Home Lists Low on Funds? 12 Best Cheap VR Headsets for Gaming 2024

Low on Funds? 12 Best Cheap VR Headsets for Gaming 2024

Here are the virtual reality headsets to buy, consider, or avoid but why cheap VR headsets for gaming? either there is also having expensive.

These will let you test virtual reality but once you have chosen the right headset, check out our list of the best VR games to play with.

The more expensive higher-quality headsets need to be connected to a computer to run apps and games while some cheaper ones use a cellphone clipped to the front of the headset.

Virtual Reality (VR)

I am giving you an example that will tell you what Virtual Reality is. How would you feel if you had the capability of traveling from here to there using nothing more than the power of modern technology?

Sounds cool, right? What VR does do to you. With the VR headset on your face, it uses motion tracking and other amazing technology which allows you to look around a virtual space just as if you are present there.

The outcome of this technology used in VR is just as expected. People are going crazy over it and you know what? The thing is just getting started!

We live in a modern world now, each and everything is being modified to hold up to this modern world and when it comes to Gaming, VR is the future of gaming.

Virtual Reality (VR) has taken the world of gaming and the classic way of gaming to another level. Using VR for gaming is not like playing the game anymore; it is more likely to be in the game yourself!

Which is the Best VR?

The world of modern gaming now uses VR headsets for the best in-game experience. There are three types of VR used for gaming purposes: Mobile tethered VR headsets, tethered VR headsets, and standalone VR headsets.

Mobile VR headsets are just like shells with lenses. You place your smartphone in the place where it should be and the lenses will separate the screen of your smartphone into two images for the eyes which will turn your smartphone into a VR device.

These mobile tethered VR headsets, the best VR headset for movies offer you 3DOF motion tracking (three degrees of freedom), which follows your direction but not your position. That means you don’t get that full exceptional, modern, and immersive cheap VR headset for a pc gaming experience with mobile headsets.

These Mobile tethered VR headsets don’t require any wires to process with your smartphone, as all the processing is done on your phone with the best VR headset for movies.

The actual fun and experience of VR start with tethered headsets like the Oculus Rift S, the HTC Vive Cosmond PlayStation VR, and the best VR headset for movies.

These tethered VR headsets are physically connected through wires with your PC or the console you are using for gaming, for example, Play Station 4.

The dedicated display in the headset coming directly from your computer or gaming console impressively improves image devotion. Along with this, these headsets provide you with full 6DOF (six degrees of freedom) movement tracking technology.

There are no lenses on these headsets, but it has screens that are made in a way to give you a lively experience of what game you are playing on the PC or gaming console.

The display of that game is directly transferred to the screens on your VR headset providing you a real-life image quality through which you feel like it is you who is in the game now.

As for the Standalone headsets, you don’t need any investment of a gaming PC or a flagship phone for this. As the name describes, these VR headsets separately offer a taste of the best VR headsets for pc.

Standalone headsets such as the Oculus Go and the Lenovo Mirage Solo work flawlessly on their own. But, these headsets have the same limited controls and features as mobile VR headsets.

The passionate 3d VR glasses virtual reality headset that you can buy from the market today for an affordable price and still get that great experience of VR in gaming.

12 Best Cheap VR Headsets for Gaming 2024

There are some VR headsets available in the market at a price tag of over $1000. But for you guys, I have some VR headsets that will cost you much less than this price tag of $1000 like a cheap VR headset for pc gaming.

HP WINDOWS MIXED REALITY HEADSET

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If you want a handful of excellent features, then this HP Windows Mixed Reality Headset is just made for you. Image source: here

The HP Windows MR Headset gives you a dangerous sinister dark look because it is an all-black HMD. The front side of the headset is smooth and round which gives it a very premium look.

This HP HMD includes two cameras of 180 degrees with Microsoft’s HoloLens tracking technology which provides you with an inside-out spatial tracking feature, just like all the Windows MR headsets.

It has intelligent and clever cameras that stick out from the visor to limit occlusion from the body of the user. This intelligent camera prioritizes tracking the ground and space on your sides by pointing towards and outwards the ground at a sight angle.

The HP Windows Mixed Reality Headset features a hinged visor just like many other Windows MR Headsets have.

For people who have small heads, this HP headset is well suited for them as it supports a minimum of 5.5 inches of head diameter. It extends to 8.75 inches only and doesn’t get much wider which means that if you have a large head then it will probably feel much discomfort.

To experience the full concentration of the HP’s headset, you will have to bring your separate headphone as HP’s Windows MR Headset doesn’t offer any built-in headphones at any cost.

HP Windows MR Headset has only one jack and no internal microphone. So you will have to buy a headset that can provide your audio input and output with a single jack only.

Producing a crisp, colorful and clear image with the dual 1440 x 1440 LCD panels in the HP Windows MR headset is one great feature to have.

Among all the Windows MR Headsets, this HP’s MR Headset stands out for featuring a removable tether cable. This cable is used to provide data and power signals to this HP MR headset.

Pros
  • The tether cable is replaceable

  • The setup procedure is easy

  • It fits properly on a wide range of head sizes

Cons
  • The field of view is narrow

  • The controllers are flimsy

  • The tether cable is too short

  • It has no IPD adjustment

  • The cushions are non-replaceable

VR Headsets: HP VR1000-100

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This astonishing HP headset offers you a portable as well as plug and plays virtual reality option that can work well with both, integrated and discrete graphics.

This HP Windows Mixed Reality Headset is cheaper than the top-rated VR headsets namely the Oculus Rift and Vive VR headset price, but it still manages to provide you performance up to the level of your satisfaction.

HP’s headset is considered one of the best VR headsets available in today’s market which you can buy and use with laptops and desktops using integrated graphics without any problem with good performance.

The design of this HP headset to me is simple but premium. It looks standard wise very good when you put it on. The cameras of this headset reside in the front and center, covered with a strip of glossy black material.

For your comfort only, the front and back of the headset band are padded with cushy foam wrapped in soft-touch material and it has a diamond pattern cut into it which is openly visible.

The 3.5mm headphone audio jack is now on the bottom right of the headset, making it much easier to connect a pair of headphones with this HP Windows Mixed Reality Headset.

This HP headset has a 2.9 x 2 inches LCD pane; which features 1440 x 1440 resolution for every single eye along with a 100-degree field of view (FOV).

The larger the FOV provided, the greater, impressive, and immersive experience you will get and sharper images as well. This HP’s headset specs are considered great at such an affordable price tag.

With a headset from Windows Mixed Reality, you will be using the same set of controllers, no matter whether your headset is from HPs, Lenovo, Samsung, or Acer.

The MR controllers are lined with an excess of lights which makes them different than the controllers or Oculus Touch.

Pros
  • The design is attractive and looks premium

  • Ports are placed smartly for the convenience of the user

  • The cords are swappable

  • It is compatible with a lot of systems

  • Offering good specs

  • Affordable Price

Cons
  • Lack of applications and games

  • It is a bit heavy

OCULUS GO

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Separately the virtual reality headsets have been a dream for every gamer or movie lover in recent times.

The recent VR headsets have also made the mobile dependent as well in which you have to insert a quite a powerful smartphone into the wearable shell of VR and there also the tethered VR headsets, VR headset price which requires to be plugged in a separate device, such as a PC or gaming console.

The Oculus Go costs 199 dollars (the 32 GB version and 64 GB version, costs 249 dollars) which is very much affordable as compared to the other VR headsets which are used for PC.

The design of Oculus Go is comfortable and accessible which makes it an undeniable buy for some users who are curious about the design and comfort at a very affordable price point.

It has a plain gray plastic face mask with a flat front with no description except the Oculus logo on the top. The frontal edge of the top of the visor has a power button, a volume rocker, ad an indicator light on it.

It also has a micro USB port for charging and a 3.5mm headphone jack for the headphones or earphones which resides on the left side of the headset, and that’s all for the physical controls and ports.

There is no slot for microSD cards, so you are only limited to 32 GB or 64 GB of built-in storage.

The foam which is covered with fabric runs all around the back of the visor, and when you wear it, it comes into contact with your face.

This fabric cover is fairly nice as compared to the raw foam lining of many of the recent headsets such as Mirage Solo. The foam in it can have easily pulled out of the visor, which allows you to insert an included rubber spacer beneath it for easily wearing the headset with glasses.

The visor will be attached to your face with a three-pointed headband which is made of wide elastic straps. The straps stay there firmly with hook and loop fastener and s, and the elastic has plenty of room for tightening and loosening the headband.

The Oculus Go is much lightweight at just over a pound, it is much lighter than the 1.4 pounds Mirage Solo.

It is very comfortable to wear, all thanks to the fabric on the face mask which is breathable, and also the wide elastic straps of the headband.

This one is comfortable to wear for about 3 hours of its battery life. But it is best if you take breaks in between, especially if you suffer from a headache often.

The display of the Oculus Go is 2560 x 1440 resolution which is the same as the Mirage Solo. It splits up into 1280 x 1440 for each of the eyes.

It has a refresh rate that switches between 60Hz to 72Hz depending on the software. Its picture quality looks great.

Pros
  • It is fairly affordable

  • This one does not require any phone, PC, or game system

  • It is cable-free

  • It has a good, crisp display

Cons
  • It does not track position

  • This one has only one motion controller

  • This one has a limited software library

  • It is as powerful as compared to the tethered and smartphone-powered headsets

Best for Gaming: THE OCULUS QUEST

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The freedom of being an untethered VR is very powerful. The front side is made of hard plastic and it has four cameras. The sides of the Oculus Quest are covered in a soft fabric material.

A simple “Oculus” logo beautifies the front. A power button is located on one side, and a USB-C port for charging is located on the opposite side.

It has pass-through cameras which make you look through the headset when you are roaming around the house wearing the Oculus Quest, the result of the camera is very good that you will be feeling like it’s your own naked eyes.

It is fairly lightweight which weighs in at 571 g, especially because it does not need any sensors or cables or any other types of accessories.

Below is the headset. there is a switch used for adjusting your interpupillary distance (IPD) which is the distance between the centers of the pupils of your eyes. And also there are volume buttons.

You can also tether the Oculus Quetonto to your PC to play the games. This function is only available in beta and will be able to play the Half-Life: Alyx or other VR games that are only PC-based games. You can use any of the high-quality USB 3 cables.

The Oculus Quest is the best headset that delivers the most credible and realistic performance of VR, at just the price point of 399 dollars which is very affordable as compared to its great performance and specs.

Specifications :

  • Display: OLED
  • Resolution : 2880 x 1600
  • Refresh Rate: 72 Hz
  • Field of View (FOV): 100 degrees
  • Controller: Oculus Touch
  • Connections: Standalone (USB-C to charge, 3.5 mm jack for third party headphones)
Pros
  • It has a super simple system

  • This one has a good variety of VR games that are available

  • This one offers a good responsive hand and body tracking

  • It has Smart UI

Cons
  • It can be heavy for some of the people who look for a much more portable VR

  • It has a slightly loose touch controller

  • No tracking directly beneath the headset

  • It has been a limited number of software libraries as compared to other Oculus headsets

VR Headset Of GOOGLE DAYDREAM VIEW

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This headset had built very well and offers you a decent experience of this VR technology from your smartphone.

There have made some key changes in this VR headset now which makes this Google Daydream View 2017 an improvement over the original model of this headset.

Google Daydream View is a kind of headset that needs a smartphone slotted into it for making this device use the screen of the smartphone as VR. This headset is from the early mobile VR guard.

Mobile VR headsets like these have stood as budget-friendly and great alternatives to the Tethered VR Headsets like the Oculus Rift and HTC Vive regarding the specs and VR headset price.

The Google Daydream View is nothing more than a cloth-covered shell with lenses; it is housing on its own. When you slot the smartphone into this Google Daydream View, then through the lenses it provides you that VR experience piped in from your phone.

With the help of the Daydream application and other similar apps, you can experience VR and play games through these applications easily.

The starting price of this Google Daydream View (2017) was $99. But at this very moment, you can get this VR headset on sale for only $49. According to this price tag, there are rumors of Google Daydream View 2018 to be released soon.

The design of this Daydream View has been through notable changes for years.

The fabric on this Google Daydream View 2017 feels much more durable than the fabric from the older model. And the headset is light on its own, there is no discomfort to be felt while wearing this on.

The controller of the Google Daydream View does not have the positional tracking feature like the controller of Oculus Touch, but applications and games generally make good use of the limited capabilities of this Daydream View controller.

This VR headset can perform well with the smartphone and it provides you with different kinds of VR experiences.

But there occurs some noticeable lag while rendering, and that is likely to happen because with this VR you will be using a phone to process VR experiences, not a high-end gaming PC.

In terms of 360-degree video, the experience was not even okay. The visuals failed to render all together which lead to a blurry video that was struggling to buffer.

Overall, this is a good and reliable VR headset to have at your house or your friend’s house. As it costs so little and you can technically use it anywhere with your smartphone and experience Virtual Reality.

Pros
  • It is a reliable and decent smartphone-powered VR headset.

  • It is now covered very well than before, less light enters through the bottom than before

  • This one is lightweight and the fabric is soft

Cons
  • A little pricier than the older model

  • It is heavy from the front side

VR Headset, Pimax 5K Plus 120Hz Refresh Rate VR Headset

VR Headset, Pimax 5K Plus 120Hz Refresh Rate VR Headset

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Virtual reality is a very exciting concept because it makes you see so many things from a different perspective and dimension.

This VR headset provides customers and users with an adventurous experience, as they use it to explore virtual reality situations or play games.

This product redefines the VR resolution that customers think they can have access to.

It comes with dual custom low persistence liquid crystal panels. Each panel has a stunning resolution of 5120×1440, and this sets a new standard for picture quality.

The user will get immersed in the world of games, like never before. There will be no dreaded screen door effect or ghosting. Everything that the user sees on the screen, would be visible.

The FOV of this product is 200, and it is the closest to human vision, found in any of the commercial products.

Users don’t have to look through the binocular effect with the help of this VR headset. When they are playing a game, they will notice enemies right when they appear in the game.

The VR headset uses Primax Compatibility Technology and supports many games. These games are available on two gaming platforms, Steam and Oculus Home. Apart from video games, people can enjoy movies and internet video content.

Most VR headsets cause a headache, even when they are worn for fifteen minutes. This is because, their design is not very comfortable, and they are not suitable for long-duration use.

However, this VR headset has an ergonomic design face pad and strap, which will keep the user immersed in their activity and won’t cause any discomfort. It includes physical hardware and software IPD adjustments.

The VR headset is compatible with OS, Windows 8.1, Windows 10, and graphics card NVIDIA GTX 1070. It should be used with a PC that has a 120HZ refresh rate, which means the user doesn’t have to wait for the game or movie to load.

The video output recommended for the VR headset is DP 1.4. The CPU that the user should use must be Intel i5-4590 or equivalent to that. The USB ports that the PC should have were 2.0 or 3.0; a single USB port would do.

People love this VR headset because it gives them a really beautiful view. The VR brings high resolution to the user and has a fewer screen doors.

However, the only problem with VR is that the user needs solid hardware to push the pixels.

HTC Vive Cosmos Elite VR Headset

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When HTC announced the Vive Cosmos lineup, there were many speculations about how the lineup would be like.

The most unique feature of this HTC product is the faceplates, which have different functions and capabilities. The Cosmos Elite uses a high-end variant, which uses StreamVR tracking.

The core foundation for Cosmos Elite is the flip-up head mount design, fresnel lenses, and LCDs with hardware IPD adjustments. The LCD display resolution is 1,440×1,770.

Cosmos Elite is specifically designed for those people, who are VR enthusiasts and want to use the power of StreamVR Tracking. This is the same Valve, which has previously powered HTCs headsets, before the release and announcement of Cosmos.

The capability of Cosmos Elite, in terms of inside-out tracking, is more than other Cosmos headsets.

The Elite has faceplates, which had covered in sensors and can detect tracking signals from not just one, but two external base stations. However, the thing that is missing in Cosmos Elite, is the convenience factor of inside-out tracking.

The reason why StreamVR Tracking had considered a gold standard for VR tracking is because of four factors. These factors include speed, accuracy, coverage, and robustness, or durability.

There are varying lighting conditions that a VR had exposed to when the user is using it. If a VR isn’t capable enough of meeting the gold standards, then it won’t sell much.

While the other Cosmos headsets use multiple controllers, the controllers on StreamVR Tracking are different. The graphics of this VR are crystal clear, because of the high VIVE visual resolution and minimized screen-door effects.

It has a flip-up design, which makes it more appealing to customers. This one also makes it easier for people to switch between virtual reality and flip-up design.

It doesn’t have to stop its VR journey if they want to change the design of the VR.

You will get to see the finer details of the games. For example, you can see even the most subtle movements of characters very easily through this VR.

When the user gets a rich sound from the stereo in their ear, with the help of form-fitting headphones, then that will change their experience. This kind of experience will send the user on a VR adventure, which they have never been on before.

Cosmos Elite gives gamers a chance to build their reality and expand the world of virtual reality. It is also the first VR system, which has a suite of modular options.

HTC Vive Cosmos VR Headset

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If you need to set up sensors in your living room, so that you can use VR, then this can be a headache. It is also very time-consuming, requires space that most living rooms don’t have, and is trouble to transport.

HTC has announced an external tracking option, as it launches Vive Cosmos Elite. This is a faceplate attachment, which makes external tracking possible for Cosmos.

The unique thing about this model is that it is not a headset but a faceplate. There is a button inside the faceplates, and a tug at the front, with which the user can remove the faceplate.

The user can replace the newer inside-out tracking with older external tracking, by using base stations.

There are extra cameras installed on the Cosmos, which are replaced with IR sensors, and they are hidden along the edges.

It is very easy to swap out one faceplate for another. It takes a mere few seconds to change from Cosmos to Cosmos Elite.

However, when you do so, you need to restart Steam or whatever software is in your use. As you are changing the hardware, the software you are using needs to recognize that hardware.

Cosmos has an external tracking option, which is very superior compared to others.

The external tracking gives the user an amazing VR experience, which they can get directly in their living room.

Compared to Cosmos, Cosmos Elite has lower latency and the picture is more accurate. However, there is nothing wrong with Cosmos’ experience as well.

The pixels per eye resolution that Cosmos offers, is 1440×1700. It also has a 90Hz refresh rate and is superior to Oculus Rift S.

The Vive Pro has a larger AMOLED screen, and this beats the Cosmos Elite version.

While the Vive Pro is $599, the Cosmos Elite is $899. However, the Vive Pro started kit is for $899, and this includes two base stations and controllers, that users will get with Cosmos.

The Cosmos Elite offers the user a faster and more fluid motion tracking system, as compared to a standard Cosmos. However, when you gain speed, you lose convenience.

The faceplates are sold separately, but they both have to be swapped to be switched.

Samsung HMD Odyssey Windows Mixed VR Headset

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Ever want to feel what is beyond the game? This VR headset gives you the chance to drop yourself in the virtual world, and then enter a battleground.

It is created by Windows Mixed Reality and gives users the chance to communicate with their friends and move with freedom.

The headset is special because of its vivid graphics, and 360 degrees of spatial sound. It is very easy to set up, is comfortable, and is all about the game that a gamer wants to play.

The graphics through this VR headset are so real, that it would feel like diving into lifelike detail. The high-resolution AMOLED display brightens and makes the graphics clear.

This makes the user lose himself in this amazing experience and allows the user to view everything on dual screens, with 110-degree FOV. This is one of the best FOV stats available in the market.

The VR headset can detect sounds from different directions. It comes with built-in AKG headphones, which won’t shake during gameplay.

If you are playing a game, and someone sneaks up on you, the headphone gives you a clue, because it instantly detects what’s happening around you.

The VR headset has a mic, which lets you coordinate with friends if you are playing a multiplayer game. Moreover, with the help of this Odyssey headset, you can talk to Cortana, and ask anything that you want to.

The average battery life of this VR headset is 15 hours. The item’s weight is 1.43 pounds, which makes it a very lightweight headset. It won’t hurt your head or neck, no matter how long you wear it.

Some customers are very happy with this VR headset because they feel that it fulfills the purpose it is made for. It has a great display, which means a plus for gamers. The sound that comes from the built-in headphones, is sufficient.

The microphone, as compared to competitors’ products, is very effective and integrated.

It will work perfectly for the user, and you will not hear any popping sound when you use it. This is an all-in-one system, and there is no need for installing sensors all over the room.

However, some customers have concerns like, when they wear the headset for a long time, then they feel hot in the eye space. The batteries are drained quickly, mainly because of the LED lights.

Samsung HMD Odyssey+ Windows Mixed VR Headset

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This is the best VR headset to buy if you want to immerse yourself in the crisp detail of gaming, using the dual AMOLED display.

It complements the rich and dynamic spatial sound, which makes it possible because of the dynamic AKG 360 degree. This one is very easy to set up and use; it is lightweight and can have used by beginners as well.

The resolution of this headset is 2880×1600, and the refresh rate is 60/90Hz. The platform, which the headset uses is Windows Mix Reality and Steam VR Support. The FOV of the headset is 110. It has a built-in audio mic.

The 360-degree spatial sound means that with the headphones that come with the VR, the user can hear sound from all directions. The VR headset is ergonomically designed, is lightweight, and very comfortable.

You might even forget that you are wearing them. You can play any game you want, wear it, and get a really good immersive experience.

The headset gives the user an endless VR experience. They can try out the Windows Mixed Reality, available on Microsoft Store, and then jump to the Stream VR library. This will offer them countless adventures, that they probably can’t even handle in one day.

If you want to play a game, but you also need to know what is happening in your surroundings, then this headset has you covered.

To look around, you can activate a flashlight on the shortcut menu, which is the Windows button. This way, you won’t be unaware of your surroundings.

There are several good things about this headset, as customers have reviewed it. Firstly, it offers the user an amazing image quality, which they might not have seen before, through a VR device.

The cost of the product is affordable, as gamers can easily get it for $299. The VR is very light and comfortable. The tracking feature of the VR is solid, for the games that people play.

The physical setup of the VR is very easy for users, and there are no external sensors or cameras required.

However, there are some concerns about the product as well. The first one is about the controllers, which lose tracking in some positions.

The FOV is not improved from this, and sometimes, the VR glasses aren’t very comfortable. All in all, it does offer the user a unique gaming experience.

I hope my guide will help you with searching for the best VR headset for yourself.

Thank you for reading people, have a great day ahead. Stay blessed all of you.

Oculus Rift

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Four years after its crowdfunding campaign the first commercial version of Oculus Rift launched in early 2016 sold initially from the Oculus VR website and gradually made its way to retailers around the world.

Until now you needed a powerful PC to use this. The minimum specs for an Oculus-ready PC are on the official website with Dell HP Alienware and Asus all offering VR machines.

Oculus VR has also launched bundles of Rift with a PC such as the $2050 Alienware bundle.

The price is $599(£549) includes the headset with built-in headphone and mic movement sensor remote and Xbox One controller.

You will need: A powerful PC – check the recommended specs.

Sony PlayStation VR

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The third big gun in the VR race is Sony’s PlayStation VR headset which launched in October 2016 as an accessory for the PlayStation 4games console.

Both the PlayStation 4 and the new PlayStation 4 Pro are compatible with the headsets but the pro will run VR games at higher screen resolution and frame rates.

You’ll also need a PlayStation Camera, which costs $45 (£39). Although you can use standard PS4 joypads for games, some will support the PlayStation Move motion controllers, which cost $99 (£70) for a twin-pack.

Best for: gamers – or PlayStation 4 gamers at least, since there’s (unsurprisingly) no cross-console compatibility with Xbox One or Nintendo’s consoles.

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