VR headsets have come a long way since Sega launched the modern-day, Sega VR-1 consumer headset in 1994. The commercial release of the Oculus Rift in March 2016 completely revolutionized the virtual reality realm and the market for VR headsets. The widespread popularity of Oculus Rift paved the way for the launch of a series of VR headset models.
When it comes to opting for a VR headset that gels with your needs and preference (movie viewing or gaming), you’re spoilt for choice. You’ll be in a fix whether to go for HTC Vive, Sony PlayStation VR, Samsung Gear VR, or Oculus Rift. However, all these VR headset models command a high price with the HTC Vive and Samsung Gear costing upwards of 500 USD.
Considering that VR is not a tech that you cannot do without investing hundreds of dollars for the same would be a sacrilege. Yes, you’ll find many VR headset models that cost much less than 100 USD. The Google Cardboard costs under $20, and the Nintendo Labo VR Kit pack is available at $40.
Three of the Cheapest VR Headsets for PC
Google Cardboard Topmaxions 3D VR Headset
Google Cardboard Topmaxions 3D VR Headset costing less than 10 USD on Amazon Prime is surely the cheapest of all VR headset brands. As it names suggests, the Google Cardboard has been crafted out from the best grade of corrugated paper, making the VR headset incredibly resilient. You can bet you won’t find a better (and cheaper) model at this rate.
Google has made the head strap, forehead pad, and suction cups longer after considering suggestions from customers, thereby rendering an enhanced user experience. The Google Cardboard is compatible with both Apple and Android smartphones in the 3.5”-6.0” size range. This VR headset comes in perfectly handy for enjoying left-right 3D motion pictures and playing a range of VR video games.
Connect the Google Cardboard to a high-end smartphone for viewing thrillers and action movies backed by an engrossing VR experience. The biconvex lens of the VR headset featuring a 37mm focal length makes possible the reflection of striking visuals. The spongy and cushioned forehead pad and nose pad sits comfortably, thereby lessening stress, and enabling you to enjoy extended viewing sessions. The stretchable headband can be made to fit comfortably on different sizes of head.
The ergonomically designed suction cups safeguards your smartphone from grazes and scratches, is convenient to fix, and does not come off easily.
Pansonite 3D VR Headset with Remote Controller for VR Games and 3D Movies
Pansonite 3D VR Headset is the most updated VR version from the house of Pansonite. Following years of painstaking R & D and some creative tweaks, Pansonite has not only made the most up-to-date headset model incredibly lightweight but very compact as well. The newest VR comes with a handheld remote control which intuitively reacts to your movements in virtual reality.
The HD resin reinforced aspherical lens tends to be easier on your eyes-you do not experience feelings of giddiness or dizziness. All the same, the aspherical lens enables you to view images of very high resolution with the full-color spectrum. The velvety and well-ventilated leather cushioning does not stress you out as you play video games or enjoy your favorite movies.
To customize viewing as per your convenience, you can alter the positioning of the resin lens simply by shifting the button atop the VR glasses. The T-styled strap-shaped out of lightweight material relieves pressure on your head and around your face and eyes. The detachable front cover facilitates and promotes dispersion of heat and keeps the headset cool.
ReTrak Utopia 360 Universal VR Headset with Bluetooth Controller
ReTrak Utopia 360 Universal VR Headset is one of the cheapest VR headsets costing less than $14. However, do not be under the impression that ReTrak’s budget price makes it come a cropper on the performance front. The Utopia 360 comes equipped with form-fit padding for maximizing user comfort and also keeps you cool, thanks to its ventilation functionality.
The 3-way adjustable head straps coupled with extra padding make movie viewing or gaming pleasurable. The Bluetooth compatible remote controller enables you to exercise full control over VR apps, thereby enhancing your virtual reality experience. The Utopia 360 weighs only 15.2 ounces which makes this VR headset perfectly portable, letting you carry it with ease.
The dual-adjustable focus lets you adjust the focal length and interpupillary distance as per your viewing preference. The inbuilt button makes for optimum apps companionability via tactile technology.
Conclusion
Talking about cheap VR headsets, you’ll come across many other brands in the market apart from the ones reviewed above. As with any cheap product, you get what you pay for. The pocket-friendly VR headsets do not have some practical features that are considered basic in high-end models.
So, if you’re willing to make do without these features, you can look forward to gaming or enjoying a movie in VR with the Google Cardboard or Pansonite 3D VR headset.
