Key Points
- The Meta Quest 3 and PlayStation VR2 are both top contenders for VR headsets in a similar price range.
- The Meta Quest 3 has a higher resolution per eye and is a standalone unit compatible with Quest and Quest 2 titles.
- The PlayStation VR2 has a higher resolution per eye, vibrant AMOLED display, and is exclusive to the PlayStation 5.
- The Meta Quest 3 is a dual-platform headset that can be used standalone or connected to a PC, while the PlayStation VR2 is only compatible with the PS5.
- The Meta Quest 3 can be played wirelessly in standalone mode, while the PlayStation VR2 is wired.
- The Meta Quest 3 is a fully standalone device, while the PlayStation VR2 requires a PS5 to function.
Which VR headset wins with the Meta Quest 3 vs. PlayStation VR? It is always exciting to see in advances in tech that bring things like virtual reality to new heights. Meta’s Quest 3 headset looks to be a continued step in that direction, by being an affordable entry point into VR gaming.
The PlayStation VR2 is a long-awaited follow-up to the original Sony VR headset and promises to build upon the PlayStation 5’s success. Now, this is all well and good, but how do these devices actually fare when pitted against one another?
So, if you’ve been on the hunt for a VR headset, you no doubt have been scouring sites for news and benchmarks. Let’s take some of the guesswork out and do an old-fashioned shootout to see which of these VR headsets is the best fit for you.
Meta Quest 3 vs. PlayStation VR2: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Meta Quest 3 | PlayStation VR2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 2064 x 2208 per eye | 2000 x 2040 per eye |
| Display Type | LCD | AMOLED |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90 or 120Hz |
| Wired or Wireless | Wireless for solo play, wired for PC play | Wired |
| Controllers Included | Yes | No |
| Head Tracking | Yes | Yes |
| Accelerometer | Yes | Yes |
| Field of View | 100° | 110° |
These are both very different headsets with different overall aims when you get down to it. However, going off their generally similar price range, these will likely be at the top of any potential VR user’s shortlist.
Meta Quest 3 vs. PlayStation VR2: What’s the Difference?
The broader specs are out of the way, which means it is time to do a deeper dive into both of these devices. That said, they do serve very different overall use cases.
Most PSVR2 owners are going to be in Sony’s ecosystem already, and the same is applicable to Quest users.
Performance
- Multiple machines in one
- 3D audio technology
- Excellent image quality
- Hooks up to Discord and Twitch
In terms of overall performance, it is hard to truly gauge considering both these devices have very different capabilities. The Meta Quest 3 has a slightly higher resolution per eye, but it has a lesser display.
You’re only getting standard LCD panels coupled with pancake lenses. That said, it is a fully standalone unit that is backward compatible with titles for the Quest and Quest 2.
The PSVR 2 is the latest iteration from Sony and targets the PlayStation 5 directly. At the time of this writing, there is no further support for other platforms aside from the PS5. As such, you’ve got a fairly limited catalog of software to choose from.
Given the PS5’s power, however, this might spur developers to create new and exciting exclusive titles for the PSVR2.
Resolution
The Meta Quest 3 has a higher resolution per eye, but a less vibrant display, as previously discussed. It does have a lower field of view, only coming in at 100° in total. The display looks to be a marked improvement on what users had with the Quest 2.
Time will tell if it is actually on par with the likes of the Quest Pro, but the Quest 3 is shaping up to be a fairly substantial improvement for the Quest line.
The PSVR2 has had plenty of time to cook, especially when compared to the original PSVR. It is a substantially more robust headset, with 2000 x 2040 pixels per eye.
This is a massive improvement over the original unit’s 1920 x 1080 combined output. You get plenty of detail and clarity here. The AMOLED display is one of the best on the market to boot, with vibrant colors, deep blacks, and super motion support.
Platform Support
The Meta Quest 3 is a dual-platform headset. What this means is you can use it as a fully standalone unit with all the software available on the Meta store, or connect it to your PC for use with a slew of supported VR titles.
The Quest 3 is a great hybrid device in a lot of ways, especially since it comes with such a wide amount of support for various other platforms. You can even pair the Quest 3 with your smartphone.
The PSVR 2 is intended only for the PS5. There are no additional workarounds to get the headset working on your PC at the time of this writing. The PSVR2 has no support for older PSVR titles like you’d find on the PS4.
Wireless vs. Wired
- Dual 2,040 x 2,000 OLED displays
- Haptic feedback and immersive audio
- Adaptive trigger system
- AAA exclusive VR games
The Quest 3 can be played wirelessly, at least in standalone mode. You can take the included controllers and have a grand time enjoying the various software available on the Meta store. You will need cabling to actually connect the headset itself to your PC.
This isn’t a huge amount of wiring to hook up, however. You’ll have a standard USB 3.2 cable that you’ll employ, which is a far cry from the slew of cables associated with earlier headsets.
The PSVR2 only has wired capabilities. While it would be nice to see Sony implement a wireless VR headset in the future, that likely won’t be the case for some time.
Setting up the PSVR2 is relatively easy, however. You just need to hook up a few cables to your PS5 and you’re off to the races.
Standalone Capabilities
The Quest 3 is a fully standalone device. This means if you don’t have a dedicated VR PC, you can readily play games on your Quest 3. Meta’s Quest line of headsets has been a popular choice since its introduction due to this capability.
The PSVR2 will always need a PS5 to function. Now, this isn’t a bad thing if you already own a PlayStation 5. However, given the already high cost of the headset, you’ll be looking at over $1,000 just to play exclusive PSVR titles.
Meta Quest 3 vs. PlayStation VR2: 6 Must-Know Facts
- The Meta Quest 3 has a price increase over the original Quest and Quest 2.
- The Meta Quest 3 is due for release in September of 2023.
- The Meta Quest 3 doesn’t need a PC to function.
- The PSVR2 is a massive improvement over the PSVR.
- The PSVR2 needs a PS5 to actually function.
- The PSVR2 has one of the best displays on the market for VR.
Meta Quest 3 vs. PlayStation VR2: Which One Is Better? Which One Should You Choose?
Which of these headsets is the absolute winner? The tip of the hat has to go to the Meta Quest 3. It brings quite a bit to the table, even if the standalone mode is woefully underpowered compared to contemporary gaming PCs and the PS5.
When purchasing the Quest 3, you get a fully self-contained headset complete with controllers. Getting additional accessories is readily done, and you will likely want a case and better straps for the headset.
The PlayStation VR2 is a wonderful product, but it is hindered by its limiting exclusivity. You don’t get an option for portable play, nor can you use the device with a PC. As such, it is only really recommended for players that don’t mind sticking with the PS5 for all their gaming.
The Quest 3 is shaping up to be a wonderful addition to the Quest lineup, and a marked improvement in every conceivable way to the previous generation of hardware.
The image featured at the top of this post is ©Abel Brata Susilo/Shutterstock.com.
