In the beginning, when virtual reality was a relatively new concept, VR headsets and strong PCs cost a fortune. However, as time has progressed, manufacturers have developed headsets at more affordable rates with better qualities.
The question arises when choosing a VR headset since the vast market and new technology are replacing the old ones at a fast pace. In this case, you need to research the market and examine your best options.
We have compiled a few of the best cheap VR headsets with controllers for you to choose from. You will find their features, specifications, pros, and cons in this post.
Winner
Oculus Meta Quest 2
Meta Quest 2 is leading the VR industry right now. This standalone VR headset does not keep you tethered to your PC. You can roam freely in a room-scale area and experience the best VR at a very affordable price.
Runner Up
PlayStation VR
PlayStation has set a standard in gaming. Its VR headset is no less in quality and value. With smooth gameplay and a comfortable fit for anyone, you can immerse yourself in the VR world by connecting to your PS4 or PS5.
Also Great
Merge VR Headset
Merge VR headset is perfect for your children to begin their VR journey. They can learn through the virtual world by taking field trips to outer space or any other parts of the world. This headset promotes the greatest educational experience.
Now that we have looked at our top picks, let’s dive into their details.
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#1: Best Standalone VR Headset - Oculus Meta Quest 2 Review
The Meta Quest 2 is leading the VR industry right now for two reasons; it is affordable, and it is standalone. Standalone means it will not require you to remain connected with any devices with long cables, which is a hazard.
You do not have to fulfill any requirements of expensive additional hardware to use this headset. It is powered by mobile components, which are enough for the headset to run compelling VR experiences, especially the Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 chipset.
If you want an inexpensive solution to your VR problems, then Meta Quest 2 is the perfect option. It is suitable for both beginner and experienced gamers.
Factors to Consider Before you Decide to Buy Oculus Meta Quest 2
Features: The Meta Quest 2 has 1832 x 1920 pixels per eye. While this is not the best resolution provided by a headset, the high-processor and comfortable head strap fit allow you to see crisp visuals.
You can run productivity apps and multiplayer games as well as 360-degree videos for a fully-immersive experience.
Storage: The Oculus Meta Quest 2 has two categories of storage spaces 128 GB and 256 GB with price differences.
Controllers: Quest 2 has redesigned its touch controllers with an ergonomic design for increased mobility and has added a thumb rest to provide more stability.
Specifications
Its specifications include:
- 10.24 x 7.36 x 4.96 inches dimensions
- 1.83 pounds weight
- Fast-switch LCD
- 1832 x 1920 resolution per eye
- 3D positional audio
- 3.5 mm audio port
- 60, 72, 90 Hz refresh rate
- 6DoF tracking
- Haptic feedback and hand tracking
Library: The Meta Quest store has an ever-expanding universe featuring more than 350 titles across different games and apps where you can access various genres according to your preferences indulging in social/multiplayer VR experiences.
- Crisp display
- Wireless
- Accurate movement tracking
- Built-in audio
- Durable
- Powerful processor
- Short battery life
- Limited storage
Best Standalone VR Headset
The Oculus Meta Quest 2 is an impressive lightweight headset that gives you an immersive experience despite its low price. It offers industry-competitive features and great audio and visual quality.
#2: Best VR Games and Experiences - PlayStation VR Review
If you own a PlayStation, then there is no better VR headset than PlayStation VR for the console. While it is dated now since its release in 2016, it still provides great value. If you want to use recent technology with your gaming console, then PS VR 2 is arriving soon as well.
PS VR uses full motion controllers for tracking. However, many games included in its library do not require any tracking at all. You can even use the DualSense or DualShock 4 but two motion controllers are no longer included in the PS VR bundle.
This VR headset is great for anyone with a PlayStation gaming console. It allows you to fully immerse yourself in a range of stunning visual experiences with support for a full-scale gaming virtual reality.
Factors to Consider Before you Decide to Buy PlayStation VR
Features: You will be experiencing a seamless FoV in 360 degrees. The custom OLED screen with 120fps visuals gives great visual fidelity. Its built-in 3D audio technology allows you to direct yourself to the source of the sounds giving an immersive experience.
It also has a built-in microphone to keep up-to-date with your friends and share your experiences.
Storage: Since your VR headset will be connected with your PS4 or PS5 it does not have storage. You will be using the library and your gaming console to experience virtual reality.
Controllers: The PlayStation move controllers are great for mimicking real-life actions into virtual reality to have a fully immersive experience.
The PS VR aim controller acts like a weapon in the virtual world. Aim the virtual scope at the enemy and fire with precision. You will feel the vibrations and kick in your hands.
You can also use the DualShock 4 wireless controller to track your movements and use it as a controller. It takes on a new dimension in almost any game.
Specifications:
This headset has the following specifications:
- 187m× 185 × 277 mm dimensions
- 600 grams weight
- Approximately 100 degrees FoV
- 90 Hz, 120 Hz refresh rate
- OLED screen
- 5.7 inches display
- 1920 x 1080 resolution
- Accelerometer, gyroscope sensors
- Integrated microphone
Library: The PS VR includes a huge library stacked with games such as Astro Bot: Rescue Mission, Five Nights at Freddie’s: Help Wanted, Until Dawn: Rush of Blood, Moss, and Rez Infinite.
- Good quality
- Durable
- Affordable
- Works with non-VR games and apps
- Gives a very immersive experience
- Motion control and tracking support
- Requires a higher headcount wVisuals might not be as crisp as competitors because it is a dated headsethen used with a VR
- PlayStation camera required and adapter required for PS5
Best VR Games and Experiences
PlayStation VR gives you a very compelling and powerful virtual reality experience with its motion control support for both PS4 and PS5.
#3: Best Educational VR Headset - Merge VR Headset Review
Merge VR headset is perfect for you to engage your children or students in learning through virtual reality. It is extremely comfortable to wear, which makes it the best headset for classroom or home use.
Since you will be handing it to your children to experience the virtual world, therefore, it is carefully crafted with a rugged design for durability with waterproof characteristics so that it lasts a long time.
Unlike most VR headsets, this headset has enough space for you to wear glasses as well. You do not need any additional hardware to operate this VR headset. You can control it with your iOS or Android device easily.
Factors to Consider Before you Decide to Buy Merge VR Headset
Features: You can find 360-degree videos for your kids to watch and learn through. It has a 96-degree FoV for your children to have the optimal beginner’s experience with virtual reality.
The headset is very comfortable and lightweight to allow your children to be fully immersed in the experience. It has extra foam padding for increased comfort and an adjustable strap.
Storage: This headset uses the power of your mobile device to tap into the broad range of educational material along with the existing virtual reality content for iOS and Android smartphones.
Controllers: It has two built-in buttons to control the interaction and navigation between VR apps.
Specifications:
The specifications for Merge VR are:
- 5.5 x 7.5 x 4 inches dimensions
- 12 ounces weight
- 3DoF, 6DoF
- 96-degree FoV
- Adjustable Lens IPD
- 42mm Lenses
- Accessory Ports
- Airflow Channels
- Accommodates glasses
- Left and Right Input Buttons
- Shock and water resistant
- Merge Cube
Library: Merge encourages educational VR experiences through its Miniverse that hosts a hand-picked collection of educational content ranging from field trips to learning games.
You can experience 360-degree virtual field trips and free VR content from brands such as NASA, National Geographic, BBC, and many more.
- Comfortable
- Durable
- Shockproof and waterproof
- Made from colorful antimicrobial material
- VR and AR compatible
- iOS and Android compatible
- Limited content as compared to other VR headsets
- Foam is thick which causes some discomfort and sweating
- Not fit for all phone sizes
Best Educational VR Headset
The Merge VR headset is a great toy for your children to learn by taking 360-degree field trips to experience the world and space through virtual lenses.
#4: Best Hyper-Realistic VR Headset - HP Reverb G2 Review
The Reverb G2 is a Mixed Windows Reality and SteamVR compatible VR headset that does not compromise on visual fidelity and gives realistic soundscapes for a more immersive experience than before.
It is adjustable for you to have an increased comfort level while you play games. It has more cushion size and is made from a flexible material with adjustable lenses to view different distances.
This headset is equipped with industry-leading lenses that are designed by Valve to give exceptional fidelity alongside their HMD high-resolution and spatial sound.
It has precision tracking with 4 built-in cameras and is comfortable to hold controllers with an ergonomic design.
Factors to Consider Before you Decide to Buy HP Reverb G2
Features: The Reverb G2 has industry-leading lenses and spatial audio technology from Valve. It has 2160 x 2160 LCD mura-free panels per eye for you to witness every single detail in the virtual reality world.
Moreover, it has an adjustable IPD for you to adjust the distance you are comfortable with for each eye.
Storage: Due to its compatibility with Mixed Windows Reality and SteamVR, you will have access to games and VR apps across the industry.
Controllers: It has two motion controllers that allow movement tracking with precision because of the 4-cameras on the headset.
Specifications:
This VR headset has the following specifications:
- 7.32 x 3.31 x 2.95 inches dimensions
- 1.1 pounds weight
- 2 x 2.89” LCD screen
- 2160 x 2160 resolution per eye
- Mechanical IPD adjustment
- 90 Hz refresh rate
- 4 tracking cameras
- Spatial audio
- Velcro adjust
- Replaceable magnetic fabric face cushions
Library: With compatibility across the industry, you can view any VR content available on the SteamVR and Mixed Windows Reality library.
- High-resolution
- Durable
- Comfortable
- Industry compatible
- Great visual fidelity and spatial sound
- Might lose tracking occasionally
Best Hyper-Realistic VR Headset
The HP Reverb G2 provides a very reliable and comfortable experience in comparison to the previous generation because of its high-resolution and quality.
Buyers’ Guide
If you are looking for an affordable VR headset with controllers then you need to research the market thoroughly to ensure you do not purchase a low-quality headset that ruins your VR experience.
Take the following factors into consideration before making a purchase:
Features
The entire magic of a good VR experience lies in its visuals without which you might be very disappointed with the virtual world. Luckily, a VR headset with adjustable IPD and good quality lenses can improve visual fidelity by a milestone.
Moreover, a high refresh rate of at least 90 Hz and high processors can ensure you have the perfect immersive experience. So make sure that you find a VR headset with the right features.
Storage
Most VR headsets offer vast libraries with a range of VR content from immersive games to apps. On the other hand, some VR headsets come with built-in storage spaces for you to install games you prefer for a personalized experience.
It is to be noted that most VR games are quite big in size and take up a lot of space which means you can only keep a few games at a time in your VR headset. Therefore, we recommend a VR headset with 128 GB of storage space at the very least.
Controllers
Motion controllers impact your VR experience more than you might realize. They perceive how much of an immersive experience you will have because they sense and transmit your movements and your hands into the virtual world.
Without the right controllers, you might feel motion sickness due to poor tracking and you might have a lesser immersive experience. This can be due to not being able to see your hands or touch things.
It is also important to have comfortable controllers that do not fatigue your hands as you spend time in VR. Most popular VR brands have redesigned controllers with more ergonomic designs to help with this issue.
Specifications
The dimensions and weight of your headset matter greatly because they determine the level of comfort you will feel during your VR experience. A heavy headset might weigh you down and ruin your experience.
Moreover, make sure to check the material of your lenses and the visual and audio specifications of your headset because they will help you become fully immersed in your games.
Library
VR headsets now have large libraries that support a ton of free VR content for you to experience. Everyone can find the content they prefer on these vast platforms.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which Oculus headset is the cheapest?
The Oculus Quest 2 is the most affordable headset by this VR brand that you can find. Not only is it only under $300, but it is also a standalone VR headset which means you do not have to fulfill the requirements of an expensive PC or hardware to set it up.
How much does a cheap VR headset cost?
This depends on the brand you are choosing. The price ranges for VR headsets are divided as follows:
- Small brands that usually run with smartphones cost between $15 to $50.
- Mid-range brands with a good quality cost between $300 to $ 600
- High-end premium brands with an exceptional quality cost between $800 to $1000 or sometimes more
Are cheap VR headsets worth it?
Yes, they do not require additional gear or hardware to set up. They are perfect if you are a beginner because you still get to experience VR at an affordable price.
These VR headsets are usually controlled by smartphones so you can play anything on your mobile device and experience it in VR.
How much do VR games cost?
The prices of VR games vary greatly. While some games are completely free, others cost up to $60. Indie games from small studios are usually less expensive as compared to high-end premium games from big studios.
Why is VR not suitable for children under 12?
This is because children have an IPD range between 40-55mm due to which the images that they perceive might be inaccurate and thus might cause nausea, motion sickness, eye strain, migraines, disorientation, headaches, and discomfort.
Final Verdict
We are at the end of our post on cheap VR headsets with controllers in which we have discussed our top choices along with their features, pros, and cons.
The PlayStation VR is a great headset that gives an exceptional experience, however, since it is dated, its visuals and tracking are not competitive with other VR headsets.
Merge VR headset is great for students to begin their virtual reality journey with educational experiences. They can take field trips and learn in a way never thought of before.
Our top contender, at the end of the day, is the Oculus Meta Quest 2. It has taken the industry by storm with impressive visuals, support for high-processing games, and high-resolution all available at the market’s most affordable price.
Let us know if you have any more questions!