Top Affordable VR Headsets Now

High-end VR headsets can be incredibly expensive—the Apple Vision Pro, for instance, commands a hefty $3,500 price tag. But fear not, immersive virtual worlds are accessible without breaking the bank. This guide highlights the best budget VR headsets available.

TL;DR – Best Budget VR Headsets:

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 competitive price, eliminating the need for a gaming PC. While standalone options remain limited, this guide covers headsets offering both advanced experiences (like the Meta Quest 3S and PlayStation VR2 with 6DoF and high resolutions) and more basic entry-level options.

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1. Meta Quest 3S – Photos

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Meta Quest 3S – Best Budget VR Headset

An outstanding entry-level standalone/PC VR headset boasting impressive performance, convenient full-color passthrough, and more. The Meta Quest 3S offers a compelling blend of affordability and capability, inheriting the powerful CPU, GPU, and RAM of the Quest 3, resulting in smooth gameplay even with demanding titles like Blade & Sorcery: Nomad and Supernatural. While its Fresnel lenses (1832x1920 pixels per eye, 20ppd) don't match the clarity of the Quest 3's pancake lenses, the 120Hz refresh rate minimizes the screen-door effect. Its lightweight design (1.13 lbs) and comfortable controllers enhance the user experience, although battery life is around 2 hours. A link cable enables PC connectivity for expanded gameplay.

2. PlayStation VR2 – Photos

11 Images

PlayStation VR2 – Best VR Headset Under $600

Designed for the PS5, the PlayStation VR2 offers impressive features for its price point. Its built-in tracking cameras, eye tracking, 4K OLED panels (2,000 x 2,040 pixels per eye), and haptic feedback controllers deliver a high-quality VR experience. Setup is straightforward, requiring only a single USB-C connection. The 120Hz refresh rate and 110-degree FOV contribute to stunning visuals. While it doesn't support original PSVR games, a PC adapter ($59.99) expands its compatibility.

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

This unique cardboard headset uses the Nintendo Switch screen to provide a playful VR experience. The sturdy cardboard construction allows for creative headset designs, including a blaster, camera, and more. While the resolution and refresh rate are limited by the Switch's capabilities (1280 x 720, 60Hz), it offers a fun, affordable introduction to VR for kids and adults alike. Note: It lacks a strap, requiring manual holding.

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

This smartphone-based VR headset stands out with its comfort and clarity. Features include ample padding, an eye protection system, adjustable focal and pupillary distance sliders, and a Bluetooth remote for intuitive control. Setup is easy, accommodating phones up to 6.3 inches. While performance depends on your smartphone's capabilities, it offers a more comfortable and higher-quality experience than many similarly priced options.

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

An extremely inexpensive option, Google Cardboard (various versions available) uses a simple cardboard frame, lenses, and a button for basic interaction. Performance relies on your smartphone. The POP! version adds eye cushioning and a velcro strap for improved comfort and usability. It's a bare-bones but remarkably affordable entry point into the world of VR.

What to Look for in a Budget VR Headset

Consider the desired VR experience (gaming vs. media consumption), platform compatibility (smartphone, PC, console), design and comfort (adjustable straps, padding), and phone integration (protection, ventilation). Even budget options can offer enjoyable VR experiences.

Budget VR Gaming Headset FAQ

VR vs. AR: VR immerses you in a fully computer-generated world, while AR overlays virtual elements onto the real world. Standalone VR Headsets: Meta Quest headsets are leading standalone options, with the Meta Quest 3S being a budget-friendly choice. Others include Pico 4 and HTC XR Elite. Best Time to Buy: Amazon Prime Day, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday often offer discounts on budget VR headsets.