The world of virtual reality can be incredibly immersive, yet many of the best VR headsets, like the Apple Vision Pro priced at $3,500, come with a hefty price tag. However, diving into virtual worlds doesn't have to drain your wallet. There are budget-friendly VR headsets that offer a great entry point into VR without breaking the bank.
TL;DR – These Are the Best Budget VR Headsets:
Our Top Pick### Meta Quest 3S
38See it at AmazonSee it at Best Buy
### PlayStation VR2
13See it at AmazonSee it at PlayStationSee it at Target
### Nintendo Labo Toy-Con 04
8See it at Amazon
### Atlasonix VR Headset
13See it at Amazon
### Google Cardboard POP!
6See it at AmazonThe Oculus Quest, now under Meta's umbrella, revolutionized VR by offering a standalone headset that doesn't require a gaming PC. Its affordability made VR accessible to a broader audience. Even today, the Quest lineup remains one of the few standalone options available, meaning if you're keen on exploring VR, you'll often need to pair it with another platform.
Whether you're looking for a fully immersive experience with advanced tracking and high resolution, as offered by headsets like the Meta Quest 3S or PlayStation VR2, or you're just curious to dip your toes into VR, we've got you covered. Our experts have handpicked five budget-friendly VR headsets. Some of these are basic and require a smartphone to operate, serving as an excellent entry point before you decide to invest in a more expensive model.
AnswerSee Results### Meta Quest 3S – Photos
10 Images
1. Meta Quest 3S
Best Budget VR Headset
Our Top Pick### Meta Quest 3S
38Experience an impressive entry-level standalone/PC VR headset with significant performance capabilities, full-color passthrough, and more. See it at AmazonSee it at Best BuyProduct SpecificationsPlatformStandalone, PCResolution (per-eye)1832x1920Refresh Rate90-120HzField of View90°Tracking6DoFWeight1.13 poundsPROSStandalone devicePerformance similar to the Meta Quest 3CONSFresnel lensesIn our review of the Meta Quest 3, we found it delivered a fantastic standalone VR experience. However, its price increase was a downside. The Meta Quest 3S addresses this, offering a blend of its predecessors' features at a more affordable price.
The Quest 3S boasts powerful hardware, matching the Quest 3 and surpassing the Quest 2. Our testing showed it handled games like Blade & Sorcery: Nomad and Supernatural smoothly, even outperforming the Quest 3 slightly, thanks to its lower-resolution lenses.
The Quest 3S uses the Quest 2's Fresnel lenses, which don't match the clarity of the Quest 3's pancake lenses. However, with a 120Hz refresh rate and minimal screen door effect, it still provides a satisfying VR experience. The full-color passthrough mode enhances mixed-reality gaming.
The Quest 3S design mirrors the Quest 3, featuring comfortable, lightweight controllers and weighing 1.13lbs for a well-balanced feel. A cloth strap ensures a secure fit. Battery life lasts about 2 hours, but connecting it to a gaming PC via a link cable extends its capabilities.
PlayStation VR2 – Photos
11 Images
2. PlayStation VR2
Best VR Headset Under $600
### PlayStation VR2
13Elevate your PS5 gaming with built-in tracking cameras, eye tracking, 4K OLED panels, and two tactile Sense controllers featuring adaptive triggers and haptic feedback. See it at AmazonSee it at PlayStationSee it at TargetProduct SpecificationsPlatformPS5, PC (with adapter)Resolution (per-eye)2,000 x 2,040Refresh Rate90-120HzField of View110°Tracking6DoFWeight1.24 poundsPROS4K OLED displays with HDR and a 120Hz refresh rateTactile Sense controllersCONSCan’t play original PSVR gamesOur review of the PlayStation VR2 highlights its superiority over the original, priced at $550. While not the cheapest, it offers top-notch features like built-in tracking, eye tracking, and tactile Sense controllers. Setup is straightforward with a single USB-C connection and calibration.
The visuals are breathtaking, thanks to the 4K OLED panels with HDR, a 120Hz refresh rate, and a 110-degree FOV. Its performance rivals pricier PC VR headsets, though it can't play original PSVR games. An adapter for PC support is available for $59.99, adding significant value despite minor feature losses on PC.
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Lenovo Legion Tower 5 AMD Ryzen 7 7700 RTX 4070 Ti Super Gaming PC with 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD (Use Code: EXTRAFIVE)- $1,527.49Acer Predator Orion RTX 4070 Ti SUPER Gaming Desktop- $1,749.99HP OMEN 35L RTX 4060 Ti Gaming Desktop- $1,219.99Dell XPS Intel Core i7-14700 RTX 4060 Ti Gaming PC- $1,349.99Dell XPS Intel Core i7-14700 RTX 4060 Gaming PC- $1,099.993. Nintendo Labo Toy-Con 04
Best VR Headset Under $100
### Nintendo Labo Toy-Con 04
8Experience unique VR through a simple cardboard headset with plastic lenses, utilizing the Switch’s screen, though without a strap, which may cause fatigue. See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsPlatformNintendo SwitchResolution (per-eye)1,280 x 720Refresh Rate60HzField of ViewNot listedTracking 3DoFWeight3.14 poundsPROSPlayful headsets you constructBuilt of sturdy cardboardCONSNo strapRumors of a VR solution for the Nintendo Switch have circulated for years, but the Nintendo Labo Toy-Con 04 was a delightful surprise in 2019. This cardboard headset allows you to build different playful headsets, each enhancing a unique VR experience, perfect for kids and creative adults. Priced under $100, it's a fun and affordable Nintendo Switch accessory.
The Labo VR kit uses the Switch's screen and sturdy cardboard with plastic lenses. Expect visible pixels and less smooth action due to the Switch's limitations. It lacks a strap, requiring one hand to hold it, which can cause fatigue during extended play.
Our review of the Nintendo Labo Variety Kit praised its creativity, a core element of any Labo product from Nintendo.
Atlasonix VR Headset
Best VR Headset Under $50
### Atlasonix VR Headset
13Transform your smartphone into a VR device with this headset, featuring ample padding, eye-protection, and a Bluetooth remote for enhanced VR app interaction. See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsPlatformAndroid, iOSResolution (per-eye)Depends on deviceRefresh RateDepends on deviceField of View105°Tracking3DoF/6DoF (app-dependent)Weight0.5 poundsPROSEasy setupComfortable on headCONSLimited to your phone’s abilitiesThe Atlasonix VR Headset leverages the power of iPhones and Android phones for a VR experience, standing out with superior clarity, comfort, and field-of-view. It's not made from cardboard, offering a durable plastic build. The headset includes breathable padding around the eyes and nose, an adjustable strap, and an eye protection system. Adjustable sliders allow for precise focal and pupillary distance adjustments, enhancing clarity and comfort.
Setting up the Atlasonix is straightforward; most phones up to 6.3 inches fit easily into the padded slot. It comes with a Bluetooth controller, simplifying navigation and interaction within VR apps.
Google Cardboard POP!
Best VR Headset Under $20
### Google Cardboard POP!
6Enjoy an ultra-affordable VR experience with this cardboard frame, accommodating your phone, lenses, and a button for basic VR interaction. See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsPlatformAndroid, iOSResolution (per-eye)Depends on deviceRefresh RateDepends on deviceField of View95°Tracking3DoF/6DoF (app-dependent)Weight0.31 poundsPROSExtremely inexpensiveEye cushioningCONSLimited interactions inside VRGoogle Cardboard options like the POP! model are incredibly affordable due to their simple cardboard design, which holds your phone, lenses, and a button for basic VR interaction. Download the Cardboard app and explore various VR content online. Google's open-source plans have led to numerous versions from other companies, and you can even make your own if you're crafty.
The capabilities of Google Cardboard depend on your phone's power. The POP! version includes a photo cutout and quality-of-life features like eye cushioning, a velcro strap, and a headband, all for under $20.
What to Look for in a Budget VR Headset
Consider the type of VR experience you want. For in-depth gaming, the Meta Quest 3S or PlayStation VR2 are ideal. For movies or static image exploration, smartphone-based VR is a cost-effective choice. For smartphone VR, consider adding a Bluetooth VR controller for better control.
Platform: VR investment includes the ecosystem of apps and experiences. Most budget headsets use smartphones (iOS or Android), while the Meta Quest 3S is standalone with a robust app store and PC connectivity. PS VR2 supports VR on PS5, with recent PC compatibility. The Nintendo Labo VR is console-specific. Choose based on the experiences you want.
Some platforms, like Google Cardboard, have curated content ecosystems for easy app access.
Design and comfort: Comfort is crucial for prolonged VR use. Budget headsets often compromise on comfort. Look for adjustable straps and ample padding around the eyes for long sessions. For short experiences, holding the headset is feasible, but for longer or interactive sessions, hands-free with a controller is better.
Consider how the headset handles your phone. Good options have padding to prevent scratches and vents to manage heat from VR apps, preventing thermal throttling.
You don't need to spend a fortune to enjoy VR. While the most immersive games are on pricier headsets, there are still great experiences available on budget models. With these tips, you can find the perfect budget VR headset for your needs and start exploring virtual worlds.
Budget VR Gaming Headset FAQ
What's the difference between VR and AR?
Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) differ significantly. AR, accessible via smartphones, overlays virtual elements onto the real world, as seen in Pokémon Go. Apple's Vision Pro uses AR innovatively. VR, on the other hand, creates a fully immersive computer-generated environment, like in Asgard's Wrath 2 for Meta Quest or Gran Turismo 7 on PSVR 2.
What are some standalone VR headset options?
Most VR headsets need another device to function, increasing costs. The Meta Quest series, with the Meta Quest 3S as the best budget option, offers standalone VR. Other options include the Pico 4 and HTC XR Elite. The Apple Vision Pro is a powerful standalone device that integrates seamlessly with Apple's ecosystem and connects with MacBooks for enhanced functionality.
When is the best time to buy VR headsets on a budget?
While high-end VR headsets rarely see discounts, budget models often do during major sales events. Amazon Prime Day in July and Black Friday/Cyber Monday typically offer the best deals, especially on Meta Quest headsets, though other models may also be discounted.
