Best Cheap VR Headset in 2022
There’s no sidestepping the fact that virtual reality is expensive. With kits like the superb Valve Index priced at just shy of $1000, we still have a way to go before the technology reaches the affordability required for mass adoption. That said, more and more manufacturers are trying their hand at budget-oriented headsets that, while they don’t deliver the same immersive, feature-full experience, give those priced out of premium kits the chance to try out the niche technology.
These are ideal taster kits for those intrigued about what all the fuss is about or who simply want to test the waters before committing to one of the premium options. Unlike more expensive headsets that can cost as much as a mid-range gaming PC and require a decent gaming rig to run, they won’t break the bank and often require no more than a standard smartphone, a device most of us already have.
Today, we’ll be shining a light on some of the best low-cost VR headsets currently available.
Products at a Glance
Best Cheap VR Headset in 2022
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Distance adjustment
- Stereo headphones
- Broad phone compatibility
- Foldable for easy transport/storage
- Price
- No controller
- Compatible with broad range of phones
- Object distance and pupil distance adjustments
- Low price
- Breathable padding
- Includes a controller
- 110-degree field of view
- Soft leather padding and adjustable head strap
- Adjustable pupil distance
- Controller is no replacement for the real thing
- Phone compatibility more limited than other options
- Extremely low cost
- Easy assembly
- Phone support
- Good quality lenses
- No controller
- No adjustments
- No head strap
- No anti-leakage
Best Cheap VR Headset in 2022
Our Verdict
Among the low-cost VR headsets currently available, we mark the Peiloh VR Headset as one of the best. It’s lightweight, reasonably comfortable, has a decent array of adjustments, stereo headphones, and broad phone compatibility. You won’t get a premium VR experience, it has to be said, but it’s a considerable step up from most other budget VR headsets.
At half the cost of the Peiloh, the Misisi VR Headset is another strong option for those that don’t want to commit a whole $75 to a basic, functional VR headset. Despite a low price, the headset still has some decent features, including plenty of adjustments, decent build quality, and compatibility with some of the most popular phones out there.
While cheap VR headsets limit what type of content you can consume, the Destek V5 goes to lengths to offer a gaming-ready low-cost headset, not least thanks to the included controller, comfortable fit, 110-degree field of view, and fit adjustment. It’s only let down by limited phone compatibility.
Designed as a fun, easy to assemble taste of what VR is all about, the Google Cardboard is a perfect fit for those unwilling to spend more than $10 to test VR but don’t mind a pretty rudimentary setup made, as the name implies, of cardboard. It certainly has its limitations but is a surprisingly value-packed window into the world of VR.
And with that, we’ll bring our guide to the best cheap VR headsets to an end. The comment section is open, so don’t hesitate to send any questions, suggestions, or concerns our way.