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. However, immersive virtual reality experiences don't always require a significant investment. Affordable options are available, allowing you to explore virtual worlds without breaking the bank.

TL;DR – Best Budget VR Headsets:

Meta Quest 3S
PlayStation VR2
Nintendo Labo Toy-Con 04
Atlasonix VR Headset
Google Cardboard POP!

The arrival of the Oculus Quest (now Meta Quest) revolutionized VR accessibility. Its standalone functionality, eliminating the need for a gaming PC, combined with competitive pricing, opened the doors to a wider audience. Even today, truly standalone options remain relatively scarce, often requiring integration with other platforms.

Whether you desire a high-fidelity VR experience with advanced tracking, six degrees of freedom (6DoF), and high resolutions (as offered by the Meta Quest 3S or PlayStation VR2), or a more casual introduction to the technology, we've curated a selection of budget-friendly options. Some of our choices are simpler, requiring a smartphone, serving as an excellent entry point before investing in more advanced equipment.

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

The Quest 3S's processing power is a significant strength, thanks to its CPU, GPU, and RAM—identical to the Quest 3 and a substantial upgrade over the Quest 2. Testing showed it effortlessly handled demanding 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 maintain a positive VR experience. The full-color passthrough is a valuable addition for mixed-reality enthusiasts.

The design closely mirrors the Quest 3, featuring comfortable, lightweight controllers and a well-balanced headset (1.13 lbs). A cloth strap ensures a secure fit. Battery life is somewhat reduced (approximately 2 hours in testing) to maintain the lightweight design, but a link cable allows PC connection for extended play.

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2. PlayStation VR2 – Best VR Headset Under $600

This headset, designed for the PS5, boasts built-in tracking cameras, eye tracking, 4K OLED panels, and two tactile Sense controllers with adaptive triggers and haptic feedback. Our hands-on review revealed that it significantly surpasses its predecessor in capabilities. While not the most budget-friendly option, starting at $550, it offers an extensive feature set. Setup is straightforward, requiring only a single USB-C connection and brief calibration.

The 4K OLED panels deliver stunning visuals with HDR, a 120Hz refresh rate, and a 110-degree field of view. The performance rivals many pricier PC VR headsets. Note that it doesn't support original PSVR games, but PC support is available via a separate adapter ($59.99). Our testing of the PC adapter showed that while some features are lost, the added functionality enhances the device's value.

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3. Nintendo Labo Toy-Con 04 – Best VR Headset Under $100

This simple cardboard headset, utilizing the Switch's screen and a pair of plastic lenses, offers a unique VR experience. While lacking a strap (which may cause fatigue), it provides playful, customizable headsets (blaster, camera, bird, elephant, etc.), each linked to a specific experience. It’s a fun Nintendo Switch accessory under $100, ideal for children and adults.

Given its simple cardboard construction and reliance on the Switch's display, expectations should be adjusted accordingly. Resolution and refresh rate are limited by the Switch's capabilities, resulting in visible pixels and less smooth motion. The lack of a strap necessitates holding the headset, potentially causing discomfort during extended use.

4. Atlasonix VR Headset – Best VR Headset Under $50

This headset utilizes smartphones (Android and iOS) to deliver a VR experience, excelling in clarity, comfort, and field of view compared to cardboard alternatives. It features ample padding, eye protection, and an adjustable strap for a comfortable fit. Setup is simple, accommodating phones up to 6.3 inches, and a Bluetooth controller enhances navigation and interaction.

5. Google Cardboard POP! – Best VR Headset Under $20

An extremely inexpensive option, this cardboard frame holds your phone, lenses, and a button for basic VR interaction. It leverages publicly available designs, allowing for customization or even DIY creation. The POP! version includes eye cushioning, a Velcro strap, and a securing band. Its capabilities are dependent on your phone's performance.

What to Look for in a Budget VR Headset

Consider your 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 more affordable option. A Bluetooth VR controller is beneficial for smartphone-based headsets.

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 preferred content.

Design and comfort: Prioritize comfort. 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) immerses you in a computer-generated world, while Augmented Reality (AR) overlays virtual elements onto the real world. AR is more accessible (e.g., Pokémon Go), while VR requires a headset for full immersion (e.g., Asgard's Wrath 2, Gran Turismo 7).

What are some standalone VR headset options?

The Meta Quest lineup (Meta Quest 3S being the budget option) offers standalone VR. Other options include the Pico 4 and HTC XR Elite. The Apple Vision Pro is a powerful standalone device integrated with the Apple ecosystem.

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

Amazon Prime Day (July), Black Friday, and Cyber Monday often offer discounts on budget VR headsets, particularly Meta Quest models.