Compare Meta Quest 3S vs Valve Index
In this technical comparison between the Meta Quest 3S and the Valve Index, 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 2880 × 1600 total (1440 × 1600 per eye) for the Index.
Choosing between these two VR Headsets models often comes down to your budget, with prices around 300 USD and $999 (Full Kit) / $499 (Headset Only) at launch.
| Specifications |
Meta Quest 3S |
Valve Index |
|---|---|---|
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|
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| Launch | ||
| Version | October, 2024 | June 2019 |
| Display | ||
| Type | Single Fast-Switch LCD | Dual 1440 x 1600 RGB LCDs |
| Resolution | 1832 x 1920 pixels per eye | 2880 × 1600 total (1440 × 1600 per eye) |
| Refresh rate | 90Hz, 120Hz | 80Hz, 90Hz, 120Hz, and an experimental 144Hz mode |
| Field of view | 96° Horizontal / 90° Vertical | ~130° |
| Brightness | - | Not officially rated in nits |
| HDR | Not supported | Not supported |
| Optics | ||
| Lens type | Fresnel | Custom Double Element Fresnel (Canted design) |
| IPD adjustment | 3-position manual toggle (58mm, 63mm, 68mm) | Physical slider (58mm – 70mm) |
| Eye relief | - | Physical knob to move lenses closer/further from eyes to maximize FOV |
| Tracking & Input | ||
| Tracking type | 6DoF Inside-out tracking via 4 IR cameras | SteamVR Tracking 2.0 (Outside-in via Base Stations) |
| Controller tracking | Meta Quest Touch Plus (ringless design) | "Knuckles" Controllers with 87 sensors for individual finger tracking |
| Hand tracking | Yes | Supported via external cameras/SDKs (experimental) |
| Eye tracking | No | Not supported |
| Facial tracking | No | Not supported natively |
| Performance | ||
| Processor / Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 | None (PC-powered) |
| RAM | 8GB | PC Dependent (Minimum 8GB+ recommended) |
| Storage | 128GB or 256GB | None |
| Mixed Reality Features | ||
| Passthrough | 4MP Full-color (18 PPD) | Dual 960x960 RGB global shutter cameras |
| Depth sensing | No (uses dual IR floodlights for spatial awareness instead of a dedicated depth projector) | Software-based (Stereoscopic) |
| Audio | ||
| Built-in audio | Integrated stereo speakers with 3D spatial audio | Integrated Off-Ear Balanced Mode Radiators (BMR) (Non-contact) |
| 3.5mm jack | No (requires USB-C adapter or Bluetooth) | Yes |
| Mic | Integrated dual microphones | Dual microphone array (High fidelity) |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired | USB-C | 5-meter tether (DisplayPort 1.2, USB 3.0, 12V Power) |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi 6E | Not supported |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | Yes (For Base Station control) |
| PCVR support | Supported via Quest Link, Air Link, and Steam Link | Native (SteamVR) |
| Compatibility | ||
| Platforms | Meta Horizon OS | SteamVR |
| Supported OS | - | Windows 10, Windows 11, Linux (SteamOS) |
| Comfort | ||
| Weight | 514g | 809g |
| Strap type | Adjustable soft Y-strap (cloth) | Rigid head strap with rear adjustment dial |
| Face interface | Standard foam interface | Antimicrobial fabric "Face Gasket" (Magnetic and replaceable) |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | ~2.5 hours (average) | N/A (Headset is wired); Controllers last ~7–8 hours |
| Charging method | USB-C (18W to 20W supported) | USB-C (for controllers) |
| External battery support | Supported via Elite Strap with Battery or third-party power banks | N/A |
| Misc | ||
| Inside the box | Headset, 2x Touch Plus Controllers, 2x AA Batteries, Power Adapter, Charging Cable, Glasses Spacer | (Full Kit): Headset, 2x Controllers, 2x SteamVR 2.0 Base Stations, Power Adapters, Face Gasket, Cleaning Cloth |
| Price | 300 USD | $999 (Full Kit) / $499 (Headset Only) at launch |
| Full Details | Quest 3S - Full Specifications | Index - Full Specifications |