Thinking about treating your family to a little virtual reality this holiday? Have no idea where to start? Don’t worry. From Google’s inexpensive Cardboard VR viewer to Sony’s new PlayStation VR, this guide will help you figure out what makes sense for your family’s interests, needs and budget.

There are options if you want to dip your toe in the water, wade knee-deep or really swim with the virtual reality big fish. Keep in mind, virtual reality is a quickly changing technology, so always check out the companies’ websites, professional reviews on sites such as CNET and user reviews before you take the leap.

VIRTUAL REALITY VIEWERS: BEST FOR YOUNG KIDS

Virtual reality viewers are inexpensive, hand-held devices that offer three-dimensional views and the feeling of being in a different place. The viewers’ lenses work by extending the depth of static images or animation but do not allow you to interact with your environment.

To use them, download any app labeled “VR” in either iTunes or Google Play, launch the app and insert your smartphone into the viewer. Most viewers use your phone’s button or another basic input to control the action.

Key features:

>> Inexpensive

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

>> More like a 3-D movie than true virtual reality

Products in this category:

>> Google Cardboard ($14.99): Made of cardboard, this hand-held device that you put together yourself is a novel way of experiencing virtual reality.

>> SmartTheater Virtual Reality Headset ($19.99): A comfortable viewer with adjustable lenses, a head strap and an easy-to-use trigger input. Comes with a cardboard, hand-held motion-controller that adds some oomph to games.

>> View-Master Virtual Reality ($29.99): Geared for learning rather than gaming, the View-Master is available in a range of packages that let you explore dinosaurs, space and wildlife. Each pack includes insertable picture reels (a phone provides the horsepower).

VR HEADSETS: BEST FOR BIG KIDS

Moving up in price and features are VR headsets. They’re similar to viewers in that you insert your phone into the headset and download VR apps from the app store. Headsets work with the exact same apps as the viewers but give you a more immersive experience.

The advantages of headsets are that they’re more comfortable to wear for a longer time, they fit better (preventing light leaks), they have better lenses and they often have earphone ports. They also typically have built-in game controllers on the headset itself or work with hand-held controllers, giving you more options in apps than you would have with a simple viewer.

Key features:

>> Pricier than viewers

>> Compatible with most smartphones (except the Samsung Gear VR and Google Daydream View)

>> More believable, you-are-there experience, but limited ability to interact with your environment

>> Good for games, educational content and movie viewing

>> Headsets have minimum age requirements set by the manufacturers; check the age before you buy

Products in this category:

>> Merge VR Goggles ($79): This big purple headset is made of flexible foam and has audio ports and dual input buttons for easy game control.

>> Google Daydream View ($79): Made of fabric, this lightweight plush headset is designed specifically for Google’s Daydream VR platform. The platform includes Daydream-compatible phones (such as the company’s Pixel phone), apps and controllers.

>> Samsung Gear VR ($99): Designed exclusively for Samsung phones, the Gear VR includes an input pad on the side of the headset and works with Bluetooth controllers, both of which let you navigate games easily. Works with Gear VR-compatible games (including “Minecraft Gear VR Edition”).

>> VR Kix Virtual Reality Headset ($49.99): Individually adjustable lenses, a snug fit and a smartphone tray you can customize to your phone make the Kix a good option for quality VR on any smartphone.

CONSOLES: BEST FOR 12 AND UP

Right now, the only VR gaming console is Sony’s just-in-time-for-the-holidays PlayStation VR headset, which works with the PlayStation 4. If you don’t have a PS4 already, you could buy the PlayStation 4 Slim or a PlayStation 4 Pro (also brand-new for the holidays) and the PSVR.

The headset plus the horsepower provided by the console provides an immersive, interactive VR experience.

Key features:

>> Expensive

>> Limited to Sony PlayStation

>> Totally immersive and interactive; potential for motion sickness

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

>> Sony’s recommended age minimum is 12

Products in this category :

>> PlayStation VR Launch Bundle ($499.99): Includes everything you need to turn your PS4 into a VR machine, including a headset, a camera, two motion controllers, a game and cables.

SUPER-POWERFUL HEADSETS: BEST FOR TEENS

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

Key features:

>> Super expensive

>> Require compatible games (for example, “Everest VR” is a Vive exclusive) and high-powered computers

>> Full interactivity with your environment

>> Games tend to be mature, including “The Assembly” and “Deus Ex: Mankind Divided”

>> Oculus Rift’s manufacturer age minimum is 13; Valve states the Vive is “not for children”

Products in this category:

>> HTC Vive ($799): Offers a “room-scale experience.” If your kids play on the Steam gaming network, they’ve certainly seen ads for the HTC Vive. Steam is offering some Vive-only games designed to take advantage of this headset’s unique capabilities.

>> Oculus Rift ($599): Comes with everything to make VR a reality, except the computer: a headset, a sensor, a remote, cables, an Xbox controller and a game.

Common Sense Media is an independent nonprofit organization offering unbiased ratings and trusted advice to help families make smart media and technology choices. Check out ratings and recommendations at commonsense.org.