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What is the Best Cheap VR Headset to Buy

Oculus Quest 2
4.7
4.7/5
Value
Immersion
Comfort
Control
Ease of Use
Oculus Quest 2
HP Reverb G2 (V2)
4.2
4.2/5
Value
Immersion
Comfort
Control
Ease of Use
HP Reveb G2
Google Daydream
2.5
2.5/5
Value
Immersion
Comfort
Control
Ease of Use
Google Daydream

Table of Contents

Virtual reality, or VR, opens up a whole new world to gamers, but deciding which headset to purchase can be daunting. Some headsets are compatible only with PC gaming systems, while others work with specific consoles or are designed for use with mobile phones. You might also want to consider refresh rate, field of vision, ease of use and set up, and comfort when deciding on a headset, and price is also always an important factor. Taking all of these things into consideration can be a challenge.

Luckily, there are many options available for a budget VR headset that will give you everything you’re looking for at a reasonable price. Breaking down specific features can also help you decide what’s most important to you in a headset. Check out the list below to see our top picks and why we feel they’re worth looking into.

Top 10 Cheapest Virtual Reality Systems

1. Oculus Quest 2 - Cheapest VR

4.7
4.7/5
Value
Immersion
Comfort
Control
Ease of Use
  • Resolution: 1832x1920
  • Refresh Rate: 120Hz
  • FOV: 90°

Our top pick for greatest value is the Oculus Quest 2, which is a little pricier than some headsets on the market but offers some of the best features. Because it’s so user-friendly and easy to set up, this headset makes jumping into the world of VR relatively seamless. It’s also backwards compatible, so you can purchase new games or budget and use the headset with old favorites.

The Oculus Quest 2 is wireless, which offers excellent freedom of movement. If you want to use it with a PC, you’ll need to purchase an Oculus Link cable, but the headset does come with built-in headphones and a microphone. It also offers either 128 or 256 GB of storage.

This headset also offers excellent tracking and has a refresh rate of 90 Hz, which enhances the look of gameplay. The head strap is also designed to provide stability, which makes gameplay more comfortable. However, this head strap can feel a little stiff and clunky.

Pros:

  • Easy to install and use.
  • Compatible with most systems.
  • Affordable but offers high-end features.
  • Offers a good refresh rate and excellent tracking.

Cons:

  • Requires a battery charge after two to three hours of play.
  • Accessories can be pricey.
  • Head strap is stiff and clunky.
Amazon
GameStop

2. HP Reverb G2 (V2) - Best Budget PC Headset

4.2
4.2/5
Value
Immersion
Comfort
Control
Ease of Use
  • Resolution: 2160x2160
  • Refresh Rate: 90Hz
  • FOV: 114°

For ease of use and flexibility, it’s hard to beat the HP Reverb G2. The headset features wired connectivity, so it’s simple to connect it to a PC. You can also choose to use the headset’s built-in speakers or connect your own headphones using the headphone jack.

The headset has a 2160 x 2160 LCD resolution, and you can adjust the IPD, or interpupillary distance, to find a field of vision width that suits you. The HP Reverb G2’s four cameras also create better tracking, particularly for arm movements, making gameplay much smoother.

A nylon strap at the top of the headset and plastic straps at the side help you get a good fit. The headset is also lightweight, which increases comfort, and the smaller design makes it more portable. The cord is 11 ft. long, so you never have to worry about battery life, but there’s also plenty of freedom for movement.

If you play a lot of Steam games, this headset is a great choice, as it’s compatible with SteamVR. Not only that, but it includes an HDMI port, so connecting to your PC is simple.

Pros:

  • Excellent resolution, IPD options, and tracking.
  • Lightweight and portable with slim cords.
  • Connects easily to PCs and is compatible with SteamVR and Windows Mixed Reality.

Cons:

  • Higher price point than other budget VR headsets.
  • Controllers sometimes lose tracking.
Amazon

3. Google Daydream

3.1
3.1/5
Value
Immersion
Comfort
Control
Ease of Use

When it comes to mobile VR, the Google Daydream offers a range of great features at an extremely affordable price. The Daydream app offers tons of games and videos, and the selection is always growing. Players can simply insert their phone into the Google Daydream headset and start playing, so there isn’t much of a learning curve.

The Google Daydream is designed to be lightweight, so it’s super portable. The fabric and straps are breathable, which makes the headset comfortable to wear, even if you’re watching a long concert or sporting event. The controller is also small and lightweight.

The only real drawback to this headset is that it’s designed for mobile gaming or video viewing only, and it only works with Daydream-ready phones. However, for anyone looking to jump into VR without shelling out a lot of money, this is a great option, and the huge selection of games makes it well worth the initial cost.

Pros:

  • Extremely affordable.
  • Very user-friendly, with a simple setup.
  • Lightweight, comfortable, and portable.

Cons:

  • Only works with Daydream-ready phones.
  • Does not connect to PCs or other gaming consoles.
Google Daydream

4. Oculus Rift S - Affordable PC Gaming

3.0
3/5
Value
Immersion
Comfort
Control
Ease of Use
  • Resolution: 1280x1440
  • Refresh Rate: 80Hz
  • FOV: 115°

Although it’s similar to the Oculus Quest 2, there are some noticeable differences in the Oculus Rift S. The Oculus Rift S is a tethered system that connects to your PC, but the cord is long, so there’s still plenty of freedom for movement while gaming. This system also utilizes your PC’s graphics card and processor, which makes for a more detailed visual experience.

The Oculus Quest 2 is slightly more user-friendly, but the Rift S is still pretty simple when it comes to setup. The headset also offers excellent tracking and easily translates real-world movements in-game. A 58 to 72 mm IPD lets you fully customize your field of vision, and the 1280 x 1440 resolution is decent.

The headset’s adjustable headband makes it comfortable for long wear, and the headset itself is lightweight and breathable. The headset comes with AKG headphones, which offer 3600 spatial sound, and a microphone for clear, easy chatting while gaming. A built-in backlight also increases visibility.

Pros:

  • Excellent tracking and movement translation.
  • Fully customizable IPD.
  • Built-in 3600 spatial sound headphones.
  • Backwards compatible with previous generation Rift S games.
  • Affordable price point.

Cons:

  • Has a lower refresh rate than other VR headsets.
  • Works best with a high-end gaming PC.
Amazon

5. PSVR - for PlayStation Users

3.2
3.2/5
Value
Immersion
Comfort
Control
Ease of Use
  • Resolution: 1080x960
  • Refresh Rate: 120Hz
  • FOV: 100°

If you’re a PlayStation fan, the PlayStation VR is probably the headset for you, as it is compatible with both the PS4 and PS5. The headset has a slightly higher price point than other VR headsets, like the Oculus Quest and Oculus Rift, but for anyone who loves PlayStation games or wants a wide range of fantastic gaming options, the price is usually worth it.

Because it’s designed specifically for PS4 and PS5 use, setup is a snap with this headset. The visual quality is also fantastic. The headset has a 1080 pixel display and runs with up to 120 frames per second, which helps to create a very smooth view.

The headset includes 3D audio, which allows you to hear which direction sounds are coming from and enhances gameplay, especially when paired with the system’s 360-degree vision. There is also a built-in microphone for easy chatting.

Pros:

  • Works with both the PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5.
  • Excellent refresh rate for seamless views.
  • 3D audio through built-in speakers.

Cons:

  • Higher price point than some other VR headsets.
  • Does not work with gaming PCs.
Amazon
GameStop

6. Samsung Gear VR

3.0
3/5
Value
Immersion
Comfort
Control
Ease of Use

If you have a Samsung phone and want a completely immersive VR gaming or interactive experience, the Samsung Gear VR is perfect. This headset lets you watch videos, hang out with friends, or dive into gaming, and the setup is simple and quick. Integration with Samsung Gear 360 also lets you create your own VR content.

The headset is compatible with a wide range of Samsung phones, from the Galaxy S6 through the Galaxy S8+. It offers great screen resolution for a theater-like visual experience. The headset’s lightweight design also increases comfort and makes it extremely portable.

Pros:

  • Affordable price point.
  • Makes it easy to jump into VR gaming.
  • Easy to adjust for maximum comfort.
  • Comes with a lightweight controller.

Cons:

  • Only works with Samsung phones.
Samsung Gear VR

7. Merge VR - Cheap iPhone Headset

2.8
2.8/5
Value
Immersion
Comfort
Control
Ease of Use

iPhone users can hop into a VR experience with the Merge VR headset. The headset isn’t only for iPhone users, though—it’s also compatible with most iOS and Android phones. It’s also compatible with the Merge Cube, a STEM tool that helps kids hold virtual objects and experience science and math in a completely new way.

This headset was designed to be durable and comfortable. It’s made of foam that resists damage and is easy to clean, so it’s a good choice for both kids and adults. It’s also lightweight, so it’s portable. That said, you don’t really need to bring it anywhere to experience the whole world, thanks to a range of available ‘field trips’ from companies like Discover, National Geographic, the BBC, and NASA.

The Merge VR features adjustable straps that make it simple to create a good fit for both adults and children. The design is slightly boxy, but this allows for additional comfort and makes it easy to use the headset with glasses.

Pros:

  • Compatible with iPhones and Android phones.
  • Works with the Merge Cube for tactile STEM learning.
  • Lightweight, portable, and comfortable for long wear.
  • Includes audio ports and anti-fog channels.

Cons:

  • Design is somewhat boxy and clunky.
Merge VR

8. Google Cardboard - Cheapest VR Experience

2.7
2.5/5
Value
Immersion
Comfort
Control
Ease of Use

For extreme budgeters who still want to experience immersive VR, Google Cardboard is basic but works surprisingly well. The headset only costs about $15, and, as the name suggests, it’s made out of cardboard. High-quality lenses, however, mean you get great visuals, and the cardboard is partially laminated, so you don’t have to worry too much about durability.

It doesn’t get much more user-friendly than the Google Cardboard, since all you need to do is slide in your phone. The headset works with most phones that have a screen size between 4 and 6 in. There’s an interactive click button at the top, which works with any compatible phone, and you can choose from hundreds of compatible games and videos.

Pros:

  • Extremely affordable price makes it a great way to try VR.
  • Simple to use and set up.
  • Decent visuals for the price point.
  • Hundreds of games and videos to choose from.

Cons:

  • Simple design doesn’t block light or sound.
  • Does not come with a strap.
Google Cardboard

9. BNEXT VR - Mobile Alternative

2.7
2.7/5
Value
Immersion
Comfort
Control
Ease of Use

Like the Google Cardboard, the BNEXT VR headset is a very affordable, simple headset that makes it easy to watch videos, hang out with friends, or play games. It’s a bit of an upgrade on the Cardboard thanks to sturdier materials and design, plus adjustable straps. The headset is also lightweight and was made to be ergonomic for a comfortable fit.

The BNEXT VR headset is compatible with most phones with a screen size between 4 and 6.3 in. It runs on an Android operating system and works well with phones with a gyro sensor. The system offers exclusive VR content, and users can choose from hundreds of compatible apps, games, and videos.

A 90 Hz refresh rate and 1440 x 1440 resolution offer smooth visuals. You can also adjust the viewing angle and focal distance to reduce dizziness and increase visibility.

Pros:

  • Very user-friendly, with an easy setup.
  • Extremely affordable.
  • Comfortable ergonomic design utilizing lightweight materials.
  • Compatible with most phones.

Cons:

  • Can be tricky to slide in your phone.
BNEXT VR

10. Nintendo Switch Headset

2.7
2.7/5
Value
Immersion
Comfort
Control
Ease of Use

For console gaming, the Nintendo Switch Headset lets you experience classic games like never before at an incredibly affordable price point. Set up is extremely simple—just slip your Switch into the headset and you’re ready to go—making this one of the most user-friendly console or PC VR headsets available.

The headset is made of foam and plastic, so it’s lightweight and durable. The straps are fully adjustable, so you can find the perfect fit, and portholes allow for heat dissipation. You can also take out the joy-cons and use them as you would when the Switch is docked, making gameplay much more comfortable and increasing movement options.

Although there are more expensive, higher-tech options available for Nintendo Switch headsets, this headset is the perfect way to experience VR without breaking the bank.

Pros:

  • Super simple setup.
  • Comfortable, adjustable design.
  • Extremely low price point.

Cons:

  • Can be somewhat heavy when used with joy-cons attached.
Nintendo Switch Headset

Buying Guide: What to Look for in a Good Budget VR Headset

Price

If you’re looking for a budget VR headset, price is always going to be your biggest consideration. How much you want to spend often depends on what you’ll be using the headset for the most. If you’re mainly interested in chatting with friends, watching videos, and playing a few games, a top-of-the-line, expensive headset is largely unnecessary.

It’s also a good idea to choose a budget option if you’ve never played VR and just want to try it out before doing a deep dive into VR gaming. If you’re a major gamer, however, or you want to use a headset with a high-end PC or gaming console, you may want to consider a slightly more expensive option with better features.

Compatibility

Think about what systems you use the most for gaming or video watching. Some headsets are designed solely for mobile, while others are compatible only with specific consoles or gaming PCs. If you want to play a specific game or with a particular device, choose a headset that suits those needs. It’s also a good idea to consider backwards compatible headsets for PC gaming or consoles.

Field of View (FOV)

Field of view is the maximum area that the camera in the headset captures. A wider field of view makes for a more natural visual experience. It’s usually best to opt for a headset with a FOV of 100 degrees or more.

Tracking

Tracking refers to how the headset’s camera syncs with your movements. Better tracking makes for more seamless, immersive gameplay.

Comfort

Whether you want to watch a feature-length film or you’re getting ready to immerse yourself in a great game, chances are that you’ll be wearing your VR headset for an hour or more at a time. This makes comfort an important factor to consider. Look for headsets that are lightweight but durable. Breathability, how adjustable the headset is, and how comfortably it sits on your face are also important.

Screen Resolution

A headset’s resolution determines how crisp the pictures you see are. In headsets with high resolutions, you’ll experience a smoother picture, making for a much more immersive experience. When picking out a headset, you want to look for a high resolution per eye, which tells you how many pixels are displayed by the headset. The higher the pixel count, the smaller they are, which makes for less pixilated images.

Refresh Rate

Refresh rate is crucial when it comes to gaming. A higher refresh rate makes for much smoother, seamless visuals. This is particularly important in fast-paced games.

Sound

When considering audio, think about not only how good the headset’s speakers are but also how much outside noise they block. For a truly immersive experience, you’ll want headphones that let you clearly hear your game or video and keep out extraneous sounds. Some headsets allow you to connect your own headphones, so you can choose any headphones you like, while others offer 3D audio for a more immersive experience.

Minimum Requirements for Cheap PC VR

The minimum system requirements for a VR headset vary from system to system, so double-check the specific requirements for each headset you’re considering.

  • Operating System: Windows 7
  • Graphics Card: NVIDIA GTX 1050 Ti or 960 4GB/AMD Radeon RX 470 or R9 290 or greater
  • Memory: 4GB RAM
  • Processor: Intel i5-4590/AMD FX 8350 or greater

Recommended Requirements for Cheap PC VR

  • Operating System: Windows 10
  • Graphics Card: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 or 970/AMD Radeon RX 480 or R9 290 or greater
  • Memory: 8GB+ RAM
  • Processor: Intel i5-4590/AMD Ryzen 5 1500X or greater

TL;DR: Most Affordable Virtual Reality Headsets

Before you break the bank on an expensive VR headset, consider what you’re going to be using it for. If you’re looking to ease into VR, a budget headset is usually the best choice. Think about what games or videos you want to watch, what system or mobile device you’ll be using, and what features are most important to you, and choose a headset based on those factors.

For the best budget headset with excellent features, we recommend the Oculus Quest 2. If you need a headset for the PlayStation, PlayStation VR should be your go-to. The Nintendo Switch offers a few options, but, for the price, you can’t beat the Nintendo Switch Headset.

Mobile VR headsets are usually designed for specific phones, but the Google Cardboard, BNEXT VR, and Merge VR are compatible with most phones and offer an immersive VR experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Usually, the biggest difference between cheap and expensive VR headsets is performance. Expensive headsets offer better tracking, resolution, and refresh rates, but you can often find decent performance in less expensive headsets. Expensive headsets are also designed to be more comfortable and are sometimes easier to adjust.

For around $20, you can usually make your own VR mobile headset. You can purchase biconvex lenses or make your own from a plastic bottle. Tape them securely into a cardboard headset template, which can be found using a quick internet search. You can also make a strap using Velcro and fabric.

You can watch almost any video, such as those on YouTube or streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Prime, on a VR headset. Simply open the video and hit play. You can also find 3D videos or full virtual reality videos on different VR apps.