Innovation

10 virtual reality headsets for less than $100

By // March 3, 2015, 4:30 AM PST // ErinCarson

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  • DODOcase: $24.95

    DODOcase makes a variety of accessories for tech gadgets, including Google Cardboard pop-up smartphone viewers. Companies can even have them custom-made with their logos, etc.

    Image: DODOcase

  • Mattel's View-Master: $30

    Mattel updated its classic kids toy recently to work with smartphones as the display. CNET reported that the View-Master offers a 360-degree digital experience. Kids can look at images of the moon or the Golden Gate bridge, and pop-up boxes offer more details on the images.

    Image: CNET

  • Zeiss VR One: $99

    Zeiss VR One supports smartphones for the display as long as the screens are between 4.7 and 5.2 inches, and has a field of view of 100 degrees. It even accommodates glasses, for those of us with less than perfect vision.

    Image: Zeiss

  • Archos VR headset: £25

    French company Archos released this headset in fall 2014. It is compatible with any smartphone up to six inches. It works with about 100 virtual reality apps, but Archos also has its own platform for games, 3D videos, and movies.

    Image: Archos

  • Aftergaze: £90

    Aftergaze took to Kickstarter to fund its 3D printed VR goggles that work with smartphones. They surpassed their goal in May. If you're over the boxy black look that's so common these days, the Aftergaze website lets users customize colors.

    Image: Aftergaze

  • Knox Labs: $85

    Knox Labs makes a few different variations of Google Cardboard, including this one made from aluminum. Micro-suction holds smartphones in place.

    Image: Knox Labs

  • Firebox Immersive Virtual Reality Headset: $46.29

    Firebox's headset, much like Oculus, straps to the user's face. It features adjustable lenses, and 360 degree head tracking.

    Image: Firebox

  • DODOcase Virtual Reality Developer Kit: $29.95

    It's still made of cardboard, but it's a bit more complicated. This kit can accommodate a Leap Motion mount. And for a few more dollars, it comes with a hat that you can strap the viewer to.

    Image: DODOcase

  • Visus VR: $99

    Visus VR bills itself as PC-driven and wireless. It has an onboard head tracking system, but still uses a smartphone for the display.

    Image: Visus

  • Use an old pizza box: The price of a medium meat lovers pizza?

    It doesn't get much cheaper than this. Snag the schematics for Google Cardboard and make your own. CNET even made one out of an old pizza box.

    Image: CNET

DODOcase: $24.95

DODOcase makes a variety of accessories for tech gadgets, including Google Cardboard pop-up smartphone viewers. Companies can even have them custom-made with their logos, etc.

Image: DODOcase

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By Erin Carson

Erin Carson is a Staff Reporter for CNET and a former Multimedia Editor for TechRepublic.