Key Points
- The Meta Quest 3 and PlayStation VR are both great entry points to virtual reality, with each device tied to its own ecosystem.
- The Meta Quest 3 has a higher native resolution of 2064 x 2208 per eye compared to the PlayStation VR’s 960 x 1080 per eye, making it better for modern VR games.
- The Meta Quest 3 has native support for its platform and can also be used as a full-fledged headset with Oculus Link, while the PSVR primarily supports PlayStation consoles.
- The Meta Quest 3 is wireless and standalone, while the PSVR is wired and requires a PlayStation for signal reception.
- The Meta Quest 3 is the winner due to its flexibility, higher resolution, packaged controllers, and wide selection of titles for portable and PC usage.
Which VR headset wins between the Meta Quest 3 vs. PlayStation VR? Meta’s latest headset looks to be a substantial improvement on the previous Meta Quest line. The PlayStation VR is an older headset, which has been replaced effectively by the VR 2.
That said, both devices serve as a great entry point to virtual reality. There are some similarities between the two as well since both devices are effectively tied to their own ecosystems.
With that said, it’s time to see what sort of generational improvements are present as the Meta Quest 3 and PSVR go head-to-head.
- 2x the graphic processing power of Quest 2 with the Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2
- Mixed reality blends virtual elements and physical space
- 4K+ Infinite display
- 3D audio with enhanced clarity and bass
- Touch Plus controllers deliver a more intuitive experience
- Library of over 500 titles
Meta Quest 3 vs. PlayStation VR: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Meta Quest 3 | PlayStation VR | |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 2064 x 2208 per eye | 960 x 1080 per eye |
| Means of Connection | Wireless or USB Type-C | USB or HDMI |
| Controllers Included | Yes | No |
| Head Tracking | Yes | Yes |
| Accelerometer | Yes | Yes |
| Display Type | LCD | AMOLED |
| Field of View | 100° | 100° |
| USB Version | 3.2 | 2.0 |
The Meta Quest 3 is a more recent device, so there are obviously some glaring disparities. That said, there is still plenty to analyze between the two.
Meta Quest 3 vs. PlayStation VR: What’s the Difference?
With a broader overview of the specs out of the way, it is time to take a closer look at the capabilities of both devices.
Performance
- 1920x1080 resolution
- PS4 and PS5 Compatible
- Easy to set up with your PlayStation console
- Can use default PlayStation controller during gameplay
The Meta Quest 3 is a standalone device and can support VR content on its own. It handles this flawlessly, with plenty of supported games and apps for the device available for purchase. You can definitely see quite a few technological improvements when pitting the Meta Quest 3 against older devices.
The PlayStation VR was built with the PlayStation 4 in mind and does suffer from being a much older platform. That said, it does come with support for the PlayStation 5. Given that the PS5 focuses much more on higher resolution output, you will notice a general lack of performance when using the PSVR.
Where the PSVR has the edge is in the general cost of entry. It is a less performant device, but you can readily purchase one for under $100. You’ll need accompanying accessories, which will likely diminish the price gap between the Meta Quest 3 and PSVR.
Resolution
Resolution is usually what separates great VR headsets from average ones. The Meta Quest 3 does benefit from having a much higher native resolution than comparable entry-level headsets.
The display outputs a combined 4416 x 2064, which is plenty for most modern VR games. You’ll lose out on some of the finer details for high-end games, however.
The PSVR display outputs a combined 1920 x 1080, which was fine for 2016, though it’s still a lower resolution than on contemporary headsets. In 2023, this is quite low for contemporary VR games.
It can still handle compatible titles just fine on the PS4 and PS5. Users looking for a premium VR experience will likely want to look elsewhere.
Platform Support
- Multiple machines in one
- 3D audio technology
- Excellent image quality
- Hooks up to Discord and Twitch
Both the Meta Quest 3 and PSVR have native support for their respective platforms. Meta provides a marketplace and additional apps to purchase for the Meta Quest 3. However, you also gain compatibility with devices like iPhones and Android smartphones.
You can also use the Meta Quest 3 as a full-fledged headset with Oculus Link. This allows the Meta Quest 3 to directly connect to a Windows PC.
The PSVR is built primarily for the PlayStation consoles, so compatibility with supported titles on the PS4 and PS5 is quite good. You can use the PSVR with a Windows PC, but you’ll require some additional software to make the most of it. There isn’t native support for PCs out of the box.
As such, the Meta Quest 3 gets a healthy edge over the PSVR in this regard. However, one can’t really fault Sony for opting to support its own platform instead of providing universal compatibility. Neither of these devices is DLNA compatible.
Wireless vs. Wired
The primary method of operating the Meta Quest 3 is entirely wireless. It is a self-contained VR headset with its own processor, RAM, and storage. Now, in practice, this is quite nice, as you get access to full playability while not being encumbered or tethered by cabling.
The PSVR is entirely wired, so you’ll have to make sure you have ample length to move around. This isn’t really a surprise, as the PSVR is practically ancient when considering the various advances in VR technology.
Both devices will have to be hardwired to a PC to use them in that capacity. The Meta Quest 3 is a much faster device when going hard-wired directly into a PC. It uses a Type-C connector and USB 3.2 connectivity, so the throughput for data is much, much higher.
The PSVR will need specialized software and uses a USB 2.0 connection. The lower resolution isn’t ideal for modern PC VR games, so it does suffer in some regard. Still, it is a better solution than using your mobile phone as an erstwhile VR device.
Standalone Capabilities
- Comes with a PlayStation VR headset, a PlayStation Camera, and two PlayStation Move motion controllers
- Marvel's Iron Man VR game disc included
- Compatible platforms: PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5
The Meta Quest 3 is entirely standalone, so you don’t need a VR-capable PC to enjoy games and apps. It does help to have a VR PC ready for a broader selection of titles. However, there is plenty to enjoy when just browsing Meta Quest’s app store.
The PSVR is essentially a very fancy paperweight without a PlayStation. It is reliant on the PlayStation and its output to actually receive any sort of signal. Again, this doesn’t come as a huge surprise, as it is purpose-built for Sony devices.
However, if you’re looking for VR on the go, the Meta Quest 3 is the only real option between these two.
Meta Quest 3 vs. PlayStation VR: 6 Must-Know Facts
- The Quest 3 is a massive improvement in tech over the Meta Quest 2.
- The Meta Quest 3 uses pancake lenses instead of the older Fresnel lenses.
- You can use the Meta Quest 3 as a mixed-reality headset.
- The PSVR is compatible with PS4 and PS5 consoles.
- The PSVR can be used with PlayStation Move controllers or the default controller for the console.
- The PSVR has access to exclusive VR games that aren’t available on any other platforms.
Meta Quest 3 vs. PlayStation VR: Which One Is Better? Which One Should You Choose?
So, which of these headsets is the winner? The Meta Quest 3 gets the absolute edge due to being a flexible and modern piece of tech. You get greater resolution, packaged controllers, and a wide selection of titles for both portable and PC usage.
The PSVR is still a great option if you’re looking for an entry-level device that can handle VR. It is a little long in the tooth at this point, so it might be worth opting for the PSVR2.
At any rate, you’ve got plenty of options for VR headsets on the market these days. The Meta Quest 3 is a great buy for VR beginners and provides a flexible platform to branch out before dropping on a Valve Index or other high-end device.
The image featured at the top of this post is ©ymgerman/Shutterstock.com.
