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 studies 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 virtually completely 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 definitely a lock to take the title for “best” VR headset, that does not essentially imply it is proper for everybody. Actually, 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 seek out out which Quest headset suits your wants.

Specs

You can purchase the Meta Quest 3 if…

1. You need the perfect efficiency and the perfect show

The Quest 2 has a superbly positive 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 significantly better, however they may run extra easily on the latest Quest due to a 90Hz refresh fee (120Hz in some instances) in comparison with the Quest 2’s 72Hz to 90Hz refresh fee. 

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 instances quicker graphical efficiency. In brief, for those who plan on taking part in 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 The Quest 3 may also be backward appropriate with all Quest 2 video games, that means it might deal with your outdated library simply positive.

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

Whereas greater 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 studies. That is largely because of 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 units 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 need to work as arduous to maintain your face from tipping ahead. The controllers on the latest 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

Except for the technical facets, there is a comparatively sensible motive for selecting the Quest 3 — space for storing. For those who assume you may be downloading a number of video games (say, 70 or extra), the latest Meta headset affords 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 meanwhile. In fact, with the Quest 3 being model new, it is by no means a nasty concept to plan for the long run. 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 to’re prepared for these bigger video games, spring for extra storage. 

You can purchase the Meta Quest 2 if…

1. You are searching for affordability

The only greatest motive 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 superbly succesful digital actuality headset, it would do the job simply positive for those who’re searching for an entry-level choice. 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

For those who 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 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 fairly spectacular full-color passthrough, or real-life/VR combine. However, if that does not attraction to you, save the cash on the costlier model.

ZDNET’s shopping for recommendation

In brief, if you need the latest, the flashiest, and the quickest, the Quest 3 is clearly your selection. The complete-color passthrough seems gorgeous and brings a completely new side to VR. The brand new system 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

For those who’re simply trying to dip your toes in VR since you noticed some viral movies of households having enjoyable with a headset, contemplate the Quest 2. It is not at all out of date, and it is nonetheless a superbly positive headset for VR actions. As well as, Meta continues to be offering assist and new video games are nonetheless popping out, so there isn’t any want to fret about it being out of date any time quickly. You would possibly miss out on a big-name title that makes use of combined actuality and your video games would possibly run a smidge slower, however there’s loads of worth available. 

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.