Top Affordable VR Headsets Revealed

The world of virtual reality can seem out of reach with high-end models like the Apple Vision Pro priced at a staggering $3,500. However, you don't have to spend a fortune to dive into immersive virtual worlds. There are budget-friendly VR headsets that offer great experiences at a fraction of the cost.

TL;DR – These Are the Best Budget VR Headsets:

Our Top Pick### Meta Quest 3S

38Experience an outstanding entry-level standalone/PC VR headset with impressive performance, full-color passthrough, and more. See it at AmazonSee it at Best Buy### PlayStation VR2

13Elevate your PS5 gaming with built-in tracking, eye tracking, 4K OLED panels, and tactile Sense controllers. See it at AmazonSee it at PlayStationSee it at Target### Nintendo Labo Toy-Con 04

8Engage in a unique VR experience with a playful, cardboard-crafted headset for the Nintendo Switch. See it at Amazon### Atlasonix VR Headset

13Enjoy VR on your smartphone with enhanced clarity, comfort, and a Bluetooth remote for easy navigation. See it at Amazon### Google Cardboard POP!

6Access VR at an ultra-low cost with a simple cardboard frame, perfect for casual users. See it at AmazonThe introduction of the Oculus Quest, now owned by Meta, revolutionized VR accessibility by offering a standalone headset without the need for a gaming PC. Its affordability broke down barriers, making VR more accessible to a broader audience. Even now, beyond the Quest lineup, standalone VR options remain limited, meaning you'll often need another platform to fully enjoy VR.

Whether you're seeking a comprehensive VR experience with advanced tracking, six degrees of freedom (6DoF), and high resolutions offered by headsets like the Meta Quest 3S or PlayStation VR2, or you're just looking to get a taste of VR with a more basic setup, our experts have selected five budget-friendly VR headsets. Some require a smartphone to function, serving as an affordable entry point into the world of VR before considering a more expensive option.

10 Images1. Meta Quest 3S

Best Budget VR Headset

Our Top Pick### Meta Quest 3S

38The Meta Quest 3S stands out as an exceptional entry-level standalone/PC VR headset, boasting impressive performance, 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 detailed review of the Meta Quest 3, we found it provided an outstanding standalone VR experience. However, the significant price increase from the Quest 2 was a drawback. Fortunately, Meta introduced the Meta Quest 3S, which merges the strengths of its predecessors into a more affordable yet capable VR headset.

Performance is not an issue with the Quest 3S, thanks to its powerful CPU, GPU, and RAM, which are on par with the Quest 3 and significantly improved over the Quest 2. During our testing of the Meta Quest 3S, it effortlessly handled games like Blade & Sorcery: Nomad and Supernatural. The slight performance edge over the Quest 3 is likely due to the lower-resolution lenses.

Unfortunately, the Quest 3S uses Fresnel lenses instead of the pancake lenses in the Quest 3, with a resolution of 1832x1920 pixels per eye and 20ppd. While clarity and immersion might not match the pricier model, the 120Hz refresh rate and minimal screen door effect ensure a satisfying VR experience. The full-color passthrough mode enhances mixed-reality gaming.

The Quest 3S shares a design similar to the Quest 3, featuring the same comfortable, lightweight controllers. At 1.13lbs, the headset feels well-balanced on the head, secured with a cloth strap. Battery life is around 2 hours, but using a link cable allows you to connect it to a gaming PC for extended play.

PlayStation VR2 – Photos

11 Images2. PlayStation VR2

Best VR Headset Under $600

### PlayStation VR2

13Enhance 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 hands-on review of the PlayStation VR2 reveals how it surpasses the original with its advanced features. Priced at $550, it's a bit pricier but offers top-notch capabilities, including built-in tracking, eye tracking, and tactile Sense controllers. Setup is straightforward, requiring just a single USB-C connection and some calibration.

The visuals are stunning, thanks to the 4K OLED panels with HDR, a 120Hz refresh rate, and a 110-degree field of view. The headset delivers PC-level VR performance with more features and better specs than many pricier PC VR headsets. However, it can't play original PSVR games. An adapter for $59.99 enables PC support, and our hands-on testing confirmed that while some features are lost, the added functionality significantly enhances the device's value.

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Best VR Headset Under $100

### Nintendo Labo Toy-Con 04

8Experience a playful VR setup with this cardboard-crafted headset for the Nintendo Switch, featuring various interactive experiences. 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 since before the console's launch, but the Nintendo Labo Toy-Con 04 was a delightful surprise in 2019. This kit lets you build playful headsets, including a blaster, camera, bird, and even an elephant with an interactive trunk. Each headset ties into a unique experience, making them highly engaging for kids and adults alike. As a fun Nintendo Switch accessory, it's available for under $100.

The VR kit uses sturdy cardboard and plastic lenses, relying on the Switch's screen. While it doesn't boast advanced technology, it offers a unique and creative experience. The lack of a strap means holding the mask in place, which can lead to fatigue during extended use.

Our initial review of the Nintendo Labo Variety Kit praised its ability to spark creativity, a hallmark of Nintendo's Labo products.

4. Atlasonix VR Headset

Best VR Headset Under $50

### Atlasonix VR Headset

13Transform your smartphone into a VR powerhouse with this headset, featuring ample padding, eye protection, and a Bluetooth remote. 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 the best iPhones and Android phones for a VR experience, excelling in clarity, comfort, and field of view. Unlike cardboard options, this headset offers breathable padding around the eyes and nose, ensuring comfort, and an adjustable strap for even weight distribution. It also features an eye protection system and sliders for adjusting focal and pupillary distances, enhancing clarity and reducing strain.

Setting up the Atlasonix is straightforward, accommodating most phones up to 6.3 inches. The durable plastic build promises longevity, and the included Bluetooth controller simplifies navigation within VR apps.

5. Google Cardboard POP!

Best VR Headset Under $20

### Google Cardboard POP!

6Immerse yourself in VR at an ultra-low cost with this simple cardboard frame, perfect for casual VR enthusiasts. 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 creations like the POP! version are incredibly affordable, utilizing a simple cardboard frame with lenses and a button for basic VR interaction. You can download a Cardboard app and access a variety of VR content. Google made the headset plans publicly available, allowing for numerous versions or even DIY projects.

The performance of Google Cardboard depends on your smartphone. The POP! version includes a cutout for in-VR photography, along with eye cushioning, a velcro strap for easy access, and a secure headband. You can grab this headset for under $20.

What to Look for in a Budget VR Headset

When choosing a budget VR headset, consider the type of VR experience you want. For immersive gaming, opt for the Meta Quest 3S or PlayStation VR2. For casual use like movies and static content, a smartphone-based headset is cost-effective. A Bluetooth VR controller can enhance your experience with these devices.

Platform: The VR ecosystem plays a crucial role. Most budget headsets utilize smartphones, working with iOS and Android. The Meta Quest 3S is a standalone option with its own app store and PC connectivity. The PS VR2 requires a PS5 for the best experience, while the Nintendo Labo VR is exclusive to the Switch. Choose a headset based on the games and experiences you're interested in, and consider platforms with strong content ecosystems like Google Cardboard.

Design and comfort: Comfort is key for prolonged VR sessions. Budget headsets might compromise on comfort, but look for models with adjustable straps and sufficient padding. For longer sessions, ensure the headset can be worn hands-free and comes with a controller. Consider how the headset handles your phone, with padding to prevent scratches and vents to manage heat.

You don't need to break the bank to enjoy VR. While the most immersive games are on pricier headsets, there are plenty of engaging experiences available on budget options. Use these tips to find the perfect budget VR headset and begin exploring the virtual world.

Budget VR Gaming Headset FAQ

What's the difference between VR and AR?

Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) differ significantly. AR, accessible on many smartphones, overlays virtual elements onto the real world, as seen in Pokémon Go. Apple's Vision Pro also uses AR innovatively. VR, on the other hand, creates a fully immersive, computer-generated environment, blocking out the real world. Examples include Asgard's Wrath 2 for the Meta Quest and Gran Turismo 7 on PSVR 2.

What are some standalone VR headset options?

Most VR headsets require an additional device, but standalone options like the Meta Quest series allow for independent gaming. The Meta Quest 3S is a budget-friendly standout. Other standalone options include the Pico 4, the HTC XR Elite, and the powerful Apple Vision Pro, which integrates seamlessly with Apple’s ecosystem and best MacBooks.

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

While high-end VR headsets rarely see discounts, budget models often have price reductions during key sales events. Amazon Prime Day in July, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday are prime times for VR deals, especially on Meta Quest headsets, though other models may also see discounts.