Compare Meta Quest 3S vs Meta Rift S
In this technical comparison between the Meta Quest 3S and the Meta Rift S, we analyze the key features to help you choose.
The display is a highlight, featuring a resolution of 1832 x 1920 pixels per eye for the Quest 3S versus 2560×1440 total (1280×1440 per eye) for the Rift S.
Choosing between these two VR Headsets models often comes down to your budget, with prices around 300 USD and $399 (at launch).
| Specifications |
Meta Quest 3S |
Meta Rift S |
|---|---|---|
|
|
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| Launch | ||
| Version | October, 2024 | May 2019 |
| Display | ||
| Type | Single Fast-Switch LCD | Single Fast-Switch LCD (RGB Stripe) |
| Resolution | 1832 x 1920 pixels per eye | 2560×1440 total (1280×1440 per eye) |
| Refresh rate | 90Hz, 120Hz | 80Hz |
| Field of view | 96° Horizontal / 90° Vertical | ~115° |
| Brightness | - | Standard SDR (Not officially rated for high-peak nits) |
| HDR | Not supported | Not supported |
| Optics | ||
| Lens type | Fresnel | 2nd Generation Fresnel Lenses (Reduced god rays) |
| IPD adjustment | 3-position manual toggle (58mm, 63mm, 68mm) | Software-only (Fixed lens distance at 63.5mm) |
| Eye relief | - | Adjustable via a button on the bottom of the headset (Slides the visor forward/back) |
| Tracking & Input | ||
| Tracking type | 6DoF Inside-out tracking via 4 IR cameras | Oculus Insight (6DOF Inside-out tracking) |
| Controller tracking | Meta Quest Touch Plus (ringless design) | 5 Integrated cameras on the headset |
| Hand tracking | Yes | No |
| Eye tracking | No | No |
| Facial tracking | No | No |
| Performance | ||
| Processor / Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 | None (PC-powered) |
| RAM | 8GB | Dependent on PC (Minimum 8GB recommended) |
| Storage | 128GB or 256GB | None (Games are stored on the connected PC) |
| Mixed Reality Features | ||
| Passthrough | 4MP Full-color (18 PPD) | Passthrough+ (Monoscopic, Black & White) |
| Depth sensing | No (uses dual IR floodlights for spatial awareness instead of a dedicated depth projector) | Software-based (Using camera parallax) |
| Audio | ||
| Built-in audio | Integrated stereo speakers with 3D spatial audio | Integrated directional speakers (located in the headband) |
| 3.5mm jack | No (requires USB-C adapter or Bluetooth) | Yes |
| Mic | Integrated dual microphones | Integrated dual-microphone array |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired | USB-C | 5-meter tethered cable (DisplayPort 1.2 and USB 3.0) |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi 6E | No |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | No |
| PCVR support | Supported via Quest Link, Air Link, and Steam Link | Native (Primary mode) |
| Compatibility | ||
| Platforms | Meta Horizon OS | Oculus Home, SteamVR, Viveport |
| Supported OS | - | Windows |
| Comfort | ||
| Weight | 514g | 500g (Approx. 1.1 lbs) |
| Strap type | Adjustable soft Y-strap (cloth) | Halo Headband with rear tension dial (Lenovo design) |
| Face interface | Standard foam interface | Replaceable foam gasket |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | ~2.5 hours (average) | N/A (Headset is powered via USB) |
| Charging method | USB-C (18W to 20W supported) | No |
| External battery support | Supported via Elite Strap with Battery or third-party power banks | Not required; controllers use 1x AA battery each |
| Misc | ||
| Inside the box | Headset, 2x Touch Plus Controllers, 2x AA Batteries, Power Adapter, Charging Cable, Glasses Spacer | Rift S Headset, 2x Touch Controllers, Headset Cable (5m), Mini DisplayPort to DisplayPort adapter, 2x AA batteries |
| Price | 300 USD | $399 (at launch) |
| Full Details | Quest 3S - Full Specifications | Rift S - Full Specifications |