The Best Budget VR Headsets

High-end VR headsets can be incredibly expensive—the Apple Vision Pro, for instance, commands a hefty $3,500 price tag. But you don't need to break the bank to experience the immersive world of virtual reality. Affordable options are available, letting you 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 with its standalone design and reasonable price. This eliminated the need for a gaming PC, opening VR to a much wider audience. Even today, standalone options remain relatively scarce, often requiring integration with other platforms.

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

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Meta Quest 3S – Photos

10 Images

1. Meta Quest 3S

Best Budget VR Headset

An outstanding entry-level standalone/PC VR headset boasting impressive performance, convenient full-color passthrough, and more. See it at Amazon See it at Best Buy

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 combines features from its predecessors into a more affordable yet powerful package. Its CPU, GPU, and RAM match the Quest 3, significantly outperforming the Quest 2. In our testing, it handled games like *Blade & Sorcery: Nomad* and *Supernatural* with ease, even slightly surpassing the Quest 3 in performance, likely due to the lower-resolution lenses. While the lenses are a step down from the Quest 3's pancake lenses (using the Quest 2's Fresnel lenses), the 120Hz refresh rate and minimal screen-door effect still provide a pleasant experience. The full-color passthrough is a welcome addition for mixed-reality gaming. The comfortable design and lightweight controllers mirror the Quest 3, and a link cable allows PC connection for expanded capabilities.

PlayStation VR2 – Photos

11 Images

2. PlayStation VR2

Best VR Headset Under $600

This headset, designed for PS5, boasts built-in tracking cameras, eye tracking, 4K OLED panels, and two tactile Sense controllers with adaptive triggers and haptic feedback. See it at Amazon See it at PlayStation See it at Target

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 shows the PlayStation VR2 significantly surpasses its predecessor. While not the cheapest option, its features—built-in tracking, eye tracking, and advanced controllers—are hard to ignore. Setup is straightforward, requiring only a USB-C connection and calibration. The 4K OLED panels deliver stunning visuals with HDR, a 120Hz refresh rate, and a wide field of view. PC support via an adapter further enhances its value. Note that original PSVR games are not compatible.

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3. Nintendo Labo Toy-Con 04

Best VR Headset Under $100

This simple cardboard headset uses the Switch's screen for a unique VR experience, though the lack of a strap may cause fatigue. See it at Amazon

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 headsets you construct; Built of sturdy cardboard.
Cons: No strap.

The Nintendo Labo Toy-Con 04 offers a surprisingly fun VR experience, especially for kids. Its cardboard construction and reliance on the Switch's screen mean a less technically advanced experience, with visible pixels and less smooth action. The absence of a strap requires manual holding, potentially leading to fatigue during longer play sessions.

4. Atlasonix VR Headset

Best VR Headset Under $50

This headset uses your smartphone, featuring ample padding, an eye protection system, and a Bluetooth remote for VR app usage. See it at Amazon

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 on head.
Cons: Limited to your phone’s abilities.

The Atlasonix VR Headset stands out with its comfort and clarity compared to other smartphone-based options. Its padding, adjustable strap, and eye protection system enhance the user experience. Setup is simple, and the Bluetooth controller provides intuitive navigation. Performance is, of course, dependent on your phone's capabilities.

5. Google Cardboard POP!

Best VR Headset Under $20

An ultra-cheap cardboard frame holding your phone, lenses, and a button for limited VR interaction. See it at Amazon

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 interactions inside VR.

Google Cardboard's affordability stems from its simple design. While basic, it offers a surprisingly accessible entry into VR, utilizing your phone and readily available apps. The POP! version includes added features like eye cushioning and a secure strap.

What to Look for in a Budget VR Headset

Consider the desired VR experience. For immersive gaming, aim for the Meta Quest 3S or PlayStation VR2. For movies and still images, smartphone-based options are suitable. A Bluetooth VR controller enhances smartphone-based VR control.

Platform: Consider the available apps and experiences. Most budget headsets use smartphones (iOS and Android). The Quest 3S is standalone and PC-compatible. PS VR2 also offers VR support (requires PS5). Nintendo Labo VR is console-specific. Choose a headset compatible with your desired content.

Design and Comfort: Comfort is crucial. Budget headsets may sacrifice comfort. Look for adjustable straps and ample padding. Proper phone handling (padding to prevent scratches and vents for heat dissipation) is also important.

Budget VR Gaming Headset FAQ

What's the difference between VR and AR?

VR (virtual reality) immerses you in a computer-generated world, while AR (augmented reality) overlays virtual elements onto the real world (e.g., *Pokémon Go*). Apple's Vision Pro incorporates AR features.

What are some standalone VR headset options?

The Meta Quest lineup is the leading standalone option. The Pico 4 and HTC XR Elite are also standalone contenders. The Apple Vision Pro is a high-end standalone device integrated into the Apple ecosystem.

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

Amazon Prime Day (July), Black Friday, and Cyber Monday usually offer the best deals, primarily on Meta Quest headsets.