The world of virtual reality (VR) can be expensive, with high-end options like the Apple Vision Pro priced at a staggering $3,500. However, there are budget-friendly VR headsets that provide an immersive experience without breaking the bank. Let's explore some of the best budget VR headsets available, ensuring you can dive into virtual worlds at a fraction of the cost.

TL;DR – These Are the Best Budget VR Headsets:

Our Top Pick### Meta Quest 3S

38Experience outstanding entry-level standalone/PC VR with impressive performance and full-color passthrough. See it at AmazonSee it at Best Buy### PlayStation VR2

13Enjoy built-in tracking, eye tracking, and 4K OLED visuals designed for the PS5. See it at AmazonSee it at PlayStationSee it at Target### Nintendo Labo Toy-Con 04

8Dive into a unique VR experience using the Nintendo Switch with playful cardboard headsets. See it at Amazon### Atlasonix VR Headset

13Transform your smartphone into a VR device with comfort and an included Bluetooth remote. See it at Amazon### Google Cardboard POP!

6Experience VR on a budget with this ultra-cheap cardboard frame and lens setup. See it at AmazonThe Meta Quest series, now under Meta, revolutionized VR by offering a standalone headset that doesn't require a gaming PC. This accessibility has made VR more popular, and even years later, few other standalone options exist. If you want to experience VR, you'll likely need to pair it with another platform.

Whether you're seeking advanced tracking, six degrees of freedom (6DoF), and high resolutions with headsets like the Meta Quest 3S or PlayStation VR2, or you're just looking to dip your toes into VR with a smartphone-based solution, we've selected five budget-friendly options to suit your needs.

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 that offers impressive performance, full-color passthrough, and more. See it at AmazonSee it at Best BuyProduct SpecificationsPlatformStandalone, PCResolution (per-eye)1832x1920Refresh Rate90-120HzField of View90°Tracking6DoFWeight1.13 poundsPROSStandalone devicePerformance similar to the Meta Quest 3CONSFresnel lensesOur hands-on review of the Meta Quest 3 revealed it to be a brilliant standalone VR experience, but the price increase from the Quest 2 was a downside. The Meta Quest 3S offers a solution by combining the best features of its predecessors into an affordable and capable VR headset.

The Quest 3S boasts strong performance thanks to its CPU, GPU, and RAM, which are identical to the Quest 3 and a significant upgrade from the Quest 2. In our testing of the Meta Quest 3S, it handled games like Blade & Sorcery: Nomad and Supernatural with ease, even showing a slight performance bump over the Quest 3 due to its lower-resolution lenses.

However, 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 clarity and immersion may not match the more expensive model, the 120Hz refresh rate and minimal screen door effect ensure a pleasant VR experience. The full-color passthrough mode is a valuable addition for mixed-reality gaming.

The design of the Quest 3S closely resembles the Quest 3, with comfortable, lightweight controllers and a well-balanced headset weighing 1.13lbs. The cloth strap provides a secure fit, though battery life averages about 2 hours. For those willing to use a wire, a link cable allows connection to a gaming PC.

PlayStation VR2 – Photos

11 Images2. PlayStation VR2

Best VR Headset Under $600

### PlayStation VR2

13The PlayStation VR2 enhances your PS5 gaming experience with built-in tracking cameras, eye tracking, 4K OLED panels, and tactile Sense controllers. 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 demonstrates its superiority over the original headset, offering a wealth of features at a starting price of $550. It includes built-in tracking cameras, eye tracking, and two tactile Sense controllers with adaptive triggers and haptic feedback. Setup is straightforward, requiring only a single USB-C connection and calibration.

The visuals are stunning, thanks to the 4K OLED panels with HDR, a 120Hz refresh rate, and a 110-degree FOV. The headset delivers PC-level VR performance, surpassing many pricier PC VR headsets in features and specs. While it can't play original PSVR games, the PS VR2 supports PC gaming with a $59.99 adapter, adding significant value despite some feature limitations.

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Lenovo Legion Tower 5 AMD Ryzen 7 7700 RTX 4070 Ti Super Gaming PC with 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD (Use Code: EXTRAFIVE)- $1,527.49Acer Predator Orion RTX 4070 Ti SUPER Gaming Desktop- $1,749.99HP OMEN 35L RTX 4060 Ti Gaming Desktop- $1,219.99Dell XPS Intel Core i7-14700 RTX 4060 Ti Gaming PC- $1,349.99Dell XPS Intel Core i7-14700 RTX 4060 Gaming PC- $1,099.993. Nintendo Labo Toy-Con 04

Best VR Headset Under $100

### Nintendo Labo Toy-Con 04

8The Nintendo Labo Toy-Con 04 offers a unique VR experience using the Nintendo Switch, with playful cardboard headsets you can construct. 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 been around since the console's inception, but the Nintendo Labo Toy-Con 04, released in 2019, was a delightful surprise. This cardboard-crafted headset allows users to create various playful headsets, each tied to a unique VR experience, perfect for kids and kids at heart. It's a fun Nintendo Switch accessory that costs less than $100.

The Labo VR kit uses the Switch's screen and sturdy cardboard with plastic lenses, setting realistic expectations for the VR experience. With the Switch's resolution and refresh rate, individual pixels may be visible, and the action may not be as smooth. The lack of a strap means holding the mask in place, which can cause fatigue during extended play.

Our initial review of the Nintendo Labo Variety Kit praised its creativity, a core aspect of all Labo products from Nintendo.

4. Atlasonix VR Headset

Best VR Headset Under $50

### Atlasonix VR Headset

13The Atlasonix VR Headset transforms your smartphone into a VR device, offering comfort, clarity, and an included 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 leverages the power of top iPhones and Android phones to deliver a VR experience, excelling in clarity, comfort, and field-of-view. Unlike cardboard alternatives, this headset features ample, breathable padding around the eyes and nose, ensuring comfort, while an adjustable strap distributes weight evenly. An eye protection system and adjustable sliders for focal and pupillary distances enhance clarity and prevent strain.

Setting up the Atlasonix is straightforward, accommodating most phones up to 6.3 inches. Its durable plastic build ensures longevity, and the included Bluetooth controller allows easy navigation and interaction with VR apps.

5. Google Cardboard POP!

Best VR Headset Under $20

### Google Cardboard POP!

6The Google Cardboard POP! offers an ultra-affordable VR experience with a simple cardboard frame, lenses, and a button for 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 options like the POP! version are incredibly affordable due to their simple cardboard construction, which includes lenses and a button for basic VR interaction. You can download a Cardboard app and explore a range of VR content. Google's plans for the headset are publicly available, allowing various companies to produce versions, or you can even make your own.

The capabilities of Google Cardboard depend on your phone's performance. The POP! version includes a cutout for photos during play, along with eye cushioning, a velcro strap for easy phone access, and a headband for security. You can purchase this headset 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 in-depth gaming, opt for the Meta Quest 3S or PlayStation VR2. For movies and still-image exploration, smartphone-based VR headsets are a cost-effective choice. Consider adding a Bluetooth VR controller for better control.

Platform: VR headsets are part of a larger ecosystem of apps and experiences. Most budget headsets work with smartphones, supporting iOS and Android. The Meta Quest 3S is fully standalone with its own app store and can connect to a PC for more experiences. The PS VR2 requires a PS5 for optimal use, while the Nintendo Labo VR works exclusively with the Switch. Choose a headset based on the games and experiences you want to try.

Some platforms, like Google Cardboard, also offer curated content ecosystems, providing quick access to compatible apps.

Design and comfort: Comfort is crucial for VR enjoyment. Budget headsets may compromise on comfort to keep costs down. Look for headsets with adjustable straps and ample padding around the eyes for long sessions. Short experiences can be enjoyed handheld, but interactive sessions are better with a hands-free design and a controller.

Consider how the headset handles your phone. The best options have padding to prevent scratches and vents to manage heat, preventing thermal throttling during VR use.

With these considerations, you can find a budget VR headset that offers a great virtual reality experience without the high cost. Whether you're using a powerful gaming setup or a modest smartphone, there are options to suit your budget and introduce you to the exciting world of VR.

Budget VR Gaming Headset FAQ

What's the difference between VR and AR?

Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are distinct technologies. AR, accessible through smartphones, overlays virtual elements in the real world, as seen in Pokémon Go. In contrast, VR creates a fully immersive, computer-generated environment, as experienced in games like Asgard's Wrath 2 for the Meta Quest or Gran Turismo 7 on PSVR 2.

What are some standalone VR headset options?

Most VR headsets require an additional device to function. Standalone options include the Meta Quest series, with the Meta Quest 3S being the best budget choice. Other standalone headsets are the Pico 4, HTC XR Elite, and the Apple Vision Pro, which also integrates seamlessly with best MacBooks for enhanced functionality.

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

High-end VR headsets rarely see discounts, but budget models often go on sale during key shopping events. Amazon Prime Day in July, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday offer some of the best deals, particularly on Meta Quest headsets, though other brands may also be discounted.