If you aren’t looking forward to breaking your bank on headsets such as the Apple Vision Pro, you’ve found the right list of affordable VR headsets for beginners. In this article, we’ll look at some of the best headsets that you can use to have an experience or play VR games.
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5 Best Budget VR Headsets in 2024
With Meta, quality virtual reality experiences have become easily accessible. To help with your research for affordable VR headsets, we have come up with a list of budget VR headsets that can be used by beginners. These options range from $500 to even $15. Let’s have a glance at these:
- Meta Quest 2
- PlayStation VR2
- Nintendo Labo Toy-Con 04
- Altasonix VR Headset
- Google Cardboard POP!
1. Meta Quest 2
Meta Quest 2 has everything that one needs to have an astonishing virtual reality experience without breaking the bank. At the price tag of $199 now, this is the best affordable VR headset in 2024. The headset offers users an impressive library full of VR games, streaming apps, and educational content for students of all ages.
To use Meta Quest 3, you don’t require a phone or PC. However, to play PC VR games on Meta Quest 2, you can connect the standalone headset to your gaming PC with a link cable.
The headset has a high-resolution and a 90-120 Hz refresh rate, resulting in crisp visuals and minimal screen door effect. Since it’s a standalone headset, it doesn’t require any cables and so, you can you use it anywhere you want to. In case you come across any obstacles in your environment, the built-in cameras warn you about it. Quest 2’s controllers also have an excellent haptic feedback with a design for extra thumb space.
| Platform | Standalone, PC |
| Refresh Rate | 90-120 Hz |
| Tracking | 6DoF |
| Resolution (per eye) | 1,832 x 1,920 |
| Field of View | 89° |
| Weight | 1.1 pounds |
Pros
- Standalone VR headset
- Great for beginners
Cons
- Controllers may be too big
2. PlayStation VR2
Best Budget VR Headset for Console Play
If you want to upgrade your PS5 gaming, PlayStation VR2 is the one that you need. This PS VR2 is an incredible upgrade from the original version. At $550 for a headset, it’s quite expensive for it to be making on this list. But you get all the features that you could possibly ask for — built-in tracking cameras, eye tracking, Tactile Sense controllers, and haptic feedback.
Setting up the PS VR2 system isn’t too much work. All you need is plug in a single USB-C, perform a bit of calibration, and it’s all done. The headset offers excellent visuals from the 4K OLED panels, a 120 Hz refresh rate, and 110-degree FOV. However, you cannot play the original PSVR games.
| Platform | PS5, PC (with adapter) |
| Refresh Rate | 90-120 Hz |
| Tracking | 6DoF |
| Resolution (per eye) | 2,000 x 2,040 |
| Field of View | 110° |
| Weight | 1.24 pounds |
Pros
- 4K OLED displays with HDR
- 120 Hz refresh rate
- Tactile Sense controllers
Cons
- Isn’t compatible with original PSVR games
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3. Nintendo Labo Toy-Con 04
Best Budget VR Headset for Kids
Nintendo Labo Toy-Con 04 was released back in 2019. It’s a cardboard-crafted headset with which you can create several different playful headsets such as a blaster, bird, camera, or even an elephant! The shape you can create depends on the kit you receive. Nintendo is especially designed for kids to make a VR experience immersive enough to please the kids.
However, you have to set your expectations accordingly as the headset is constructed of sturdy cardboard and plastic lenses. So, there’s nothing fancy. All you get with Nintendo is individual pixels, but the actions may not be so smooth. Also, there are no straps so the user has to hold the headset by themselves.
| Platform | Nintendo Switch |
| Refresh Rate | 60 Hz |
| Tracking | 3DoF |
| Resolution (per eye) | 1,280 x 720 |
| Field of View | Not listed |
| Weight | 3.14 pounds |
Pros
- Built with sturdy cardboard
Cons
- Very heavy
- No strap
4. Altasonix VR Headset
Best Budget Smartphone VR
The Altasonix VR headset is one of the best smartphone headsets out there as it’s not made out of cardboard. It works on the basis of iPhones and Android phones to provide VR experiences. Still, it doesn’t fail to offer amazing clarity, comfort, and field of view!
Altasonix VR headset features soft, breathable padding around the eyes and nose to keep it comfortable on your face, along with adjustable straps. It’s eye protection system and pair of sliders allow you to adjust focal and pupillary distances, which protects your eyes from getting strained.
Most smartphones that are up to 6.3 inches will easily fit into the padded slot of the headset. The plastic build will hold up for quite some time. To easily navigate through VR apps, you can add a $30 Bluetooth controller to your package.
At $29, this is the most affordable VR headset you can score.
| Platform | Android, iOS |
| Refresh Rate | Depends on device |
| Tracking | 3DoF / 6DoF (app dependent) |
| Resolution (per eye) | Depends on device |
| Field of View | 105° |
| Weight | 0.5 pounds |
Pros
- Easy setup
- Comfortable to wear
- Good smartphone VR
Cons
- Can be used only with smartphones
5. Google Cardboard POP!
Most Affordable Budget VR Headset
Google Cardboard POP!, as it’s name already tells you, is made of a simple cardboard frame that holds your smartphone, a pair of lenses, and a button for limited VR interactions. Using the button, you can download the Cardboard app and online VR content to have your own immersive experience.
The performance of Google Cardboard POP! depends highly on the device you are using with it. This version of Google’s Cardboard VR headsets also includes a cutout, so you can take pictures while you play. Other features of this headset include the cushions around your eyes, a velcro strap to easily access your phone, and a strap.
All of this comes together under $15!
Platform | Android, iOS |
Refresh Rate | Depends on device |
Tracking | 3DoF / 6DoF (app dependent) |
Resolution (per eye) | Depends on device |
Field of View | 95° |
Weight | 0.31 pounds |
Pros
- Extremely affordable and lightweight
- Eye cushions
Cons
- Limited interactions in virtual world
- Can be used only on smartphones
What Should You Look For In a Budget VR Headset?
Finding the best budget VR headset for yourself can be a bit overwhelming if you aren’t sure of what you’re for. While there are few great headsets such as the Meta Quest 2 that get quick attention when it comes to virtual reality. However, you may want to look out for the following factors when choosing a VR headset:
- Experience: The first thing you should consider is the type of experience you are looking for. For instance, if you are on a hunt for headset to play VR games, high-end headsets such as Meta Quest 2 or PlayStation VR2 are the best choice. To watch movies and have a still-image experience, smartphone VR headsets work well.
- Platform: Next thing you want to consider the platform that a headset works on, and the VR content options it offers. Most budget VR headsets work with smartphones, and thus, iOS and Android phones are their platform. Other high-end headsets such as Meta Quest 2 are standalone and don’t require a platform.
Headsets such as Nintendo Labo VR and PlayStation VR2 require a console system. Lastly, Google Cardboard offers curated VR content library of its own. These content hubs give you quick access to different VR apps. If you are still unsure of what headset to choose, consider factors you’d want in your headset.
- Design and Comfort: The ergonomics and comfort of a headset should be your first choice to consider. Not doing so will cost you not only the headset, but your health as well in the long run. It’s hard to find a comfortable headset as most budget VR headsets sacrifice comfort to keep prices low.
For an extended and comfortable experience, look for headsets with an adjustable strap and ample padding around the eyes. If you can afford a hand-free experience with hand-on controllers, it’ll benefit you for long-term use.
If you buying a smartphone VR headset, consider how the headset handles your phone. Look for soft padding around the edges of the headset to save your phone from getting scratched. Additionally, running VR apps can cause even new phones to get hot — for which you should seek simple vents in the headset.
With all these factors in mind, try going for a high-end affordable VR headset. You don’t have to break the bank to have a great experience, but new experiences shouldn’t cause motion sickness.
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