vs. Samsung Gear VR: Know the differences

Google Daydream View. Samsung Gear VR. Both use phones to create VR experiences on the go. But the Daydream View (left) and the Gear VR (right) are a little different.

Samsung's VR headset uses a side-mounted touchpad you have to reach and touch to interact with things. Google's Daydream View uses an awesome included remote that has motion controls and a touchpad. It's like an Apple TV remote for your VR world.

The Gear VR (left) is bigger than the Daydream View (right). It's also currently a bit more expensive ($100, vs. $80 in the US).

It's easier to put a phone into the Daydream: you just lie it down and close the door, no plugs. The Gear VR makes you pop your Samsung phone into a USB jack.

The Gear VR requires a Samsung Galaxy S6 or Note 5, or later, to work. The Daydream View will work with other phones eventually, but currently just works with the Google Pixel and Pixel XL.

Google's Daydream connects with key Google apps like YouTube, Google Photos, Google Play and StreetView, but there are only going to be 50 or so apps by year's end. Samsung's Oculus app store on the Gear VR has over 400 apps and growing, including Minecraft and Netflix.

The Gear VR is bigger but fits my head better. The Daydream View is soft and cozy like a pair of sweatpants, but its strap didn't hold as well to my face.