Comparing the $15 Google Cardboard entry point against a $250+ standalone headset for first-time VR buyers.
If you're not sure whether VR is for you, the entry price gap between a Cardboard viewer and a standalone headset is worth understanding before you buy.
Google Cardboard (and similar cardboard-style viewers): costs roughly $10-20, uses your existing smartphone as the screen and processor, and works for basic 360° video viewing with head-tracking driven by your phone's gyroscope. Limitations: field of view is narrower, comfort is basic, and your phone can overheat during longer sessions.
Standalone headsets (Meta Quest, PICO): cost $250 and up, include a dedicated high-refresh display and processor, and support both 360° video and full interactive VR gaming with hand controllers. No phone required, and comfort is generally much better for extended sessions.
Who should buy Cardboard first: anyone unsure if they'll enjoy 360° video at all, or buying primarily to try a handful of videos casually.
Who should skip straight to a standalone headset: anyone also interested in VR gaming, or who already knows they enjoy 360° content from browser viewing and wants a noticeably better experience.
A reasonable middle path: watch several 360° videos in your browser first (no purchase needed), then decide between a cheap Cardboard viewer or saving for a standalone headset based on how much you enjoyed the format.
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