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Currently, the VR headset craze has reached its peak. With games like Half-Life: Alyx, Walking Dead: Saints and Sinners, L.A. Noire: The VR Case Files, Skyrim VR, and Beat Saber, everyone is trying to get into the VR gaming scene. Also, channels like Drumsy, JoshDub, and EddieVR are gaining popularity by playing VR Chat.
Even Apple is expected to launch its own AR and VR headsets in 2024. While more and more brands like HTC, Sony, HP, Valve, and Oculus are getting into making the best VR headsets, it is regrettable to see how high most of them are priced.
This piece will showcase seven of the best budget-friendly VR headsets you can buy in 2024.
Seven pocket-friendly VR headsets: Prices, specs, and more
1) PlayStation VR
To get into VR gaming at a low price, the PlayStation VR is a good option. Importantly, those with a PS4 or PS5 can play VR games on them using the PlayStation VR headset.
The complete set includes a motion-sensing PS Camera and PlayStation Move controller(s). The former is necessary to use the VR headset, but gamers can also use DualShock controllers instead of PlayStation Move.
While it may not deliver a high-end, PC-like graphical experience, this headset does a good job of delivering a complete VR gaming experience.
Priced at $319.00
2) HP Reverb G2
The Reverb G2 is the second generation of VR devices from HP. It has significant performance and design improvements over its predecessor, the HP Reverb. HP has manufactured this headset to provide a decent PC VR gaming experience in the budget segment.
The Reverg G2 has dual mura-free 2160x2160p LCD panels. Thus, it provides a completely immersive gameplay experience. Furthermore, it has four cameras attached to the headset for more accurate motion tracking. The speakers, designed by Valve, provide a best-in-class audio experience.
Priced at $579.00
3) Oculus Rift S
Between the two VR headset manufacturing giants, Oculus and HTC, the former has some decent budget options, which HTC completely lacks. The Oculus Rift S was one such budget headset.
The headset is still available on some e-commerce sites, and any interested buyer can get one at a reasonable price on Craigslist or any other used product marketplace.
The Rift S, created in collaboration with Lenovo and Meta, has an updated halo headband that ensures a secure fit and comfort even during strenuous action gameplay.
Priced at $442.52
4) Meta Quest 2
On October 28, 2021, Meta announced that, starting with Oculus Quest, the brand name would be changed to Meta. Even the brand name from Oculus Home, Venue, Friends, and Profile will be altered to Horizon. It was part of Meta's Metaverse plan to design a VR world for everything from fun to fitness to work.
Meta Quest 2 is the tech giant's first big step towards the Metaverse, as users can now enjoy VR goodness on either PCs or smartphones. The soft strap and redesigned controllers add better ergonomics and accessibility. Meta Quest 2 has 1832 x 1920p dual displays with up to a 90Hz fast refresh rate.
With Six Degrees of Freedom (6DOF) technology, movement tracking is much more accurate. The 3D positional audio gives the best surround-sound experience.
Priced at $399.00
5) HP Reverb
HP Reverb is the predecessor to Reverb G2, a cheaper and lower-spec option. This VR headset has dual front-facing cameras compared to the quadcams of the G2. Two 2160x2160p 90Hz LCD 2.89" displays with a 114° field of view and pulse backlight technology provide a fantastic VR experience.
The integrated spatial audio and the dual smart assistant take its audio capabilities to a new level. The Six Degrees of Freedom (6DOF) motion tracking technology tracks every movement accurately.
Its small size and removable face mask padding, combined with its weight of even less than a pound, ensure optimal comfort.
Priced around $349.00
6) Google Daydream View 2nd Gen
The Google Daydream View 2nd Gen, as its name implies, is the most recent addition to Google's lineup of VR headsets known as the Daydream View series. Despite being introduced in 2017, it continues to hold its position as one of the top-notch virtual reality headsets available for smartphones at present.
With its gentle and breathable fabric cover, along with a delightfully lightweight design, this product guarantees an exceptionally comfortable user experience, even during marathon gaming or extended video-watching sessions.
The immersive 360-degree panoramic view elevates the act of consuming daily content to an entirely new realm.
Priced around $47.24
7) Nintendo Labo
While PC, PlayStation, and even smartphone users are getting to enjoy VR games, Nintendo has also made a VR headset for Switch users. A standalone retail pack of the headset is not available, but it comes in different kits.
Nintendo Labo is a series of interactive DIY kits for different Nintendo Switch games. Much like Google cardboard, these kits are made of heavy-duty cardboard, and users must craft these easy-to-make peripherals before using them.
There is a camera kit, a robot kit, an elephant kit, and many more. Labo primarily targets the little ones, allowing them to have some VR fun.
Priced around $61.99
Note: This article is subjective and solely reflects the writer's opinions.
