Virtual reality is everywhere, from gaming and entertainment to business and medicine. It was a pricey niche until the competition and mass production gave us some affordable options. Today, you can get a solid VR experience without paying a small fortune.
In other words, this is the best time to jump into VR. Entry-level headsets deliver impressive tech at a reasonable price. That's why I analyzed dozens of models with the Cybernews research team, focusing on comfort, performance, pricing, and user feedback.
Below, I'll go over our top picks and share some useful tips to help you find the best budget VR headset for your needs.
Top 6 budget VR headsets – shortlist
- Pimax Crystal Light – best budget VR headset overall
- Meta Quest 3S – cheapest standalone VR headset
- Sony PS VR2 – best budget-friendly VR headset for PS gamers
- HTC Vive Pro 2 – best low-cost VR headset for hi-res PCVR gaming
- Pico 4 Ultra – affordable VR headset with the most comfortable design
The best budget VR headsets compared
To help you compare the best budget VR headsets, I have compiled a table that includes some of their top features like motion detection, resolution, and platforms you can use them on.
| Headset | Display type | Resolution per eye | Lens type | Field Of View | Standalone mode | Eyetracking | Hand tracking | Software platform | Hardware platform |
| Pimax Crystal Light | QLED + Mini LED | 2880x2880 | Aspheric glass | 115°/105°/130° | ❌ No | ❌ No | ❌ No | SteamVR | PC |
| Meta Quest 3S | LCD | 1832x1920 | Fresnel | 110°/98°/113.6 | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | Meta Horizon OS | Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 |
| Sony PS VR2 | OLED | 2000x2040 | Fresnel | About 100° (diagonal) | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | PlayStation OS | PlayStation 5 |
| HTC VivePro2 | LCD | 2448X2448 | Fresnel | Up to 120°(horizontal) | ❌ No | ❌ No | ❌ No | SteamVR | PC |
| Pico 4 Ultra | LCD | 2160x2160 | Pancake | 105° | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ❌ No | Pico OS | Qualcomm XR2 |
| Valve Index | LCD | 1440x1600 | Fresnel | 108° | ❌ No | ❌ No | ❌ No | SteamVR | PC |
The best 6 budget VR headsets – our detailed list
Now, let’s take a closer look at our top budget VR headsets and explore their features and how they can enhance your VR experience.
1. Pimax Crystal Light – best budget VR headset for PC
| Type: | PCVR (tethered) |
| Resolution: | 2880x2880 per eye |
| Motion detection: | 6DoF inside-out tracking (no base stations required) |
| Hardware platform: | PC |
| Software platform: | SteamVR |
General overview
Many YouTubers and some Redditors have dubbed Pimax Crystal Light "the last hope for budget VR headsets." Its 2880x2880 displays are ideal if you want high-end resolution above all else.
QLED, mini LED, and optional local dimming deliver deep blacks, sharp colors, and minimal ghosting. The high FOV reduces the tunnel vision effect for a more realistic experience. The aspheric glass lenses minimize distortion and prevent blurry edges or image warping.
One of its best features is the inside-out tracking that eliminates the need for external base stations. It comes with two Pimax Reality controllers with haptics and capacitive sensors for partial finger and thumb tracking.
Who is it for?
Pimax Crystal Light is an ideal VR headset for gamers who want the best possible visuals. It will especially boost your immersion in sim racing, flight simulators, and similar games. It's also solid for professionals working with VR-based design or 3D modeling. Also, this is one of the best VR headsets for movies because of its high resolution and wide FOV.
Bottom line
Pimax Crystal Light is my top pick for display quality and sharp visuals. If you have a powerful PC, it's one of the best budget options out there, especially for simulation games that require full immersion.
2. Meta Quest 3S – best affordable VR headset with a robust content library
| Type: | Standalone and PCVR |
| Resolution: | 1832x1920 per eye |
| Motion detection: | 6DoF inside-out tracking with 4 onboard cameras |
| Hardware platform: | Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 |
| Software platform: | Meta Horizon OS |
General overview
Meta Quest 3S is the cheapest standalone model on the market and an excellent pick if you're just starting with VR. The cost reduction comes from keeping Quest 2's Fresnel lenses. On the bright side, it has the powerful Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chipset.
Its resolution of 1832x1920 per eye is the bare minimum I'd recommend for an enjoyable VR experience. However, the LCD panels can't match OLED-based models in color and contrast. On the other hand, Quest 3S is lightweight and comfortable, has a good FOV, and supports hand and body tracking.
The 128GB version includes batteries, two controllers, a Meta Quest+ trial, and Batman: Arkham Shadow. You can use it as a standalone device or connect it to your PC.
Who is it for?
Meta Quest 3S is ideal for VR beginners, fitness enthusiasts, and casual gamers who want a cheap VR headset but a decent VR experience. It's also solid if you don't want to deal with cables but still prefer an option to connect to your PC when needed.
Bottom line
The Quest 3S is versatile, easy to use, and very cheap when compared to other VR headsets. If Pimax Crystal Light weren't such a revelation in its price range, I'd pick Quest 3S as the best budget VR headset for PC. That said, if you're after high-end visuals and laser-precise tracking, I recommend looking at PCVR-focused models.
3. Sony PS VR2 – affordable VR headset for PS gaming
| Type: | Tethered |
| Resolution: | 2000x2040 per eye |
| Motion detection: | Inside-out tracking, eye tracking |
| Hardware platform: | PS5 |
| Software platform: | PlayStation VR2 OS |
General overview
Sony's 2nd generation VR headset brings premium features like eye tracking, HDR OLED displays, and haptic feedback. Precise eye tracking enables foveated rendering, which saves system resources by loading the world where the user is looking in real time.
Unlike the first model, VR2 has inside-out tracking, so there are no external cameras. It also boosts the immersion factor with various adaptive triggers and headset vibrations. VR2 feels at home in the PS ecosystem, but you can use it on your PC with a special app.
Who is it for?
VR2 is a headset designed for PS players and its library of games. It truly shines with PS exclusives like Gran Turismo 7.
Bottom line
The PS VR2 is a premium console VR headset and a no-brainer if you're a passionate PS gamer. Although you can technically hook it up to your PC, I'd recommend dedicated PCVR headsets for the best possible experience.
4. HTC Vive Pro 2 – budget-friendly VR headset for high-res PCVR
| Type: | PCVR (Tethered) |
| Resolution: | 2448×2448 per eye (LCD) |
| Motion detection: | External tracking (Lighthouse 2.0) |
| Hardware platform: | PC |
| Software platform: | SteamVR, Viveport |
General overview
HTC Vive Pro 2 is an affordable PCVR headset built for high-resolution gaming with precise external tracking. Its resolution of 2448x2448 per eye is almost on par with Pimax Crystal Light, and it delivers sharp visuals and an immersive experience.
On the other hand, except for colors, you can't really differentiate between VP1 and VP2. That's one of the corners the company cut to ensure lower pricing. The switch from VP1's OLED to LCDs resulted in shallower blacks, but the overall depth of the visuals remained intact.
VP2 is compatible with SteamVR, which means you'll get access to countless games and applications. However, the setup process is more complex since the tracking system requires external base stations.
Who is it for?
VP2 is an excellent choice for serious gamers and professionals who need a high-resolution VR experience (for 3D modeling or simulation training). However, I wouldn't recommend it to casual users or VR beginners, as it requires a powerful PC and has a more complex setup process.
Bottom line
After Pimax Crystal Light, HTC Vive Pro 2 delivers the best visuals in PCVR, also making it the best VR headset for VR chat. However, its reliance on external tracking makes it less than ideal for VR beginners. I recommend it to passionate PC gamers with top-tier machines or professionals who need a high-fidelity VR experience for their work.
5. Pico 4 Ultra – the most comfortable budget-friendly VR headset
| Type: | Standalone & PCVR |
| Resolution: | 2160×2160 per eye |
| Motion detection: | Inside-out tracking, hand tracking |
| Hardware platform: | Qualcomm XR2 |
| Software platform: | Pico OS |
General overview
According to most users, Pico 4 Ultra is the most comfortable VR headset on the market. It features high-quality straps, a slim design, and a battery mounted on the back to balance the weight. It's also one of the most ergonomic models in its price range.
However, Pico 4 Ultra was designed to compete with Meta's Quest lineup but comes at a significantly higher price. With a 2160 x 2160 per-eye resolution, it slightly outperforms Quest 3S while offering a similar wireless convenience. However, it doesn't do enough to justify the price difference.
Who is it for?
I recommend Pico 4 Ultra to gamers running regular marathon sessions. Its overall comfort and balance will benefit you greatly in the long run. If you don't want access to Meta's exclusive titles, you can also see it as a decent Quest alternative with a slightly better resolution and a higher price tag.
Bottom line
Pico 4 Ultra is very similar to Meta Quest 3 and 3S. It has some upsides, such as a more comfortable design, slightly better visuals than 3S, and better performance in demanding games. If you don't mind the higher price tag and you don't want to buy Meta products, Pico 4 Ultra is the best standalone alternative out there.
6. Valve Index headset – best budget VR headset for precision tracking
| Type: | PCVR |
| Resolution: | 1440×1600 per eye |
| Motion detection: | External tracking |
| Hardware platform: | PC |
| Software platform: | SteamVR |
General overview
Valve Index is a PCVR headset famous for its superior tracking and best-in-class controllers. Its resolution is nothing to write home about, but it achieves a smooth VR experience thanks to its 144Hz refresh rate.
The Index uses external 2.0 base stations for impeccable motion tracking. This makes it ideal for fast-paced games like VR shooters. That said, it also makes the setup more complex. Furthermore, if you go beyond the basic offer, the complete VR set is expensive.
Who is it for?
Valve Index is perfect for hardcore gamers looking for the best tracking and controllers. It's also a solid option for VR enthusiasts who get better immersion with super-responsive tracking.
Bottom line
Valve Index offers the best tracking and controllers on the market. Its resolution, however, can't compete with the likes of Pimax Crystal Light and Pico 4 Ultra. It also gets pretty expensive if you buy any bundle beyond the basic headset.
What is a VR headset?
A VR headset is a device with two main tasks: displaying a virtual world for you and making it feel as real and interactive as possible. Its essential components include:
- Display: VR headsets can have one split screen for both eyes or two separate screens. Top-quality displays support higher resolutions, which ensure less pixelation and sharper visuals.
- Lenses: Sitting between your eyes and the screen(s), lenses bend light to create depth, making objects appear farther away. They also help focus the visuals for a more natural feel of the world.
- Tracking sensors: VR headsets have to shift the visuals as you move. Without tracking, the world wouldn't react to your movements, breaking the illusion of VR. Common sensors include accelerometers, gyroscopes, and external cameras.
The technology behind VR is a clever combination of real-time graphics, advanced optics, and motion tracking. It shows slightly different images to each eye to create a sense of depth and trick your brain into seeing in 3D.
How much should I spend on a VR headset?
If you're looking for an entry-level VR headset, I recommend staying within the $300-$500 range.
If you're a gamer, looking for a more immersive experience, $500-$800 will get you sharper visuals, better tracking, and more powerful hardware. Models like the HTC Vive Pro 2 deliver better clarity and precision tracking.
Pimax Crystal Light is the best option if you want top-tier performance without breaking the bank. Although it needs a powerful PC, it dishes out some of the sharpest visuals out there. You'll also enjoy precise motion tracking, a wide field of view, local dimming for vibrant colors, and premium lenses with a large sweet spot. It comes with two controllers, so you're ready to go right out of the box.
When is the best time to buy VR headsets on a budget?
Getting the best deal on your new VR headset is all about timing. So, I recommend staying vigilant during major sales events like Black Friday or Cyber Monday. Retailers like Best Buy, Amazon, and official brand stores will slash their prices during these events and sometimes bundle accessories or games for free. You can expect anywhere between 10 and 30% off, which makes even premium models more affordable.
You can also wait for the next-gen model to launch and get last year's headset at a discount. Companies often clear inventory, so if you're not after the latest features, this is a smart way to get a solid VR headset for less. For example, the Meta Quest 2 128GB dropped in price when the Meta Quest 3 was announced in June 2023.
What to look for in a budget VR headset
A budget VR headset is not a one-size-fits-all product. Here are some key factors that can make or break your VR experience:
- Comfort and fit: Without comfort, you'll have no fun with VR. I recommend looking for models with adjustable straps, balanced weight, and soft padding. A VR headset should provide a snug but comfortable fit. A poor fit can also lead to motion sickness, especially during longer gaming sessions.
- Resolution and display quality: Higher resolutions provide sharper visuals and reduce the screen-door effect where you can see actual gaps between pixels. Budget VR headsets can't match the ultra-premium models in that regard, but they can provide sharp visuals with minimal to no pixelation. For decent results, I don't recommend going under 1832 x 1920 (Meta Quest 3S).
- Motion tracking: Sensitive and accurate motion tracking is essential for smooth gameplay and the world's interactiveness. Inside-out tracking with cameras on the headset is more convenient, while external sensors are more accurate. However, they do require additional setup.
- Compatibility: Make sure your chosen VR headset supports your favorite platform. Whether you plan to use it with a PC, console, or smartphone, I recommend checking if your pick can work with your setup.
- Price vs. features: If you're wondering how much is a VR headset and does it offer you the features you want, you should know that budget VR headsets have to cut some corners to stay affordable. This can include tracking quality, resolution, field of view, and more. The trick here is to evaluate whether the existing features meet your needs enough to justify the VR headset price.
Our methodology
The Cybernews research team and I analyzed a wide range of expert reviews, customer feedback, and specifications to create a list of the best budget VR headsets. I compared all the popular models across factors like display quality, motion tracking, comfort, compatibility, and overall value.
Although I didn't conduct in-house testing, we relied on trusted sources, including reputable tech publications, user testimonials, and manufacturer details. Customer feedback was my main guide since it revealed real-world performance beyond marketing claims.
My goal was to create a unique, well-researched guide that'll help you enter the world of VR or upgrade your setup without breaking the bank. My final list reflects what experts and everyday users agree are the top-performing affordable VR headsets.
More VR/AR guides from Cybernews:
Final word on best budget VR headset
Finding an affordable VR headset that suits your needs is all about hitting a delicate balance between the price and the features you want. I generally recommend focusing on higher resolution and lens quality for better immersion. However, if you're into high-speed competitive gaming, I suggest prioritizing precise motion tracking and field of view.
Budget VR headsets usually range between $300 and $500, and you'll get a decent performance at that price. That said, you'll get a much better VR experience if you invest a few hundred dollars more. Pimax Crystal Light is the closest you'll get to top-tier VR immersion on a budget. I also recommend looking out for deals and discounts during sales events like Black Friday.
Ultimately, the best budget VR headset depends on your needs. So, whether you're after a standalone model for casual use or a PCVR setup for more demanding applications, this guide will help you make an informed choice. Take the time to compare features and pick the model that fits your expectations and budget.
FAQ
What is the cheapest VR headset worth buying?
The cheapest VR headset worth buying is the Meta Quest 3S. It's a standalone model with decent resolution, smooth performance, and a solid game library.
Can budget VR headsets work with my smartphone?
Modern VR headsets generally don't work with smartphones. They can either have built-in hardware like Meta Quest 3S or require a PC or a console for processing and graphics. Old phone-based models like Google Cardboard and Samsung Gear VR have largely been discontinued.
Are budget VR headsets good for gaming?
Yes, budget VR headsets can provide a good gaming experience. The cheapest models, like Meta Quest 3S provide solid performance, but they'll struggle with demanding games. If you have a powerful PC, I recommend Pimax Crystal Light for better graphics and smoother gameplay.
What are the limitations of budget VR headsets?
Budget VR headsets can cut corners with lower resolution, less precise motion tracking, weaker processors, or smaller gaming libraries. When picking an affordable VR headset, you should do thorough research to make sure it fits your needs and has the features you're looking for.
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