VR headsets are your gateway to virtual reality. With multiple options available in the market, however, it can get difficult to choose.
There are 3 types of VR headsets for example, standalone headsets and a PC headsets. The PlayStation VR, Valve Index, and HTC Vive are some of the best options to consider purchasing. However, the cheapest VR headsets are mobile headsets.
Here are some of the best VR headsets under 200 you can check out. These can be a great introduction to VR and a fun way to pass the time.
Winner
LongLu VR Headset
LongLu VR has a 25-hour-long battery life that lets you play for longer time spans. It also has a 110-degree field of view and comes with built-in headphones. It supports high-quality audio and content as well.
Runner Up
Samsung Gear VR Headset
Compatible with only Samsung phones, the gear VR comes with a bunch of buttons and controls for easy navigation. It offers a large view with a 360-degree angle. Moreover, with head tracking technology you can have an immersive experience
Also Great
Destek V5 VR Headset
This headset includes different features to protect your eyes from negative effects. It also comes with a Bluetooth remote control which makes it easy to play games.
Now that we have looked at each, let us dive into the in-depth reviews of each.
Best VR Headset Under 200 - Top 5 Reviews
#1: Best Compatible VR Headset - LongLu VR Review
The Longlu VR is a great headset to have due to the wide range of devices it is compatible with. It is a mobile headset and can be easily used anywhere where you have your smartphone and a stable internet connection.
That is not the only positive, however, as the headset also has a wireless Bluetooth connection. This saves you from getting tangled up in wires.
Factors to Consider Before you Decide to Buy Longlu VR
Price
Although the Longlu VR is a bit pricier than other cheap VR headsets, it is still pretty affordable. That being said, the features of the VR headset are well worth the price you are paying.
Convenience
The Longlu virtual reality comes with built-in headphones. This makes the VR experience more immersive and enjoyable. A few controls are also present on the headset’s side for easy navigation.
Compatibility
This VR headset is compatible with most phones, both iOS and Android devices. Ideally, any smartphone with a 4.7-6.3 inch screen can fit into the headset and work with it.
Comfort
This virtual reality headset is lightweight and has adjustable straps for a comfortable experience. There is also cushioning present in front of the eyes.
- Comfortable
- Built-in headphones
- 101- degree field of view
- Wireless Bluetooth Connection
- Compatible with a wide range of devices
- Long battery life
- Slightly pricier than competitors
Best Compatible VR Headset
The best compatible VR headset is LongLu VR because it can be connected to many smartphones using Bluetooth and has a wide field of view.
#2: Best Lightweight VR Headset - Samsung Gear VR Review
The Samsung Gear VR is an excellent option for anyone who owns a Samsung smartphone. The headset has a 90-degree field of view, giving you a real-life-like experience.
Amazing tracking technology also comes as part of the headset. External sensors are not required as the headset does a decent job of copying your movement in the real world to the virtual.
Factors to Consider Before You Decide to Buy Samsung Gear VR
Price
This is one of the best VR headsets under 200, available for a very reasonable price. However, the headset is only compatible with Samsung phones, which might be an additional purchase if you do not already own one.
Convenience
There are a few controls on the virtual reality headset to navigate your way. There is a home, undo, and volume control on the side.
Compatibility
The Samsung Gear VR is compatible with Samsung mobile devices only. So if you own another smartphone like the iPhone, you will have to look for other options. The Samsung VR also works with steam VR.
Comfort
Comfort may not be the Gear VR’s strongest suit as there is only one strap present. This goes around the head, focusing the weight on the face. However, there is padding present near the eyes.
- Lightweight
- Compatible with Samsung phones
- Easy to use touchpad
- Precise head tracking
- Wide field of view
- Only one strap that goes around the head
Best Lightweight VR Headset
The best lightweight VR headset is the Samsung Gear VR because it is lightweight, has precise head tracking and a wide field of view.
#3: Best User-Friendly VR Headset - Destek V5 VR Headset Review
The Destek V5 VR is the latest 2021 model that is easy to use. This is because the VR headset comes with a user manual to help you get started.
We found that this VR headset is also a mobile headset and does not require a powerful PC to run.
Factors to Consider Before You Decide to Buy Destek V5 VR headset
Price
The Destek v5 VR headset has the best tech tutorials and comes with controllers you can use while playing games. This makes the price reasonable as you are getting a VR headset and remote control.
Compatibility
A wide range of iOS and Android devices are compatible with the virtual reality headset ranging up to iPhone 12. Any device with a screen of 4.7- 6.8 inches can fit into the head-mounted device.
Convenience
The remote control that comes with the headset is very helpful. You can choose different modes like player mode or cursor mode to easily control the VR headset.
Comfort
The headset excels in comfort. You can adjust the pupil distance as well according to your needs and the anti-blue light filter protects your eyes. The form-fit cushion makes the virtual reality experience more comfortable.
- 110-degree field of view
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Bluetooth remote controller
- Portable and Lightweight
- Blue light filter
- Does not include a touchpad
Best User-Friendly VR Headset
The best user-friendly VR headset is Destek V5 VR headset because it comes with a user manual and is easy to use.
#4: Best Gaming VR Headsets under 200- BNext VR Review
The BNext VR headset has a wide field of view, making it a good option for gaming. It’s compatible with android devices and has a 6.3-inch screen size. There are a lot of free VR apps you can check out as well to get started.
Factors to Consider Before You Decide to Buy BNext VR Headset
Price
The BNext headset is one of the best affordable ways to check out virtual reality games. The VR headset can be purchased at a reasonable price on Amazon with decent specs.
Compatibility
This VR headset is compatible with most smartphones that measure 4 to 6 inches. You can insert any mobile device you already own into the headset and get started.
Convenience
It offers adjustable OD and FD that let you expand the viewing angle for a better viewing experience. There are also pupil distance adjustment controls that let you adjust to a view you like best.
Comfort
The headset has a soft cushion present around the eyes along with an eyesight protection system in place. Moreover, you will be able to adjust the fully adjustable head strap to whatever’s most comfortable for you.
- Comfortable design
- Wide field of view
- Can support drones that require phone VR headsets
- Comes with a list of free VR gaming apps
- Blue light filter
- Bulky
Best Gaming VR Headset
The best gaming VR headset is the BNext VR headset because it has a large field of view, can support drones and includes a blue light filter for long hours of viewing.
#5: Best Cheap VR Headset - Google Cardboard VR Review
Google Cardboard is the cheapest virtual reality headset you can find online. The product is a great introduction to VR for anyone not looking to spend a lot of money on headsets.
The product, however, gets as comfortable as cardboard. You are required to hold up the headset to your face, as there isn’t any strap present. It also has no padding around the eyes.
Factors to Consider Before You Decide to Buy Google Cardboard
Price
The Google Cardboard is perhaps the cheapest headset you can purchase. The headset contains the most basic VR technology. However, you will need a mobile phone to operate the headset.
Convenience
There are no controls present on the head-mounted display (HMD). You will have to take your mobile phone out of the headset, every time you want to change a setting.
Compatibility
The google cardboard is compatible with all smartphones that are 4-6″. A wide range of older smartphones will be able to fit into the headset so if you have any laying around, you are in luck.
Comfort
There isn’t much of a comfort factor present as the headset is made out of cardboard. There are no straps or padding, so it can get tiring to hold up the headset to your face.
- Cheap
- Compatible with devices with a 4-6” screen
- Lots of content to explore
- Great option for anyone looking for an introduction
- Uncomfortable
- You need to hold it up with your hands while using which can get tiring
- Does not support screens bigger than 4-5”
Best Cheap VR Headset
The best cheap VR headset is the Google Cardboard as it is the cheapest one available, is lightweight and compatible with multiple devices.
Buyers’ Guide
Price
For under $200, you will mostly find mobile headsets as the standalone and PC headsets are on the pricier side. An average Oculus Quest 2 will definitely be well over 200, so if you have a small budget, check out mobile headsets.
An added purchase required for mobile headsets is, well, a mobile. Although most people already own a smartphone, all headsets have different compatibility. Due to this, you might have to spend extra for a better experience.
Moreover, if you are into gaming, you might have to buy controllers and base stations separately. As most mobile headsets don’t come with these but they create an immersive experience.
Convenience
While most headsets have the same main features, some are more convenient and user-friendly than others. Various headsets, even under 200, come with built-in controls on the headset, making them easier to navigate.
Volume control and the home button are some of the features that make your experience easier. This is because you can easily change the volume settings without having to remove the headset again.
Compatibility
Different headsets have different compatibilities and sizes of phones it can fit. It’s a good idea to measure your phone beforehand to get the right dimensions. This way, you can get a headset that fits your phone perfectly.
Comfort
While comfort may come at an added cost, it is definitely worth it. Cheaper headsets with no comfort features make it difficult to fully enjoy the virtual world.
A comfortable headset includes an adjustable strap and some sort of padding around the eyes. An additional feature for a better experience can be a nose guard. Moreover, an adjustable focal length lets you use the headset without glasses.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the cheapest actual VR headset?
The cheapest virtual reality headset you can purchase is the Google Cardboard. It’s the easiest to set up and is user-friendly. Many customers online say it is a must-try for an introduction to virtual reality.
What’s the best standalone headset?
The Oculus Quest 2 is one of the best virtual reality headsets you can check out. Apps and VR games can be downloaded from the oculus store. There is a lot of virtual reality content available that you can check out online.
What are the best VR headsets?
Some of the best VR headsets available are the HTC Vive Cosmos virtual reality, the oculus quest 2, and Playstation VR. An oculus rift is a good option too.
Are cheap VR headsets worth it?
Although the best VR headsets are quite expensive, you can find some pretty decent ones for cheap as well. The expensive headsets, however, provide a more immersive experience.
Is there a 200-dollar VR headset?
Yes, you will be able to find many great affordable VR options for under 200 dollars. You can try out a cheap option first and then buy pricier options once you understand what it is that you want.
How long is too long in VR?
It is suggested to use virtual reality with breaks in between sessions. You can use a headset for 30 minutes and then rest for 10 to 15 minutes.
Final Verdict
There are a lot of VR headsets you can purchase for under 200 and the above 5 are our top picks. There is something for everyone as you can find content related to almost everything. You can either play games downloaded from truster partners or watch videos.
Our winner of the roundup is the LongLu VR headset as it’s lightweight, compatible, and easy to use. You can check out the other options available as well and you will surely decide on which one is the best for you.
Let us know your thoughts and questions below.