The Best Budget VR Headsets

Many of the best VR headsets come with a hefty price tag – the Apple Vision Pro, for example, costs a whopping $3,500. However, not all virtual reality experiences need to be expensive. You can dive into immersive worlds without breaking the bank, and here's how.

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 owned by Meta, revolutionized VR by offering a standalone headset that didn't require a gaming PC. This, combined with its reasonable price, made VR more accessible to everyone. Even today, the Quest lineup remains one of the few standalone options available, meaning if you want to experience VR, you might need to pair it with another device.

Whether you're looking for a full-fledged VR experience with advanced tracking, six degrees of freedom (6DoF), and high resolutions, as offered by the Meta Quest 3S or PlayStation VR2, or just want to test the waters, we've got you covered. Our experts have handpicked five budget-friendly VR headsets. Some of these are more basic and require a smartphone to operate, serving as an excellent entry point before investing in a more expensive model.

10 Images1. Meta Quest 3S

Best Budget VR Headset

Our Top Pick### Meta Quest 3S

38The Meta Quest 3S is an outstanding entry-level standalone/PC VR headset, delivering impressive performance, full-color passthrough, and more at a budget-friendly price. See it at AmazonSee it at Best BuyProduct SpecificationsPlatformStandalone, PCResolution (per-eye)1832x1920Refresh Rate90-120HzField of View90°Tracking6DoFWeight1.13 poundsPROSStandalone capabilityPerformance on par with the Meta Quest 3CONSFresnel lensesOur hands-on review of the Meta Quest 3 highlighted its stellar standalone VR experience. However, the significant price increase from the Quest 2 was a drawback. Fortunately, the Meta Quest 3S offers a budget-friendly alternative, combining the best of its predecessors into one capable headset.

The Quest 3S boasts robust performance thanks to its CPU, GPU, and RAM, mirroring the Quest 3's internals and significantly upgrading from the Quest 2. In 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 could be attributed to its lower-resolution lenses.

Unfortunately, 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, the 120Hz refresh rate and minimal screen door effect still provide a satisfying VR experience. The full-color passthrough mode is a valuable feature for mixed-reality gaming.

The design of the Quest 3S closely resembles the Quest 3, with the same comfortable, lightweight controllers. The headset, weighing 1.13lbs, feels well-balanced on the head, and a cloth strap ensures a secure fit. Battery life is around 2 hours in testing, but using a link cable, you can connect it to a gaming PC for extended play.

PlayStation VR2 – Photos

11 Images2. PlayStation VR2

Best VR Headset Under $600

### PlayStation VR2

13The PlayStation VR2, designed for the PS5, offers 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 showcases its superior capabilities over the original headset. Priced at $550, it's not the cheapest option, but it offers a comprehensive set of features. From built-in tracking cameras and eye tracking to two tactile Sense controllers with adaptive triggers and haptic feedback, setup is straightforward – just plug in a single USB-C cable and calibrate.

The visuals are stunning, thanks to 4K OLED panels with HDR, a 120Hz refresh rate, and a 110-degree field of view. It delivers PC-level VR performance with specs that outshine many pricier PC VR headsets. However, it cannot play original PSVR games. With a $59.99 adapter, you can use it with a PC, though some features are lost. Our hands-on testing of the PS VR2 PC adapter confirmed its added value.

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Best VR Headset Under $100

### Nintendo Labo Toy-Con 04

8The Nintendo Labo Toy-Con 04 offers a unique VR experience using the Switch’s screen, though it lacks a strap, which may lead to fatigue. See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsPlatformNintendo SwitchResolution (per-eye)1,280 x 720Refresh Rate60HzField of ViewNot listedTracking 3DoFWeight3.14 poundsPROSPlayful, constructible headsetsMade from sturdy cardboardCONSNo strapRumors of a VR solution for the Nintendo Switch have been around since before the console's release, but the Nintendo Labo Toy-Con 04 was a delightful surprise in 2019. Depending on the kit, you can build various playful headsets, including a blaster, camera, bird, and an elephant with a trunk for VR interaction. Each headset enhances the immersive experience, making it fun for kids and adults alike. It's an affordable Nintendo Switch accessory under $100.

Made from sturdy cardboard with plastic lenses, the Nintendo Labo VR kit relies on the Switch's screen, so expect modest resolution and refresh rates. Visible pixels and less smooth action are to be expected, and without a strap, holding the headset can cause fatigue during extended play.

Our original review of the Nintendo Labo Variety Kit praised its creativity, a hallmark of any Labo product from Nintendo.

4. Atlasonix VR Headset

Best VR Headset Under $50

### Atlasonix VR Headset

13The Atlasonix VR Headset offers a comfortable VR experience with ample padding, an eye-protection system, and a Bluetooth remote for your smartphone. See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsPlatformAndroid, iOSResolution (per-eye)Depends on deviceRefresh RateDepends on deviceField of View105°Tracking3DoF/6DoF (app-dependent)Weight0.5 poundsPROSEasy setupComfortable fitCONSLimited by your phone’s capabilitiesThe Atlasonix VR Headset enhances your smartphone's VR capabilities with better clarity, comfort, and field of view. It's not made from cardboard, and features breathable padding around the eyes and nose, making it comfortable to wear. An adjustable strap distributes weight evenly, while an eye protection system and adjustable sliders for focal and pupillary distances ensure clarity and prevent strain.

Setting up the Atlasonix is simple; most phones up to 6.3 inches fit easily into the padded slot. The plastic build is durable, and it comes with a Bluetooth controller for easy navigation and interaction within VR apps.

5. Google Cardboard POP!

Best VR Headset Under $20

### Google Cardboard POP!

6The Google Cardboard POP! offers an ultra-cheap VR experience with a cardboard frame, lenses, and a button for limited interaction. See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsPlatformAndroid, iOSResolution (per-eye)Depends on deviceRefresh RateDepends on deviceField of View95°Tracking3DoF/6DoF (app-dependent)Weight0.31 poundsPROSExtremely affordableEye cushioningCONSLimited VR interactionsGoogle Cardboard, like the POP! version, is incredibly affordable due to its simple cardboard design, which includes lenses and a button for basic VR interaction. You can download Cardboard apps and explore a wealth of VR content online. Google's publicly available plans allow various companies to produce versions, or you can even make your own if you're feeling crafty.

The capabilities of Google Cardboard depend on your smartphone. The POP! version features a cutout for taking photos during play, along with cushioning around your eyes, a velcro strap for easy phone access, and a band to keep it secure on your head. All this 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 movies and still-image exploration, smartphone-based VR is a cost-effective choice. For these headsets, consider adding a Bluetooth VR controller for better control.

Platform: The VR ecosystem is crucial. Most budget headsets work with smartphones, supporting iOS and Android. The Quest 3S is standalone with its own app store and PC compatibility. The PS VR2 requires a PS5 but now supports PC gaming with an adapter. Nintendo Labo VR kits work exclusively with the Switch. Choose based on the games and experiences you want to enjoy.

Some platforms, like Google Cardboard, offer curated content ecosystems for easy access to compatible apps.

Design and comfort: Comfort is key for enjoyable VR sessions. Budget headsets may compromise on comfort, and the cheapest options like Google Cardboard are less comfortable. Look for headsets with adjustable straps and ample padding for long sessions. For shorter experiences, holding the headset might suffice, but for longer, interactive sessions, hands-free comfort with a controller is ideal.

Consider how the headset interacts with your phone. The best models have padding to protect your phone and vents to manage heat, preventing thermal throttling.

With these considerations, you can enjoy a great VR experience without spending a fortune. Even with a modest smartphone, there are many exciting experiences to explore. Use these tips to find the perfect budget VR headset and step into the virtual world.

Budget VR Gaming Headset FAQ

What's the difference between VR and AR?

Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are distinct technologies in gaming. AR is more accessible, using your smartphone to overlay virtual elements onto the real world, as seen in Pokémon Go. Apple's Vision Pro also uses AR innovatively. VR, on the other hand, immerses you in a fully computer-generated environment, blocking out the real world. Popular VR games include Asgard's Wrath 2 for the Meta Quest and Gran Turismo 7 for the PSVR 2.

What are some standalone VR headset options?

Most VR headsets need additional devices like a gaming PC, smartphone, or console to operate. The Meta Quest series offers standalone VR with powerful processors for gaming without a connection, with the Meta Quest 3S being the best budget option. Other standalone options include the Pico 4 and the HTC XR Elite. The Apple Vision Pro is another high-end standalone device, seamlessly integrating with Apple's ecosystem and enhancing productivity when connected to best MacBooks.

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

High-end VR headsets rarely see discounts, but budget models often do during key sales events. Amazon Prime Day in July is a prime time for VR deals. Black Friday and Cyber Monday also offer consistent discounts, primarily on Meta Quest headsets, with occasional deals on other models.