High-end VR headsets can be incredibly expensive—the Apple Vision Pro, for instance, commands a hefty $3,500 price tag. But don't despair! Immersive virtual reality experiences are attainable without breaking the bank.
TL;DR – Best Budget VR Headsets:
Our Top Pick: Meta Quest 3S
PlayStation VR2
Nintendo Labo Toy-Con 04
Atlasonix VR Headset
Google Cardboard POP!
The Meta Quest (now owned by Meta) revolutionized VR accessibility with its standalone design and reasonable price. While standalone options remain relatively scarce, this article explores five budget-friendly alternatives. Whether you crave a high-fidelity experience with 6DoF tracking and high resolution (like the Meta Quest 3S or PlayStation VR2), or a more casual introduction to VR, we've got you covered. Some of our picks are simpler, smartphone-based options, perfect as a starting point before investing in a more advanced system.
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Meta Quest 3S – Photos
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1. Meta Quest 3S – Best Budget VR Headset
Our Top Pick
Outstanding entry-level standalone/PC VR headset boasting impressive performance, convenient full-color passthrough, and more.
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 comparable to Meta Quest 3.
CONS: Fresnel lenses.
Our Meta Quest 3 review highlighted its exceptional standalone VR capabilities. The primary drawback? The significant price increase from the Quest 2. Enter the Meta Quest 3S: a cost-effective solution combining the best of its predecessors.
The Quest 3S delivers powerful performance thanks to its CPU, GPU, and RAM—identical to the Quest 3 and a substantial upgrade over the Quest 2. Our testing showed smooth gameplay in titles like *Blade & Sorcery: Nomad* and *Supernatural*. Performance even slightly surpassed the Quest 3, potentially due to the lower-resolution lenses.
The Quest 3S utilizes Fresnel lenses (from the Quest 2) with 1832x1920 pixels per eye and 20ppd, resulting in slightly less clarity and immersion than the more expensive Quest 3. However, the 120Hz refresh rate and minimal screen-door effect still provide a pleasant VR experience. The full-color passthrough mode is a valuable addition for mixed-reality gaming.
The design mirrors the Quest 3, featuring comfortable, lightweight controllers. The headset itself weighs 1.13 lbs and feels well-balanced. A cloth strap ensures a secure fit. Battery life is shorter (around 2 hours in testing) to maintain the lightweight design. A link cable allows connection to a gaming PC for extended use.
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. Designed for PS5.
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: Cannot play original PSVR games.
Our PlayStation VR2 review demonstrates its significant improvements over its predecessor. While not the cheapest option, starting at $550, it offers a wealth of features: built-in tracking, eye tracking, and advanced Sense controllers. Setup is straightforward—simply connect a single USB-C cable and calibrate.
The 4K OLED panels deliver stunning visuals with HDR, a 120Hz refresh rate, and a 110-degree FOV. PC support is available via a separate adapter ($59.99), although some features may be lost when using it.
3. Nintendo Labo Toy-Con 04 – Best VR Headset Under $100
A simple cardboard headset with plastic lenses utilizing the Nintendo Switch screen for a unique VR experience (no strap included).
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 construction.
CONS: No strap.
The Nintendo Labo Toy-Con 04 is a surprisingly fun and affordable option. The cardboard construction allows for various playful headset designs, offering immersive experiences suitable for children and adults. However, expect limitations in resolution and smoothness due to its reliance on the Switch's screen and lack of a strap.
4. Atlasonix VR Headset – Best VR Headset Under $50
Insert your smartphone into this VR headset featuring ample padding, eye protection, and a Bluetooth remote for enhanced VR app usage.
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 capabilities.
The Atlasonix VR Headset offers improved clarity, comfort, and field of view compared to cardboard alternatives. Its padded design and adjustable strap enhance comfort, while the eye protection system and adjustable focal/pupillary distance sliders reduce strain. Setup is simple, accommodating phones up to 6.3 inches, and a Bluetooth controller is included.
5. Google Cardboard POP! – Best VR Headset Under $20
An extremely inexpensive cardboard frame housing your phone, lenses, and a button for limited VR interaction.
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 interaction.
Google Cardboard headsets, like the POP! version, are incredibly affordable due to their simple cardboard design. They rely on your smartphone's capabilities and offer limited interaction. The POP! version includes features like eye cushioning, a Velcro strap, and a secure head band.
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, smartphone-based VR is a more affordable choice. A Bluetooth VR controller is suggested for smartphone-based headsets.
Platform: Consider the available apps and experiences. Smartphone-based headsets use iOS and Android. The Quest 3S is standalone and PC-compatible. PS VR2 also offers VR support (requires a PS5). Nintendo Labo VR is console-specific. Choose a headset compatible with your preferred content.
Design and comfort: Comfort is crucial. Look for adjustable straps and ample padding. Proper phone support (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?
Virtual Reality (VR) immerses you in a completely computer-generated world, while Augmented Reality (AR) overlays digital elements onto the real world. Pokémon Go is a prime example of AR, while games like Asgard's Wrath 2 (Meta Quest) and Gran Turismo 7 (PSVR2) showcase VR.
What are some standalone VR headset options?
Meta Quest headsets (especially the 3S) are leading standalone options, offering powerful processors for untethered gameplay. Other contenders include the Pico 4 and HTC XR Elite. The Apple Vision Pro is a high-end standalone device integrating seamlessly with the Apple ecosystem.
When is the best time to buy budget VR headsets?
Amazon Prime Day (July), Black Friday, and Cyber Monday typically offer the best deals, primarily on Meta Quest headsets.
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