If you’re in the market for a new VR headset, you might want to make a Meta Quest 3 vs VIVE Pro 2 comparison. These or some of the top choices for virtual reality enthusiasts, so putting them side-by-side could help you come to a decision.
There’s a lot to consider when picking out a VR headset, so going through all the different features and specs may be a bit overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time buying one. And if that wasn’t enough to fuel your indecisiveness, new headsets like the upcoming Apple Vision Pro are always coming out with new bells and whistles.
So, let’s go ahead and dive into this Meta Quest 3 vs VIVE Pro 2 comparison to see how they stack up against each other.
Meta Quest 3 vs VIVE Pro 2 – Specs
Both the Meta Quest 3 and VIVE Pro 2 are considered to be among the top mid-range VR headsets on the market today. Here’s a list of their specifications for a quick glance at how they perform.
Meta Quest 3 | VIVE Pro 2 | |
|---|---|---|
Connectivity | Standalone and PC link functionality | Connected to PC |
Display | LCD | LCD |
Resolution | 4128 x 2208 | 4896 x 2448 |
Maximum Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz |
Field of View | 100 Degrees | 120 Degrees |
Price | Starts at $499 | $799 |
As you can see, there are a few noticeable differences between the two headsets. If you’ve whittled down your choices to these two brands, it may ultimately just come down to your preferences.
Meta Quest 3 vs VIVE Pro 2 – Connectivity
The Meta Quest 3 edges out the VIVE Pro 2 in this category due to its wireless capabilities. Not only is the Quest 3 able to pair up with a PC wirelessly via Air Link, it can also act as a standalone platform. This means you can install and launch apps directly through the Quest 3 headset.
Though the VIVE Pro 2 is also capable of connecting to a PC without cables, it does require an additional wireless adapter. The VIVE Pro 2’s performance may also take a hit if paired to a computer wirelessly. And finally, the VIVE Pro 2 does not have standalone functionality.
Meta Quest 3 vs VIVE Pro 2 – Display
Having a higher resolution and larger field of view, there’s no question that the VIVE Pro 2 has the better display. On top of that, the VIVE Pro 2 has foveated rendering. This feature increases the resolution on certain areas of the display based on where the user is looking for more realistic visuals.
However, the VIVE Pro 2 does require a beefy PC setup to take full advantage of its display specs. And as mentioned earlier, you experience a slight dip in resolution quality if you’re connected to a PC wirelessly.
Meta Quest 3 vs VIVE Pro 2 – Games
With the VIVE Pro 2 lacking any exclusive games, we have to give this one to the Meta Quest 3. Having a long list of Meta-exclusive VR games that include popular titles like Resident Evil 4 VR, the Quest 3 is the clear winner here.
Additionally, the Quest 3 is fully backward compatible with the Quest 2, meaning you’ll have access to the latter’s entire library of games.
Meta Quest 3 vs VIVE Pro 2 – Price
When taking a look at the prices for these two VR headsets, the Meta Quest 3 is clearly more affordable than the VIVE Pro 2.
And remember, the VIVE Pro 2 needs to be connected to a PC so that’s another investment you’ll have to make if you don’t already own a decent setup. Taking these two factors into consideration, there’s no doubt that the Meta Quest 3 takes this category.
Meta Quest 3 vs VIVE Pro 2 – which to buy?
Taking everything into account, we’re going to side with the Meta Quest 3 in this matchup. Not only is it more affordable, it also offers more value with standalone functionality and a larger catalog of games.
If you already own a decked-out gaming PC and are looking specifically for high-quality visuals during your VR experience, then you may still consider the VIVE Pro 2. Otherwise, you’re better off going with the Meta Quest 3.
And that’ll do it for our Meta Quest 3 vs VIVE Pro 2 comparison guide. If you’re still undecided on which headset to buy, you might also want to take a look at the PSVR 2 or even the Meta Quest 2.