Quest 3 vs Quest 3S: Complete VR Headset Comparison
The Meta Quest 3S is a more affordable entry-level VR headset with improved displays and processing, while the Meta Quest 3 offers superior mixed reality capabilities and performance. The Quest 3S targets budget-conscious users, whereas the Quest 3 remains the premium choice for advanced mixed reality experiences.
Meta Quest 3
Premium VR/MR headset with full-color passthrough and advanced mixed reality capabilities.
Professional VR developers, enterprise users, and mixed reality enthusiasts who need color-accurate passthrough and premium performance.
Meta Quest 3S
Affordable VR headset with improved display and processing, designed for mainstream users.
Budget-conscious gamers, casual VR users, and newcomers to VR who want solid performance without premium MR features.
Quick Answer
AI SummaryThe Meta Quest 3S is a more affordable entry-level VR headset with improved displays and processing, while the Meta Quest 3 offers superior mixed reality capabilities and performance. The Quest 3S targets budget-conscious users, whereas the Quest 3 remains the premium choice for advanced mixed reality experiences.
Our Verdict
AI-assistedThe Meta Quest 3S delivers excellent value for casual VR users and those new to the platform, with improved display clarity at a significantly lower price point. The Meta Quest 3 justifies its premium price through superior mixed reality capabilities with full-color passthrough and higher storage options, making it ideal for professionals and enthusiasts. Your choice depends on whether budget or advanced mixed reality features matter more to you.
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Choose Meta Quest 3 if
Professional VR developers, enterprise users, and mixed reality enthusiasts who need color-accurate passthrough and premium performance.
Choose Meta Quest 3S if
Best pickBudget-conscious gamers, casual VR users, and newcomers to VR who want solid performance without premium MR features.
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Key Differences at a Glance
- Price:✓ Meta Quest 3S wins($299 vs $499)
- Mixed Reality Cameras:✓ Meta Quest 3 wins(Full color passthrough vs Monochrome passthrough)
- Display Resolution:✓ Meta Quest 3S wins(1896x1920 per eye vs 1800x1920 per eye)
Key Facts & Figures
10 numeric metrics compared
| Metric | Meta Quest 3 | Meta Quest 3S | Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Field of View(degrees) | 110° | 110° | |
| Weight(grams) | 575g | 512g | |
| Refresh Rate(Hz) | 120Hz | 120Hz | |
| Launch price (USD)(USD) | $499 ($299 for Quest 3S) | — | — |
| Total display pixels(pixels) | ~9.1 million (2064x2208 per eye, LCD) | — | — |
| Max refresh rate(Hz) | Up to 120 Hz | — | — |
| Headset weight(g) | ~515 g (self-contained) | — | — |
| Field of view (approx. horizontal)(degrees) | ~110 degrees horizontal | — | — |
| Price (USD)($) | $499 | $299 | |
| Maximum Storage(GB) | 512GB | 128GB |
Sourced from publicly available data ·
Key Differences
8 attributes compared head-to-head
- $499Price$299(winner)
- Full color passthrough(winner)Mixed Reality CamerasMonochrome passthrough
- 1800x1920 per eyeDisplay Resolution1896x1920 per eye(winner)
- Snapdragon XR Gen 2ProcessorSnapdragon XR Gen 2
- 128GB, 512GB(winner)Storage Options128GB only
- 110 degreesField of View110 degrees
- Premium/Professional usersTarget AudienceBudget-conscious/Casual users
- Superior with color cameras(winner)Color Accuracy in MRLimited without color passthrough
- Price
Meta Quest 3
$499
Meta Quest 3S
$299(winner)
- Mixed Reality Cameras
Meta Quest 3
Full color passthrough(winner)
Meta Quest 3S
Monochrome passthrough
- Display Resolution
Meta Quest 3
1800x1920 per eye
Meta Quest 3S
1896x1920 per eye(winner)
- Processor
Meta Quest 3
Snapdragon XR Gen 2
Meta Quest 3S
Snapdragon XR Gen 2
- Storage Options
Meta Quest 3
128GB, 512GB(winner)
Meta Quest 3S
128GB only
- Field of View
Meta Quest 3
110 degrees
Meta Quest 3S
110 degrees
- Target Audience
Meta Quest 3
Premium/Professional users
Meta Quest 3S
Budget-conscious/Casual users
- Color Accuracy in MR
Meta Quest 3
Superior with color cameras(winner)
Meta Quest 3S
Limited without color passthrough
Full Comparison
| Attribute | Meta Quest 3 | Meta Quest 3S |
|---|---|---|
| Field of View(degrees) | 110° | 110° |
| Weight(grams) | 575g | 512g(winner) |
| Refresh Rate(Hz) | 120Hz | 120Hz |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 | — |
| Battery Life(hours) | ~2-2.5 hrs (internal, swappable accessories) | — |
| Processor | Snapdragon XR Gen 2 | Snapdragon XR Gen 2 |
| Launch price (USD)(USD) | $499 ($299 for Quest 3S) | — |
| Total display pixels(pixels) | ~9.1 million (2064x2208 per eye, LCD) | — |
| Max refresh rate(Hz) | Up to 120 Hz | — |
| Field of view (approx. horizontal)(degrees) | ~110 degrees horizontal | — |
| Display panel type | LCD (pancake lenses) | — |
| Display Resolution Per Eye(pixels) | 1800x1920 | 1896x1920 |
| Headset weight(g) | ~515 g (self-contained) | — |
| Bundled controllers | Two Touch Plus controllers + hand tracking | — |
| Operating System | Horizon OS (Meta) | — |
| Price (USD)($) | $499 | $299(winner) |
| Passthrough Camera | Full-color dual cameras | Monochrome dual cameras |
| Maximum Storage(GB) | 512GB(winner) | 128GB |
Pros & Cons
10 pros·5 cons across both
Meta Quest 3
Pros
- Full-color passthrough camera system for immersive mixed reality
- Up to 512GB storage for larger game libraries
- Superior color accuracy when blending digital and real worlds
- Established ecosystem with mature app library
- Premium build quality and design
Cons
- Higher price point at $499
- Heavier than Quest 3S due to advanced camera systems
Meta Quest 3S
Pros
- Significantly lower price at $299 - excellent entry point
- Higher display resolution (1896x1920) for sharper visuals
- Same powerful Snapdragon XR Gen 2 processor as Quest 3
- Lighter and more comfortable for extended use
- Monochrome passthrough sufficient for basic MR applications
Cons
- Monochrome passthrough limits mixed reality color accuracy
- Only 128GB storage option available
- Less suitable for professional/enterprise MR work
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questions
Yes, the Quest 3S supports mixed reality, but with limitations. It uses monochrome passthrough cameras instead of full-color, which means digital objects blend with the real world in grayscale rather than full color. For casual MR applications and games, this works fine, but professionals needing color-accurate MR should choose the Quest 3.
Resources & Learn More
Curated sources to dive deeper
Where to Buy
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