{"id":110579,"date":"2018-11-07T22:43:06","date_gmt":"2018-11-07T22:43:06","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/sftarticles.wpenginepowered.com\/en\/?p=110579"},"modified":"2025-07-01T22:46:56","modified_gmt":"2025-07-02T05:46:56","slug":"3-ways-to-use-vr-without-paying-for-an-expensive-headset","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cms-articles.softonic.io\/en\/3-ways-to-use-vr-without-paying-for-an-expensive-headset\/","title":{"rendered":"3 ways to use VR without paying for an expensive headset"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-110581 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/articles-img.sftcdn.net\/sft\/articles\/auto-mapping-folder\/sites\/3\/2018\/10\/vrvirtualreality1-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"virtual reality\" width=\"840\" height=\"473\" srcset=\"https:\/\/articles-img.sftcdn.net\/auto-mapping-folder\/sites\/3\/2018\/10\/vrvirtualreality1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/articles-img.sftcdn.net\/auto-mapping-folder\/sites\/3\/2018\/10\/vrvirtualreality1-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/articles-img.sftcdn.net\/auto-mapping-folder\/sites\/3\/2018\/10\/vrvirtualreality1-768x433.jpg 768w, https:\/\/articles-img.sftcdn.net\/auto-mapping-folder\/sites\/3\/2018\/10\/vrvirtualreality1-800x450.jpg 800w, https:\/\/articles-img.sftcdn.net\/auto-mapping-folder\/sites\/3\/2018\/10\/vrvirtualreality1-664x374.jpg 664w, https:\/\/articles-img.sftcdn.net\/auto-mapping-folder\/sites\/3\/2018\/10\/vrvirtualreality1-238x134.jpg 238w, https:\/\/articles-img.sftcdn.net\/auto-mapping-folder\/sites\/3\/2018\/10\/vrvirtualreality1-436x246.jpg 436w, https:\/\/articles-img.sftcdn.net\/auto-mapping-folder\/sites\/3\/2018\/10\/vrvirtualreality1-370x208.jpg 370w, https:\/\/articles-img.sftcdn.net\/auto-mapping-folder\/sites\/3\/2018\/10\/vrvirtualreality1-304x170.jpg 304w, https:\/\/articles-img.sftcdn.net\/auto-mapping-folder\/sites\/3\/2018\/10\/vrvirtualreality1-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/articles-img.sftcdn.net\/auto-mapping-folder\/sites\/3\/2018\/10\/vrvirtualreality1.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 840px) 100vw, 840px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>If you haven&#8217;t jumped into virtual reality yet, you probably will soon. It&#8217;s pretty amazing. But while it\u2019s a fun and exciting way to tap into the coolest technology that the world has to offer, it\u2019s also one that can be pretty pricey.<\/p>\n<p>In order to participate in this exciting technological advancement, many people believe it\u2019s necessary to shell out some serious cash. However, we\u2019re debunking that myth. Keep reading to learn how to take advantage of virtual reality without the high price tag that accompanies a headset.<\/p>\n<h2>3 ways to use VR without paying for an expensive headset<\/h2>\n<h3>1. Google Cardboard<\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-110580 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/articles-img.sftcdn.net\/sft\/articles\/auto-mapping-folder\/sites\/3\/2018\/10\/googlecardboard1-300x262.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"262\" srcset=\"https:\/\/articles-img.sftcdn.net\/auto-mapping-folder\/sites\/3\/2018\/10\/googlecardboard1-300x262.jpg 300w, https:\/\/articles-img.sftcdn.net\/auto-mapping-folder\/sites\/3\/2018\/10\/googlecardboard1.jpg 603w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>On a budget or just not willing to shell out the hefty price of a headset? Google has you covered with <a href=\"https:\/\/vr.google.com\/cardboard\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">its cardboard version!<\/a> This may sound strange, but it actually works. Let us explain: This is a piece of cardboard that folds into a box that\u2019s a bit shorter than a brick. There is an area where you can slip in an iPhone or Android, and then you run the app that\u2019s associated with this contraption. There you have it! You get to experience VR for only around $15.<\/p>\n<p>If you don\u2019t even want to spend that, you can build your own with cardboard, lenses, magnets, hook-and-loop fasteners, and a rubber band. Talk about being creative!<\/p>\n<div class=\"sc-card-starred-link\">\r\n  <div class=\"sc-card-starred-link__body\">\r\n    <div class=\"sc-card-starred-link__row clearfix\">\r\n      <div class=\"sc-card-starred-link__col-logo\">\r\n        <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"sc-card-starred-link__img\" src=\"https:\/\/articles-img.sftcdn.net\/sft\/articles\/auto-mapping-folder\/sites\/3\/2018\/08\/vr-192.png\" width=\"100px\" height=\"100px\">\r\n      <\/div>\r\n      <div class=\"sc-card-starred-link__col-title\">\r\n        <p class=\"sc-card-starred-link__title\">5 games we\u2019d like to see in VR<\/p>\r\n        <a class=\"sc-card-starred-link__button\" href=\"https:\/\/en.softonic.com\/articles\/5-games-wed-like-to-see-in-vr\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer sponsored\">Read Now \u25ba<\/a>\r\n      <\/div>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n    <a class=\"sc-card-starred-link__link\" href=\"https:\/\/en.softonic.com\/articles\/5-games-wed-like-to-see-in-vr\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer sponsored\"><\/a>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n<h3>2. On your smartphone<\/h3>\n<p>If the idea of building a cardboard box seems like too much work, you could instead use your smartphone on its own to get the VR experience. Many apps provide a 360-degree view of videos that provide the same allure. This is especially neat when you move your phone left, right, up, or down.<\/p>\n<div class=\"sc-card-starred-link\">\r\n  <div class=\"sc-card-starred-link__body\">\r\n    <div class=\"sc-card-starred-link__row clearfix\">\r\n      <div class=\"sc-card-starred-link__col-logo\">\r\n        <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"sc-card-starred-link__img\" src=\"https:\/\/articles-img.sftcdn.net\/sft\/articles\/auto-mapping-folder\/sites\/3\/2018\/06\/vader-192.jpg\" width=\"100px\" height=\"100px\">\r\n      <\/div>\r\n      <div class=\"sc-card-starred-link__col-title\">\r\n        <p class=\"sc-card-starred-link__title\">Lucasfilm announces Vader Immortal VR game<\/p>\r\n        <a class=\"sc-card-starred-link__button\" href=\"https:\/\/en.softonic.com\/articles\/lucasfilm-announces-vader-immortal-vr-game\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer sponsored\">read now \u25ba<\/a>\r\n      <\/div>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n    <a class=\"sc-card-starred-link__link\" href=\"https:\/\/en.softonic.com\/articles\/lucasfilm-announces-vader-immortal-vr-game\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer sponsored\"><\/a>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n<h3>3. On a PC<\/h3>\n<p>Although you\u2019ll receive the least exciting results using this method, it\u2019s better than nothing! Here, use your mouse on different websites providing these experiences to shift the perspective in different directions. Google Chrome is a good browser to use to do this.<\/p>\n<div class=\"sc-card-program\">\r\n  <div class=\"sc-card-program__body\">\r\n    <div class=\"sc-card-program__row clearfix\">\r\n      <div class=\"sc-card-program__col-logo\">\r\n        <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"sc-card-program__img\" alt=\"Google Chrome\" src=\"https:\/\/images.sftcdn.net\/images\/t_optimized,f_auto\/p\/b2e6d43a-96bf-11e6-a674-00163ed833e7\/2551395796\/google-chrome-screenshot.png\" width=\"100px\" height=\"100px\">\r\n      <\/div>\r\n      <div class=\"sc-card-program__col-title\">\r\n        <span class=\"sc-card-program__title\">Google Chrome<\/span>\r\n        <a class=\"sc-card-program__button sc-card-program-internal\" href=\"https:\/\/chrome.en.softonic.com\/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Download Google Chrome Now<\/a>\r\n      <\/div>\r\n      <div class=\"sc-card-program__col-rating\">\r\n        <svg class=\"rating-score__content\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" version=\"1.1\" x=\"0\" y=\"0\" viewbox=\"0 0 50 50\" enable-background=\"new 0 0 50 50\" xml:space=\"preserve\"><path class=\"rating-score__background rating-score--good\" fill=\"none\" stroke-width=\"6\" stroke-miterlimit=\"10\" d=\"M40 40c8.3-8.3 8.3-21.7 0-30s-21.7-8.3-30 0 -8.3 21.7 0 30\"><\/path><path class=\"rating-score__value rating-score__value--70\" fill=\"none\" stroke-width=\"6\" stroke-dashoffset=\"70\" stroke-miterlimit=\"10\" d=\"M40 40c8.3-8.3 8.3-21.7 0-30s-21.7-8.3-30 0 -8.3 21.7 0 30\"><\/path><text class=\"rating-score__number\" content=\"7\" text-anchor=\"middle\" transform=\"matrix(1 0 0 1 25 31.0837)\" data-auto=\"app-user-score\">7<\/text><\/svg>\r\n      <\/div>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n    <div class=\"sc-card-program__row\">\r\n      <span class=\"sc-card-program__description\"><\/span>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n    <div class=\"sc-card-program__row\">\r\n      <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"sc-card-program__bigpic\" src=\"\" onerror=\"this.style.display='none'\">\r\n    <\/div>\r\n    <a class=\"sc-card-program__link track-link sc-card-program-internal\" href=\"https:\/\/chrome.en.softonic.com\/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><\/a>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n<p>If you want to take advantage of VR without breaking the bank, try out these methods. You&#8217;ll be on your way to being a VR aficionado in no time!<\/p>\n<!-- Shortcode [playwire] does not match the conditions -->\n<div class=\"sc-related-articles-white\">\r\n<p class=\"sc-related-articles-white__title\">More from Softonic<\/p>\r\n  <div class=\"sc-related-articles-white__row\">\r\n    <a title=\"5 incredible multiplayer games for iOS and Android\" href=\"https:\/\/en.softonic.com\/articles\/5-incredible-multiplayer-games-for-ios-and-android\">\r\n    <div class=\"sc-related-articles-white__article\">\r\n      <div class=\"sc-related-articles-white__image\">\r\n        <div style=\"background-image:url(https:\/\/articles-img.sftcdn.net\/sft\/articles\/auto-mapping-folder\/sites\/3\/2018\/04\/david-grandmougin-123135-unsplash.jpg)\"><\/div>\r\n      <\/div>\r\n      <div class=\"sc-related-articles-white__text\">\r\n        <p>5 incredible multiplayer games for iOS and Android<\/p>\r\n      <\/div>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n    <\/a>\r\n    <a title=\"The 10 best free to play games ever\" href=\"https:\/\/en.softonic.com\/articles\/forget-fortnite-check-out-the-10-best-free-to-play-games-ever\">\r\n    <div class=\"sc-related-articles-white__article\">\r\n      <div class=\"sc-related-articles-white__image\">\r\n        <div style=\"background-image:url(https:\/\/articles-img.sftcdn.net\/sft\/articles\/auto-mapping-folder\/sites\/3\/2018\/04\/fortnite.jpg)\"><\/div>\r\n      <\/div>\r\n      <div class=\"sc-related-articles-white__text\">\r\n        <p>The 10 best free to play games ever<\/p>\r\n      <\/div>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n    <\/a>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n  <div class=\"sc-related-articles-white__row\">\r\n    <a title=\"10 best action games for your bucket list\" href=\"https:\/\/en.softonic.com\/articles\/10-best-action-games-for-your-bucket-list\">\r\n    <div class=\"sc-related-articles-white__article\">\r\n      <div class=\"sc-related-articles-white__image\">\r\n        <div style=\"background-image:url(https:\/\/articles-img.sftcdn.net\/sft\/articles\/auto-mapping-folder\/sites\/3\/2018\/02\/image8.jpg)\"><\/div>\r\n      <\/div>\r\n      <div class=\"sc-related-articles-white__text\">\r\n        <p>10 best action games for your bucket list<\/p>\r\n      <\/div>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n    <\/a>\r\n    <a title=\"Best video games to play with a partner\" href=\"https:\/\/en.softonic.com\/articles\/best-video-games-to-play-with-your-partner\">\r\n    <div class=\"sc-related-articles-white__article\">\r\n      <div class=\"sc-related-articles-white__image\">\r\n        <div style=\"background-image:url(https:\/\/articles-img.sftcdn.net\/sft\/articles\/auto-mapping-folder\/sites\/3\/2017\/06\/smash_wii_u-29-1.jpg)\"><\/div>\r\n      <\/div>\r\n      <div class=\"sc-related-articles-white__text\">\r\n        <p>Best video games to play with a partner<\/p>\r\n      <\/div>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n    <\/a>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>VR headsets are expensive. Here are 3 insanely cheap ways to try it without breaking the bank.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9167,"featured_media":110581,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","wpcf-pageviews":0},"categories":[2441],"tags":[1099],"usertag":[782],"vertical":[],"content-category":[],"class_list":["post-110579","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-how-to","tag-vr","usertag-purchaser-gadget"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/cms-articles.softonic.io\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/110579","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/cms-articles.softonic.io\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/cms-articles.softonic.io\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cms-articles.softonic.io\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/9167"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cms-articles.softonic.io\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=110579"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/cms-articles.softonic.io\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/110579\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":327079,"href":"https:\/\/cms-articles.softonic.io\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/110579\/revisions\/327079"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cms-articles.softonic.io\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/110581"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/cms-articles.softonic.io\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=110579"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cms-articles.softonic.io\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=110579"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cms-articles.softonic.io\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=110579"},{"taxonomy":"usertag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cms-articles.softonic.io\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/usertag?post=110579"},{"taxonomy":"vertical","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cms-articles.softonic.io\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/vertical?post=110579"},{"taxonomy":"content-category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cms-articles.softonic.io\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/content-category?post=110579"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}