Meta Quest 2 vs Oculus Rift S – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

Meta Quest 2 & Oculus Rift S share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the Meta Quest 2 rather than the Oculus Rift S. 

Why Do I Recommend The Meta Quest 2

  • The Meta Quest 2 features a higher resolution display (1832 x 1920 per eye) for sharper visuals, improved clarity, and enhanced detail compared to the Oculus Rift S’s 1280 x 1440 resolution.
  • Meta Quest 2 offers multiple refresh rate options (60Hz, 72Hz, 90Hz, and 120Hz) for smoother gameplay, better motion handling, and reduced motion blur, whereas the Oculus Rift S is limited to 80Hz.
  • It is a versatile standalone headset with a powerful Snapdragon XR2 processor to enjoy VR games and apps without a PC, whereas the Oculus Rift S requires constant PC connectivity.
  • The Meta Quest 2 features improved controllers with enhanced haptic feedback and better ergonomics for a more immersive and comfortable VR experience compared to the Oculus Rift S’s standard Oculus Touch controllers.
  • Meta Quest 2 includes native hand-tracking support to navigate VR environments and interact with content, while Oculus Rift S lacks these features.
  • It supports both wired (Oculus Link) and wireless PCVR (Air Link) connectivity for providing more flexibility and freedom compared to the Oculus Rift S’s wired PC connection.
  • The Meta Quest 2 is lightweight (approximately 503g) for improving comfort during long VR sessions, while the Oculus Rift S is around 563g.

Maybe the Oculus Rift S price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the Meta Quest 2. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.

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Side By Side Comparison

FeatureMeta Quest 2Oculus Rift S
Display TypeLCD with Fast-Switch TechnologyLCD
Resolution (per eye)1832 x 19201280 x 1440
Total Resolution3664 x 19202560 x 1440
Refresh Rate60Hz / 72Hz / 90Hz / 120Hz80Hz
Wireless CapabilityYes (Standalone + Oculus Link/Air Link for PCVR)No (Tethered to PC only)
ProcessorQualcomm Snapdragon XR2Powered by connected PC
RAM6GBN/A (PC-dependent)
Storage Options64GB / 128GB / 256GBN/A (PC-dependent)
Battery Life2-3 hours (built-in battery)No battery (PC-powered)
Audio SolutionIntegrated positional speakersIntegrated speakers with 3.5mm audio jack
IPD AdjustmentManual 3-step adjustment (58mm / 63mm / 68mm)Fixed IPD with software adjustment
Head StrapSoft fabric strapRigid Halo headband
Controller DesignNew ergonomic Oculus Touch controllersStandard Oculus Touch controllers
Software SupportStandalone VR apps + PCVR via Link/Air LinkPCVR-only support
Setup RequirementsGuardian boundary setup onlyPC setup with USB 3.0 + DisplayPort required
Hand Tracking SupportYes (native support)No
PCVR Link CableOculus Link cable (optional)N/A (permanently wired connection)
Gaming LibraryQuest Store + Oculus Store + SteamVR supportOculus Store + SteamVR support
Passthrough FeatureYes (Passthrough+ for improved environment visibility)Yes (Standard Passthrough)
Color PassthroughYesNo (Black & White only)
Comfort AccessoriesElite StrapIntegrated Halo headband
Default Facial InterfaceSoft foam with removable facial interfaceRigid plastic with foam padding
Release DateOctober 2020March 2019
Weight~503g~563g
PriceCheck Quest 2 PriceCheck Rift S Price

What Common Both Can Do?

  • Display Type (LCD Panel): Both headsets utilize LCD panels, which provide improved brightness, color accuracy, and reduced screen door effect compared to older OLED screens.
  • Field of View (FoV): Both offer a similar field of view (~100-110 degrees), ensuring a comparable immersive visual experience with wide peripheral vision.
  • Inside-Out Tracking: Each headset features inside-out tracking technology, meaning the built-in cameras track your movements without the need for external sensors, simplifying setup.
  • 6DoF (Six Degrees of Freedom): Both devices support 6DoF, allowing for complete head and body movement tracking, giving users the ability to move naturally within the virtual environment.
  • Integrated Audio System: Both headsets include built-in positional speakers that deliver immersive 3D audio without requiring headphones, enhancing the VR experience with spatial sound.
  • 3.5mm Audio Jack Support: Both provide a 3.5mm audio jack for users who prefer to connect their own headphones for personalized sound.
  • Passthrough Feature: Each headset includes a Passthrough feature, which allows users to see their real-world surroundings through the headset’s cameras. While Quest 2 offers improved color Passthrough via updates, both originally featured black-and-white Passthrough.
  • Guardian Boundary System: Both devices implement the Guardian Boundary system, enabling users to create a safe play area that alerts them if they move too close to walls or objects during gameplay.
  • Oculus Touch Controllers: Both headsets come with Oculus Touch controllers, designed to provide precise hand tracking, motion control, and intuitive interactions in VR.
  • PCVR Compatibility: Both headsets are compatible with PCVR experiences. The Quest 2 achieves this through Oculus Link or Air Link, while the Rift S requires a constant wired PC connection.
  • Game Library Access: Both devices offer access to the Oculus Store and SteamVR, ensuring a wide variety of games and applications for immersive entertainment.
  • Room-Scale VR Support: Both headsets support room-scale VR, allowing users to physically move within a defined play area for a more immersive experience.
  • Glasses Compatibility: Both headsets are designed to accommodate glasses wearers comfortably, with the Quest 2 including a dedicated glasses spacer.
  • Software Ecosystem (Oculus Home): Both devices use the Oculus Home platform, providing a familiar interface for managing games, apps, and social features.
  • Firmware & Software Updates: Both headsets receive regular updates to enhance performance, introduce new features, and improve overall user experience.

Common Features

FeatureMeta Quest 2Oculus Rift S
Display TypeLCDLCD
Field of View (FoV)~100 degrees~110 degrees
Inside-Out TrackingYesYes
6DoF (Six Degrees of Freedom)YesYes
Integrated Audio SystemYes (Built-in positional speakers)Yes (Built-in positional speakers)
3.5mm Audio Jack SupportYesYes
Passthrough FeatureYes (Black and White Passthrough, upgraded to color via software update)Yes (Black and White Passthrough)
Guardian Boundary SystemYesYes
Oculus Touch ControllersYes (Improved version)Yes
PCVR CompatibilityYes (via Oculus Link/Air Link)Yes (Native PCVR)
Game Library AccessOculus Store + SteamVR supportOculus Store + SteamVR support
Room-Scale VR SupportYesYes
Glasses CompatibilityYes (with spacer)Yes
Software EcosystemOculus HomeOculus Home
Firmware & Software UpdatesYesYes
Price Check Quest 2 Price Check Rift S Price

FAQ

Can the Meta Quest 2 be used as a PCVR headset like the Oculus Rift S?
Yes, the Meta Quest 2 can connect to a PC using Oculus Link (wired) or Air Link (wireless) to access PCVR content, making it versatile as both a standalone and PCVR headset.

Which headset offers better display quality?
The Meta Quest 2 features a higher resolution display (1832 x 1920 per eye) compared to the Oculus Rift S (1280 x 1440 per eye), resulting in sharper visuals and improved image clarity.

Does the Oculus Rift S support wireless gameplay like the Meta Quest 2?
No, the Oculus Rift S is entirely dependent on a wired PC connection. The Meta Quest 2, however, offers a fully wireless experience in standalone mode and supports wireless PCVR via Air Link.

Which headset is easier to set up?
The Meta Quest 2 has a simpler setup process as it does not require a PC or external sensors. The Oculus Rift S requires a PC connection and additional configuration for optimal tracking performance.

Do both headsets support room-scale VR?
Yes, both the Meta Quest 2 and Oculus Rift S support room-scale VR, allowing users to walk around in a designated play area.

Are both headsets compatible with the same game libraries?
Yes, both headsets can access the Oculus Store and SteamVR, offering a similar range of VR games and experiences.

Which headset offers better comfort for long sessions?
The Oculus Rift S includes a rigid Halo headband designed for better weight distribution, making it more comfortable for longer VR sessions. The Meta Quest 2 uses a soft strap by default but offers an optional Elite Strap for improved comfort.

Do both headsets support hand tracking?
Only the Meta Quest 2 supports hand tracking natively, allowing users to interact with VR content using their hands without controllers. The Oculus Rift S does not have this feature.

Which headset has better refresh rate options?
The Meta Quest 2 offers multiple refresh rate modes (60Hz, 72Hz, 90Hz, and 120Hz), while the Oculus Rift S is limited to 80Hz.

Do both headsets include built-in audio?
Yes, both the Meta Quest 2 and Oculus Rift S have integrated speakers that deliver positional 3D audio. Both also include a 3.5mm audio jack for connecting external headphones.

Can I use glasses with these headsets?
Yes, both headsets support glasses wearers. The Meta Quest 2 includes a dedicated glasses spacer to improve comfort for users with prescription lenses.

Which headset is lighter and more portable?
The Meta Quest 2 is lighter at approximately 503g, compared to the Oculus Rift S, which weighs about 563g. Additionally, the Quest 2’s standalone design makes it far more portable.

What type of tracking system do both headsets use?
Both headsets use inside-out tracking, which relies on built-in cameras to track movement without external sensors. However, the Meta Quest 2 achieves this with four cameras, while the Oculus Rift S includes five cameras for additional precision.

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