Virtual Reality is the latest tech to sweep the market and users can’t seem to get enough of these immersive worlds. Strap on a VR headset and visit art galleries on the other side of the world, go sky diving, play a game as Batman, and even get a bit naughty with some VR porn. Top of the line headsets like the Oculus Rift and HTC VIVE will set you back quite a few dollars, but many users have found that cheaper cardboard alternatives like the Google Cardboard suit their needs and let them dip their feet into the VR pool.
Google Cardboard’s success, after all it has a 69% market share of all the VR headsets sold, has spun a multitude of copycats, and the good news is that even though they remain under the category of “cardboard headsets”, many of them are made of a sturdier ABS plastic that will stand up to lots of use. We’re looking at some of the top alternatives to the Google Cardboard, detailing their strengths and weaknesses so you can start your own VR experience without emptying your bank account.
Habor 3D VR Virtual Reality Headset
Interested in the Harbor 3D VR headset? We give it a try.
Pros:
- Comfortable to wear with mock leather face padding.
- Blue tinted lenses for longer sessions.
- Phones are held securely but you’ll likely have to remove it from its case.
- Holes at the top and bottom allow you to reach the buttons on your phone or snake a USB cable in.
- Lenses are fully adjustable.
- Simple and inexpensive, fits both Android and iOS devices.
Cons:
- A relatively small field of view means that the immersion factor can be diminished.
- Small light leakage can diminish the VR experience.
- No built-in action buttons or Bluetooth controller so VR apps that need user input are useless unless you purchase a separate controller.
Price:$15.00 USD
Bobo VR Z4 Virtual Reality Headset with Headphones
The integrated headphones are a nice touch with the Bobo VR Z4 but is that enough to justify picking this one up?
Pros:
- Integrated speakers make it easy to get on without fiddling with headphones.
- The high-quality build is structurally sound, if a bit heavy.
- Lens focus is easy to adjust and control.
- Comes with a Google Cardboard QR code for easy setup.
Cons:
- Plenty of light leak that takes away from the VR experience.
- Unsecure phone mount can let your phone slide around.
Price: $24.99 USD
HooToo 3D VR
The HooToo 3D VR headset is comfortable with a transparent cover for AR.
Pros:
- Extremely comfortable with added cushioning and lightweight.
- Three-way adjustable head strap for better fit.
Cons:
- Won’t fit glasses underneath.
- You’ll need to remove the headset to adjust the lens focus.
- Slight light leakage.
Price: $25.99 USD
Legi Mini VR
The Legi Mini comes with a fun remote control but the size makes this better for smaller phones.
Pros:
- The small size is extremely lightweight.
- Adjustable head straps provide a firm fit.
- A rechargeable remote control is included for easy navigation.
Cons:
- Won’t fit glasses.
- Lots of light leakage if your face is small.
- Uncomfortable for those with larger noses.
Price: $19.99 USD
Fiit VR 2S
The Fiit VR 2S is a good all-around VR headset at an affordable price.
Pros:
- One of the widest fields of views for headsets in the cardboard headset category at 102 degrees.
- Plastic lenses deliver a sharp VR image.
- A lightweight build makes it comfortable to wear, even with glasses.
- A secure mount keeps the phone centered and in position without sliding around.
- Adjustments for interpupillary distance as well as focus.
Cons:
- No touch button for selection.
- Lens focus requires removal of the headset.
- A tight face fit can fog up the lenses.
- There’s not much in the way of face padding, which can make it uncomfortable for longer periods of use.
Price: $25.99 USD
BlitzWolf VR
The BlitzWolf VR headset comes with some neat features but does the controller they include enrich the experience?
Pros:
- A great build with a universal face frame that fits almost all sizes.
- Removable eye pieces that can be moved, allowing for differences in widths across the bridge of the nose.
- Comes with a Bluetooth controller for selection and interaction in games.
- Adjustable lenses focus easily and provide a crisp VR image.
- A spring-loaded mechanism clamps down securely on your smartphone, keeping it in place.
- Vents for heat dissipation will keep your phone cool during long periods of play.
Cons:
- Larger phones and phablets may not fit.
Price: $28.99
VR Elegant
The VR Elegant features a solid construction but can be problematic.
Pros:
- Comfortably lightweight and durable.
Cons:
- Light leak around the edges happens with a face fit that’s not quite snug.
- No touch button to select apps, no Bluetooth controller.
- Phone placement can be annoying with a mount that’s not quite secure.
Unofficial Cardboard
This is the headset that started it all. The Unofficial Cardboard is cheap, highly portable but how does it stand up to other headsets on the market?
Pros:
- A simple design that’s light on the wallet, it’s actually made of cardboard, along with the lenses and the Velcro head strap.
Cons:
- You’ll need to put this headset together yourself, but it comes with directions and if you can fold a box you should be able to manage setting up this cardboard viewer.
- The feel and smell of cardboard isn’t for everyone.
- There are no buttons to press, so you’ll need to remove the headset to change apps. However, this is easily solved with the purchase of an additional Bluetooth controller.
Price: $15.00 USD
Take your time and do your research when it comes to the right virtual reality headset for you. These inexpensive options for viewing VR on your smartphone should keep you entertained until you decide to upgrade or another stand-alone option becomes available.