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Don't have $3,499 to spend on the Apple Vision Pro? Try these five headsets instead.

Don't have $3,499 to spend on the Apple Vision Pro? Try these five headsets instead.

Aaron Mok

The Meta Quest 3, pictured above, is one of five cheaper alternatives to Apple's Vision Pro. AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez

Apple's Vision Pro is available to buy for $3,499 from Friday.
But for techies on a budget, cheaper mixed-reality headsets may be a more feasible option.

The Apple Vision Pro — the tech behemoth's highly anticipated mixed-reality headset — hit the market on Friday.

The exciting news for people who've been itching to try the newest technology: the headset will be able to do things like let users access virtual apps using their eyes and voice, not just their hands (like on an iPhone). In Apple's words, it's a "revolutionary spatial computer that transforms how people work, collaborate, connect, relive memories, and enjoy entertainment."

The less-good news: it costs a whopping $3,499.

While preorders for the Apple Vision Pro were reportedly snapped up almost instantly — despite mixed reviews from early users of the headset — that's still a lot of money.

So, cheaper offerings from competitors may be a better option for those on a budget. These range from augmented-reality headsets, where digital elements are overlayed onto one's surroundings, to mixed-reality, where digital overlays can interact with the physical environment, to virtual reality, a fully immersive foray into the digital realm.

Here are five of the latest headsets that offer a more affordable alternative to Apple's Vision Pro right now:

Meta Quest 3, starting from $499.99

The Meta Quest 3 headset with 128 GB of storage is priced at $499.99. Amazon

The Meta Quest 3 is a mixed-reality headset that lets users play games, watch movies, and browse the internet while viewing their surroundings. The main difference from the Apple headset: the Meta Quest 3 requires handheld controllers to navigate, while Vision Pro users can control the device using their hands and eyes.

Owners have shared videos of themselves cooking, shopping, and exercising while wearing it. Some have even been spotted wearing the headset in public spaces like a coffee shop and at Disneyland.

The cheapest version of the Meta Quest 3, which has 128 GB of storage space, is priced at $499.99 on the company's online store.

Sony PlayStation VR 2, starting from $549.99

The PlayStation VR 2, which starts at $549.99, comes with two Sense controllers Sony

Those looking for an immersive gaming experience may want to get their hands on the Sony PlayStation VR2.

It's a virtual reality headset that PS5 console owners can wear to insert themselves into the worlds of select games, such as "Resident Evil Village," "Horizon Call of the Mountain," and "The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners — Chapter 2: Retribution."

Sony's VR headset is priced at $549.99. But for those who don't already own a PS5, the console costs $449.99.

XReal's Air 2 Ultra, starting from $699

XReal's Air 2 Ultra, priced at $699, aims to compete with Apple's Vision Pro. XReal

XReal, a Chinese startup, believes its Air 2 Ultra glasses will blow the Apple Vision Pro out of the water.

Priced at $699, XReal's latest addition to its augmented reality glasses product line offers features like app selection similar to the Apple Vision Pro.

The glasses, now available for preorder with shipments starting in March, aim to be an "affordable alternative" to Apple's Vision Pro, according to the company.

Older versions of XReal's eyewear start at a price as low as $299.

Steam's Valve Index VR Kit, starting from $999

Steam's Valve Index VR Kit, priced at $999, could be used for an immersive gaming experience. Valve

Techies with a powerful gaming computer may be interested in looking into Steam's Valve Index VR Kit.

Priced at $999, it includes a headset, two base stations for wireless connectivity, and two handheld controllers. Owners are able to immerse themselves in a range of Steam games designed to be played in virtual reality.

The Valve Index Headset on its own — currently out of stock on Steam's online store — costs $499.

HTC VIVE XR Elite, starting from $1,099

The $1,099 VIVE XR Elite is designed to expand an employee's workspace into virtual reality. HTC VIVE

If you want a mixed-reality headset you can plausibly use at work, the HTC VIVE XR Elite may be one to consider.

The VIVE XR Elite can do things like expand your workspace with its virtual desktop feature. It can also be used for wireless gaming.

The mixed-reality headset is priced at $1,099. Older versions of the glasses — like the VIVE Flow — start at $499.

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