Best budget VR headsets in 2025

Virtual reality (VR) has been undergoing a period of explosive innovation, with fierce competition serving as the driving force behind recent price cuts. Whether you’re a gamer or just looking for entertainment, the best budget VR headset options of 2025 enable you to enter the once-expensive niche without investing a small fortune.

These entry-level gadgets are now packed with features that provide a seamless VR experience without breaking the bank. They’re more comfortable than ever before, include impressive displays, and offer more than solid performance at an affordable price point.

With the help of the Cybernews research team, I dove into these devices, analyzed dozens of models, and compared them to identify the most budget-friendly options. Below are my findings.

Top 6 budget VR headsets – shortlist

• Pimax Crystal Light – best budget VR headset overall
• Meta Quest 3S – best budget-friendly standalone VR headset
• Sony PS VR2 – best VR headset for PS gamers
• HTC Vive Pro 2 – best headset for wireless VR sessions
• Pico 4 Ultra – affordable VR headset with the most comfortable design
• Valve Index – best finger-tracking PCVR headset for enthusiasts

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, such as motion detection, resolution, and the platforms they’re compatible with.

Headset	Display type	Resolution per eye	Lens type	Field of view (FOV)	Standalone mode	Eye tracking	Hand tracking	Software platform	Hardware platform	Battery life	Best for
Pimax Crystal Light	QLED + Mini LED	2880x2880	Aspheric glass	115° (horizontal) / 105° (vertical) / 130° (diagonal)	❌ No	❌ No	❌ No	SteamVR	PC	Wired	PCVR experiences, sim racing, flight simulation, and VR apps
Meta Quest 3S	LCD	1832x1920	Fresnel	96° (horizontal) / 90° (vertical)	✅ Yes	❌ No	✅ Yes	Meta Horizon OS	Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2	About 2.5 hours (4,324 mAh battery)	Users looking for an affordable entry point into VR
Sony PS VR2	OLED	2000x2040	Fresnel	About 110° (diagonal)	❌ No	✅ Yes	❌ No	PlayStation OS	PlayStation 5	Wired	VR gaming on the PS5 console
HTC Vive Pro 2	LCD	2448x2448	Fresnel	Up to 120° (horizontal)	❌ No	❌ No	❌ No	SteamVR	PC	Up to 2.5 hours (requires a Vive Wireless Adapter)	PCVR gaming, professional VR apps, and content creation
Pico 4 Ultra	LCD	2160x2160x	Pancake	105°	✅ Yes	❌ No	❌ No	Pico OS	Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2	About 3 to 4 hours (5,700 mAh battery)	Long and comfortable wireless VR sessions
Valve Index	LCD	1440x1600	Fresnel	108° (horizontal) / 104° (vertical)	❌ No	❌ No	❌ No	SteamVR	PC	Wired	VR games that require precise hand and finger movements

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, as well as how they can enhance your VR experience.

1. Pimax Crystal Light – best budget VR headset for PC

• Type: PCVR (tethered)
• Resolution: 2880x2880 per eye (QLED + MiniLED)
• Motion detection: Built-in inside-out tracking
• 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 and provides 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.

User reviews

After analyzing dozens of reviews across Reddit and YouTube, I can confidently say that the majority of Pimax Crystal Light users are pleased with the device. There have been countless comments about the headset’s high-resolution display and stunning visuals. However, negative feedback is also present, with bulky size and mediocre tracking being the most frequently discussed points.

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 (wireless)
• Resolution: 1832x1920 per eye (LCD)
• Motion detection: Built-in 6DoF tracking
• Hardware platform: Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2
• Software platform: Meta Horizon OS

General overview

Meta Quest 3S is the most affordable 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, features 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 budget-friendly VR headset and a decent VR experience. It's also a solid option if you don't want to deal with cables but still prefer to have the ability to connect to your PC when needed.

User reviews

As far as users are concerned, Meta Quest 3S is the perfect entry into the world of VR and offers the best bang for your buck. It has already been crowned the best budget VR headset under $300 across multiple platforms. Yet, not everyone is satisfied with it, as there have been more than a few users who’ve found Quest 3S to be uncomfortable during longer VR sessions.

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 into PCVR-focused models.

3. Sony PS VR2 – affordable VR headset for PS gaming

• Type: PlayStation VR (tethered)
• Resolution: 2000x2040 per eye (OLED)
• Motion detection: Six-axis motion sensing system
• Hardware platform: PlayStation 5
• Software platform: PlayStation 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.

User reviews

According to several PSVR2 users, motion sickness appears to be one of the drawbacks of the console-focused headset. A few commenters have also complained about the limited game library. Nonetheless, the general sentiment seems to be overwhelmingly positive, with older PSVR users claiming the VR2 offers a much improved experience compared to the previous model.

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.

User reviews

While many PCVR enthusiasts swear by HTC Vive Pro 2’s 5K resolution, exceptional visuals, and high-end tracking, a significant portion of users have had complaints about the headset. Some think it’s too expensive for what it offers, whereas others find it uncomfortable. Several of these comments have also noted that Vive Pro 2 can get quite hot.

Bottom line

After Pimax Crystal Light, HTC Vive Pro 2 delivers the best visuals in PCVR, also making it one of the best VR systems 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 (wireless)
• Resolution: 2160x2160 per eye (LCD)
• Motion detection: Built-in full-body motion tracking
• Hardware platform: Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2
• 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 it 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.

User reviews

Pico 4 Ultra is widely regarded as a top choice for VR newbies. The headset is praised for its clear UI, simple setup, robust hardware, ample storage, and improved passthrough across multiple platforms I’ve visited. On the other hand, its limited software library is a point of concern for many, with several commenters stating they prefer Meta’s big-name exclusive games.

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 headset alternative out there.

6. Valve Index headset – best budget VR headset for precision tracking

• Type: PCVR (tethered)
• Resolution: 1440x1600 per eye (LCD)
• Motion detection: External tracking (Lighthouse 2.0)
• 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.

User reviews

Tethered design and display clarity issues seem to be the biggest drawbacks of the Valve Index VR headset, according to its users. Nonetheless, most agree that it is Steam’s masterpiece, with tracking, audio, and comfort levels of both the headset and the hand straps receiving plenty of praise.

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 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 a discount of anywhere between 10% and 30%, 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, Meta Quest 2 128GB dropped in price when 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 below 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 a VR headset costs and whether it offers 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’s price.

Our methodology

With the assistance of Cybernews researchers, I first analyzed manufacturer spec sheets to create a list of the best budget VR headsets. As I didn’t conduct in-house testing, I also relied on reputable tech publications and real user testimonials to evaluate how these gadgets fare in the real world and compare them across several factors:

• Display quality (30%). With resolution, refresh rates, and FOV being the most important aspects of an immersive VR experience, I had to start my evaluation by examining the display quality of each headset.
• Motion tracking (20%). Even the most budget-friendly models should offer accurate tracking, and that’s why I looked into each headset’s tracking capabilities and noted whether they’re built-in or require external stations.
• Comfort (15%). As PCVR-focused headsets can be on the heavier side, I had to investigate how users felt about wearing them for extended periods. For this, I also relied on expert-backed reviews based on hands-on testing.
• Compatibility (15%). While standalone VR headsets were a no-brainer to recommend, I had to check the requirements of PCVR headsets to ensure I was only suggesting those compatible with a wide range of devices.
• Overall value (20%). Budget VR headsets are all about offering the best bang for your buck. So, I first compared features and then reviewed comments to assess whether users felt that these headsets offered good value for their money.

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Final word on the 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.

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