The high price of large VR headsets, including the HTC Vive, Oculus Rift, and PlayStation VR, put them out of reach for many people. There is a huge market for affordable virtual reality, and many companies are releasing mobile headsets that work with today’s phones. Wandering through these budget headsets can get boring, which is why we’ve put together a list of the best ones you can buy that won’t cost more than $50.
Samsung Gear VR (2016)
The Samsung Gear VR is an amazing VR headset if you also have a Galaxy S6, Galaxy S6 Edge, Galaxy S6 Edge+, Galaxy S7, Galaxy S7 Edge, Galaxy S8 or Galaxy S8 Plus or Galaxy Note 5. This is 2016. headset version (there is a newer version), so you won’t get a remote with it, but only spend about $50.
With a huge library of games and experiences, Gear VR is one of your best bets on a $50 VR headset.
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Homido Mini VR
Thanks to its foldable mobile design, the Homido Mini VR (about $10) is compatible with iOS and Android phones ranging in size from four to six inches. All you have to do is download a few VR apps, clip the goggles on your phone and put it on your face.
When you’re on the go, you can fold your glasses and put them in your pocket next to your phone. If you are looking for a virtual VR that is super mobile and cheap, this is a great option.
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Google Cardboard
This little VR headset from Google, which helped push the budget VR market into the present day, is made entirely of cardboard. It’s tougher than you think, and with thousands of ready-to-go apps and VR, you’ll be missing out on content.
Google Cardboard (about $15) works with iOS and Android phones that are four to six inches in size. If you’re looking for a simple introduction to virtual reality, this is the way to go.
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Splaks 3D VR
Like the original Google Cardboard headset, this option from Splaks (about $27) is also made from cardboard, but has a few extra features for extended use. Nose and forehead pads provide more comfort, while an elastic strap will securely attach the viewer to your head.
Splaks 3D is compatible with iOS and Android phones ranging in size from 3.5 to 6 inches, and there are some small suction cups on the inside of the headset to hold the phone in place. If you like the idea of Google Cardboard but want something a little more luxurious, check out Splaks 3D VR.
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VR Cups
The VR Cups (around $20) are unlike the other VR headsets in this review. Instead of a pair of lenses contained in some sort of frame, you instead have two «cups» that attach to your phone’s screen with a suction cup.
There are lenses on the top of the cups for great viewing and they are compatible with Google Cardboard apps. If you don’t mind a minimalist product, this is a smart way to turn your phone into a great VR experience.
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View-Master VR
