Are you wondering how much do virtual reality goggles cost? If so, you are not alone. We'll be covering some tips and recommendations below to help answer your question.
Virtual reality is booming every day. Tech developers are working on virtual reality to enhance the user experience of virtual reality. Virtual reality is fascinating, and people are very much inclined towards it. There are many aspects of a virtual reality headset or goggle that make it expensive and interactive.
People usually ask, “How much do virtual reality goggles cost?” You will find many types of virtual reality goggles and headsets, ranging from a few hundred dollars to thousands of dollars. The difference between these virtual reality goggles is technology. The resolution and experience you will get on an expensive goggle are not even near to cheap goggles. Many things are taken into consideration before making a headset. The more effort you put into a headset, the more expensive it becomes. Moreover, the quality of goggles is also an aspect that makes it differ from other headsets and sets it apart from them.
How Much Is the Cheapest VR Headset?
This is a frequently asked question. People want to know how much do virtual reality goggles cost. There are different types of headsets. For example, there are virtual reality goggles or headsets for smartphones, gaming consoles, and PCs. The price range of these goggles depends on the compatibility and build quality. You will find the cheapest virtual reality goggle for a smartphone. It is because the smartphone is doing the majority of the work, and the goggle is just displaying on a large screen. They only have a lens to show a virtual image. Some goggles consist of motion sensors and optical lenses for better video quality. But when it comes to PC and gaming consoles, these virtual reality goggles are rather expensive because they are equipped with different types of sensors.
Google Cardboard is one of the cheapest virtual reality goggles in the market. It is cheap because it is made from cardboard and consists of simple optical lenses. There is nothing more in that virtual reality goggle.
Do You Need A PC For VR?
We have talked about the different platforms on which we can experience VR. PC is a source through which we can use virtual reality goggles. But when it comes to virtual reality on PC, you not only need to spend money on virtual reality goggles, but you also have to spend on your PC. The requirements of virtual reality on a PC is a little higher. So, you will need a high-end gaming PC if you want to use virtual reality goggles on it. It becomes a double expense. But in the end, you will find it worth it if you know how to use virtual reality correctly. It is important to talk about the cost because people often ask how much do virtual reality goggles cost.
But you do not necessarily need a PC to set up a VR. Some headsets are compatible with mobiles and consoles. You can use your smartphone or gaming consoles with them. VR is not only restricted to PC only. Virtual reality is vast, and it allows people of all kinds to experience it. But it would be right to say that the quality of virtual reality that you could get on a PC would be better than any platform (smartphone or gaming console). There are also standalone virtual reality headsets, but they are the most expensive because they have built-in memory, hardware, and software. It can work on its own without the need of a PC or smartphone. There is no hustle to set it up. It is the easiest to use.
Why Is VR Expensive?
Many reasons make virtual reality expensive. A virtual reality headset or goggle features a motion sensor, a tracking sensor, a customizable display screen, and lenses. Moreover, the quality of these things also affects the price of virtual reality goggles. The build quality of a virtual goggle also adds up to the price. Furthermore, if you want to experience and use virtual reality goggles on a smartphone, you will need a good smartphone that can support virtual reality. The same goes for PC; if you want to use a virtual reality headset on a PC, then you will need to spend a heavy amount on building a high-end gaming PC. Altogether, these things add up and make VR so expensive. But according to many reviewers, at the end of the day, it’s all worth it.
Best Virtual Reality Goggles
One of the great things about Oculus Go is that it has all the hardware like screen, processor, audio connectivity inside the headset. This sets Oculus GO apart from Oculus Rift that requires a PC and wires to connect. It consists of a fully-functional controller, so you can grip onto it perfectly. Oculus GO is not as advanced like other virtual reality headsets, but it is a good choice to go for if you are on a limited budget.
The design of Oculus GO is pretty, and you can also feel the comfort that it brings with it. Since it is a standalone headset, it is the easiest virtual headset to use. It is extremely user/consumer-friendly. According to reviewers, Oculus GO is far more comfortable than Oculus Rift and Gear VR and is also portable. Being on a budget, it is a good virtual reality goggle to go for. Oculus GO has a good screen display and audio quality. Sometimes the audio feels like any other high-end VR headset. It has a Snapdragon 821 processor that displays on a 5.5-inch screen whose resolution is 2560×1440 pixels.
Pros:
- Standalone (No phone, PC or gaming console required)
- No hustle of cables (cable-free)
- Good display quality and resolution
- Affordable
Cons:
- Battery timing is not so good.
- Feels a little heavy on the face
The Samsung Gear VR is not a standalone virtual reality headset. It is compatible with some of the Samsung phones, including the Galaxy S6, Galaxy S6 edge. Galaxy S6 edge plus, Galaxy S7, Galaxy S7 edge, Galaxy S8, and Galaxy S8 plus. It has a beautiful design that looks premium. It has a great cushion to support your eyes. A newer software update on the Gear VR makes it smoother to run and adds a little bit of higher resolution. It comes with a wireless motion controller that helps you to navigate through apps and allows easier control. Samsung Gear VR is not so heavy, so it doesn’t make your face or head hurt like other heavy and bulky virtual reality headsets.
Pros:
- Comes with a good quality controller
- Supports two generations of Galaxy phones
- More comfortable
- Light in weight
- Affordable
Cons:
- Only a few apps support controller
- Non-rechargeable controller batteries
- Larger in size
Merge VR headset is for the people that want to use VR frequently. It is comfortable and easy to set up. This particular headset is designed specially keeping kids in mind, which means that kids can also use this headset. It is very light in weight and does not cause any kind of migraine or headache. Moreover, there are different types of accessories available in the market for this VR headset. It goes well with iPhone and Android, making it easy for people to go with it. However, it may not be the best VR headset around, but if you are on a small budget, then it is a great option. It has side to side adjustable lenses with a user-friendly setup and usage. It does not have an audio output, so you have to work with your phone’s speakers.
Pros:
- It is compatible with virtual as well as augmented reality.
- Affordable
- Works with both Android and iOS
- Light in weight
- Colorful frame
Cons:
- Less content than other VR headsets
- No speakers
One of the latest and advanced virtual reality headsets in the world currently is the HTC Vive Pro Focus Plus. It is a standalone virtual reality headset that features 6-DOF (degree of freedom). With HTC Vive Pro Focus Plus, you get not one but two controllers. Along with controllers, you get a trackpad and two face buttons, allowing you to have full control over virtual reality. There is no hustle of wires, and you can easily walk around while wearing this headset.
HTC Vive Pro Focus Plus features a Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 with an AMOLED 3K display. It has a resolution of 2880×1600 pixels. It has a good battery time of 3 hours on a 30-minute charge. Overall, it is a great VR headset compared to others in the market.
Pros:
- Good screen resolution
- Wireless
- Good battery timing
- Features 6-DOF
- Comes with two controllers
Cons:
- Expensive
- Bulkier design
Closing Thoughts
When it comes to talking about virtual reality headsets/goggles, it is important to discuss how much do virtual reality goggles cost. There are many aspects that you have to go through while getting a VR headset. There are PC compatible, phone compatible, and also standalone VR headsets. Depending on the type and compatibility of VR headsets, they are of different prices. It is up to you what you choose and what suits you the best. We have discussed many types of VR headsets and hope that we have cleared any kind of misunderstanding related to virtual reality goggles.
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