Many of the best VR headsets come with a steep price tag—the Apple Vision Pro, for instance, costs a staggering $3,500. However, not all virtual reality experiences require such a hefty investment. Affordable options exist that let you dive into immersive digital worlds without draining your wallet.
TL;DR – These Are the Best Budget VR Headsets:
Our Top Pick### Meta Quest 3S
38See it at AmazonSee it at Best Buy
### PlayStation VR2
13See it at AmazonSee it at PlayStationSee it at Target
### Nintendo Labo Toy-Con 04
8See it at Amazon
### Atlasonix VR Headset
13See it at Amazon
### Google Cardboard POP!
6See it at Amazon
The arrival of the Oculus Quest—now under Meta’s ownership—revolutionized VR by eliminating the need for a gaming PC. With its accessible price point and standalone functionality, it opened the doors to virtual reality for millions. Even today, years after its debut, truly independent VR headsets remain rare. As a result, most VR experiences still rely on integration with another platform.
Whether you're seeking a full-fledged VR experience featuring advanced 6DoF tracking, high-resolution displays, and immersive capabilities like those offered by the Meta Quest 3S or PlayStation VR2, or simply want an affordable way to explore VR casually, we’ve curated a list of five budget-friendly options. Some of these require a smartphone to function, making them ideal entry points before upgrading to a more advanced system.
AnswerSee Results### Meta Quest 3S – Photos
10 Images
1. Meta Quest 3S
Best Budget VR Headset
Our Top Pick### Meta Quest 3S
38Outstanding entry-level standalone/PC VR headset with major performance chops, handy 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 lenses
In our hands-on review of the Meta Quest 3, we praised its exceptional standalone performance. However, the significant price increase over the Quest 2 made it less accessible. Meta’s answer? The Meta Quest 3S—a smart blend of its predecessors that delivers strong performance at a more affordable price.
Powered by the same CPU, GPU, and RAM as the Quest 3, the Quest 3S handles demanding titles like Blade & Sorcery: Nomad and Supernatural with ease. In fact, performance slightly surpasses the Quest 3 in some cases, likely due to optimized rendering on lower-resolution lenses.
The trade-off comes in display quality. Instead of the Quest 3’s pancake lenses, the 3S uses the older Fresnel type with a per-eye resolution of 1832x1920 and 20ppd sharpness. While clarity and immersion take a small hit, the 120Hz refresh rate and minimal screen door effect still deliver a smooth and enjoyable experience. The full-color passthrough feature is a standout, enhancing mixed-reality gameplay significantly.
Design-wise, the Quest 3S mirrors the Quest 3. It features the same comfortable, lightweight Touch Plus controllers and a balanced fit at 1.13 pounds. The included fabric strap offers a secure hold, though battery life averages around two hours due to weight-saving measures. For extended play, use a link cable to connect to a gaming PC and power up continuously.
PlayStation VR2 – Photos
11 Images
2. PlayStation VR2
Best VR Headset Under $600
### PlayStation VR2
13Built-in tracking cameras, eye tracking, 4K OLED panels, and two tactile Sense controllers with adaptive triggers and haptic feedback come with this VR headset designed for the PS5.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 games
If you're ready to elevate your PS5
