Meta Quest 2 vs Quest 3: Which VR headset should you buy?

It has been virtually half a yr for the reason that Meta Quest 3 launched, and time has confirmed that it is a worthy successor to the favored Quest 2 — bringing improved experiences throughout the board. Digital actuality is extra accessible than ever, and that is virtually fully due to the technological advances made by numerous variations of the Quest.

Additionally: Meta Quest 3 review: The VR headset most people should buy in 2024

Whereas the Quest 3 stays ZDNET’s high decide for “best” VR headset, that does not essentially imply it is proper for everybody. In reality, there’s a lot of individuals who may very well discover that the Quest 2 higher matches their wants, particularly with the headset’s latest worth drop to $200.

So how do you resolve which one is true? Is the Meta Quest 3 well worth the worth? How is the Quest 2 higher? Let’s dive in to search out out which Quest headset matches your wants.

Specs

You should purchase the Meta Quest 3 if…

1. You need the perfect efficiency and the perfect show

The Quest 2 has a wonderfully tremendous 1832 x 1920 show, however the Quest 3 sports activities a powerful 2064 x 2208. And that is only the start of the technical upgrades. Not solely will video games look a lot better, however they may run extra easily on the most recent Quest because of a 90Hz refresh fee (120Hz in some circumstances) in comparison with the Quest 2’s 72Hz to 90Hz refresh fee. 

Additionally: 3 likely reasons why Quest 3 is more popular with users than other Meta VR headsets

As well as, the newest Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chip offers two instances quicker graphical efficiency. Briefly, for those who plan on enjoying A-list video games and also you need them to run at high efficiency, you may want the top-of-the-line {hardware}. The Quest 3 may even be backward appropriate with all Quest 2 video games, that means it may possibly deal with your outdated library simply tremendous.

2. You’ve got tried a VR headset earlier than and located it uncomfortable

Whereas larger typically means higher within the tech world, that does not apply right here. The Quest 3 is noticeably smaller and slimmer than the Quest 2 — 40% by most experiences. That is largely attributable to what’s often called pancake optics, a know-how that layers optical movie to suit higher-resolution lenses in smaller areas. 

Whereas the load of the 2 gadgets may be very comparable, bringing that weight nearer to your face — because the Quest 3 does — will make the headset appear a lot lighter, and you will not must work as laborious to maintain your face from tipping ahead. The controllers on the most recent Quest are additionally smaller than earlier than, shedding the massive ring. This makes them lighter and extra snug to carry.

3. You need extra storage

Apart from the technical elements, there is a comparatively sensible cause for choosing the Quest 3 — cupboard space. If you happen to suppose you may be downloading lots of video games (say, 70 or extra), the most recent Meta headset gives a 512GB model, which is sufficient to maintain absolutely anything you’d ever want with out having to delete video games to make room. 

Additionally: Meta opens its Quest OS to third-party headsets, including from Asus and Lenovo

Whereas Medal of Honor is available in at a whopping 41 gigabytes, most video games are within the 2GB to 8GB vary or much less even, that means you’d have the ability to retailer practically 100 video games in the meanwhile. In fact, with the Quest 3 being model new, it is by no means a foul thought to plan for the longer term. Video games are getting bigger, and Medal of Honor‘s dimension may not be a lot of an exception a yr from now. If you wish to be sure you’re prepared for these bigger video games, spring for extra storage. 

You should purchase the Meta Quest 2 if…

1. You are searching for affordability

The one largest cause to decide on the Quest 2 over the Quest 3 is the obvious: worth. Whereas the most recent model of the Quest carries a price ticket of $499, the earlier model comes in at $199, a financial savings of $300. And for the reason that Quest 2 continues to be a wonderfully succesful digital actuality headset, it is going to do the job simply tremendous for those who’re searching for an entry-level possibility. In fact, even the Quest 3 continues to be far cheaper than the Vision Pro from Apple, which is priced at $3,500.

2. You are not involved about combined actuality, solely digital

If you happen to simply wish to play primary video games, work out, and watch films in VR, then the Quest 2 needs to be your decide. One of many largest upgrades from the Quest 2 to the Quest 3 is within the mixed-reality division — that’s, the place digital components are overlaid on the bodily world. 

Additionally: Meta permanently slashes the Quest 2’s price again, dropping it to an all-time low

The Quest 3 has three oval cutouts on the entrance of the headset and a brand new depth sensor that make for a fairly spectacular full-color passthrough, or real-life/VR combine. However, if that does not enchantment to you, save the cash on the dearer model.

Options to contemplate

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