Best budget virtual reality headset

Our expert, award-winning staff selects the products we cover and rigorously researches and tests our top picks.

All of a sudden, VR is interesting again. But for the Apple fanatics, or people who can easily afford it, the Vision Pro is a glimpse at where the entire category might be headed. I tend to judge VR headsets on a few basic criteria: Ergonomics, immersion and controls. It's not that hard to shove a mobile display into a plastic headset and strap some cheap elastic headbands onto it. But it takes skill to craft something that's well balanced and doesn't feel uncomfortable after 30 minutes. My test for ergonomics is fairly simple: How long can I wear a headset until I start to feel discomfort?

Best budget virtual reality headset

The tech is now more widely available and far more affordable compared to previous years, but it's not always easy to find any cheap VR headset deals. Let's start with the Meta Quest 2 previously the Oculus Quest 2 , which is now firmly established as the go-to option for those looking to get into VR gaming. PSVR 2 also launched earlier this year. The second version of the VR headset for PS5 is now available at multiple retailers after a short period of exclusivity at the PlayStation Direct store. Naturally, it has not been discounted this early. Still, we thought Sony nailed virtual reality on its second try and were full of praise in our PSVR 2 review so it's well worth the investment if you have the money to spend on it. And, lastly, there's the Apple Vision Pro. This is a more premium and professional-focused VR and AR headset, but it still has a lot of productivity and gaming uses that appeal to a general audience. We awarded it 4. Just don't expect any deals for some time - if ever. At the opposite end of the scale, we've also included some of the cheapest headsets that only require your phone to function. The possibilities with this are limited but it can be the least expensive way to try out VR for yourself before taking the plunge on some more expensive kit.

The best VR headsets aren't just about transporting you to virtual worlds anymore.

Just look at the Meta Quest 2 , our top budget VR headset, and we've found plenty more wallet-friendly options. Click to jump to detailed looks at our picks for the best budget VR headsets , or just check the list below:. VR is becoming more available and affordable as the technology behind the best VR headsets grows. Standalone options, like the Quest lineup, make the barrier of entry basically void since you no longer need one of the best gaming PCs or gaming consoles. Many of the best smartphones even offer portals to virtual reality using ultra-cheap headsets. So, to help you navigate this complicated market, we've picked out five of our favorite budget VR headsets you can buy today.

Just look at the Meta Quest 2 , our top budget VR headset, and we've found plenty more wallet-friendly options. Click to jump to detailed looks at our picks for the best budget VR headsets , or check the list below:. VR is becoming more available and affordable as the technology behind the best VR headsets grows. Standalone options, like the Quest lineup, make the barrier of entry basically void since you no longer need one of the best gaming PCs or gaming consoles. Many of the best smartphones even offer portals to virtual reality using ultra-cheap headsets. So, to help you navigate this complicated market, we've picked out five of our favorite budget VR headsets you can buy today.

Best budget virtual reality headset

The Quest 3 has a cord-free design and convincing hand tracking, with the added option to plug it in to a PC to access more-powerful games. You can spend thousands of dollars chasing the best specs in a VR headset, but we think comfort and ease of use are more important elements for most people who want to explore VR. With that in mind, the Meta Quest 3 is the clear winner.

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PlayStation VR2. I've kept a diary for 12 years, and I forgot about Apple's Journal app after using it for just a week. What makes the Quest 3 interesting is that it offers more than just solid VR: It also gives you a glimpse at what a mixed reality future could be. Then, they communicate with your headset and controllers to create a strong sense of presence within VR. The Quest 2 reminds me of the Nintendo Switch for its versatility and fun, and it has a growing library of surprisingly effective fitness apps. You could use a Quest 2, Quest 3 or Quest Pro, or consider several existing devices. The Reverb G2 has four cameras two front, two on the sides , and off-ear Valve-designed spatial audio headphones. Other headsets we like What to look forward to The competition. See our full Apple Vision Pro review. They rely on either external sensors, or sensors built into the headsets, to map your physical space.

Cheap VR might have its limitations but it's a great doorway that lets you know if it'll be up your ally because forking out hundreds of dollars blindly might not be the best idea. The best part is that there's plenty for people to try, and here are ten great budget kits that might sell you on this up-and-coming niche. Updated on October 12, , by Stephen Morin: The VR space is frequently changing, and new products are constantly coming out and displacing old hardware.

Preorders for the device begin January You can snag a bundle of four AirTags for close to a record low price. Subscribe now for a daily dose of the biggest tech news, lifestyle hacks and hottest deals. Yes, it can literally rock your noggin. The Bigscreen Beyond also requires a custom face cushion, which is built from a 3D facescan when you place your order. Best budget headset 6. The battery life is just okay. Qualcomm's future plans for VR and AR lean on phones as a way to power smaller glasses, but so far there aren't any of these types of smaller devices that we'd recommend. If you buy direct from Meta you tend to get the best offers, which include bundles with discounted accessories. Other headsets we like.