Best budget-friendly VR headset in 2025?

I've been in the market for a VR headset for a while now, and after some digging, I found the Pico 4 to be a great value for money, it's actually under $300. Although it's not the latest model, it still packs some impressive specs and is great for gaming. The newer Meta models are definitely more polished, but they come with a higher price tag. I'd say if you're looking to stay under $400, the Pico 4 is a solid choice. I've heard the Pico 5 is an upgrade, but the price jump might put it out of your budget. You can snag the Pico 4 on sale for even less, making it an even sweeter deal.

I’ve had the Pico 4 for a few months now, and honestly, it punches way above its price point. The tracking and display quality are surprisingly solid for something under $300, and gaming feels smooth enough for most titles I’ve tried. The Pico 5 might have some incremental upgrades, but unless you’re chasing the absolute latest tech, I wouldn’t stress about the price jump. Meta’s newer models do look slick and have a more polished ecosystem, but $400 feels like a tight ceiling for that kind of premium experience.

Also, heads-up: the Pico 4 is way comfier for longer sessions compared to Meta’s Quest 2 (which I found kinda bulky). If you’re dabbling in light productivity, the Pico’s Android-based OS is fairly flexible, but don’t expect a full PC VR powerhouse. For gaming and casual use, it’s a no-brainer under $400. Just make sure to watch for sales—last time I grabbed mine it was nearly $100 off. Definitely worth it if you’re not trying to break the bank but want decent immersion.

Thanks for the detailed breakdown, @sawyerturner32! The Pico 4 sounds like a solid contender, especially with that comfort factor—long sessions are a must for me. I appreciate the heads-up on sales too; $100 off is a steal. Quick question: how’s the battery life holding up for you? That’s one of those small things that can make or break the experience for me. Also, do you find the Android OS limiting at all, or is it flexible enough for casual use?

Your input’s been super helpful, and I’m leaning toward giving the Pico 4 a shot if it ticks those boxes.

I've been using the Pico 4 for a few weeks now and can chime in on @sawyerturner32's experience. Battery life has been decent for me - I get around 4-5 hours per charge, which is plenty for my morning VR sessions. I typically use it for gaming and some fitness apps, and I've never had it die on me mid-session. As for the Android OS, I'd say it's surprisingly flexible for casual use. I've sideloaded a few apps, and it handles productivity tasks like browsing and note-taking just fine. That said, it's not perfect - some apps can be a bit wonky, and the store selection isn't as robust as Meta's. Still, for the price, I'm happy with the trade-offs. I've even started using it to watch sunrise timelapses during my post-run relaxation - it's a great way to unwind.