The Best VR Headsets on a Budget
Virtual reality has never been as accessible as it currently is.
If you’re on the lookout for a VR headset and you’re just starting out in the world of VR, you may not want to break the bank on your first purchase. Fortunately, there is still some great choice out of headsets that come under the $100 / £100 / €100 price point.
Although many people may assume you have to spend hundreds of pounds/dollars to pick up a VR headset, there is a good selection that falls under the £200/$200 mark.
These devices may not have the same levels of performance and immersion that more expensive headsets have, but they’re still able to produce some excellent results. We’ve outlined the best budget headsets, below:
Sub-£50/$50 VR Headsets
There are a variety of very cheap VR headsets that can be found on sites like Amazon. These generally have only the most basic features and require a smartphone to power them. They usually draw inspiration from one of the first mobile headsets, the Google Cardboard. However, for just a small amount more you can purchase one with far more features.
- 【VR glasses】: 360-degree panoramic view, bringing more...
- 【Optical goggles】: It has the characteristics of an-ti-blue...
- Next-level Hardware - Make every move count with a blazing-fast...
- All-In-One Gaming - With backward compatibility, you can explore...
- 🎁【Upgraded Adjustable Lenses】: Compatible with Nintendo...
- 🎁【Support Certain VR Games】: Only the games including...
£50-100/$50-100 VR Headsets
So, what’s the best VR headset for under $100, £100 or €100?
For this fairly modest price point, there are some excellent mobile VR devices that you can pick up. Although the prices are prone to fluctuate, they can usually be found under £100/$100.
Currently, there are a couple of very popular VR headsets that come in at this price point, or just slightly over, depending on where you buy it from.
Here are our top picks in this price bracket:
1. Samsung Gear VR
Read Guide / Read Review / Compare Prices
Samsung paired with VR giants Oculus on their virtual reality headset. Over the years it’s had a few iterations, but the 2017 one has really raised the benchmark. Those who own a compatible Samsung Galaxy smartphone will find a great selection of games and apps, excellent performance, and a comfortable fit from the Gear VR.
Preview | Product | Rating | |
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| SAMSUNG Gear VR w/Controller (2017) SM-R325NZVAXAR (US Version w/Warranty) | Check Price on Amazon |
2. Google Daydream View
Read Guide / Read Review / Compare Prices
VR pioneers Google are heavily promoting their Daydream platform at the moment. The Daydream View has one of the best designs we’ve seen on a VR device, with its soft material and ergonomic fit. The controller is as good as the one that’s paired with the above Gear VR, but the content library isn’t quite as extensive.
Preview | Product | Rating | |
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| Google Daydream View Headset & Controller for Pixel, XL, Mate 9 Pro, Axon 7, Moto Z - Snow | Check Price on Amazon |
Samsung Gear VR Prices
Google Daydream View Prices
Best VR Headset Over 100, Under 200
Is it better to get something that’s over $100/£100 and under $200/£200?
Well, if you’re prepared to spend just a little bit more on your VR headset, then you’ll be able to pick up a standalone headset like the Oculus Go, which is one of the most popular and best headsets currently on the market.
If you have slightly more budget to put towards your first VR headset, there are two excellent devices that come in at under £200/$200. The next step up from here is the HTC Vive and Oculus Rift, which are around twice the price.
1. PlayStation VR
Those who already own a PlayStation 4 console should seriously consider the PSVR. It recently dropped below £200/$200 for the first time and is an absolute bargain at that price. Its performance is far superior to any of the mobile virtual reality sets, and it has an extensive game library.
Preview | Product | Rating | |
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| Sony PlayStation VR | 1,771 Reviews | Check Price on Amazon |
2. Oculus Go 32GB
The Oculus Go is one of our favourite VR headsets. It’s completely standalone, meaning you don’t need any extra hardware to run it. It has access to some fantastic games on the Oculus Store, which it handles well. The controller is a joy to use, and it’s one of the comfier headsets we’ve reviewed.
Preview | Product | Rating | |
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| Oculus Go Standalone Virtual Reality Headset - 32GB | 8,028 Reviews | Check Price on Amazon |