Meta is set to replace the four-year-old Quest 2 with the new Quest 3S, a budget-friendly virtual reality headset priced at $299.99. While the Quest 2 was previously recommended for those hesitant to spend much on VR, the Quest 3S boasts newer technology, featuring the same display as its predecessor alongside the powerful chip and cameras from the Quest 3. This model has quickly become the Editors’ Choice for affordable VR headsets, making it an ideal choice for those eager to delve into virtual reality without breaking the bank. For those seeking a more premium experience, the Quest 3 is available at $499.
Currently, the Quest 3S and its predecessor stand as the only prominent consumer VR headsets priced at $500 or less, in contrast to other high-end options like the Valve Index or the Apple Vision Pro, which can cost up to $3,500. Both Quest models are highly regarded not just for their accessible price points but also for their solid design and performance.
Aesthetically, the Quest 3S is reminiscent of the Quest 3 with its matte white plastic design and a flatter front plate. The camera configuration has slightly changed, featuring two clusters of cameras and an IR emitter compared to the Quest 3’s design. The headset maintains a USB-C port, power button, and comfort features consistent with the Quest 3, including a memory foam facial interface and similar head strap options.
In terms of visual performance, the Quest 3S sports a resolution of 1,832 by 1,920 pixels per eye, which mirrors the Quest 2. The Quest 3, by comparison, offers a sharper resolution of 2,064 by 2,208 pixels per eye. Although the Quest 3S displays images less clearly than the Quest 3, it is still sufficiently sharp for comfortable use and supports refresh rates of 72Hz, 90Hz, and 120Hz.
The Quest 3S retains powerful processing capabilities thanks to the Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chip, which is more powerful than the processor in the Quest 2. It also comes with 8GB of RAM and storage options of 128GB or 256GB, with battery life averaging around 2.5 hours. The controller design is consistent with the Quest 3, enabling both traditional gameplay and hand-tracking capabilities.
While the Quest 3S is not primarily targeted at professional use, it offers a wide range of VR applications and games. It provides a library filled with popular titles, including Amid Evil VR, Beat Saber, and VRChat. The headset can also connect to a PC for SteamVR experiences, although it is less convenient than standalone use.
Meta continues to develop its Horizon Worlds platform, although user activity appears low compared to other VR social spaces like VRChat. Overall, the Quest 3S offers a diverse array of virtual experiences while being positioned as an entry-level device.
In conclusion, the Meta Quest 3S serves as a fitting successor to the Quest 2, delivering enhanced performance and features at the same price point. Its balance of affordability and functionality makes it the recommended choice for newcomers to the world of virtual reality.