The Best Budget VR Headsets

High-end VR headsets can be incredibly expensive—the Apple Vision Pro, for example, commands a hefty $3,500 price tag. But fear not, immersive virtual reality experiences don't always require breaking the bank. There are excellent budget-friendly options available, allowing you to explore virtual worlds without emptying your wallet.

TL;DR – Best Budget VR Headsets:

Meta Quest 3S
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PlayStation VR2
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Nintendo Labo Toy-Con 04
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Atlasonix VR Headset
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Google Cardboard POP!
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The Meta Quest (now owned by Meta) revolutionized VR accessibility by eliminating the need for a gaming PC. Its reasonable price point significantly broadened VR's appeal. Even today, standalone options remain relatively scarce, making most VR experiences dependent on another platform.

Whether you seek a high-end experience with advanced tracking, six degrees of freedom (6DoF), and high resolution (like the Meta Quest 3S or PlayStation VR2), or a more casual introduction to VR, we've curated five budget-friendly options. Some are simpler, requiring a smartphone, but can serve as excellent entry points before investing in more expensive models.

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Meta Quest 3S – Photos

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1. Meta Quest 3S

Best Budget VR Headset

Outstanding entry-level standalone/PC VR headset with impressive performance, convenient full-color passthrough, and more.
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Product Specifications
Platform: Standalone, PC
Resolution (per-eye): 1832x1920
Refresh Rate: 90-120Hz
Field of View: 90°
Tracking: 6DoF
Weight: 1.13 pounds
PROS: Standalone device, Performance similar to the Meta Quest 3
CONS: Fresnel lenses

Our hands-on review of the Meta Quest 3 highlighted its exceptional standalone VR experience. The Quest 3S cleverly addresses the Quest 3's higher price point by offering a compelling blend of its predecessors' features at a more affordable price.

The Quest 3S boasts powerful processing capabilities, matching the Quest 3's CPU, GPU, and RAM—a significant upgrade over the Quest 2. Our testing showed smooth performance in games like *Blade & Sorcery: Nomad* and *Supernatural*. While the lenses are a step down from the Quest 3's pancake lenses, using the Quest 2's Fresnel lenses with 1832x1920 pixels per eye and 20ppd, the 120Hz refresh rate and minimal screen-door effect still deliver a pleasant VR experience. The full-color passthrough is a valuable addition for mixed-reality gaming.

The Quest 3S's design closely mirrors the Quest 3, featuring comfortable, lightweight controllers identical to the Quest 3. The headset's weight (1.13 lbs) is well-balanced, and the cloth strap ensures a secure fit. Battery life is slightly reduced to maintain the light weight (approximately 2 hours in testing), but a link cable allows connection to a gaming PC.

PlayStation VR2 – Photos

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2. PlayStation VR2

Best VR Headset Under $600

Built-in tracking cameras, eye tracking, 4K OLED panels, and two tactile Sense controllers with adaptive triggers and haptic feedback make this PS5 VR headset a standout.
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Product Specifications
Platform: PS5, PC (with adapter)
Resolution (per-eye): 2,000 x 2,040
Refresh Rate: 90-120Hz
Field of View: 110°
Tracking: 6DoF
Weight: 1.24 pounds
PROS: 4K OLED displays with HDR and a 120Hz refresh rate, Tactile Sense controllers
CONS: Can’t play original PSVR games

Our hands-on review of the PlayStation VR2 reveals a significant upgrade over its predecessor. While not the most budget-friendly option, starting at $550, it delivers exceptional features. Setup is straightforward; simply plug in a USB-C cable, calibrate, and you're ready to play. The 4K OLED panels offer stunning visuals with HDR, a 120Hz refresh rate, and a 110-degree field of view. A PC adapter ($59.99) enables PC support, though some features may be limited.

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3. Nintendo Labo Toy-Con 04

Best VR Headset Under $100

This simple cardboard headset with plastic lenses utilizes the Switch's screen for a unique VR experience, though the lack of a strap may cause fatigue.
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Product Specifications
Platform: Nintendo Switch
Resolution (per-eye): 1,280 x 720
Refresh Rate: 60Hz
Field of View: Not listed
Tracking: 3DoF
Weight: 3.14 pounds
PROS: Playful, build-it-yourself headsets, Sturdy cardboard
CONS: No strap

Despite long-standing rumors of a dedicated Nintendo Switch VR solution, the Nintendo Labo Toy-Con 04 surprised many upon its 2019 release. This cardboard-based headset offers various playful designs, including a blaster, camera, bird, and elephant, each enhancing the immersive experience. It's a fun and affordable Nintendo Switch accessory, priced under $100.

Given its simple cardboard and plastic lens construction, utilizing the Switch's screen, expectations should be managed. The resolution and refresh rate are limited by the Switch's capabilities, resulting in visible pixels and less-smooth action. The lack of a strap requires manual holding, potentially causing fatigue during extended use.

4. Atlasonix VR Headset

Best VR Headset Under $50

Slot your smartphone into this VR headset featuring ample padding, an eye-protection system, and a Bluetooth remote for enhanced VR app usage.
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Product Specifications
Platform: Android, iOS
Resolution (per-eye): Depends on device
Refresh Rate: Depends on device
Field of View: 105°
Tracking: 3DoF/6DoF (app-dependent)
Weight: 0.5 pounds
PROS: Easy setup, Comfortable
CONS: Limited by phone's capabilities

The Atlasonix VR Headset leverages the power of iPhones and Android phones to provide a VR experience. It distinguishes itself through superior clarity, comfort, and field of view compared to cardboard alternatives. Features include ample padding, an adjustable strap, eye protection, and adjustable focal and pupillary distance sliders. Setup is simple; most phones up to 6.3 inches fit easily, and a Bluetooth controller is included for navigation.

5. Google Cardboard POP!

Best VR Headset Under $20

An ultra-cheap cardboard frame holds your phone, lenses, and a button for limited VR interaction.
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Product Specifications
Platform: Android, iOS
Resolution (per-eye): Depends on device
Refresh Rate: Depends on device
Field of View: 95°
Tracking: 3DoF/6DoF (app-dependent)
Weight: 0.31 pounds
PROS: Extremely inexpensive, Eye cushioning
CONS: Limited VR interactions

Google Cardboard headsets, like the POP! version, are remarkably inexpensive due to their simple cardboard construction. They hold your phone, lenses, and a button for basic interaction. Numerous versions exist, and you can even create your own. The POP! version includes features like eye cushioning, a Velcro strap, and a securing band. The headset's capabilities depend on your phone's processing power; the POP! version even includes a cutout for photo taking.

What to Look for in a Budget VR Headset

Consider the desired VR experience. For immersive gaming, the Meta Quest 3S or PlayStation VR2 are recommended. For movies and still images, phone-based VR is a cost-effective option. A Bluetooth VR controller is recommended for smartphone-based headsets.

Platform: The VR ecosystem matters. Budget headsets often use smartphones (iOS/Android). The Quest 3S is standalone and PC-compatible. PS VR2 recently added PC support (requires a PS5). Nintendo Labo VR is console-specific. Choose a headset compatible with your desired games and experiences.

Design and Comfort: Comfort is crucial. Affordable headsets may compromise comfort. Look for adjustable straps and ample padding. Vents can prevent overheating.

Budget VR Gaming Headset FAQ

What's the difference between VR and AR?

Virtual Reality (VR) fully immerses you in a computer-generated world, while Augmented Reality (AR) overlays digital elements onto the real world. Pokémon Go and Apple's Vision Pro are AR examples. Asgard's Wrath 2 (Meta Quest) and Gran Turismo 7 (PSVR2) are VR examples.

What are some standalone VR headset options?

Most VR headsets require external devices. The Meta Quest lineup (Meta Quest 3S being the best budget option) offers standalone capability. The Pico 4 and HTC XR Elite are other standalone options. The Apple Vision Pro is a powerful standalone device integrated into Apple's ecosystem.

When is the best time to buy VR headsets on a budget?

Budget VR headsets often get discounted during Amazon Prime Day (July), Black Friday, and Cyber Monday. These sales frequently feature Meta Quest deals.