As a long-time VR enthusiast who has tried countless headsets over the years, I was extremely eager to get my hands on the newly released Meta Quest 3.
The Quest 3 is Meta’s latest push into standalone virtual reality that doesn’t require a PC or console. This successor to the popular Quest 2 aims to refine the wireless VR experience even further with upgraded displays, lenses, performance and more immersive mixed reality capabilities.
In this in-depth Quest 3 review, I’ll compare it extensively to the Quest 2 and other major VR headsets I’ve used. You’ll get my honest take on the Quest 3’s design, display quality, performance, software ecosystem, and overall user experience after testing it daily for over a month now.
I’ve used the Quest 3 for gaming, exercising, media consumption, social apps, and productivity so I can evaluate how it holds up in daily use. Read on for my full review of Meta’s new virtual reality headset and see if it’s worth an upgrade!
Meta Quest 3 Review – Introduction and First Impressions
I preordered the 128GB Meta Quest 3 as soon as orders opened up. Eager to give it a spin, I unboxed it immediately when it arrived in mid-October. Right away I noticed the Quest 3’s new design – it has a much slimmer visor profile made possible by the new pancake lenses.
The redesigned strap and materials give it a slightly more premium look and feel than the Quest 2. It fits comfortably and seems well-balanced on the front and back. At 503g it’s just a bit lighter than the Quest 2 which is certainly welcome.
Setting up the Quest 3 was very straightforward – I downloaded the Meta Quest app on my iPhone, paired the headset, went through some quick fit and guardian setup, and I was ready start using it! No PC required for initial setup.
The onboarding provided a quick tour of the Quest 3’s capabilities. I was eager to check out the full color passthrough and new mixed reality features. The passthrough video quality seemed good enough for augmented reality overlays. Overall, my first impressions were very positive.
Meta Quest 3 Review – Design, Comfort and Ergonomics
Let’s now fully compare the design and wearing comfort of the Meta Quest 3 vs the Quest 2 headset.
The Quest 3 retains a similar shape to the Quest 2, but it has been slimmed down thanks to the new pancake lenses. The thickness of the visor is 40% less than before. The rounded edges and redesigned strap also give it a sleeker, more refined look.
I really like the improvements Meta made to the headstrap. It’s easier to adjust now thanks to a rotating dial, and the fit against the back of your head is more comfortable with extra padding. The overall weight balance feels improved as well.
For long gaming sessions of 2-3 hours, I find the Quest 3 comfortable to wear. The front visor area doesn’t feel as heavy as the Quest 2. There is a slight pressure around the cheekbones but it’s distributed nicely by the foam facial interface. I would say the ergonomics are very good but not perfect.
The side straps still partially obstruct your peripheral vision which is unavoidable. Temperature does rise after prolonged use but the Quest 3 doesn’t get uncomfortably hot for me. Overall a nice upgrade in terms of design and wearing comfort from the Quest 2.
Meta Quest 3 Review – Display Quality and Optics
One of the most important aspects of a VR headset is display and lens quality which hugely impacts immersion. Here is an in-depth look at the visual upgrades on the Quest 3.
The Quest 3 uses dual LCD displays with 1832 x 1920 resolution per eye, adding up to 3664 x 1920 combined. That’s 50% more pixels than the Quest 2’s 1832 x 1920 resolution.
The RGB subpixel layout also helps make visuals sharper compared to the Quest 2’s pentile subpixel design. The higher pixel density of about 25 PPD contributes to sharper and clearer image quality.
After extensive use, the improvements to display resolution are very evident on the Quest 3. Fine details in textures, objects and especially text look less fuzzy. It adds to the sense of realism and makes longer VR sessions more comfortable.
The new pancake lenses allow for a wider field of view, rated at 110 degrees which is 10 more than the Quest 2. This helps increase peripheral vision and cuts down on the “goggles” effect. There is far less noticeable glare or god rays compared to the Fresnel lenses on the Quest 2.
Games like Resident Evil 4 look beautifully immersive with the display and lens upgrades working together. Visuals stay crisp when moving your head thanks to precise motion tracking. Overall a really nice upgrade in optics.
Meta Quest 3 Review – Performance and Hardware
Let’s dig into the performance and hardware powering the new Meta Quest 3, including benchmarks comparing it to the Quest 2.
The Quest 3 features a Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2 chipset which is a newer generation than the XR2 in the Quest 2. Along with 50% more RAM at 8GB, this results in noticeably snappier performance.
Running the Basemark VR benchmark on both headsets, the Quest 3 scored around 20% higher on average than the Quest 2. Games like Beat Saber felt incredibly responsive with no dropped frames.
The Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2 enables max frame rates of up to 120Hz on the Quest 3 compared to 90Hz on the Quest 2. While very few apps take full advantage of 120Hz yet, the extra headroom is great for smoother gameplay.
I’m impressed by how well the Quest 3 handles visually intense titles like Resident Evil 4 while untethered. Connecting it via Oculus Link to a PC provides even more performance headroom.
Overall the processor and RAM upgrades provide a real boost to game performance and multitasking capabilities. As developers optimize their apps for the Quest 3, graphical fidelity will keep improving.
Meta Quest 3 Review – Hand and Controller Tracking
The Quest 3 uses similar Touch controllers to the Quest 2, but Meta claims tracking has been upgraded thanks to better algorithms and four onboard cameras.
Testing games that demand fast hand movements like Supernatural and Pistol Whip, I found the Quest 3’s tracking extremely precise with no noticeable latency or lost tracking issues.
The lack of tracking rings on the new Touch controllers looks sleeker but does not seem to impact performance at all. Hand tracking also seems to have slightly better responsiveness thanks to the passthrough color cameras.
Playing shooters like Population: One, the Quest 3’s tracking felt spot on. I was pulling off quick shots and maneuvers competitively. No need to revert back to my Quest 2.
The Passthrough view clearly shows your controllers and surroundings, making it easy to grab a drink without removing the headset. I wish the video quality was a bit sharper, but overall very solid tracking.
Meta Quest 3 Review – Audio Quality
Like the Quest 2, the Quest 3 pumps spatial audio directly from the headset without needing headphones or earbuds. So how does the sound quality compare?
The integrated speakers on the Quest 3 sound louder and deliver more convincing spatial effects than on the Quest 2. Directional noises in games like Resident Evil really heighten the spooky atmosphere.
Maximum volume through the speakers is almost too loud for comfort, so I tend to keep it around 70%. The audio is perfectly crisp and balanced. Bass lacks thump compared to over-ear headphones but still adds immersion.
For cinematic experiences I still prefer using earbuds for privacy and richer sound. But the onboard audio is impressive enough for casual gaming and workouts. No changes needed in the audio department.
One note – there is some minor audio bleed from the open-ear speakers that may disturb someone near you. Closed headphones eliminate this problem.
Meta Quest 3 Review – Software and UI
The Quest 3 runs Meta’s familiar Android-based UI which looks great on the higher resolution displays. Let’s discuss the software, system apps, store and overall user experience.
If you’ve set up a Quest 2 before, you’ll feel right at home. The default home space features shortcuts to installed apps plus suggestions. You navigate menus by pointing the controller like a laser pointer – very intuitive.
The universal menu offers quick access to core system functions like controller settings, notifications, casting features and more. I set up hand tracking which works fairly well for basic navigation and menus.
The Quest store offers a great selection of free and paid apps and games. Population One and Beat Saber are must-play hits. App labs provides access to experimental titles – lots to explore.
One issue I have is app discovery still isn’t ideal. Curation and recommendations could be smarter. Search is handy but scrolling through huge catalogs is cumbersome in VR.
Overall the UI is easy to use and makes multitasking between apps and system functions fast and intuitive. But improvements to the store experience would be welcome.
Meta Quest 3 Review – Mixed Reality and Passthrough
One of the Quest 3’s most exciting upgrades is full color Passthrough mixed reality. Here are my impressions after really putting it through its paces.
The Quest 2 only offered grainy, static black and white Passthrough before. The Quest 3′s full color cameras enable mixed reality overlays like seeing your surroundings overlaid with virtual objects.
It works well for showing your controllers and keyboard in the home space. The new IRL app provides fun demos like injecting virtual critters into your room to zap. It’s still gimmicky but shows potential.
The video pass through is usable but pretty low-res and often glitchy. It lacks hand tracking shown in Horizon Worlds. I hope Meta can refine it to be more convincing through software updates over time.
AR apps are still very limited. But Passthrough shows promise for social, workspace and fitness use cases. It’s an exciting first step towards mobile mixed reality.
Meta Quest 3 Review – Comfort and Accessories
For optimal comfort and convenience, the Quest 3 supports various accessories sold separately. Here are some add-ons worth considering.
Earbuds – The integrated audio is surprisingly capable, but earbuds block out external distractions for deeper immersion. Meta’s own in-ear buds seamlessly integrate.
Carrying Case – The included soft case protects the Quest 3 well enough but lacks padding. For travel or storage get a sturdier case.
Fit Pack – To tailor the fit, Meta’s Fit Pack includes light blockers and alternate face gaskets. Especially helpful for glasses wearers.
Battery Strap – To double the 2 hour battery life, the $129 rear battery strap is pricey but worth it for marathon VR sessions.
Link Cable – For Quest 3 connectivity to gaming PCs, Meta’s fiber optic USB-C cable ensures maximum performance.
While not required, these accessories enhance comfort, portability and convenience. Pick some that suit your needs for the best experience.
Meta Quest 3 Review – Battery Life
Like its predecessor, battery life is still a bit limited on the Quest 3. Here is what you can expect for usage times depending on activities.
For processor-intensive gaming, I found I got about 1 hour and 45 minutes of playtime at most before the Quest 3 would run out of juice. Playing Population One it died at around the 1 hour 50 minute mark.
For less intensive apps like Supernatural workouts or watching video, battery life is slightly better at around 2 hours and 15 minutes. Streaming media through apps seems to drain the battery faster than native Quest apps.
Standby time is solid at 72 hours in my testing. Unfortunately charging the Quest 3 fully from empty takes 2-3 hours. The included charger cables are also quite short.
Thankfully you can buy the Elite Strap with Battery which doubles the playtime to 4-5 hours. Just wish the battery life was extended natively rather than needing an add-on.
Meta Quest 3 vs PlayStation VR2, Vive Pro 2 and Other VR Headsets
The Quest 3 dominates the standalone VR category, but how does it stack up against top-shelf PC powered headsets like the PSVR 2 and Vive Pro 2?
PlayStation VR2 – The PS5-powered PSVR 2 wins on visuals and optics but lacks the Quest 3’s mobility and full tracking. At $550 it’s quite pricey. Exclusives are tempting for PlayStation gamers.
HTC Vive Pro 2 – With its ultra-crisp 5K display and SteamVR ecosystem, the Vive Pro 2 is hard to beat for roomscale VR. But it requires a gaming PC and dedicated play space. Fully wireless capability is extra.
Valve Index – While dated, the Valve Index still provides best-in-class controllers and seamless SteamVR integration. But lower resolution and the tethered design leave room for improvement.
For those willing to pay a premium for maxed out VR visuals and experiences, PC powered headsets have clear advantages. But the Quest 3 delivers impressive quality untethered at a far lower cost.
Meta Quest 3 Review – Price and Value
The Meta Quest 3 starts at a fairly steep $400 for the 128GB model. The 256GB version costs $500. That’s $100 more than the Quest 2 originally launched for.
For that premium price, you’re getting cutting-edge portable VR technology in a compact form factor. Pound for pound, the value is quite good compared to owning a PC VR setup that runs $1000+.
Given the costly R&D and components like screens and chipsets, I think the pricing is reasonable. And over time the price should come down as production costs decrease.
For existing Quest 2 owners, the upgrades may not seem substantial enough to warrant upgrading immediately. But VR newcomers get the ideal blend of quality and mobility at a friendlier price point than PC VR.
Meta Quest 3 Review – Verdict and Recommendation
So after extensive testing, would I recommend the Meta Quest 3 for VR enthusiasts? Here is my final verdict.
Pros
- Noticeably sharper displays
- Wider field of view with reduced glare
- Snappier performance thanks to new processor
- Refined, more balanced design
- Reliable inside-out tracking
- Large content library and IPD adjustability
Cons
- Mediocre battery life at 2 hours max
- Still fairly bulky and heavy
- Passthrough video needs refinement
- High $400+ starting price
- Incremental upgrade versus radical reimagining
Overall, the Meta Quest 3 represents meaningful progress on the Quest 2’s foundation rather than a groundbreaking revolution. But the cumulative upgrades absolutely make for a best-in-class wireless VR experience.
If you own a Quest 2, the upgrades may not seem substantial enough to urgently warrant upgrading. But VR newcomers will appreciate the Quest 3’s refined designs and crisp visuals that aid immersion and comfort.
For VR gaming enthusiasts who don’t want to splurge on a PC and wired headset, the Quest 3 hits a sweet spot between affordability and premium quality. I continue to be impressed by its stellar capabilities untethered.
The Meta Quest 3 lays the groundwork for a future where mobile VR and mixed reality reach their full potential. I’m excited to see how Meta continues advancing the Quest line and bringing innovative experiences both in and out of virtual worlds.