The Best Budget VR Headsets

The world of virtual reality (VR) can seem daunting with high-end models like the Apple Vision Pro priced at a staggering $3,500. However, not all VR experiences require such a hefty investment. You can dive into immersive virtual worlds without breaking the bank, as we've rounded up some of the best budget VR headsets available today.

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 introduction of the Oculus Quest, now under Meta's umbrella, revolutionized VR accessibility by eliminating the need for a gaming PC. This breakthrough, coupled with its affordable pricing, opened VR to a broader audience. Even now, the standalone VR market remains relatively niche beyond Meta's offerings, meaning most VR experiences still require integration with another platform.

Whether you're seeking a high-end VR experience with advanced tracking, six degrees of freedom (6DoF), and high resolutions offered by devices like the Meta Quest 3S or PlayStation VR2, or just looking to dip your toes into VR, we have you covered. Our experts have handpicked five budget-friendly VR headsets. Some of these options are basic and rely on a smartphone for operation, serving as an excellent entry point before upgrading to a more expensive model.

10 Images1. Meta Quest 3S

Best Budget VR Headset

Our Top Pick### Meta Quest 3S

38The Meta Quest 3S stands out as a top-tier entry-level VR headset that offers robust performance, full-color passthrough, and more. It's a perfect blend of affordability and capability, ideal for both standalone and PC VR experiences. See it at AmazonSee it at Best BuyProduct SpecificationsPlatformStandalone, PCResolution (per-eye)1832x1920Refresh Rate90-120HzField of View90°Tracking6DoFWeight1.13 poundsPROSStandalone devicePerformance akin to the Meta Quest 3CONSFresnel lensesOur hands-on review of the Meta Quest 3 revealed a stellar standalone VR experience, though its price was a notable increase from the Quest 2. The Meta Quest 3S, however, strikes a balance, offering similar internals to the Quest 3 with a more accessible price tag.

The Quest 3S boasts powerful performance, thanks to its CPU, GPU, and RAM, which mirror those of the Quest 3 and significantly outpace the Quest 2. Our testing of the Meta Quest 3S showed it handling demanding games like Blade & Sorcery: Nomad and Supernatural with ease, even slightly outperforming the Quest 3 due to its lower-resolution lenses.

The downside? The Quest 3S uses Fresnel lenses instead of the pancake lenses found in the Quest 3, resulting in a resolution of 1832x1920 pixels per eye and 20ppd. While not as sharp as its pricier counterpart, it maintains a 120Hz refresh rate and a minimal screen door effect for a satisfying VR experience. The full-color passthrough mode enhances mixed-reality gaming.

Design-wise, the Quest 3S closely resembles the Quest 3. It features the same comfortable, lightweight controllers, weighs 1.13lbs, and offers a well-balanced fit with a cloth strap. Battery life lasts around 2 hours, but you can connect it to a gaming PC using a link cable for extended play.

PlayStation VR2 – Photos

11 Images2. PlayStation VR2

Best VR Headset Under $600

### PlayStation VR2

13The PlayStation VR2 is a game-changer for PS5 users, offering built-in tracking cameras, eye tracking, 4K OLED panels, and tactile Sense controllers with 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 demonstrated its superiority over its predecessor, delivering a rich VR experience starting at $550. While not the cheapest option, it packs a punch with its features, including built-in tracking cameras, eye tracking, and the innovative Sense controllers. Setup is straightforward, requiring only a single USB-C connection and some calibration.

The 4K OLED panels provide stunningly crisp visuals with HDR, a 120Hz refresh rate, and a 110-degree FOV. It's a powerhouse that brings PC-level VR performance to the PS5, offering more features and better specs than many pricier PC VR headsets. However, it doesn't support original PSVR games. Fortunately, with a $59.99 adapter, you can enjoy PC support, although some features are lost. Our hands-on testing of the PS VR2 PC adapter confirmed its value in expanding the device's capabilities.

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Best VR Headset Under $100

### Nintendo Labo Toy-Con 04

8The Nintendo Labo Toy-Con 04 is a playful and affordable VR solution for the Nintendo Switch, allowing you to build and enjoy unique VR experiences from sturdy cardboard. 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 create various playful headsets like a blaster, camera, bird, or elephant, each tailored to specific VR experiences. It's an engaging Nintendo Switch accessory that's fun for all ages and costs less than $100.

The Labo VR kit uses the Switch's screen and sturdy cardboard construction with plastic lenses. While it doesn't feature advanced technology, it leverages the Switch's capabilities, meaning you'll see individual pixels and may experience less smooth action. The lack of a strap can lead to fatigue during extended play, as you'll need to hold the headset in place.

Our original 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

13The Atlasonix VR Headset enhances your smartphone's VR capabilities with superior clarity, comfort, and a wide field of view, all while including 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 is designed to work with the best iPhones and Android phones, offering enhanced clarity, comfort, and a 105-degree field of view. Unlike cardboard alternatives, this headset boasts breathable padding around the eyes and nose, an adjustable strap for even weight distribution, and an eye protection system. Adjustable sliders for focal and pupillary distances ensure personalized clarity and comfort.

Setting up the Atlasonix is straightforward, as it accommodates most phones up to 6.3 inches. The durable plastic construction promises longevity, and the included Bluetooth controller makes navigating VR apps a breeze.

5. Google Cardboard POP!

Best VR Headset Under $20

### Google Cardboard POP!

6The Google Cardboard POP! offers an ultra-affordable VR experience using a simple cardboard frame, lenses, and a button for basic 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 POP! provides an incredibly budget-friendly VR experience. The simple cardboard frame holds your phone, lenses, and a button for minimal interaction within VR. You can explore a wide range of VR content by downloading Cardboard apps. Google made the headset's plans publicly available, leading to numerous versions from different companies, or you can make your own if you're inclined.

The performance of the Google Cardboard depends on your smartphone's capabilities. The POP! version includes a photo cutout for capturing moments during play, along with cushioning around the eyes, a velcro strap for easy phone access, and a secure headband. All this for under $20 makes it an attractive option.

What to Look for in a Budget VR Headset

When selecting a budget VR headset, consider the type of experience you're seeking. For in-depth VR gaming, the Meta Quest 3S or PlayStation VR2 are ideal. For movies and still-image exploration, smartphone-based VR is a cost-effective choice. For these headsets, consider pairing with a Bluetooth VR controller for enhanced control.

Platform: VR isn't just about the headset; it's also about the ecosystem of apps and experiences. Most budget VR headsets use your smartphone, supporting iOS and Android. The Meta Quest 3S is standalone with its own app store and PC connectivity for expanded experiences. The PlayStation VR2, while primarily for PS5, also offers PC support with an adapter. The Nintendo Labo VR is exclusive to the Switch. Choose a headset that aligns with the games and experiences you're interested in, and look for curated content ecosystems like those offered by Google Cardboard.

Design and comfort: Comfort is crucial for enjoying VR. Budget headsets might compromise on comfort, but features like adjustable straps and ample padding around the eyes can make a significant difference. For extended sessions, hands-free operation with a controller is preferable. Consider how the headset accommodates your phone, with padding to prevent scratches and vents to manage heat.

With these considerations, you don't need to spend a fortune to enjoy VR. While the most immersive experiences are on pricier headsets, budget options offer great entry points into 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, easily accessible via smartphones, overlays virtual elements onto the real world, as seen in games like Pokémon Go. VR, on the other hand, immerses you in a fully computer-generated environment, with examples like Asgard's Wrath 2 on the Meta Quest or Gran Turismo 7 on PSVR 2.

What are some standalone VR headset options?

Most VR headsets require additional devices like a gaming PC or smartphone. Standalone options include the Meta Quest lineup, with the Meta Quest 3S being the best budget choice. Other standalone options are the Pico 4 and HTC XR Elite. The Apple Vision Pro is a powerful standalone device that integrates well with Apple's ecosystem and can connect to the best MacBooks for enhanced productivity.

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

While high-end VR headsets rarely see discounts, budget models often go on sale during events like Amazon Prime Day in July, and Black Friday and Cyber Monday, with significant deals on Meta Quest headsets and occasional discounts on other models.