Key Points
- Apple’s Vision Pro VR headset offers 4K resolution per eye, while Meta Quest 2 has a 1,832 x 1,920-pixel display for each eye.
- The Vision Pro has a battery life of around 2 hours, while the Quest 2 lasts for 2-3 hours.
- Apple’s Vision Pro uses an M2 processor, while Meta Quest 2 is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2.
- The Vision Pro is controlled by voice, hand motions, and eye movements, while the Quest 2 relies on two controllers.
- Apple’s Vision Pro targets working professionals and costs $3,499, while Meta Quest 2 is more affordable at $299 for 128 GB and $349 for 256 GB.
After an agonizing wait, Apple finally unveiled its new Vision Pro VR headset. This comes two weeks after Meta announced its new VR headset, the Quest 3. Although Apple’s Vision Pro is getting much attention, you shouldn’t ignore The Meta Quest 2, the best starter VR headset.
Eager customers have awaited news from Apple and Meta before committing to a VR headset. We’ve known for a while the new headsets were on the horizon. But Apple’s announcement surprised us with a shocking price. Let’s see how Apple’s Vision Pro vs Meta Quest 2 compares below.
Apple’s Vision Pro Vs Meta Quest 2: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Vision Pro | Quest 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $3,499 | 128 GB $299, 256 GB $349 |
| Battery life | ~2 Hours | 2-3 Hours |
| Display | 4K (Exact Specs Unknown) | 1,832 X 1,920 Resolution |
| Processor | Apple M2 | Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 |
| Controls | Uses Hands, Voice, and Eyes | Two Controllers Included |
| Extra battery available? | Yes | Yes |
Apple’s Vision Pro Vs Meta Quest 2: What’s the Difference?
The Quest 2 is easily the most popular VR headset currently available. Apple’s Vision Pro, on the other hand, still has at least six months until release. Both headsets cater to drastically different audiences, with the Quest 2 being within reach of average consumers. As you will see below, the Vision Pro is the better device but impractical for most users.
Head Strap
Comfort is a significant concern for VR headset wearers. Even the most comfortable devices become uncomfortable with prolonged use. This stems from the fact that most VR headsets are held tight to the user’s face with a head strap. One notable exception is the PSVR, which has a ring around the wearer’s head to keep the visor off of them.
The Vision Pro and Meta Quest 2 use the conventional head strap with some variations. Quest 2 has a band around the back and a top strap to help take the weight off. The Vision Pro uses a single band around the back but disperses load with a wider piece of elastic. Both headsets support other head straps, so you can find one more comfortable.
Display
A VR headset’s display is the window into virtual reality. When the Quest 2 came out in late 2020, it had one of the best displays. The screen door effect that plagued early VR headsets was practically gone. Since then, display technology has improved significantly. Newer headsets like the PSVR 2 are even more impressive.
The Quest 2 has a 1,832 X 1,920-pixel display for each eye. If you look very closely, you will still notice some fine lines, but it was still imposing for the time. In comparison, Apple has not released the exact specs for its display, but they have stated that it will deliver 4K resolution per eye. That means it will have a higher resolution than the Quest 2, but we don’t know how it will compare to other VR devices.
Battery
Typical of standalone devices, Quest 2 and the Vision Pro need batteries to operate. Both headsets do allow charging and external batteries while in use. However, one major complaint about the Quest 2 is its battery life. The Quest 2’s internal battery can provide two to three hours of use.
Your headset’s battery life depends on the intensity of activity or content. Unfortunately, Apple’s Vision Pro reportedly has only two-hour runtime. If you watch a three-hour movie, the headset will die after two hours.
Processor
As with battery life, the Vision Pro and Quest 2’s processors are critical and don’t rely on other devices like a computer. The Quest 2 and Vision Pro processors are dramatically different, each designed for various tasks. The Quest 2 uses a Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 system on a chip.
While similar to those found in many mobile phones, Snapdragon XR2 is custom-tailored for VR and AR. HTC’s VIVE Focus 3, Meta’s Quest Pro, and the Pico 4 all use the Snapdragon XR2. In contrast, the Vision Pro runs on an M2 processor, just like the ones on Apple’s computers. It also features a system-on-a-chip design.
However, the M2 is much more powerful than the XR2 and can run complete computer programs. Both chips feature integrated graphics processing that makes high-resolution possible. In addition to the M2 chip, the Vision Pro will use an R1 co-processor to handle data from the myriad of sensors around the headset.
Operating System
- Smooth and seamless gaming experience
- Compatible with both new titles and old favorites
- Premium carrying case for durable protection
- High resolution display with 50% more pixels
A device’s OS provides the user interface for interaction. So, it’s essential to create a seamless and intuitive user experience. Apple and Meta are great in this regard, but their operating systems are designed with different experiences in mind.
Quest 2’s operating system is based on Android 12.1 with a proprietary interface and app store from a traditional Android OS. In contrast, the Vision Pro runs on Apple’s new VisionOS, designed from the ground up. However, it will integrate many applications from the Apple App Store.
Controls
A major difference between the Quest 2 and Vision Pro is how users interact with both devices. Most VR headsets use two controllers, one for each hand. These controllers have directional sticks, triggers, buttons, and sensors to track movements. The headset’s sensors also pick up the controllers to see where they are in relation to the headset.
That is precisely how Quest 2 works, as it relies entirely on the two controllers. The downside is that the batteries occasionally need replacing and aren’t perfect for many games. Apple is trying to change that by having a more natural control system that doesn’t rely on controllers. Instead, you will control the Vision Pro entirely with your voice, hand motions, and eye movements.
Audio
Sound is secondary to the features on devices like phones, laptops, and TVs. Even the iPhone and iPad have received many complaints because their speakers don’t point forward. Many factors influence speaker placement, including space and looks. But the sound is crucial to delivering a convincing VR experience.
Quest 2’s speakers are just behind inside the headset, with sound waves directed toward the wearer’s ear. That creates some problems with clarity and does not allow for a surrounding feeling. The Vision Pro, on the other hand, places its speakers directly beside the wearer’s ear for maximum clarity. It also ensures what Apple calls “Audio Ray Tracing,” plus spatial audio.
Use Case
The final and potentially most critical factor is each headset’s purpose. Most people think of gaming when they hear about VR, but these headsets are versatile. In fact, Meta says their devices are for socializing and interacting with others.
Some Meta apps let you watch games, concerts, and movies or meet new friends. Meanwhile, Vision Pro targets working professionals with its range of productivity apps. However, it will also have streaming and gaming capabilities. Vision Pro also supports AR, which has potential uses.
Apple’s Vision Pro Vs Meta Quest 2: 5 Must-Know Facts
- Both headsets are standalone devices meaning they do not require a PC.
- Apple’s Vision Pro provides many functionalities of a full-fledged computer.
- The Quest 2 is less than one-tenth the price of the Vision Pro.
- Vision Pro will launch in early 2024, and the Quest 2 will have a successor by the end of 2023.
- The Quest 2 utilizes standard VR controllers, while the Vision Pro will not use controllers.
Apple’s Vision Pro Vs Meta Quest 2: Which One Is Better?
While it’s yet to hit stores, the Apple Vision Pro is the clear winner. It has better graphics, a more powerful processor, and a more ergonomic design. Considering Vision Pro’s challenges, it may struggle to break into a new market. However, if anyone can successfully navigate this new market and make VR mainstream, it is Apple.
The bigger problem is that VR, in general, is struggling to see widespread adoption. While VR headsets users are growing, few use their devices often. VR seems more of a novelty for playing around with temporarily. If manufacturers want technology to catch on rather than fade away like 3D TVs, they will need to fix some problems.
VR headsets are uncomfortable to wear for long periods. Let’s not forget battery life and display resolution are still issues, but both are improving. Those who tested the Vision Pro may have used it for a few minutes, so we don’t know how comfortable they are.
However, we do know that the Quest 2 becomes uncomfortable because of the head strap and weight. The Vision Pro and Quest 2 are standalone devices targeting a specific market. Since the Vision Pro still has a while before its release, not to mention a ridiculously high price. For now, consider getting a Quest 2 to see whether you would use the Vision Pro before you invest in a pricey headset.
