I’ll cut straight to the chase: the Meta Quest 3 is the best VR headset you can get right now
The Meta Quest 3 is the ultimate VR headset for consumers. It boasts a slimmer design, a sharper display, a more powerful processor, full-color passthrough for mixed-reality gaming, and improved controllers. When compared to its predecessor, the Quest 3 is clearly superior in every way. However, all these advancements come at a price. The Quest 3 is priced at $499 for the 128GB model and $649 for the 512GB model. In comparison, the Quest 2 starts at only $299 for the 128GB model, making it an excellent choice for VR newcomers on a budget. But for those who want the best of the best, the Quest 3 is definitely worth the investment.
Meta Quest 3 – Photos
Meta Quest 3 – Design and Features
The Meta Quest 3 comes in a simple box that contains everything you need. It includes the headset, a pre-installed foam facial interface, two Touch Plus controllers with pre-installed wrist straps and AA batteries, an 18W power adapter, and a USB Type-C charging cable for the headset.
Upon unboxing the Quest 3, it becomes apparent how similar it looks to the Quest 2. While Meta claims that the Quest 3 is 40% slimmer, this comparison excludes the facial interface, which is actually thicker on the Quest 3. The weight of the headset has not been reduced either. In fact, the Quest 3 is three grams heavier than the strapless Quest 2. Despite this, the Quest 3 offers improved ergonomics. The Quest 2 can be uncomfortable for extended gaming sessions due to the facial interface pressing against the temples and cheeks. The Quest 3 protrudes less from the head, making it feel less front-heavy. The redesigned cloth head strap is easier to adjust and does a great job of keeping the headset in place without applying too much pressure. For those who prefer a sturdier strap, the Elite Strap is available for an additional $70.
Meta took users’ complaints about the limited IPD adjustability on the Quest 2 into consideration and introduced continuous IPD adjustment on the Quest 3. The IPD adjustment ranges from 58mm to 70mm and is easily controlled by a rotary dial on the bottom of the visor. The depth of the facial interface can also be adjusted, allowing for maximum FOV or additional space for glasses wearers. The aggressive curvature of the interface does result in some light spilling in from the nose bridge, but Meta does not currently offer a full light blocker for the Quest 3. The facial interface is lined with a foam padding that is comfortable but absorbs sweat, and unfortunately, it is not removable. However, Meta does provide a facial interface with a silicone cover for easier cleaning, which can be purchased for an additional $30.
The Quest 3 features dual 2064×2208 LCD displays, offering 30% more pixel density than the Quest 2. This results in improved visual clarity, especially for textual elements and demanding games like Microsoft Flight Simulator. While it’s not as sharp as a 4K PC monitor, it outperforms any comparable headset. The Quest 3 also addresses the Quest 2’s narrow sweet spot issue by replacing the Fresnel lenses with pancake lenses. The display now boasts uniform clarity from edge to edge and reduced lens glare. Other improvements include a wider 120-degree FOV for better immersion and 120Hz support for smoother motion in fast-paced games.
The Quest 3’s audio system is similar to the Quest 2’s, but with less distortion and the ability to reach higher volumes. However, the audio is not private, meaning people around you can hear the sound. There is a 3.5mm audio jack for using wired earbuds or headphones, but wireless Bluetooth headphones still suffer from lag. The Quest 3 has a battery life of around two hours on a single charge. Oculus offers a head strap with a rear-mounted battery pack for extended playtime, but an alternative option is attaching a USB battery pack to your belt for additional power.
Meta Quest 3 – Setup
Setting up the Quest 3 is straightforward. You no longer need a Facebook account, but you do need a Meta account. After charging the Quest 3 for the first time, you turn it on and follow the steps to connect to the internet and download firmware updates. The Meta Quest app is required for pairing your device, but it is not necessary for regular use unless you want to livestream your VR experiences. During setup, you can choose between a stationary or room-scale boundary for your play area.