Meta Quest 3S
Meta Quest 3S is a standalone virtual reality headset developed by Meta. Released on October 15, 2024[1], it was announced during Meta Connect 2024 on September 25, 2024[1]. The Quest 3S is Meta's entry-level VR headset, positioned as a more affordable alternative to the Meta Quest 3 with some scaled-back features while maintaining the same processing power[2][1].
| Meta Quest 3S | |
|---|---|
| |
| Basic Info | |
| VR/AR | Virtual Reality |
| Type | Head-mounted display |
| Subtype | Standalone VR |
| Platform | Meta Quest |
| Creator | Meta |
| Developer | Meta |
| Manufacturer | Meta |
| Announcement Date | September 25, 2024 |
| Release Date | October 15, 2024 |
| Price | $299 (128GB), $399 (256GB) |
| Website | https://www.meta.com/quest/quest-3s/ |
| Versions | 128GB, 256GB |
| Requires | Meta account |
| Predecessor | Meta Quest 2 |
| System | |
| Operating System | Meta Horizon OS |
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 |
| CPU | Octa-core Kryo (1 x 3.19 GHz, 4 x 2.8 GHz, 3 x 2.0 GHz) |
| GPU | Adreno 740 |
| Storage | |
| Storage | 128GB or 256GB |
| Memory | 8GB RAM |
| SD Card Slot | No |
| Display | |
| Display | Single LCD |
| Subpixel Layout | RGB stripe |
| Peak Brightness | 100 nits |
| Resolution | 1832 x 1920 pixels per eye |
| Pixel Density | 773 PPI |
| Refresh Rate | Up to 120Hz |
| Image | |
| Horizontal FoV | ~96 degrees |
| Vertical FoV | ~90 degrees |
| Rendered FoV | 104° horizontal, 98° vertical |
| Binocular Overlap | 90 degrees |
| Average Pixel Density | ~20 PPD |
| Peak Pixel Density | 20 PPD |
| Foveated Rendering | No |
| Optics | |
| Optics | Fresnel lenses |
| Ocularity | Binocular |
| IPD Range | 58-68mm (3 fixed positions: 58mm, 63mm, 68mm) |
| Adjustable Diopter | No |
| Passthrough | Color, 18 PPD |
| Tracking | |
| Tracking | 6DoF, inside-out tracking |
| Base Stations | None |
| Eye Tracking | No |
| Face Tracking | No |
| Hand Tracking | Yes |
| Body Tracking | Upper body tracking with leg position estimation |
| Rotational Tracking | Yes |
| Positional Tracking | Yes |
| Audio | |
| Audio | Integrated spatial audio speakers |
| Microphone | Yes |
| 3.5mm Audio Jack | No |
| Camera | 2x 4MP (18 PPD) RGB passthrough cameras, 4x tracking cameras |
| Connectivity | |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth |
| Ports | USB-C |
| Wired Video | USB-C (Link cable) |
| Wireless Video | Wi-Fi streaming |
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6E |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Battery Capacity | 4324 mAh |
| Battery Life | ~2.5 hours |
| Charge Time | ~1.8 hours (110 minutes) |
| Device | |
| Dimensions | 191.5 x 102 x 142.5 mm (without headstrap) |
| Weight | 514g (with headstrap) |
| Material | Plastic, foam facial interface |
| Headstrap | Flexible fabric strap |
| Color | White |
| Sensors | 2x RGB sensors, 4x VGA sensors, 2x IR Flood LEDs |
| Input | Touch Plus controllers, hand tracking |
History and Development
The Meta Quest 3S was officially announced by Meta on September 25, 2024, during the Meta Connect 2024 event, with preorders opening the same day[1]. It began shipping on October 15, 2024[1]. The headset was developed to replace the aging Meta Quest 2 as the company's affordable entry point into VR and MR, sitting below the flagship Meta Quest 3 in the product lineup[3][4]. This marked a shift for Meta, offering two distinct tiers within the same generation of Quest headsets[5]. The existence and name of the device were leaked prior to the official announcement[6].
Hardware
Design and Ergonomics
The Quest 3S features a white plastic body similar in overall shape to the Quest 2[7][3], but with redesigned sensor arrays on the front panel, featuring two triangular clusters instead of the Quest 3's vertical pill shapes[7]. Although physically similar in weight to the Quest 3 at 514 grams (including the default strap)[1][7], its use of bulkier Fresnel lenses means the center of gravity is further from the face, which some reviewers found slightly less comfortable or secure compared to the Quest 3[8][9].
It ships with a basic fabric Y-style headstrap, similar to the one included with the Quest 2 and Quest 3[2], which many reviewers found lacked adequate support or counterweight for the front-heavy design, often recommending an upgrade to an Elite Strap style accessory[2][3][10]. Notably, the Quest 3S strap attachment points are compatible with most existing Quest 3 headstraps[1][2][11]. A new physical "Action Button" is located on the underside of the headset, allowing users to quickly toggle between immersive VR and the passthrough view[1][3], replacing the double-tap gesture used on Quest 3[12] (though the double-tap gesture may still function). Unlike the Quest 2 and Quest 3, the Quest 3S lacks an internal proximity sensor, meaning the display doesn't automatically turn on or off when the headset is put on or removed; users must press the power button[2].
Display and Optics
The most significant cost-saving measure and point of differentiation from the Quest 3 lies in the Quest 3S's display and optical system, which is largely repurposed from the Meta Quest 2[7][8]. It uses a single fast-switch LCD panel providing a resolution of 1832 x 1920 pixels per eye, identical to the Quest 2[7][6]. This results in a lower pixel density (approximately 20 Pixels Per Degree or PPD)[1] compared to the Quest 3's 25 PPD (2064 x 2208 per eye)[7]. While the resolution difference wasn't always drastically noticeable in games due to rendering limitations, reviewers consistently noted that the Quest 3 offered a significantly sharper and clearer image, especially for text or fine details[7][8][10].
The Quest 3S employs Fresnel lenses, also inherited from the Quest 2[1][7]. These lenses are known for having a smaller "sweet spot" (the central area of maximum clarity) compared to the pancake lenses used in the Quest 3[2][8]. Image sharpness noticeably decreases towards the edges of the field of view[2][10], and Fresnel lenses are more prone to glare and god rays (internal reflections) in high-contrast scenes[2][10]. The field of view (FoV) is also narrower than the Quest 3, measured at approximately 96-97° horizontal and 90-93° vertical[7][6], compared to the Quest 3's 110° horizontal and 96° vertical[7].
Interpupillary distance (IPD) adjustment is limited to three fixed hardware positions: 58mm, 63mm, and 68mm, similar to the Quest 2[1][7]. Users manually shift the lenses between these preset grooves[8]. This contrasts with the Quest 3's continuous IPD adjustment wheel (53-75mm range)[7], potentially making it harder for some Quest 3S users to achieve optimal visual clarity and comfort if their IPD falls between the presets[8][10]. The headset includes a glasses spacer[1], and is compatible with Quest 2 prescription lens inserts[1].
Processor and Performance
The Quest 3S is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 system-on-chip, paired with 8GB of RAM[1][7]. This is the same processor and memory configuration found in the more expensive Quest 3, representing a significant performance upgrade over the Quest 2's Snapdragon XR2 Gen 1 processor (Meta claims roughly double the GPU performance)[3][13]. This allows the Quest 3S to run all existing Quest Store games and apps, including titles designed with enhanced graphics for the Quest 3 platform, such as Batman: Arkham Shadow (which was bundled free with the headset for a promotional period)[12][8]. Reviewers noted that the headset felt responsive and smooth in operation, with faster load times compared to the Quest 2[3][12].
Tracking and Controllers
The Quest 3S utilizes inside-out tracking with 6 degrees of freedom (DoF) via four integrated monochrome tracking cameras located on the front and sides of the headset[6]. Meta's inside-out tracking is generally considered robust and class-leading for standalone headsets[2]. The headset includes two Infrared (IR) flood illuminators, which improve hand tracking and controller tracking performance in low-light conditions, allowing tracking to function even in complete darkness in some scenarios – an area where it potentially outperforms the Quest 3[14][2]. The Quest 3S lacks the dedicated depth sensor found on the Quest 3, which is used by the latter to improve the speed and accuracy of automatic room scanning (scene meshing) for mixed reality setup[1].
The headset comes bundled with the same Meta Quest Touch Plus controllers used by the Quest 3[1][2]. These controllers feature a more compact design without the tracking rings found on the Quest 2's controllers[2], incorporate haptics (branded as TruTouch Haptics)[1], and use capacitive sensors on the buttons, thumbsticks, and triggers for basic finger presence detection[2]. They are powered by standard AA batteries[2][3]. While generally praised for their ergonomics and tracking accuracy[3], some tracking issues can occur if the controllers are held outside the headset cameras' view for extended periods (e.g., behind the back)[2]. Hand tracking is supported and benefits from the IR illuminators in low light[14], though its accuracy and usability within the Horizon OS interface were still critiqued by some reviewers as occasionally frustrating[2][10].
Audio
Audio is delivered via integrated spatial audio speakers built into the headstrap arms, similar to the Quest 3[2][3]. Reviewers generally found the audio quality to be good enough that external headphones aren't strictly necessary for most users[2][3]. However, the Quest 3S notably omits the 3.5mm headphone jack found on the Quest 2 and Quest 3[1][3]. Users wanting to use private audio must rely on USB-C headphones or Bluetooth wireless headphones[1][3].
Passthrough and Mixed Reality
A key upgrade over the Quest 2 is the inclusion of full-color stereo passthrough cameras (dual RGB sensors), enabling mixed reality experiences where virtual elements are overlaid onto the user's real-world surroundings[1][12]. Meta states the passthrough resolution is 4.5 times higher than the Quest 2's[13]. While a significant improvement over the Quest 2's low-resolution black-and-white passthrough[1], reviewers noted that the Quest 3S's passthrough quality, while usable and beneficial, appeared grainier, noisier, and less sharp compared to the Quest 3's passthrough view, likely exacerbated by the lower-resolution display and Fresnel optics[2][5]. It allows users to see their environment for setup, finding controllers, or brief interactions, but reading fine text on a phone or computer screen through passthrough remains difficult[2][5]. The headset supports automatic room scanning and boundary setup[12][9].
Battery
The Quest 3S contains a 4324 mAh battery[7][6]. Meta rates the average battery life at approximately 2.5 hours of general use, slightly longer than the Quest 3's 2.2-hour rating[1][7]. Real-world testing by reviewers typically found battery life to be around 2 hours or slightly less, especially during intensive gaming or mixed reality use[11][3][12]. The headset charges via USB-C, with a full charge taking approximately 1.8 hours (110 minutes)[3]. Due to the lack of pogo pins found on the Quest 3, the Quest 3S is not compatible with the original Quest 3 Charging Dock, though Meta released a separate "Compact Charging Dock" for the 3S[1][2].
Software
Operating System
The Quest 3S runs on Horizon OS, Meta's proprietary operating system based on Android[3][6]. It provides the interface for launching games and apps, managing settings, and accessing system features[5]. Horizon OS supports features like multi-window multitasking, allowing users to run multiple 2D apps (like browsers or media players) simultaneously in floating windows[2][3]. It also includes features for setting up play boundaries (Guardian) and managing user accounts[3]. While acknowledged as the most feature-rich OS for standalone VR headsets, Horizon OS has faced criticism for perceived clunkiness, occasional bugs, and usability issues[2][10]. System software updates are released regularly by Meta, adding features and refinements[8]. Security updates are planned until at least October 2029[3].
Content Library
The Quest 3S has access to the full Meta Quest Store, which contains hundreds of VR games, mixed reality applications, fitness programs, social experiences, entertainment apps, and productivity tools[12][11]. Because it shares the same processor as the Quest 3, it can run all titles available on the platform, including graphically demanding games and newer releases optimized for or exclusive to the Quest 3 generation hardware, such as Batman: Arkham Shadow, Asgard's Wrath 2, and Assassin's Creed Nexus VR[2][3][11]. Popular longstanding titles like Beat Saber, Superhot VR, and Resident Evil 4 VR are also available[3][12].
The headset also supports PC VR gaming when connected to a compatible gaming PC[3][9]. This can be done via a wired connection using a USB-C Link Cable or wirelessly over Wi-Fi using Air Link or third-party apps like Virtual Desktop[3][9]. This grants access to PC VR platforms like SteamVR and their respective libraries, including titles like Half-Life: Alyx[2][11].
Specifications
| Feature | Meta Quest 3S | Meta Quest 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 | Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 |
| RAM | 8GB | 8GB |
| Storage | 128GB / 256GB | 512GB |
| Display Type | Single Fast switch LCD | Dual LCD |
| Resolution (per eye) | 1832 x 1920 | 2064 x 2208 |
| Refresh Rate | Up to 120 Hz | Up to 120 Hz |
| Lens Type | Fresnel | Pancake |
| Field of View | ~96° × 90° | ~110° × 96° |
| IPD Adjustment | 3 fixed positions (58, 63, 68mm) | Continuous slider (53-75mm) |
| Passthrough | Full-color stereo (18 PPD) | Full-color stereo (18 PPD) |
| Depth Sensor | No (Uses IR Illuminators) | Yes |
| Weight (with strap) | 514g | 515g |
| Audio Jack (3.5mm) | No | Yes |
| Battery Capacity | 4324 mAh | 5060 mAh |
| Rated Battery Life | ~2.5 hours | ~2.2 hours |
| Controllers | Touch Plus (Ringless) | Touch Plus (Ringless) |
| Price (USD) | $299 (128GB) / $399 (256GB) | $499 (512GB) |
Reception
The Meta Quest 3S received generally positive reviews, primarily praised for its strong value proposition and performance capabilities at its $299 starting price[2][3][12]. It was widely regarded as the best entry-level VR headset available and a worthy successor to the Quest 2's market position, making modern standalone VR and mixed reality more accessible[3][12][4]. The inclusion of the powerful Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chip, identical to the Quest 3's, was highlighted as a major strength, ensuring compatibility with the latest Quest games and smooth performance[3][12][9]. The addition of full-color passthrough was seen as a significant upgrade over the Quest 2, enhancing usability and enabling mixed reality experiences, even if the quality wasn't as high as the Quest 3's[7][3][12]. The improved low-light hand tracking due to IR illuminators was also noted as a positive[2][14].
However, the primary criticisms centered on the compromises made to achieve the lower price, particularly the reuse of the Quest 2's display and Fresnel lens system[2][7][8]. Reviewers consistently pointed out the lower resolution, narrower field of view, smaller sweet spot, and increased edge blurriness compared to the Quest 3's pancake lenses, which impacted visual clarity, especially for reading text or watching media[2][8][10]. The limited 3-step IPD adjustment was also criticized as potentially problematic for users whose IPD didn't align well with the presets[8][10]. Other drawbacks mentioned included the basic comfort of the default headstrap (requiring an accessory purchase for many users)[3][10], the omission of the 3.5mm headphone jack[1][9], the relatively short battery life[5][12], and the ongoing usability critiques of Horizon OS[2][10].
Overall, the Quest 3S was recommended as an excellent choice for VR newcomers or budget-conscious buyers wanting access to the Quest ecosystem[12][5][4]. For users prioritizing the best visual quality, wider field of view, and comfort features, or those upgrading from a Quest 2 seeking a more significant leap, the Meta Quest 3 was frequently recommended as worth the additional cost[7][8][9]. The 256GB Quest 3S model at $399 was sometimes seen as poor value compared to the $499 Quest 3 (which offered 512GB storage alongside better optics)[9][10].
Images
References
<references> [1] [2] [3] [6] [7] [9] [13]
- ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 1.12 1.13 1.14 1.15 1.16 1.17 1.18 1.19 1.20 1.21 1.22 1.23 1.24 1.25 Heaney, David (September 25, 2024). "Quest 3S Is Official: XR2 Gen 2 Chipset, Mixed Reality And Fresnel Lenses For $300". https://www.uploadvr.com/meta-quest-3s-officially-announced/. Retrieved May 4, 2025.
- ↑ 2.00 2.01 2.02 2.03 2.04 2.05 2.06 2.07 2.08 2.09 2.10 2.11 2.12 2.13 2.14 2.15 2.16 2.17 2.18 2.19 2.20 2.21 2.22 2.23 2.24 2.25 2.26 2.27 2.28 2.29 2.30 Lang, Ben (October 17, 2024). "Quest 3S Review – Value That Can't Be Beat, With the Same Rough Edges as Its Siblings". https://www.roadtovr.com/meta-quest-3s-review-value-that-cant-be-beat/. Retrieved May 4, 2025.
- ↑ 3.00 3.01 3.02 3.03 3.04 3.05 3.06 3.07 3.08 3.09 3.10 3.11 3.12 3.13 3.14 3.15 3.16 3.17 3.18 3.19 3.20 3.21 3.22 3.23 3.24 3.25 3.26 3.27 Gibbs, Samuel (November 25, 2024). "Meta Quest 3S review: the best bang for your buck in VR". https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2024/nov/25/meta-quest-3s-review-the-best-bang-for-your-buck-in-vr. Retrieved May 4, 2025.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 Peters, Jay (January 14, 2025). "Meta Quest 3S review: probably the one we've been waiting for". https://www.theverge.com/24340948/meta-quest-3s-vr-headset-review. Retrieved May 4, 2025.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 Unknown (November 2, 2024). "Review: Meta Quest 3S". https://www.wired.com/review/meta-quest-3s/. Retrieved May 4, 2025.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 6.5 6.6 6.7 "Meta Quest 3S Specs". https://vr-compare.com/headset/metaquest3s. Retrieved May 4, 2025.
- ↑ 7.00 7.01 7.02 7.03 7.04 7.05 7.06 7.07 7.08 7.09 7.10 7.11 7.12 7.13 7.14 7.15 7.16 7.17 7.18 7.19 Greenwald, Will (November 21, 2024). "Meta Quest 3 vs. Meta Quest 3S: What's the Difference?". https://www.pcmag.com/comparisons/meta-quest-3-vs-meta-quest-3s-whats-the-difference. Retrieved May 4, 2025.
- ↑ 8.00 8.01 8.02 8.03 8.04 8.05 8.06 8.07 8.08 8.09 8.10 8.11 Hector, Hamish (October 14, 2024). "Meta Quest 3S review: the world's best affordable VR headset". https://www.techradar.com/computing/virtual-reality-augmented-reality/meta-quest-3s-review-an-affordable-mixed-reality-headset-that-everyone-might-want. Retrieved May 4, 2025.
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 9.3 9.4 9.5 9.6 9.7 9.8 Ridley, Jacob (November 14, 2024). "Meta Quest 3S review". https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/vr-hardware/meta-quest-3s-review/. Retrieved May 4, 2025.
- ↑ 10.00 10.01 10.02 10.03 10.04 10.05 10.06 10.07 10.08 10.09 10.10 10.11 Erl, Josef (December 15, 2024). "Meta Quest 3S Review: An entry-level VR headset that doesn't always make things easy for beginners". https://mixed-news.com/en/meta-quest-3s-review/. Retrieved May 4, 2025.
- ↑ 11.0 11.1 11.2 11.3 11.4 Moss, Gabriel (October 24, 2024). "Meta Quest 3S Review". https://www.ign.com/articles/meta-quest-3s-review. Retrieved May 4, 2025.
- ↑ 12.00 12.01 12.02 12.03 12.04 12.05 12.06 12.07 12.08 12.09 12.10 12.11 12.12 12.13 Polanco, Tony (October 14, 2024). "Meta Quest 3S review: The best VR headset for the money". https://www.tomsguide.com/computing/vr-ar/meta-quest-3s-review. Retrieved May 4, 2025.
- ↑ 13.0 13.1 13.2 "Meta Quest 3S". https://www.meta.com/quest/quest-3s/. Retrieved May 4, 2025.
- ↑ 14.0 14.1 14.2 Heaney, David (October 10, 2024). "Quest 3S Has Better Low-Light Head & Hand Tracking Than Quest 3". https://www.uploadvr.com/quest3s-hand-tracking-better-than-quest-3/. Retrieved May 4, 2025.