If you're diving into the world of virtual reality, you might assume all headsets come with a hefty price tag, especially with devices like the Apple Vision Pro costing a staggering $3,500. However, there are plenty of budget-friendly options that let you enjoy immersive virtual experiences without breaking the bank.

To save you some time, here are the top budget VR headsets:

Our Top Pick### Meta Quest 3S

38Check it out at AmazonCheck it out at Best Buy### PlayStation VR2

13Find it at AmazonFind it at PlayStationFind it at Target### Nintendo Labo Toy-Con 04

8Grab it at Amazon### Atlasonix VR Headset

13Purchase it at Amazon### Google Cardboard POP!

6Get it at AmazonWith the rise of the Oculus Quest – now known as Meta Quest – VR headsets no longer require a gaming PC to function. This accessibility, combined with its reasonable price point, opened the door for more gamers to explore virtual reality. Even today, beyond the Quest lineup, standalone options remain scarce. If you're eager to dive into VR, you’ll either need a compatible platform or a standalone device.

Whether you're seeking a premium experience with advanced tracking, six degrees of freedom (6DoF), and high resolutions offered by headsets like the Meta Quest 3S or PlayStation VR2, or simply want a casual entry point into VR, we’ve got you covered. Our team has meticulously selected five budget-friendly VR headsets. While a few of our choices are rudimentary and require a smartphone to operate, they serve as excellent stepping stones before investing in pricier alternatives.

10 Images1. Meta Quest 3S

Best Budget VR Headset

Our Top Pick### Meta Quest 3S

38A top-tier standalone/PC VR headset that delivers impressive performance, full-color passthrough, and more.Check it out at AmazonCheck it out at Best BuyProduct SpecificationsPlatformStandalone, PCResolution (per-eye)1832x1920Refresh Rate90-120HzField of View90°Tracking6DoFWeight1.13 poundsPROSStandalone devicePerformance similar to the Meta Quest 3CONSFresnel lensesIn our hands-on review of the Meta Quest 3, we found it to be an outstanding standalone VR experience. One downside was the higher price compared to the Quest 2. Fortunately, Meta addressed this with the Meta Quest 3S, which combines the strengths of its predecessors into an affordable yet powerful VR headset.

The Quest 3S boasts impressive internal components, including a CPU, GPU, and RAM that rival those of the Quest 3. During our testing, it effortlessly handled demanding games like Blade & Sorcery: Nomad and Supernatural. Performance-wise, it slightly outperformed the Quest 3, possibly due to the lower-resolution lenses.

However, the Quest 3S features Fresnel lenses instead of the pancake lenses found in the Quest 3. Despite having 1832x1920 pixels per eye and a 120Hz refresh rate, the clarity and immersion are not quite as strong as in more expensive models. Nonetheless, the full-color passthrough mode remains a highlight for mixed-reality enthusiasts.

The design closely mirrors that of the Quest 3. The controllers are identical and comfortably lightweight, while the headset weighs 1.13 pounds and feels balanced on the head. A fabric strap ensures a snug fit. Battery life suffers slightly to maintain the lightweight profile, averaging around 2 hours in our tests. For those who prefer wired setups, a link cable enables PC connectivity.

PlayStation VR2 – Photos

11 Images2. 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 make this VR headset a standout choice for PS5 users.Check it out at AmazonCheck it at PlayStationCheck 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 gamesIf you're ready to elevate your PS5 gaming experience, our hands-on review of the PlayStation VR2 reveals a device that surpasses its predecessor in every aspect. Priced starting at $550, it’s not the cheapest option, but it offers all the bells and whistles you could hope for, including built-in tracking cameras, eye