Cartridge & Code

Which Oculus Rift S VR Headset Should You Choose? Full Kit, Original Box, or Headset-Only

Oculus Rift S pricing ranges from a $13.99 headset-only unit to a $199.95 full open-box kit. Use this guide to decide whether you need the complete set, the original box, or just the headset itself.

Last updated Aug 17, 2026

When you're shopping for vr gaming hardware accessories, the Oculus Rift S can look like one product with four very different price tags. The same black PC-powered VR headset shows up at $13.99 as a bare headset and at $199.95 as a complete open-box set. The real decision is about what sits in the box with the headset, not about the headset itself.

Quick take

  • The complete open-box set is the easiest starting point for someone with no existing Rift S gear.
  • The headset-only unit is the low-cost route if you already own the rest of the setup.
  • The storage-friendly boxed unit lands at a middle price.
  • The \*MESSAGE unit is the pick if you don't mind confirming the contents before you buy.

Price comparison

OptionPricePrice barConditionWhat stands out
Oculus Rift S - Black - \*MESSAGEUSD 85.00UsedFull headset; ask before buying
Oculus Rift S Black FULL SET IN BOXUSD 199.95Open boxComplete open-box set
Oculus Rift S Black + Original BoxUSD 129.99UsedStorage-friendly packaging; light to moderate wear
Oculus Rift S ONLY TestedUSD 13.99UsedHeadset only; no controllers, cables, clip, or face cushion

Decision matrix

  • Starting from zero: Choose the FULL SET IN BOX. It includes the complete set, so you avoid part-hunting.
  • Adding to existing gear: The ONLY Tested unit makes sense if you already have the missing accessories.
  • Want storage-friendly packaging: The + Original Box unit is the middle option.
  • Want a lower upfront cost and are willing to message first: The \*MESSAGE unit is the one to ask about before you commit.

Product notes

Oculus Rift S - Black - \*MESSAGE

Oculus Rift S PC-Powered VR Gaming Headset - Black - *MESSAGE

This used unit is the balanced pick: a full headset with built-in headphones at a price below the original-box version. It keeps the core Rift S experience without requiring you to pay for a sealed-style bundle. The practical catch is the instruction baked into the title to message before buying, so you'll want to confirm which accessories are present and how much wear it shows. If you're comfortable with that extra step, this is a sensible way to get a complete PC VR headset without moving to the top of the price range.

Oculus Rift S Black FULL SET IN BOX

Oculus Rift S PC-Powered VR Gaming Headset Black FULL SET IN BOX

This is the option that lines up closest to the original retail bundle. It's open box, and the set includes the headset, two controllers, and both sensors. For someone with no Rift S parts already, this removes the guesswork about which pieces you need for tracking and input. The trade-off is the price, which is the highest among the four choices. If you already own Rift S controllers and sensors, you'd be paying for duplicates. For a clean start, though, this is the most complete path.

Oculus Rift S Black + Original Box

Oculus Rift S PC-Powered VR Gaming Headset Black + Original Box

The original box is the practical advantage here, making storage and transport a little easier. This used unit also carries the same core headset hardware as the other Rift S options, with Mini DisplayPort and USB 3.0 connectivity. It sits at a middle price, above the message-first unit but below the full set. The limitation is that it's a used unit with light to moderate wear, so some cosmetic signs of previous use are likely. If packaging matters and a used finish is acceptable, this is a comfortable middle choice.

Oculus Rift S ONLY Tested

Oculus Rift S PC-Powered VR Gaming Headset ONLY Tested

The price is the story, but the contents are the catch. This is only the headset, with no controllers, no cables, no clip, and no face cushion. It's a used unit, so the low price fits a buyer who needs a replacement headset rather than a new VR kit. The headset itself has built-in audio and connection options including Mini DisplayPort, USB 3.0, HDMI, and a 3.5mm jack. The real limitation is that it's not a standalone VR setup; you'll need to source the missing parts before you can play.

Final recommendation by use case

  • If you're setting up room-scale VR for the first time: Go with the FULL SET IN BOX.
  • If you're replacing a worn headset and have the rest of the kit: The ONLY Tested unit is the least expensive route.
  • If you want the middle-priced used unit: The + Original Box unit is the route.
  • If you want a lower price and can message first: The \*MESSAGE unit is worth asking about.
Products in this article
Oculus Rift S PC-Powered VR Gaming HeadsetUSD 85.00View on eBayOculus Rift S PC-Powered VR Gaming Headset Black FULL SET IN BOXUSD 199.95View on eBayOculus Rift S PC-Powered VR Gaming Headset Black + Original BoxUSD 129.99View on eBayOculus Rift S PC-Powered VR Gaming Headset ONLY TestedUSD 13.99View on eBay
Oculus Rift S PC-Powered VR Gaming HeadsetUSD 85.00View on eBayOculus Rift S PC-Powered VR Gaming Headset Black FULL SET IN BOXUSD 199.95View on eBayOculus Rift S PC-Powered VR Gaming Headset Black + Original BoxUSD 129.99View on eBayOculus Rift S PC-Powered VR Gaming Headset ONLY TestedUSD 13.99View on eBay

You may also like

Finding more guides for you…