Unlock the virtual reality world without expensive price tags. We have collected the best budget VR headsets you can afford.
Previously, virtual reality was a tricky area because most VR headsets were marked with high prices.
Fortunately, you can now find a comfortable and reliable VR headset without spending money.
Most budget-level VR headsets are based on smartphones. Although they do not have the cutting-edge features found in PCs and standalone headsets, they are very suitable for beginners to enter the virtual world.
Buying a VR headset can be overwhelming, especially for first-time buyers.
This is the best budget VR headset available today.
The functionality, comfort, and durability of the VR Empire Headset score high, making it a suitable choice for anyone with a limited budget. Its 120-degree field of view (FOV) is impressive, allowing you to view realistic and fairly large images in videos and games.
The comfort is admirable, because the earphones have breathable foam, which will not irritate the skin when placed on the face. You can also use the adjustable shoulder strap to find the best option for maximum enjoyment. Headphones include good-performing headphones that can improve audio quality for complete immersion. Although the included remote control is not for gaming purposes, it is a good addition because it allows you to control the volume and pause/play whatever you are watching.
You will like the anti-blue light filter, which can protect your eyes from the harmful blue light emitted by the screen. The two rotary knobs on both sides allow you to align and adjust the interpupillary distance to eliminate blurred images.
Although the BNEXT VR headset is a budget headset, it has excellent features. The large-size lens covers about 30% of the lens provided by other mid-range VR headsets, covering more image area while allowing fast brightness management. You can use an easy-to-control knob to adjust the lens to get the right angle of view.
Its wide field of view allows you to view quite large images, providing an experience similar to that of more prominent headphones. Distortion is also reduced, so you won't feel dizzy after wearing the headset for a few minutes. In terms of comfort, the BNEXT VR headset stands out. The entire body is made of high-quality plastic, and every corner is perfectly molded together to eliminate sharp edges that may cause discomfort.
The on-board adjustable shoulder strap allows different users to fit easily. The headset is compatible with 4 to 6.3 inches Samsung and iPhone smartphones, and can sense angular activity.
The Viotek VR headset is a low-cost option designed to provide an unforgettable VR experience. Its multi-function capacity button provides excellent tactile feedback and an impeccable rumble. The adjustable IPD (Interpupillary Distance) slider allows you to fine-tune the distance between the headset lenses to meet your viewing needs. Once you have the correct IPD settings, your chances of eye fatigue and dizziness will decrease.
Since the earphone has an open design that promotes air circulation, you don’t need to endure annoying heat. Because the headset is light, weighing only 6.4 ounces, it can explore the VR world for hours. This weight will not put too much pressure on your head, thereby eliminating the chance of feeling discomfort.
More importantly, the earphones are equipped with easy-to-adjust straps to fit well with different shapes of faces. The foldable design allows you to take the VR headset to a friend's place using the included small bag. People wearing standard frames do not have to remove them when playing.
Atlasonix VR headsets are comfortable and innovative, suitable for people who don't want to spend a lot of money. The headset allows you to adjust the OD and focal length to achieve visual effects that immerse you in every game scene. In addition to an adjustable shoulder strap, the headset has a breathable foam surface that provides maximum comfort during long-term wear. Even if you wear headphones for a long time, the eye protection system can eliminate eye fatigue.
This headset weighs only 10.6 ounces and is perfect for children because they can be immersed in it for a long time without feeling irritable. Although the headset is very light, it is strong enough to withstand a short drop.
This VR headset is compatible with most 4-6.2 inch Android and iOS devices, including iPhone XR, XS and most Samsung Galaxy series. It can also accommodate users who wear standard glasses. The headset supports more than 300 games, allowing you to enjoy enough content in your free time.
Pansonite VR headsets offer incredible features at a great price. This is a popular choice for people who like to play and watch. Its lens can be adjusted in IPD (from 60 to 70 mm) and focal length (37.5 to 46.5 mm) to help you find your ideal viewing point. This headset is safe for both children and adults because it has a resin aspherical lens that can reduce blurred images after correction and eliminate vertigo.
Thanks to 360-degree sound support, the audio performance is excellent for budget headphones. The bass and midrange are satisfying, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the VR world. Because the headset connects to your phone via Bluetooth, you don’t need to deal with tangled cables when you move around.
The T-shaped adjustable shoulder strap, wider nose bridge and elastic headband make the headset comfortable to wear for a long time. They eliminate the unbearable pressure around your nose and entire head, so you don't need to pause the game to find the right fit.
If you want an affordable and high-performance smartphone-based headset, please consider Misisi VR headset. With a 95-120 degree field of view (FOV), you will feel like you are in a real virtual environment. There is a pitch adjustment wheel that allows you to adjust the distance between the object and the pupil according to your viewing needs.
The face rest part is covered with soft and breathable foam to ensure a comfortable feeling during long-term gaming. You can remove the case while keeping the phone intact to help dissipate heat. The adjustable shoulder strap can withstand various adjustments without damage, allowing different users to find the ideal fit.
The lens has anti-blue light function, which can block up to 72% of the blue light, even if you stare at the screen for a long time, it can protect your eyes from complications. Highly compatible, the Misisi VR headset allows you to enter the VR world through most 5-7.0-inch phones such as iPhone X, XS, 6 Plus and Samsung S10.
Pecosso VR headset proves that you can own a high-performance VR headset without spending too much money. In addition to anti-scratch, PMMA lens also has anti-blue light function, which can filter harmful light to eliminate eye fatigue. You don't need to worry about permanent eye damage, as long as you take a break after each game. In addition, FD and OD adjustments allow you to find a suitable viewing position, so you can see more vivid and clearer images.
It is rare to feel discomfort a few minutes after starting a game, because the headset has a breathable foam pad that fits well on the face. The premium material of ABS nylon weighs only 9.8 ounces, so the earphones will not feel bulky when worn on the head.
Pecosso VR headset fits most popular 4.7-6.53 inch screen mobile phones. It is compatible with Huawei P30, iPhone 11 Pro, most Samsung Note series, etc. A field of view (FOV) of 90 to 100 provides you with a wide range of coverage, allowing you to be completely immersed in it.
If your VR headset is not working properly, the problem may be in the hardware or software. A common annoyance is that the headset is turned off during playback. In most cases, it happens when the headphones are too hot, possibly after a long period of playback. Consider giving it some time to calm down, such as 30 minutes before you continue playing.
Sometimes the image may be blurred, which happens when someone else is wearing your headset and tampering with the settings. You can adjust the settings by adjusting the buttons to get an accurate image viewing position. If your equipment is damaged or has any exposed wires, please seek professional help.
The best VR headsets will prevent you from seeing your actual environment. If your content requires you to stand or move around, always use the headset in a spacious area. It should be kept away from sharp objects, open flames, stairs, or anything that may cause injury if it comes in contact with it.
If you are using a VR headset for the first time, use it for a few minutes and then take a break to give your brain enough time to adapt to the new world. You can rest for 10 to 15 minutes after playing for 15 to 30 minutes, but you have to weigh the method that suits you best, because the VR headset experience varies from person to person. In addition, do not turn the volume too high for a long time to reduce the risk of ear damage.
In most cases, this depends on the size of the frame, as larger frames may not fit most standard VR headsets. Before buying a headset, measure the length and height of the glasses to see if they fit the VR headset you plan to buy.
After you get the headset that suits your needs, make sure that the strap is not too tight to avoid excessive pressure on your face. By doing this, the glass will have a little room for swing, which helps prevent skin irritation.
We hope you enjoy the items we recommend and discuss! MUO has affiliated and sponsored partnerships, so we get a portion of the revenue from some of your purchases. This will not affect the price you pay and will help us provide the best product recommendations.
Rachel found it very satisfying to provide consumers with honest and detailed reviews of the best technology products on the market. She created technical content for other well-known websites such as Screenrant.com and CBR.com. Working at white-label SEO companies such as The Hoth and Semify has also expanded her SEO knowledge. Her hobbies are reading novels, watching movies, games and swimming.
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