How much does virtual reality cost consumers? Well, the good news is prices are generally very reasonable. Yes, the higher priced versions for more advanced gamers cost more. That being said, not everyone needs all of the advanced features headsets like the HTC Vive brings.
Virtual reality has enhanced the joy of gaming, streaming, watching live sports, etc. Therefore, everyone wants to try it and own a virtual reality headset.
If you're going to buy a headset and you are wondering, “How much does virtual reality headset cost?” then you are in the right place. Today we will explore the cost of different types of headsets and why these virtual reality headsets are very costly.
How much does a virtual reality headset cost?
There are different kinds of headsets for various purposes, and the cost depends on it. The good news is most of the below listed options are not going to break your bank account. So, let’s discuss the cost according to the types of VR headsets.
PC-Powered VR Headsets
These headsets are costly. They are powered by PC and used for high-level gaming. Game lovers love this type of headset. Moreover, you need a compatible PC to use them. These headsets require a costly PC that has the latest graphics cards, high RAM, etc. You connect these headsets with your computer via wired or wireless devices.
You will also need controllers to translate your movements and gestures into the real world. The controllers allow you to play games and enjoy the tracking of your movements in the virtual world. In short, these headsets, compatible PCs, controllers, and other accessories are very expensive, but they provide you a mesmerizing gaming experience that is unbeatable.
Such kind of headset can be around $400 or above. You might need to buy the accessories and controllers separately. Some headsets might come with controllers. There are VR headsets for PC-powered gaming with controllers, which are above $1000.
Standalone VR Headsets
Standalone VR headsets are expensive but not like PC-powered gaming headsets. These devices do not require a PC or any device to work. So, you also save your money on expensive PCs. These headsets are for video streaming, watching 3D movies, using VR applications and gaming.
You can even watch live sports at your home, just like you are in the playground. But the gaming is not like as in PC powered headsets. These are wireless and portable. You can carry them anywhere. But you need to take care of charging. They also have limited internal storage where you can store your games and videos.
These headsets cost in the range of $150-$500. But some headsets are near to $1000. It depends on the resolution, insight tracking, dozens of features, software, internal storage, etc.
VR Headsets with Phone
These VR headsets require your phone to work. They are just like 3D glasses that can give you a 3D or 360˚ experience. They are very simple and cheap. You can buy such headsets under $50. You can also find such kinds of headsets for $15 as well. These are entry-level VR headsets that have no comparison with the above types.
You need to put your phone in them, and it will provide you a 3D experience. In real, your mobile does everything. All the applications, sensors, and videos are on your mobile, and these headsets are just like glasses to experience the 3D effect.
Therefore, these headsets are cheap, and you can get these for your children as well. They provide you an enjoyable experience at a low cost and they worth the money.
Best Virtual Reality Headset: Our Top 4 Recommendations
We are going to list some of the best virtual reality headsets for you. We will mention the pros, cons, and features of every product for your ease.
Oculus Go Standalone Virtual Reality
This is an excellent standalone VR headset with an internal storage of 32GB. In addition, you can also choose from the 64GB version which is under $200. The great news is you can get all of the best virtual reality can provide at a very reasonable cost with the Oculus.
You don’t need to connect it with any PC or mobile phone to enjoy the virtual world. It is portable, and you can take it anywhere. Also, it has comfortable and adjustable straps that allow you to use the headset for hours.
There is no need to connect headphones because it has built-in sound, but if you want to connect headphones, then you can also do that. It has a controller as well to navigate in the virtual world. Furthermore, you can complete its initial set-up with ease, and it is easy to use. You can watch online videos, live shows, and sporting events and play games.
Pros
- Easy to set-up
- Compatible with glasses
- Comfortable
- Excellent graphics
- Wireless
Cons
- No slot for SD card
- Charing required after use
Oculus Rift S PC-Powered VR Gaming
This VR headset is specially made for PC-powered gaming. You can use this with a compatible PC and enjoy the high-level gaming experience. In addition, it also has two controllers and insight tracking that tracks your movements and translates to the virtual world.
The graphics are mesmerizing, and it has a reduced screen-door effect. It is comfortable and does not require charging because you connect it with the PC. Thus, you can enjoy gaming as much as you want without worrying about the charge. Moreover, you don’t need extra sensors with this because it has everything you need.
Pros
- Less screen-door effect
- Excellent insight tacking
- Paddings for comfort
- Easy to set-up
Cons
- Not wireless
- Does not have its headphones
HTC VIVE Pro Virtual Reality Headset
HTC VIVE Pro is also for PC gaming. This headset has a high-quality resolution that will take you to a new world that looks real. The resolution is 2880 x1660, which provides you detailed picture for everything present in the virtual world. In addition, the HTC starter version is about $300 cheaper and worth checking out.
It also has built-in headphones; therefore, you don’t need to connect external ones. It is made according to ergonomic standards for comfortable use. You can also adjust the IPD and lens distance according to your comfort. You will get a clear image without any blurring effect. It has all the sensors in it. But you need to buy controllers separately.
Pros
- Comfortable
- High-quality resolution
- 110˚ FOV
- Adjustable lens
Cons
- Does not includes controllers (You need to purchase separately)
DESTEK V5 VR Headset
This is an amazing entry-level VR headset that gives you a tour of 3D and 360˚ at a very low cost. You can play games and watch videos. It also has a controller for gaming and navigation. It has 110˚ FOV, which is excellent for visualizing the virtual world. You can use mobile phones that have screens in the range of 5.5” to 6.5”.
You can also use glasses with it with comfort. It is very comfortable and has a face mask that keeps you comfortable for a long time. There are opening slots that keep your phone cool. You can also connect headphones through them. Further, its eye protection features protect your eyes.
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Easy to use
- Compatible with glasses
- Eye-protection features
Cons
- The controller does not work well with iPhones
Closing Thoughts
We have answered your question, “How much does virtual reality cost?” in detail. There is no doubt that virtual reality headsets are expensive, but they take you to a new world of immense pleasure. We have also listed some of the best products here with features, pros, and cons. Enjoy the pleasure of the virtual world with a virtual reality headset.
So, how much does virtual reality cost? We have discussed a couple mid range and a couple higher range models to choose from. That being said, there are much cheaper VR headsets in the marketplace as well. It all depends on what you are looking for and what your budget can take.
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