# Affordable Virtual Reality Headsets The Newest Samsung Gear VR Costs Only $99 By Rahul Kalvapalle | Published 2015-09-24 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gear-vr References: [gizmag](http://www.gizmag.com/samsung-oculus-gear-vr-99/39566/) & [gizmag](http://www.gizmag.com/samsung-oculus-gear-vr-99/39566/) The latest version of the [Samsung](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/samsung-galaxy-xr) Gear VR is designed to bring the wonders of virtual reality well and truly to the masses. When [virtual reality headsets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lightweight-vr-headset) first began popping up a few years ago, it appeared that they would be prohibitively expensive for a long time to come. However, this no longer appears to be the case, as the $99 Gear VR exhibits. This headset is compatible with all 2015-edition Samsung smartphones. It will work with any Samsung S6, Samsung S6 Edge, Samsung Note 5 or Samsung S6 Edge+ handset on a plug and play basis. At $99, its price is half that of the first Samsung Gear VR Innovator Edition headset. The device is as much as 22 percent lighter than the previous Gear VR, and includes a new and improved touch pad system. This [affordable Samsung Gear VR](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pimax-crystal-light) shows that virtual reality is no longer science fiction for those without the fattest of wallets. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.7/10 - Popularity: 41% | Activity: 62% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Gadgets](https://www.trendhunter.com/gadgets) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Affordable Virtual Reality:** The latest Samsung Gear VR at $99 makes virtual reality more accessible and affordable for the masses. - **Plug and Play Compatibility:** The new Gear VR's compatibility with multiple Samsung smartphones allows for a seamless virtual reality experience. - **Improved Design and Functionality:** The lighter weight and enhanced touch pad system of the Samsung Gear VR enhance user comfort and interaction. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Virtual Reality Technology:** The affordable Gear VR opens up opportunities for virtual reality technology to reach a wider consumer base. - **Smartphone Manufacturing:** The compatibility of the Gear VR with multiple Samsung smartphones presents a competitive advantage for Samsung in the smartphone industry. - **Entertainment and Gaming:** The advancements in affordable virtual reality headsets offer disruptive innovation opportunities in the entertainment and gaming industries. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Accessible Comfort-Focused VR Headsets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/meta-quest-3.md) - [Interactive AI Headsets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/samsung-galaxy-xr.md) - [Precision Visuals VR Headsets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dpvr-e4-pc-vr-gaming-headset.md) - [Goggle-Shaped VR Headsets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/htc-2.md) - [Head-Mounted HD Displays](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/goovis-g3x.md) - [Ultra-Thin VR Headsets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/thin-vr-headset.md) - [Compact Featherlight VR Headsets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bigscreen-beyond-headset.md) - [Collaborative XR Headsets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/samsung-xr-headset.md) - [Accessible PCVR Headsets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pimax-crystal-light.md)