VR headsets range in price from reasonably priced to insanely expensive. Then there’s the high-end PC requirement for some VR headsets. Everything is getting more expensive, from smartphones to TVs to video games. What’s so expensive about VR?
What’s the Best VR Headset for the Money?
You can buy budget VR headsets, but they’re not the most popular, and they require a smartphone or a PC to work. Meta Quest 2, PSVR2, and HTC Vive Pro 2 are the most popular options right now, but there are a lot more.
It’s by far the most affordable quality VR headset right now, starting at $299.99 when we reviewed it as the Oculus Quest 2. It’s interesting to see the Meta Quest 2 became $100 more expensive after its release, but it’s now back to its original price.
PlayStation VR2 requires a PS5, which costs at least $399.99. In the same way, the HTC Vive Pro 2 starts at $799, but you’ll also need a high-end PC, so the cost could easily rise to $1-2,000.
There are also more expensive options, like Apple’s upcoming Vision Pro headset ($3,499) or Meta Quest Pro ($999). Why are VR headsets so expensive, standalone or not?
1. It’s Loaded With Expensive (And New) Tech
It’s a relatively new technology, so research and development costs are high. VR headset prices don’t always reflect R&D costs, but some do. There’s always something new and better to use inside VR headsets, and these components are more expensive now than they’ll be in the future.
Even with their small specs, early smartphones were expensive. Prices leveled off as smartphones and their internal components evolved (mostly). Whether you want a budget smartphone with great specs or a high-end flagship phone with fancy cameras, a gorgeous display, and tons of cool features, you can find it now.
As with smartphones and other expensive technology, VR headsets will eventually become mainstream. To help the screens move properly, VR headsets have sensors like gyroscopes, motion sensors, and eye tracking sensors.
Most VR headsets have OLED or AMOLED displays, which are great for smooth, less blurry experiences, so the display is one of the most expensive components. For VR to be immersive, high refresh rates and high resolutions are needed.
2. Games Aren’t the Only Features of VR Headsets
Several games have been ported to virtual reality and a few are built just for VR. Games are one of the biggest selling points for VR headsets if you’re into them. There’s a lot more you can do with modern VR headsets.
Virtual reality is helping with things like PTSD, anxiety, depression, and phobias. It’s also a great way for people who can’t travel physically or financially to explore the wonders of the world.
Next, virtual reality is transforming the entertainment industry in a variety of ways, like letting people watch theater movies from their own homes with their friends online or go to a virtual nightclub or a concert by their favorite band. You can watch live sports events or visit museums with a VR headset.
Gaming isn’t the focus of all headsets. People can work from home and collaborate with others in a virtual setting on Meta’s Quest Pro, which is designed for work. As well as that, Apple’s Vision Pro headset emphasizes using it for work, not gaming.
3. They Need Batteries, Speakers, and a Tough Design
VR headsets are usually made to be portable, unlike high-end PCs that stay at home. Traveling or visiting a friend is easier with a VR headset. This means VR headsets need to be rugged enough to handle a little rough handling. Packing your VR headset inside a case is one of the best ways to keep it safe if you’re going on a plane or don’t want to risk damage.
Wear and tear are expected to be tolerated by the hard plastic on the outer sides of VR headsets. VR headsets protect the internal components from accidental drops, even though every fall or drop is different. It’s more expensive, but it’ll protect your investment.
The battery life of VR headsets isn’t great, but adding a battery makes it more expensive. You don’t need to recharge the headset if you use a wired headset that connects to a PC or console, but the controllers still require batteries. Virtual reality headset makers should also invest in more premium speakers since they play a huge role in the immersive experience.
4. Consumer Demand Isn’t There Yet
VR headsets aren’t that popular right now. To be fair, VR headsets do excel at video games at the moment, which is where they’re perceived as just another console. Besides watching movies, you can also explore faraway places and work out.
VR headsets should become more popular and cheaper as more people try it out or see how it works.
Even though supply and demand has lots of weird rules, sometimes a new product’s price is higher because fewer products are being made. If there was a big demand for the product, manufacturing twice as much could be only marginally more expensive, resulting in a lower overall price.
It’s Expensive, but VR’s Awesome
Most new video game consoles or budget flagship phones are in the same price range as good VR headsets. It makes sense based on the tech inside a quality VR headset.
With cheaper VR headset technology, VR headsets should get cheaper as well.
