So you’ve got an old headset gathering dust in the closet, or maybe you’re a VR enthusiast looking to snag a piece of history. You're probably wondering: how much is an oculus rift even worth anymore? Honestly, the answer depends entirely on whether you're talking about the vintage CV1 or the slightly newer Rift S.
The market for these things has become weird. It’s a mix of collectors, people looking for cheap spare parts, and budget gamers who still swear by the comfort of tethered PCVR. But let's be real—Meta (formerly Oculus) moved on a long time ago.
The Reality of Rift Pricing Today
If you go looking for a brand-new, sealed-in-box unit, you are going to see some delusional prices. Some eBay sellers still list "New" Oculus Rift CV1s for $500 or $600. Don't buy those. Seriously. Unless you are a museum curator, there is no reason to pay 2016 prices for a 2016 headset.
In 2026, a functional, used Oculus Rift CV1 bundle—we're talking the headset, two Touch controllers, and at least two sensors—typically goes for somewhere between $70 and $110.
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If you find just the headset without cables or controllers, it’s basically a paperweight. You might get $30 for it from someone who needs to harvest the display panels or the built-in headphones. Speaking of cables, the proprietary tether cable for the original Rift is actually worth more than the headset itself sometimes. Because they aren't manufactured anymore, a working cable alone can sell for **$50 to $80**.
What About the Rift S?
The Rift S, which came out in 2019, holds its value a bit better but not by much. It’s easier to set up because it doesn't need external sensors. You can usually find a complete Oculus Rift S kit for $130 to $180.
- Check the lenses for scratches. Polycarbonate lenses are magnets for scuffs.
- Verify the cable condition. If it’s kinked or twisted, your VR experience will be a stuttering mess.
- Make sure the controllers aren't "drifting."
Why the Price Fluctuates So Much
The question of how much is an oculus rift isn't just about the hardware. It's about the software ecosystem. Meta has effectively ended official support for the Rift line. While you can still run most SteamVR games on them, the "Oculus Home" experience is basically on life support.
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Interestingly, there’s a small "cult" demand for the CV1 because of its OLED screens. Modern headsets like the Quest 3 or the upcoming "Puffin" model (expected later this year) mostly use LCD or Micro-OLED. The deep blacks of the original Rift are still better for horror games like Phasmophobia or Elite Dangerous. That keeps the floor from dropping to zero.
The Replacement Parts Goldmine
If you're selling, you might actually make more money by "parting it out." I know it sounds tedious, but look at the math:
- A single Touch controller: $25 - $40
- A tracking sensor: $20
- The headset cable (CV1): $75
- The headset itself: $40
Suddenly, your $100 "worthless" headset is worth $180 in pieces. People are desperate for these parts because they break easily and Meta doesn't stock them.
Is It Even Worth Buying in 2026?
Kinda. But mostly no.
If you have $150 to spend, you are almost always better off buying a used Quest 2 or looking for a deal on a Quest 3S. The resolution on the old Rift headsets is low enough that you'll definitely notice the "screen door effect." You can see the individual pixels. It's like looking through a screen door.
However, if you have a PC that isn't quite powerful enough to handle the high resolution of modern headsets, the lower demand of the Rift might be your friend. It’s an entry point. Just a very dusty, tethered one.
How to Price Your Headset for a Quick Sale
If you're trying to get rid of one, don't be that person listing it for $300. You'll just get ignored.
To actually move it, list your Oculus Rift at $85 for the full kit. Be honest about the foam face interface—no one wants to buy a headset soaked in three years of someone else's Beat Saber sweat. If you have the original box, you might be able to squeeze an extra $15 out of a collector.
Final Actionable Steps
- If you are buying: Check the "Sold" listings on eBay, not the active ones. People can ask for whatever they want; "Sold" tells you what they actually got.
- If you are selling: Clean the lenses with a dry microfiber cloth only. Never use liquid cleaners.
- Check the cable: Run your hand down the length of the tether. If you feel any "kinks" or hard bumps, the internal copper is failing. Price it lower.
- Test the audio: The CV1 has a known issue where the right-side audio ribbon cable fails. If yours still works, mention that—it’s a selling point.
Ultimately, the era of the Rift is over. It was a pioneer, but now it’s a budget relic. Whether you're paying $80 or $150, just know you're buying into a dead platform that still happens to play some great games.