For years, virtual reality (VR) seemed to be stuck in a rut. But with the release of the Meta Quest 3 and the Apple Vision Pro, things have finally started to change. These new devices have breathed fresh life into VR, signaling a return to innovation and wider adoption. This is where the Meta Quest 3S truly shines. At just $300, it qualifies as a remarkably low-cost, standalone VR headset. However, unlike previous budget VR headsets, the Quest 3S doesn’t compromise on the experience to achieve its affordability. It runs all the games and apps available on the more expensive Quest 3, including mixed reality experiences, AI assistance, hand tracking, and boasts the same impressive performance. It’s undoubtedly one of the best VR headsets you can buy, and the one most people should consider. Its exceptional value is almost unbelievable, leaving you wondering how Meta managed to pull it off.
Getting started with the Quest 3S is a breeze. Upon powering it on for the first time, it guided me to use a pairing code to connect to my Meta account. A concise setup guide with helpful videos on my phone made the process effortless. After a few moments, my new VR headset was ready to be donned and explored. While the phone tutorials emphasized safe use, I skipped them as I’m already familiar with VR and the importance of staying aware of your surroundings. The startup tutorials within VR are more engaging and worthwhile, even if you’ve used a Meta Quest headset before. The Quest 3S has a new button, which the interactive guide patiently demonstrated. It showcased how to use the round action button on the bottom right, a handy toggle that allows the Quest 3S to seamlessly switch between fully immersive VR and a mixed reality view that places virtual objects in your real-world environment. The entire setup process takes less than 10 minutes, allowing you to quickly dive into the world of the Quest 3S, enjoy 3D videos, and play immersive games.
The Meta Quest 3S is a fantastic headset, even without considering its bargain price. It’s evident that Meta is prioritizing bringing VR and mixed reality (MR) to a broader audience, potentially sacrificing profit in the process. The Quest 3S is fast, user-friendly, and incredibly engaging. If you’re intrigued by the Apple Vision Pro but its $3,500 price tag (or even the $500 Quest 3) is a barrier, the Quest 3S offers a surprisingly close experience at a fraction of the cost. Its clear and bright color passthrough allows you to safely navigate your environment with the headset on, check your phone, and even use a keyboard and mouse, turning the Quest 3S into a multi-screen virtual workstation. While the Quest 3S is bulkier than AR glasses or smart glasses, it provides a glimpse into the future of immersive technology without having to wait for Meta’s advanced Orion glasses to become available.
In terms of VR, the Meta Quest 3S automatically scans your room to establish a virtual boundary that appears when you approach the edges, preventing accidental collisions with furniture or walls. Older headsets required manual boundary tracing, making this a welcome improvement. Although the display resolution remains the same as the Quest 2, everything appears sharper thanks to a significantly faster processor that minimizes GPU throttling. While desktop gamers might experience lower frame rates in graphically demanding games, VR headsets dynamically adjust resolution to avoid stutters that can cause motion sickness.
Just like Meta’s premium VR headset, the Quest 3, the Quest 3S boasts a Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 processor, effortlessly handling Quest 2 games. Many games have been re-released with enhanced graphics that older headsets can’t handle. The processor also assists with AI processing, responding to spoken questions and identifying real-world objects, similar to the multi-modal Meta AI found in Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses. The Quest 3S comes with sleek Touch Plus controllers, featuring faster and more accurate tracking without the bulky tracking rings. While the headset has a rechargeable battery, each controller utilizes a single AA battery. Meta includes an alkaline battery, but it’s advisable to switch to rechargeable batteries if you plan on using the controllers frequently.
An added advantage is the ability to ditch the controllers altogether and navigate Horizon OS solely with your hands. A growing number of games and apps now recognize hand gestures, and the Quest 3S has an IR projector that allows you to continue playing even in low light. This makes using the headset quick and convenient, even if you’re waiting for AA batteries to charge.
Comfort is another highlight of the Quest 3S. It comes with a padded cloth facial interface and a fabric head strap with three adjustable points, identical to the Quest 3. This makes it significantly more comfortable than the Quest 2. While I did start to feel pressure on my face after an hour of use, during an immersive session with Batman: Arkham Shadow, I probably could have easily enjoyed the Quest 3S’s 2.5-hour battery life without noticing. It’s worth noting that you will likely experience VR face, a temporary redness where the headset rests against your cheeks and forehead. The thinner design of the more expensive Quest 3 helps distribute weight more evenly, minimizing this effect and making it a more comfortable option for those with sensitive skin. However, Meta offers accessories like the $70 Elite Strap (with a cupped rear pad and tightening dial) and the $130 Elite Strap with Battery (adding two hours of playtime and better headset balance) to enhance comfort. However, these accessories come at a price that nearly rivals the recently discounted $500 512GB Quest 3. The Quest 3S is available in 128GB and 256GB models, priced at $300 and $400 respectively.
The Meta Quest 3S reigns supreme as the best budget VR headset available. No other manufacturer can compete with Meta’s discount prices. The technology packed into Quest headsets is almost as expensive as the finished product. The Quest 3S isn’t just a gaming console. You can work out in VR, learn languages, explore science, and even get work done with up to six Horizon OS screens or connect three screens to your PC or Mac. While the Quest 2 dominated the market since its 2020 launch, a new era has arrived with mixed reality, low-light tracking, faster chips, and more impressive games and apps. Meta further sweetened the deal for the Quest 3S by bundling Batman: Arkham Shadow and three months of its Quest+ subscription service. In October, the multi-game subscription service will add Zombieland: Headshot Fever, Down the Rabbit Hole, and the blockbuster Asgard’s Wrath 2, a game that normally costs $60.
The Meta Quest 3S is an outstanding VR headset, surpassing the Quest 2 and approaching the quality of our top pick, the Quest 3. It also works with a PC for SteamVR gaming and can connect to a Mac for remote desktop use. While those who already own a Quest 3 or Quest Pro may not find this budget model compelling, the Quest 3S fills a critical gap in the market. For anyone who owns an original Oculus Quest or Quest 2 headset, the Quest 3S is a highly recommended upgrade. It boasts twice the graphics performance and eight times better AI processing than the Quest 2, while being more power-efficient. The Touch Plus controllers eliminate the rings, eliminating concerns about cracking them together.
For newcomers to VR, the Quest 3S is the ideal starter headset. It offers all the latest features like excellent hand tracking and impressive color passthrough. While comfort accessories are recommended for extended use, it’s not a major concern for shorter gaming sessions (around an hour) or a 30-minute workout. Most people will likely use it in these time frames anyway, making it a highly accessible and appealing option.
Adding to its appeal, the Quest 3S comes with a three-year warranty, and Meta has a strong track record of supporting its devices for years to come. The Quest 3S is a compelling VR headset that offers exceptional value and performance. It’s a testament to Meta’s commitment to making VR accessible and enjoyable for a broader audience.