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Best Free Alternatives to Meta Quest Horizon Store
Stop paying Varies ($19.99 - $39.99 per game). Discover professional-grade tools that won't break your budget.
Category: Virtual Reality (VR) EcosystemVerified for 2025
Top Recommended Replacements
SideQuest
FREEBest for Indie/Free Content
Why we like it
The largest indie VR repository; thousands of free games and experimental apps; access to 'Custom Homes' and system settings tweaks; completely free to use.
Keep in mind
Requires 'Developer Mode' activation and sideloading; some apps may be unstable prototypes.
ALVR (Air Link VR)
FREEBest for Open PCVR Streaming
Why we like it
The leading open-source alternative to Meta's Air Link and Virtual Desktop; streams PCVR games to your Quest with extreme customizability; supports Linux hosts; zero cost.
Keep in mind
Requires a high-end PC and complex network setup for low-latency performance.
Itch.io VR
FREEBest for Experimental Projects
Why we like it
The home of indie game jams; hundreds of open-source or experimental VR projects that aren't on any official store; direct developer support.
Keep in mind
Downloads are often raw APK files that must be installed manually via SideQuest.
Viveport Infinity
Best 'Netflix for VR' Value
Why we like it
Unlimited access to 1,000+ PCVR games (including hits like Breachers and Walkabout Golf) for a flat monthly fee; far more cost-effective than buying games individually on Quest Store.
Keep in mind
Requires a PC for streaming (PCVR); requires a subscription.
Open Brush
FREEBest Creative Alternative
Why we like it
The community-led open-source version of Google's 'Tilt Brush'; offers the same professional 3D painting tools for $0 while the official version is legacy/paid.
Keep in mind
None (essentially the superior version of the original).
Wolvic (WebXR)
FREEBest for Browser Games
Why we like it
An open-source browser for VR (successor to Firefox Reality); allows you to play 'WebXR' games that run instantly in the cloud with no installation; zero tracking or data harvesting.
Keep in mind
Limited to what web technologies can render (lower graphics than native apps).
SteamVR
FREEBest Library Depth
Why we like it
Access to the world's largest VR library (Half-Life: Alyx, etc.); frequent deep sales (75%+ off); no platform lock-in (your games work on Valve, HTC, or Quest headsets).
Keep in mind
Requires a VR-capable PC and a Link cable or wireless streaming software.
App Lab (Meta-curated)
FREEBest for Ease of Use
Why we like it
Meta's official way to get 'unlisted' apps; no developer mode needed; apps are installed directly on the headset; many are free early-access titles.
Keep in mind
Becoming harder to search natively as Meta merges it into the main Horizon Store.
Pico Store
Best Hardware Competitor
Why we like it
The main rival to Quest; store often has localized regional pricing that can be cheaper than Meta's US-centric rates.
Keep in mind
Requires a Pico headset; smaller library than Meta.
Team Beef VR Ports
FREEBest for Retro Gaming
Why we like it
Open-source VR ports of classics like Doom, Quake, and Half-Life; play full PC games in VR on standalone Quest; incredibly polished and free (if you own the original $5 game files).
Keep in mind
Requires sideloading and file manipulation.
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