Meta Quest 3S review: The perfect entry-level VR headset for newcomers to virtual reality gaming

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The Meta Quest 3S is a stand-alone virtual reality headset built for all kinds of users. It raises the bar for what an entry-level VR device can be, offering many of the same features found on Meta’s pricier Quest 3 in a more budget-friendly package.

The Quest 3S starts at $299 with 128GB of storage and offers upgraded specs compared to the now-discontinued Meta Quest 2 it replaces. On the flip side, the headset’s display isn’t as clear and crisp as the more advanced screen you’d get with the Quest 3, which starts at $499 with 512GB.

I’ve tested each Quest headset since the brand’s Oculus Go was released in 2018. I’ve also used the Apple Vision Pro extensively and tried several other VR devices over the years. This made me curious to see how the Quest 3S performs. With its reasonable price and solid specifications, could this be the ideal gateway device for newcomers looking to enter the world of VR gaming and media?

After spending time immersed in the 3S, I can confidently say that it’s a great on-ramp for anyone ready to dip their toes into VR tech. It’s not quite as good as the flagship Quest 3 but it’s not that far off. In fact, the Quest 3S is the best overall value in the VR space right now.

The Quest 3S doesn’t feel like a budget VR headset

Meta still sells the more expensive Quest 3, released in 2023, which remains the brand’s flagship model. This makes it easy to look at the cheaper Quest 3S as a budget VR device. But any concerns about subpar performance were immediately dismissed the second I strapped this headset to my face. It fits a bit differently than the Quest 3, but nothing about the 3S feels cheap.

To that point, the 3S uses the same Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chipset with 8GB of RAM as the Quest 3. The headset isn’t a lesser product when it comes to raw processing power. And like the Quest 3, the 3S comes with the same two wireless controllers for tracking input. I found them comfortable to hold and responsive.

You can also opt to turn on hand-tracking to physically pinch at virtual menus with your fingers instead of pressing the controller’s buttons. Despite needing to change their AA batteries every few months, I prefer using the controllers over hand-tracking. They’re a much better experience for navigating the system.

For those looking to upgrade from an older Quest 2, Meta says this new device has twice the graphics (GPU) performance as that model, which sported an XR2 Gen 1 chipset. The speed bump is noticeable, but the jump in passthrough quality is an even bigger reason to upgrade.

VR passthrough is a feature that uses the headset’s cameras to let you see your surroundings in real time. Passthrough was also supported on the Quest 2, but that headset’s black-and-white implementation was lacking.

This time around, there’s no more grainy grayscale video of the world around you. Instead, Meta cites a 4.5-time improvement in camera resolution and the switch to color presents a nearly night-and-day difference. This step forward in passthrough enables better mixed-reality experiences where overlayed virtual objects can interact with your physical space. For example, an alien can appear to burst through your bedroom wall.

The step-up Quest 3 headset also has full-color passthrough support, and it looks a bit sharper, but the 3S is no slouch. The option to get such solid mixed-reality quality on a headset this affordable is a big deal. Although it’s great to be fully immersed in certain games, there are times when you don’t want to be completely shut out from your surroundings. Better yet, some apps like PianoVision use mixed reality to teach new skills. That title can overlay notes on top of an actual piano to help people learn to play new songs — think Guitar Hero but for the piano in your living room.

Whether you’re fully immersed or using mixed reality, the Quest 3S has an average battery life of 2.5 hours. That might sound low, but it’s actually a little longer than the flagship Quest 3, which is rated for 2.2 hours. In my experience, I never needed the headset to last longer than its battery allowed. Two and a half hours is a good amount of time to stay focused on a screen. In the same way you might need to put your smartphone down after using it for a while, it’s beneficial to take breaks with VR.

The headset isn’t heavy by most standards. Its 514-gram weight is just slightly less than the weight of the Quest 3 (though the Quest 3 is actually more compact in appearance). However, I’m not crazy about the default elastic strap that comes in the box. I find it hard to adjust to my head.

To alleviate this issue, I use a third-party strap similar to Meta’s Quest Elite Strap, which offloads more pressure to the back of my head. I know people who have no problem with the basic strap, so you’ll at least want to give it a chance before buying an alternative.

You can do a lot in virtual reality with a Quest 3S

The Quest 3S uses the Meta Horizon Store to access games and entertainment apps, just like you would on the Quest 3. This store is packed with VR variants of popular console games like Resident Evil 4, Assassins Creed, and Medal of Honor. If you prefer more casual games there’s Roblox or Among Us.

I haven’t been much of a gamer since GoldenEye on the Nintendo 64 so I tend to stick to the more simple games and interactive experiences like Beat Saber, Golf+, Smash Drums, Supernatural, and Maestro. Most of these titles require some physical movement and I like that. When I’m golfing in VR my wife can always tell what I’m playing without needing to ask.

Even if you’re not drawn to sports games or fitness activities, I would encourage you to try their VR equivalents before dismissing them. I hate following along with HIIT (high-intensity interval training) videos on my TV, but doing a Supernatural workout in VR is much more engaging with breathtaking scenery and game-like mechanics. Don’t write off certain VR experiences until you’ve actually tried them.

In addition to games, there are other VR media apps. The MLB app is a fantastic way to watch a baseball game. It places you in a 3D stadium that shows players moving around the field in real time. Meta’s TV app also has tons of travel videos. It’s not exactly like being in a new location, but it’s close.

While there are free apps and games, be prepared to pay for most of them. There’s also a Meta Quest+ subscription ($8/month or $60/year) that’s worth considering to access a rotating catalog of titles each month.

But while the Quest 3S is a very capable gaming and digital entertainment device, it’s important to note that it can’t compete with something like the Apple Vision Pro if you’re looking for a high-end spatial computer. There is remote desktop support, but the experience isn’t on the same level as Apple’s device. If you’re willing to spend $3,500 on a headset that can serve as a virtual laptop, then you should consider the Vision Pro instead.

The 3S compares favorably to the Quest 3, but its display isn’t as sharp

In Meta’s VR headset lineup, the Quest 3S sits a step below the Quest 3 and a step above the discontinued Quest 2. In that context, the new headset is a worthy upgrade for people who still have a Quest 2. What’s more interesting, however, is how well it compares to the more expensive Quest 3.

The primary advantage of the pricier Quest 3 is its superior display. Inside, you get a resolution of 2,064 x 2,208 instead of 1,832 x 1,920 on the 3S. The Quest 3 also delivers more pixels per inch, 1,218 versus 773, and more pixels per degree, 25 compared to 20. There’s a 110 horizontal- and 96 vertical-degree field of view on the Quest 3, which is slightly larger than the 96 horizontal and 90 vertical views you get on the 3S.

Those are a lot of numbers that may not mean much to anyone who hasn’t put on a VR headset before. In practice, I did notice the difference in screen resolution and display technology, but primarily because I was comparing them directly. Everything was crisper and smoother inside the pricer model. Discerning users who are more dedicated to VR will want the Quest 3. Even the field of view is noticeable if you’re looking for it. But most people playing casual games and taking their first steps in VR will be content with the 3S.

Beyond the internal display, I noticed the physical size difference between the two headsets more than I thought I would. The Quest 3 uses more advanced pancake lens technology versus the fresnel lens tech on the 3S, which is why the Quest 3 is thinner. I found the face cushion on the Quest 3 to be slightly more contoured to my face and fit better than the 3S. The size and shape are nicer on the more expensive unit, but not different enough to justify spending an extra $200 for that aspect alone.

All things considered, if you’re a daily VR user and want the sharpest image, I would opt for the pricier Quest 3. If VR is more of a casual hobby and something you’re easing into, the cheaper 3S is the better option.

Should you buy the Meta Quest 3S?

The Meta Quest 3S is the most well-rounded VR headset for most people. It’s not exactly cheap, at about the cost of an Xbox console, but it’s less expensive than most other options and it’s a good value for what it offers. It can deliver completely immersive gaming, and it excels beautifully in that regard.

Even if you’re not a gamer, the Quest 3S might turn you into one by unlocking new gamified fitness activities. If you’re sweating at the end of playing Beat Saber I’m pretty sure that counts as both gaming and working out.

Even for passive tasks like watching travel videos or streaming Prime Video, it’s a compelling device. There are plenty of things to do and experiences to explore. As far as VR headsets go, there’s a lot of bang for your buck here.

We recommend the 128GB model ($299) as the best value, but if you want more space you can get a 256GB model for an extra $100. Both models currently include a free copy of Batman: Arkham Shadow and a three-month trial of Meta Quest+.