This study investigates the factors driving users’ acceptance of virtual reality (VR) by focusing on three core areas: device attributes, sensory attributes, and user attributes. Through statistical modeling, we uncover the main predictors of VR adoption. Among device attributes, motion sickness was found to deter adoption intent, while discomfort from wearing the device showed no significant impact. For sensory attributes, vividness, presence, and interactivity were all examined and confirmed as positive influences on adoption intention, with interactivity having the greatest effect, followed by presence and then vividness. On the user side, innovativeness and a tendency toward immersion emerged as key traits boosting VR adoption. We also explored potential moderating effects between device and sensory attributes but found no notable interactions. These insights offer practical guidance for researchers and industry professionals aiming to enhance VR experiences and increase adoption rates.