Meta Quest 2 vs Quest 3: How to decide which one is right for you

The Meta Quest 3 launch is upon us, and early reviews point out that it is coming with some seriously upgraded specifications from its predecessor. Digital actuality is extra accessible now than it is ever been, and that is nearly totally due to the technological advances made by numerous variations of the Quest.

Additionally: Meta Quest 3 hands-on: It’s all about mixed reality with the new VR headset

And whereas the Quest 3 is nearly actually a lock to take the title for “best” VR headset, that does not essentially imply it is proper for everybody. In actual fact, there’s a lot of individuals who may very well discover that the Quest 2 higher suits their wants. 

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

Specs

You should purchase the Meta Quest 3 if…

1. You need the very best efficiency and the very best show

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

Additionally: This ultraportable VR headset gave me a taste of Vision Pro at a fraction of the cost

As well as, the brand new Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chip will present two occasions quicker graphical efficiency. Briefly, for those who plan on taking part in A-list video games and also you need them to run at prime efficiency, you will want the top-of-the-line {hardware}. The Quest 3 will even be backward appropriate with all Quest 2 video games, that means it may possibly deal with your previous library simply positive.

2. You have 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 reviews. That is largely attributable to what’s referred to as pancake optics, a expertise that layers optical movie to suit higher-resolution lenses in smaller areas. 

Whereas the load of the 2 gadgets could 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 onerous to maintain your face from tipping ahead. The controllers on the latest Quest are additionally smaller than earlier than, shedding the big ring. This makes them lighter and extra comfy to carry.

3. You need extra storage

Other than the technical facets, there is a comparatively sensible purpose for selecting the Quest 3 — cupboard space. If you happen to assume you will be downloading numerous video games (say, 70 or extra), the latest 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. 

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 intervening time. In fact, with the Quest 3 being model new, it is by no means a foul concept to plan for the long run. Video games are getting bigger, and Medal of Honor‘s measurement won’t be a lot of an exception a 12 months from now. If you wish to be sure to’re prepared for these bigger video games, spring for extra storage. 

You should purchase the Meta Quest 2 if…

1. You are in search of affordability

The one greatest purpose to decide on the Quest 2 over the Quest 3 is the obvious: worth. Whereas the latest model of the Quest carries a price ticket of $499, the earlier model comes in at $299, a financial savings of $200. And because the Quest 2 continues to be a wonderfully succesful digital actuality headset, it would do the job simply positive for those who’re in search of 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 blended actuality, solely digital

If you happen to simply need to play fundamental video games, work out, and watch films in VR, then the Quest 2 ought to be your choose. One of many greatest 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 has a secret VR headset that may have a key advantage over Apple’s Vision Pro

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

ZDNET’s shopping for recommendation

Briefly, if you would like the latest, the flashiest, and the quickest, the Quest 3 is clearly your selection. The total-color passthrough seems beautiful and brings a wholly new aspect to VR. The brand new gadget is upgraded bodily from its predecessor, because it’s slimmer and simpler to put on.

Additionally: Meta to release open-source commercial AI model to compete with OpenAI and Google

If you happen to’re simply trying to dip your toes in VR since you noticed some viral movies of households having enjoyable with a headset, take into account the Quest 2. It is on no account out of date, and it is nonetheless a wonderfully positive headset for VR actions. As well as, Meta continues to be offering assist and new video games are nonetheless popping out, so there is no want to fret about it being out of date any time quickly. You may miss out on a big-name title that makes use of blended actuality and your video games may run a smidge slower, however there’s loads of worth available. 

Alternate options to think about

BEST HIGH-END ALTERNATIVE

Apple Vision Pro

It has an eye-popping price of $3,500, but if you want a top-of-the-line mixed reality headset, the Vision Pro is a stellar choice.

BEST GAMING ALTERNATIVE

HTC Vive Cosmos Elite

This high-resolution headset is a fantastic option for PC gaming, but it’s worth noting that it is wired and requires a computer.