Virtual reality, or VR for short, was supposed to be the next big thing in tech. While it hasn’t quite gotten there yet, it’s surely come a long way. The year 2024 seems especially relevant for VR headsets, considering all the hype around Apple’s and Sony’s new headsets. But if you’re just getting into VR and don’t want to spend thousands on a high-end headset, this list of affordable VR headsets will help you get started.
FYI: if you’re curious about Apple’s extended reality (XR) headset, see what we think about the Vision Pro.
1. Meta Quest 2
Price: $249
The most affordable VR headset on this list, the Meta Quest 2, is the renamed Oculus Quest 2. The name change came after Facebook’s Meta rebrand for the metaverse. It’s a standalone VR headset, requiring no additional hardware, such as a phone, console, or PC. (Although Meta Quest Link allows a PC connection for certain experiences.) It’s comfortable to wear and is pretty impressive.
The Meta Quest 2 offers an 1832 x 1920 resolution in each eye, a refresh rate of up to 120Hz, and comes with Meta’s motion controllers. For a standalone headset running on the Snapdragon XR2, the headset packs some serious performance, thanks to 3D audio, accurate hand tracking, and a huge library of games and other experiences. You can even sideload some of the best games via SideQuest.
Although the newer Meta Quest 3 is more powerful, the Meta Quest 2 remains relevant due to its superior value for money.
Good to know: fascinated by the metaverse? Check out the best metaverse games you can play right now.
2. PlayStation VR
Price: $349
You may be familiar with the PlayStation VR, if you’ve been a dedicated PS4 gamer. Considering how long it’s been since its launch, you could be wondering why it’s on the list. Yet, even after the popularity of the PlayStation VR2, the original PS VR remains a fan favorite (if you’re able to find one), thanks to its relatively lower price and a separate library of VR titles.
The 5.7-inch OLED display is limited to a 1920 x 1080 resolution, but you still get support for 120Hz. For head tracking, you’ll need to buy the PSVR Camera separately, as there’s no inside-out tracking available here. While you can play most of the games using the DualShock 4 controller, the PS Move controllers will enhance your gameplay (also sold separately).
3. PICO 4
Price: $467
This could be blurring the line between budget and premium, but the PICO 4 is one of the best VR headsets you can buy. While not available in the US officially (due to the U.S. heat on its manufacturer, TikTok parent company ByteDance), you can find it on Amazon or even import one from Amazon UK. The specs and performance just may convince you to do it.
Compared to the Quest 2’s fresnel lenses, you’re getting pancake lenses with a whopping 4320 x 2160 resolution in each eye. With a 90Hz refresh rate and the Qualcomm Snapdragion XR2 under the hood, the result is a much sharper viewing experience, with less noticeable artifacts.
It’s also much lighter than many other VR headsets, while still having novelty features, like 6 DoF (degrees of freedom) inside-out tracking.
Tip: not sold on the VR hype? Read through the awesome things you can do with a VR headset.
4. Meta Quest 3
Price: $499
The Meta Quest 3 could be the best standalone VR headset you can buy right now. There are many reasons for that: the Snapdragon XR Gen 2 chip, a 2064 x 2208 resolution in each eye, pancake lenses, and color pass-through cameras. Besides the upgraded processor and resolution over the Meta Quest 2, the color cameras allow for AR experiences on this VR headset, resulting in a whole new experience.
Comfortable to wear for longer sessions, the Quest 3’s upgraded capabilities allow for more powerful VR games, as well as entry-level mixed-reality experiences. Just like Quest 2, connecting the headset to your PC for higher quality VR is possible with Meta Quest Link. You get a set of Touch Plus controllers in the box for excellent hand tracking.
FYI: loved Pokémon Go? Learn all you need to about augmented reality.
5. PlayStation VR2
Price: $549
The upgraded PlayStation VR2 launched in early 2023, taking full benefit of the PS5’s powerful hardware. Apart from the 2000 x 2040 resolution in each eye, OLED display, and comfortable design, the headset now comes with inside-out tracking for a much more advanced and immersive VR experience.
Just like the PS5’s DualSense controller, the PS VR2 Sense controllers have advanced haptic feedback, adaptive triggers, precision tracking, and touch detection. This new headset is a far cry from the capabilities of the PS VR, and could be perfect for you, if you’ve already made the upgrade to the PS5.
While you won’t be able to play any of the PS VR titles, the PS VR2 library is strong, with titles like Horizon: Call of the Mountain, Jurassic World Aftermath, Gran Turosmo 7, No Man’s Sky, and Resident Evil Village.
While mixed reality headsets are one of the tech trends I’m worried about in 2024, VR headsets are something you can get into without spending $3,500. For under $500, you have multiple VR headsets to choose from: from the Meta Quest 2 for a completely standalone experience to the PS VR 2 for the best PS5 VR experience.
Image credit: Unsplash
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