Virtual reality is the technology that every application is trying to get into today. It is said that if you want to enjoy VR technology then it can only be done with the help of VR Headsets. However, the cost of the best VR headsets is too much but, we have a piece of good news for you. Here is a post that will guide you on how to VR without a Headset.
VR’s development has experienced peaks and troughs. The first VR head-mounted display (HMD) system, The Sword of Damocles, was invented in 1968 by computer scientist Ivan Sutherland and his student Bob Sproull. Meanwhile, the term “virtual reality” was popularized by Jaron Lanier in the 1980s.
We will help you out with how to VR without a headset. We have provided a list of the 5 best affordable VR headsets that are less than $100. You can buy them and enjoy the dynamic experience of virtual reality.
So, without losing time, let’s start with how to access VR without a headset.
How To VR Without A Headset?
Here is how to VR without a headset. We have provided you with a wide range of devices on which you can enjoy your VR experience.
1. Google Cardboard
Google Cardboard is a simple and economical way for users to dive in and explore the immersive experience of virtual reality using their smartphones. Virtual reality is gaining mainstream interest, and the accessibility and affordability of Cardboard will play a significant role in VR continuing to reach new audiences and new markets.
Google Cardboard is an inexpensive handheld device that powers a virtual reality (VR) experience using almost any smartphone running Cardboard-enabled apps.
You need only 3 things to use Google Cardboard:
- Cardboard viewer: The “hardware” that is used to view VR content with a smartphone.
- Smartphone: Typically supplied by the consumer.
- Android app: Created by third-party developers – learn more about developing for Cardboard.
The Cardboard viewer itself features:
- Holder/enclosure for smartphones with screens up to 6 inches that assemble (and disassembles) in just 3 steps.
- A button for performing actions with Cardboard-enabled apps, designed to work with most smartphones.
- High-quality lenses are made of durable material.
Related: How To Play Roblox on Oculus Quest 2 Wirelessly?
2. Facebook
Facebook made a big advancement in the VR world. It renamed its parent company name from Facebook to Meta. The Facebook app supports 3D videos and you can enjoy VR without a headset. You just have to type #360 on the search bar to view different VR videos.
3. YouTube
Youtube is the biggest video platform that supports a lot of VR videos on smartphones. It comes with full 360-degree video support for smartphones. You can view videos from any angle by moving your phone around. You can’t use your fingers to move the video around, and you can’t view 360-degree videos with Google Cardboard because the feature is still not supported.
4. PC / Laptop
If you have a PC or a laptop you can easily enjoy VR without a headset. You can watch 360-degree videos from your PC or laptop, but the experience won’t be as immersive. You can find videos on websites like YouTube and Facebook and navigate with your touchpad or mouse. It’s nowhere close to the experience you get using a VR headset or even Google Cardboard, but it can give you an idea of how it works.
Related: How To Play Roblox On Oculus Quest 2 Without A PC
5. On Smartphones
Still, thinking of how to VR without a headset?
Don’t worry! You have your smartphone!
Nowadays, smartphones come with a lot of features. These features include GPU, high-ranking RAM, and high-quality display and sensors. This makes them compatible with the VR experience without a headset. Many of the same apps noted above also let you view 360-degree videos with just a smartphone.
For YouTube on iPhones, this is your only option. Instead of moving the Cardboard, just move the phone left, right, up, or down. In some cases, you move around the video by sliding your finger on the touch screen.
With this approach, you can also get 360-degree videos on Facebook. Again, use the hashtag 360 Video.
Facebook doesn’t offer its video for use with Cardboard. You watch Facebook’s 360-degree video right on the screen through Facebook’s app.
Related: Oculus Quest 2 Shooting Games 2022 | 12 Best VR Games To Play
Affordable VR Headsets
As we said, VR headsets are quite expensive. Now if you are aware of how to VR without a headset, let’s have a look at the list of the VR Headsets that might fit your budget.
1. Google Cardboard
Price: $14.59
Google Cardboard brings immersive experiences to everyone in a simple and affordable way. Whether you fold your own or buy a Cardboard-certified viewer, you’re just one step away from experiencing virtual reality on your smartphone.
Related: Best VR Treadmill 2022 | Best 10 VR Treadmill For Oculus Quest 2
2. Google Daydream View
Price: $99
Daydream is a discontinued virtual reality (VR) platform that was developed by Google, primarily for use with a headset into which a smartphone is inserted. It is available for select phones running the Android mobile operating system (versions “Nougat” 7.1 and later) that meet the platform’s software and hardware requirements.
Daydream was announced at the Google I/O developer conference in May 2016, and the first headset, the Daydream View, was released on November 10, 2016.
To use the platform, users place their phone into the back of a headset, run Daydream-compatible mobile apps, and view content through the viewer’s lenses.
3. Homido VR Headset
Price: $19.99
VR CENTER BY HOMIDO is your gateway to the virtual reality world. VR Center by Homido lets you discover new content at the end of every week. Experiences, games, videos, and 360° photos. More than 200 hours of entertainment for free!
Related: How To Pair Oculus Quest 2 To Phone | Pair Multiple Devices At A Time
4. Samsung Gear VR
Price: $40
The new Samsung Gear VR is 19 percent lighter compared to the previous model. It also features a large touchpad for control. It weighs 318 grams without a Galaxy smartphone and measures 201.9×116.4×92.6mm. The Gear VR comes with a field of view of 96 degrees. It packs back, volume, and focus adjustment wheel buttons for controls.
5. Merge VR Goggles
Price: $45
Take 360° virtual field trips and experiential learning.
Explore the solar system, walk with dinosaurs, travel the world, and experience life from new perspectives. Find 360° videos and experiences at Merge Miniverse online.
Related: Oculus Quest 2 Boxing Games 2022 | 7+ Boxing Games
Wrapping Up:
Here we conclude our post on how to VR without a headset.
You can no doubt experience VR without a headset but you can’t get the actual feel of the virtual world without a headset. So, we have also provided a list of affordable VR headsets so that you can enjoy the VR experience without worrying too much about the cost.
Keep exploring our website to learn more about VR headsets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Can You Use VR Controllers Without A Headset?
Yes, you can. There are some VR games that don’t require a controller for playing. One of those games is Microsoft Flight Simulator X, it only requires a third-party addon FlyInside.
Q2. How Do I Use SteamVR Without A Headset?
Select Steam VR in the Steam window or via right-clicking the Steam icon in your taskbar. The Steam VR window will appear with a dialogue box saying there’s no headset connected. Ignore that, and click “Enable/Disable tVR” in the VR window.
Q3. What VR Games Can You Play Without VR?
Some VR games allow players to play without a VR headset, for instance, Star Trek Bridge Crew or Rec Room but most other VR games will not allow this, for instance, Job Simulator or Beat Saber because they would basically have to make a 2nd game because of the control integration (keyboards, mice).
