The Meta Quest 3 is Meta's reigning champion for the best VR headset, but the Quest 3S is boasting much of the same specs and all of the same software and features at a cheaper price (though the rival model does have less storage, a bulkier frame, and less crisp displays)
For
- Vastly better graphics than Quest 2
- Improved mixed reality
- Incredible suite of software
Against
- Pricier than the Quest 2 at launch
- No eye-tracking
- The design is good, but not yet perfect
The Meta Quest 3S is the new kid on the VR block and it's making a splash with solid specs at an affordable price. There are reasons to upgrade to the full-on Meta Quest 3, but you won't be disappointed if you decide to go with this cheaper headset.
For
- Great price
- The most powerful chip
- Instant fun
Against
- Could use more storage
The Meta Quest 3S is finally here, and for people weighing up their VR headset options, there are really only two horses in the race if you’re after something that’s simultaneously budget-friendly and a solid mid-range model: the aforementioned Meta Quest 3S, or the Meta Quest 3.
To help you decide between the two we’ve picked out the key details from our Meta Quest 3 review and hands-on Meta Quest 3S review – though if you want a more in-depth rundown of our experience using the headsets they’re both great reads – to present them here and help you decide which VR headset is best for you.
Slight spoiler, these two headsets are more similar than they are different, and know whichever you pick you’re setting yourself up for an excellent entry to the world of XR experiences (a catchall for VR, AR, and MR).
Meta Quest 3 vs Meta Quest 3S: Specs
Meta Quest 3 vs Meta Quest 3S: Price
- The Meta Quest 3S is cheaper but has slightly worse specs
- Meta Quest 3 justifies its higher price with a better design and displays
There are currently two Meta Quest 3S models (128GB, 256GB) and one Meta Quest 3 model (512GB) – there was also a Meta Quest 3 with 128GB, but it has been discontinued. The 128GB Meta Quest 3S will cost you $299.99 / £289.99 / AU$499.99, the 256GB model is $399.99 / £379.99 / AU$669.99, and the 512GB Meta Quest 3 is priced at $499.99 / £469.99 / AU$1,049.99.
Beyond increased storage, paying extra for a Quest 3 will also net you a slimmer headset, and better displays, and if you ask us these are the main things to consider if you’re thinking of going for a Quest 3. Don’t get us wrong the extra storage is nice, but because VR games and apps aren’t massive in file size it can be a challenge to even fill 128GB. Even if you do, it's quick and easy to delete and redownload the small files as necessary – if you have decently fast Wi-Fi it takes relatively little time at all.
Meta Quest 3 vs Meta Quest 3S: Design
- Meta Quest 3 is slimmer and has continuous IPD adjustments
- Meta Quest 3S has an action button
The Meta Quest 3S and Meta Quest 3 share identical controllers, an elastic strap which provides a decently comfortable and secure fit, a fabric facial interface, and are clad in a white plastic shell. They’re even practically the same weight, with the Meta Quest 3S weighing just 1g less.
Despite the similarities between the two models, this area is the one in which the devices are the most noticeably different – even ignoring superficial details such as the mixed reality sensor placements on the headsets’ front faces.
Firstly they handle lens IPD adjustments differently. IPD – or interpupillary distance – is the distance between the centres of your eyes, and to get the best VR experience you need to physically move the lenses on your headset inwards or outwards. The Meta Quest 3 offers continuous adjustments between 53mm and 75mm, while the Meta Quest 3S offers only three fixed positions: 58mm, 63mm, and 68mm. This means you won’t get as bespoke an experience on the Quest 3S which will mean VR images may appear a little more blurry and cause more eye strain than they would on the Quest 3 – display resolution aside.
Secondly, while the Quest 3S is ever so slightly lighter, it is bigger. We don’t have precise measurements but Meta says it’s only 20% slimmer than an Oculus Quest 2 compared to 40% slimmer like the Meta Quest 3. Because the weight is positioned further from your face you may find it causes some added discomfort while wearing the 3S compared to the Quest 3. Though in our experience testing the headsets, it’s not enough to ruin your enjoyment, and alternative straps from Meta and third-party suppliers are generally better than what Meta includes in the box if you are struggling with either model.
Lastly, the Quest 3S has an additional action button that switches your view between mixed reality and virtual reality – the same effect is achieved on the Meta Quest 3 by double tapping the side of the headset. At the time of writing the action button has just one purpose, but its name reminds us of the customizable button on iPhone and we can’t help but feel the Meta Quest 3S’ action button might also be customizable in the future – we’ll have to wait and see what’s announced.
Meta Quest 3 vs Meta Quest 3S: Features & Software
- Software and features are near identical
- Meta Quest 3 has a depth sensor for better automatic room scanning
The Meta Quest 3 and Quest 3S boast identical features and software thanks to having practically the same hardware. So Quest 3 exclusives like Batman: Arkham Shadow are playable on either model, as are a whole host of full-color mixed reality experiences. The Meta Quest software library available through Horizon OS is second to none in the standalone XR space, and it’s a major win for both headset that they have access to this catalog.
You’ll only find one minor difference thanks to the depth sensor which aids the Quest 3 in automatically mapping out a room more accurately than the depth-sensorless Quest 3S. It’s a small convenience, and frankly the only noticeable difference in this category at the time of writing.
Meta Quest 3 vs Meta Quest 3S: Verdict
Comparing the Meta Quest 3 and Meta Quest 3S is kinda like comparing the 128GB iPhone 16 with the 512GB model. The reason for choosing one over the other comes down to how you expect to engage with VR and MR experiences and therefore if you want the storage – and in this case, other hardware benefits – that the pricier model affords you.
The Quest 3S is perfect for people on a tighter budget, people who don’t know if they’ll use their headset frequently, or parents looking to get their kids a VR headset as a gift. It has access to the latest and greatest software, and only a few downsides that are counteracted by it being $200 / £180 / AU$550 cheaper – and being less pricey it’s not quite so scary if it gets bumped by clumsy users.
However, if you expect to use the headset frequently and want the best mid-range VR experience then you’ll be better served by the full-on Meta Quest 3 thanks to its improved displays and increased storage. Those displays are especially useful for watching video content in VR through Netflix, or when playing a PCVR game using Air Link or a Link cable.
Whichever device you choose, however, we expect you won’t feel burned. The Quest 3 headsets are a delight with solid specs and fantastic software for their price – so whether you opt for a Meta Quest 3 or a Meta Quest 3S you should be in for a treat.
