Meta sent me their new Meta Quest 3s headset, a more budget-friendly version of Meta’s popular Quest 3 that was released last year. You can see my full video review here.
The Quest 3s is fully self-contained, meaning it doesn’t require any external hardware to run its software. Like its more expensive sibling, it supports mixed reality, blending virtual elements with the real world using an impressive pass-through feature.
At $299 for 128GB of storage (compensated affiliate link), it’s $200 cheaper than the regular Quest 3. But the 3S shares the same Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 processor and 8GB of RAM, making it capable of running the same software at the same level of detail. It even comes with the same controllers, which are comfortable and run on AA batteries. Meta has also made sure that accessories, such as the Elite strap from the Quest 3, are compatible with this model.
However, the key difference is in the display. The Quest 3s has a lower resolution than the regular Quest 3, similar to what we saw with the Quest 2. Specifically, it has an 1823 x 1920 resolution per eye, while the Quest 3 has a higher 2064 x 2208 resolution.
The Quest 3s uses Fresnel lenses vs. the pancake lens on the 3, and the field of view is slightly narrower. While the 3s offers a 96-degree horizontal and 90-degree vertical view, the Quest 3 goes wider at 110 degrees horizontally and 96 degrees vertically. But when you’re in the middle of a VR game, it’s not something you’ll constantly notice.
For those who haven’t used VR before, this probably won’t be a big issue. But if you’re a more experienced user, the difference in image quality might stand out. That said, the experience is still solid, especially considering the price.
For those who wear glasses, Meta includes a spacer to make the fit more comfortable. Meta also offers prescription lenses that screw into the headset, which could be worth considering if you need correction.
The Meta Quest 3s has a fixed interpupillary distance (IPD) adjustment system, offering three preset positions for users to align the lenses with their eyes. The IPD range on the 3s is 58mm to 68mm, which covers most people. However, the regular Quest 3 features a dial that allows for more fine-tuned control over the lens spacing, extending the IPD range to 71mm. If your eyes fall outside the typical range, the adjustable IPD on the Quest 3 might offer a more comfortable experience.
The 3S has a similar onboard stereo speaker system as the Quest 3 – but the 3S lacks a headphone jack for attaching higher quality audio options.
Setting up the headset is straightforward. As soon as you put it on, you’re immersed in mixed reality, where the real world is visible through the headset. I ran a free game called “First Encounters,” which showcases the mixed reality capabilities by mapping out the space you’re in and integrating objects like furniture and walls into the gameplay. It’s an easy way to get acquainted with what mixed reality can do.
On the performance side, I tested several games, and they all ran smoothly, whether they were built for the Quest 1, Quest 2, or Quest 3. Titles that benefit from higher graphical fidelity of the Quest 3 platform will look better on the regular Quest 3 due to its sharper display, but the 3s still holds its own. Like the Quest 3 the 3S also works with PC VR using Meta’s Airlink for wireless connections, via a direct cable connection, or using apps like Steam Link and Virtual Desktop.
Meta says battery life averages around two and a half hours, which feels accurate based on my experience. If you need more battery life, there are add-ons like straps with built-in batteries. You can also connect the headset to your PC for gaming, either via USB-C or wirelessly through options like AirLink or Steam Link. However, if PC gaming is your main focus, you might lean toward the regular Quest 3 for better visual clarity.
The Meta Quest 3s offers a solid entry into VR and mixed reality at an affordable price point. While it might not have the premium display quality of the Quest 3, it’s an excellent choice for casual users or anyone new to VR. With a growing library of games and experiences in the Meta app store in addition to PC VR titles, there’s plenty to explore.