With the recent unveiling of the Meta Quest 3S at the Meta Connect 2024 event, excitement is building around this new headset. The Quest 3S aims to offer a more cost-effective version of Meta’s successful Quest 3, while still packing plenty of features into a lower price point.
Like its pricier sibling, the Quest 3S is powered by the same Snapdragon processor and boasts full-color passthrough, making it a great option for those looking for high performance without breaking the bank. On the other end of the spectrum is Apple’s Vision Pro, a high-end device with top-tier features like stunning visual quality, integrated eye-tracking, and Apple’s own custom processors, offering unmatched performance.
But with a significant price gap between these two headsets—Meta’s Quest 3S being nearly 10 times less expensive—it’s worth asking: is the Apple Vision Pro worth the extra investment?
To help you decide, we’ve broken down key details from our review of the Apple Vision Pro and what we know so far about the Meta Quest 3S.
Quick Verdict: Meta Quest 3S vs. Vision Pro
The Apple Vision Pro stands out as a highly advanced mixed reality device, ideal for professionals seeking top-tier performance and immersive spatial computing experiences. With its impressive display, cutting-edge features, and power, it’s one of the best headsets we’ve tested.
Meanwhile, the Meta Quest 3S may not be as groundbreaking, but it’s still feature-packed and has the potential to surpass the Vision Pro in sales due to its affordability. For users wanting an excellent mixed reality experience without a hefty price tag, the Quest 3S is a fantastic option.
Specs and Features Comparison
The Meta Quest 3 has enjoyed considerable success in the past year, with more budget-conscious buyers opting for it over the pricier Apple Vision Pro. Surveys suggest that as many as 73% of users favor the Quest 3 for its affordability. With the Quest 3S being nearly identical to the Quest 3 but even more affordable, we expect it to attract just as much attention.
That said, the Apple Vision Pro offers a more powerful and refined experience overall. Its display quality and spatial computing capabilities are superior to both the Quest 3 and Quest 3S, with eye-tracking and proprietary chips for enhanced performance.
Nevertheless, both devices are impressive in terms of their mixed reality functionality, and both are equipped with powerful processors.
Technical Comparison: Meta Quest 3S vs. Apple Vision Pro
| Specification | Meta Quest 3S | Apple Vision Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Starting at $299 | Starting at $3,499 |
| Lenses | Fresnel | Pancake |
| Display | LCD, 1832x1920 per eye | OLED, 2160x3840 per eye |
| Field of View | 96° horizontal, 90° vertical | 100-120° |
| Chipset | Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 | Apple R1 and M2 |
| Tracking | Head and hand tracking | Head, hand, and eye tracking |
| RAM | 8GB | 16GB |
| Storage | 125GB or 256GB | 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB |
| Weight | 514g | 600-650g |
| Battery Life | Up to 2.5 hours | 2-3 hours |
Price
One of the most apparent differences between the Meta Quest 3S and the Apple Vision Pro is their price. While the Quest 3S is set to launch at just $299, the Vision Pro starts at a hefty $3,499, placing it firmly in the premium category. This huge price gap has been a major factor in the Vision Pro’s modest sales performance so far, despite its powerful capabilities.
The Quest 3S not only offers a more affordable headset but also comes with cheaper accessories compared to the Vision Pro. If Apple hopes to remain competitive, they may need to explore more affordable alternatives.
Design and Comfort
In terms of design, the Apple Vision Pro looks sleek and futuristic, especially when compared to the more basic appearance of the Quest 3S. The Vision Pro’s laminated glass display and ability to show your eyes to those around you is a unique touch, but some might find this feature unnecessary.
Despite its chunkier look, the Quest 3S is lighter than the Vision Pro, weighing 514g compared to the Vision Pro’s 600-650g. This makes the Quest 3S potentially more comfortable for long-term use. Both headsets are designed to balance weight distribution, though Apple’s Vision Pro, tailored to fit each user’s face, provides a more personalized fit. Additionally, Apple offers a few different strap options, while Meta has yet to release premium straps for the Quest 3S.
Display and Audio
When it comes to visual quality, the Apple Vision Pro takes the lead with its OLED display boasting a resolution of 2160x3840 per eye, significantly higher than the 1832x1920 per eye resolution of the Quest 3S. The Vision Pro’s pancake lenses also contribute to sharper visuals, while the Quest 3S uses simpler Fresnel lenses to keep costs down.
The Vision Pro’s field of view and IPD adjustment are also superior. In terms of audio, the Vision Pro provides a slightly more immersive experience with better spatial audio and multiple microphones for better clarity during collaborative tasks. The Quest 3S, while solid, struggles a bit more with bass and equalization.
Mixed Reality and Spatial Computing
Both headsets excel in delivering mixed reality experiences. The Quest 3S retains the full-color passthrough feature of the Quest 3, but the Vision Pro edges out with a more realistic passthrough that makes you forget you’re wearing a headset. The Vision Pro also offers advanced hand, body, and eye tracking, allowing for more natural interactions, while the Quest 3S includes basic hand and head tracking but lacks eye tracking.
For those who enjoy using controllers, the Quest 3S includes Meta’s Touch Plus controllers, while the Vision Pro is designed entirely for controller-free use, relying on eye and hand gestures for navigation.
Performance
Both the Quest 3S and Vision Pro offer excellent performance thanks to their powerful processors. The Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chipset in the Quest 3S ensures smooth multitasking and the ability to run various XR applications. Meanwhile, the Vision Pro’s dual chips—R1 and M2—deliver higher levels of performance, particularly for business-focused apps.
Meta’s Horizon platform offers a wider range of gaming options, while Apple is carving out a niche for enterprise apps. Both headsets provide around 2-3 hours of battery life, but the Quest 3S’s built-in battery adds to its convenience, as the Vision Pro requires an external battery pack, leading to more wires and cables.
Final Thoughts: Which Headset is Right for You?
The Apple Vision Pro undoubtedly stands out as the more powerful and premium option, providing unmatched visual clarity and advanced spatial computing features. However, its high price limits its appeal to professional and enterprise users.
The Meta Quest 3S offers a more budget-friendly alternative while still delivering a strong mixed reality experience. For those seeking an affordable entry point into the world of XR, the Quest 3S is the ideal choice. If you’re after the most cutting-edge technology and price isn’t a concern, the Vision Pro is the ultimate pick.
You may also like:
The Best VR Video Player for Vision Pro: Introducing Moon Player
How to watch Plex on Apple Vision Pro
