VR Headsets for Small Budgets
Similar to any other smart devices and digital accessories, VR headsets are in a league of their own and can cost you a fortune for making the wrong decision. Over the years, VR’s concept is comparatively niche, albeit a growing one, and choosing the right product for your needs poses a severe challenge in itself. To make matters worse, there are standalone VR devices on the horizon as well. Ultimately, the decision-making and thorough research can not only get you the best possible device but also save a lot of bucks. Here are a few of the VR headsets that will go easy on your budget, all the while providing a good VR experience.
Oculus Quest (PC: ~$399)
Video Gaming is an expensive hobby, and it keeps on getting more costly with the introduction of new technology. The same goes for the VR department as the most prominent names in the industry, Valve and HTC, does provide the most advanced and high tier VR technology, but it is out of reach for most people at the same time. A person will need to spend more than 1000$ to get the VR equipment on top of upgrading their gaming systems that can run modern VR games like Boneworks and Half Life: Alyx.
However, Facebook took an excellent initiative towards cutting short on the price tag and not dropping the quality standards of VR headsets at the same time. Oculus Quest is their most recent creation which is a wireless VR headset that rivals with the Rift in terms of performance. It also does not require you to have a lot of working space, but the only downside of Oculus Quest is that it can only operate for around 2 hours on battery life. Putting that aside, it is an excellent VR headset to live the dreams and keeping your wallet healthy at the same time.
PlayStation VR (PlayStation: $299)
When it comes to VR, it will be disrespectful not to mention the Sony’s VR for PlayStation. It is the most efficient use of money for experiencing the world of VR in its best possible state. Compared to other VR devices on the market, PlayStation does not provide critical damage to your budget as it rules out the option of upgrading your console as well. You can almost enjoy all of the VR games for PC, considering it is not the best VR headset on the market.
Still, the only thing that matters is whether you get the most out of the product after spending your hard earned money. If you are able to play highly-anticipated titles like Half Life: Alyx, or become John Wick in Superhot VR, or best the drum with lightsabers in Beatsaber, then PlayStation VR is worth every penny you spend.
Google Cardboard (Smartphones: ~15$)
The safest and most cost-friendly VR headset option is none other than Google Cardboard when it comes to smartphones. Instead of wasting a lot of money on expensive products from the get-go, this VR headset provides an excellent VR experience on the majority of smartphones. Although it is not the most durable product as it is literally made of cardboard, its most significant selling point is magnifying lenses and only a single button on the side.
There is no denying that it feels rather uncomfortable and comes with limited features, but for the younger family members and kids, it can make for an excellent present all the while treating yourself at the same time as well. Google Cardboard VR also has a strap and NFC for running the apps on command. Overall, it is the excellent first step towards heading down the VR road, all the while not worrying about the money.
Windows Mixed Reality (Windows 10: $299)
Windows Mixed Reality comes at the same price as PlayStation VR, which makes things complicated for VR enthusiasts to make up their minds. Microsoft had a similar approach to Facebook in prioritizing the device’s affordability, and they were successful by doing so to a great degree. Windows Mixed Reality is an excellent entry-level kit that stands on par with the most expensive VR devices on the market. Its first and foremost requirement is having Windows 10 on the system and meeting the minimum requirements of a PC for working without any significant issues.
Its name can mislead most people and make them think whether Windows-oriented headsets refer to the limited access to Microsoft Store only. But they can never be more wrong, as Windows Mix Reality can run the majority of titles on your Steam Library as well, whether it be Superhot VR, Beatsaber, Vader Immortal, or even Half Life: Alyx.