In this technical comparison between the Meta Quest 3 and the Meta Quest 3S, we analyze the key features to help you choose.
The display is a highlight, featuring a resolution of 2064 × 2208 per eye for the Quest 3 versus 1832 x 1920 pixels per eye for the Quest 3S.
Choosing between these two VR Headsets models often comes down to your budget, with prices around 500 USD and 300 USD.
| Specifications |
Meta Quest 3 |
Meta Quest 3S |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Launch | ||
| Version | October, 2023 | October, 2024 |
| Display | ||
| Type | LCD (Infinite Display) | Single Fast-Switch LCD |
| Resolution | 2064 × 2208 per eye | 1832 x 1920 pixels per eye |
| Refresh rate | 90 Hz / 120 Hz supported | 90Hz, 120Hz |
| Field of view | ~110° horizontal / ~96° vertical | 96° Horizontal / 90° Vertical |
| HDR | No | Not supported |
| Optics | ||
| Lens type | Pancake lenses | Fresnel |
| IPD adjustment | Continuous 53–75 mm | 3-position manual toggle (58mm, 63mm, 68mm) |
| Eye relief | Yes (lens depth adjustment) | - |
| Tracking & Input | ||
| Tracking type | Inside-out (6 DoF) | 6DoF Inside-out tracking via 4 IR cameras |
| Controller tracking | Yes (IR + SLAM tracking) | Meta Quest Touch Plus (ringless design) |
| Hand tracking | Yes | Yes |
| Eye tracking | No | No |
| Facial tracking | No | No |
| Performance | ||
| Processor / Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 | Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 |
| RAM | 8 GB | 8GB |
| Storage | 128 GB / 512 GB | 128GB or 256GB |
| Mixed Reality Features | ||
| Passthrough | Full-color stereo passthrough | 4MP Full-color (18 PPD) |
| Depth sensing | Yes (depth sensor + scene understanding) | No (uses dual IR floodlights for spatial awareness instead of a dedicated depth projector) |
| Audio | ||
| Built-in audio | Yes (spatial speakers) | Integrated stereo speakers with 3D spatial audio |
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | No (requires USB-C adapter or Bluetooth) |
| Mic | Yes (4-mic array) | Integrated dual microphones |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired | USB-C (Link mode) | USB-C |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi 6E | Wi-Fi 6E |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 | 5.2 |
| PCVR support | Yes (Wired Link + Air Link + Virtual Desktop) | Supported via Quest Link, Air Link, and Steam Link |
| Compatibility | ||
| Platforms | Standalone / PCVR | Meta Horizon OS |
| Supported OS | Meta OS (Android-based), Windows for PCVR | - |
| Comfort | ||
| Weight | ~515 g (without strap) | 514g |
| Strap type | Soft strap (optional Elite strap) | Adjustable soft Y-strap (cloth) |
| Face interface | Replaceable facial interface | Standard foam interface |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | ~2–3 hours usage | ~2.5 hours (average) |
| Charging method | USB-C charging / dock support (optional) | USB-C (18W to 20W supported) |
| External battery support | Yes (strap-mounted power pack) | Supported via Elite Strap with Battery or third-party power banks |
| Misc | ||
| Inside the box | Headset + 2 Touch Plus controllers + cables | Headset, 2x Touch Plus Controllers, 2x AA Batteries, Power Adapter, Charging Cable, Glasses Spacer |
| Price | 500 USD | 300 USD |
| Full Details | Quest 3 - Full Specifications | Quest 3S - Full Specifications |