PSVR 2 vs. Meta Quest 3: What’s the Best VR Headset?

The Meta Quest series has dominated the virtual reality (VR) space over the past few years, but it’s not the only option. Sony’s PlayStation VR 2 (PSVR 2) emerged as a worthy competitor in 2023 and has only become more appealing since.

Make no mistake — both the PSVR 2 and Meta Quest 3 are excellent VR headsets. But they’re best in different areas, so you have to compare them side-by-side to know which is most worth it for you. Here’s a closer look at how they stack up.

PSVR 2 vs. Meta Quest 3: Price

The Meta Quest 3 used to be the winner in terms of cost, but now things are a little muddier. Meta’s headset will cost you $499, which includes the controllers and everything you need to start playing. The PSVR 2, on the other hand, used to run for $449, but Sony has since slashed the price to $399, making it the cheaper of the two.

However, those prices don’t tell the whole story. While the Quest 3 is a stand-alone system — you don’t need any additional hardware to play anything — the Sony alternative requires a PlayStation 5.

The cheapest PS5 model costs $449.99, and it’ll take $499 if you want a disc drive. So, if you don’t already have a PS5, that requirement makes PlayStation’s VR headset far more expensive.

PSVR 2 vs. Meta Quest 3: Specs and Performance

In terms of visuals, the two VR systems are fairly even. The Meta Quest 3 has the advantage of pancake lenses, which offer greater clarity and less distortion. While the PSVR 2 sticks to fresnel lenses, the display uses OLED instead of LCD, which provides greater contrast and definition, making up for the older lens technology.

Both systems have a refresh rate of 120 hertz and similar resolution, although the Quest’s is slightly higher. The field of view is also the same between the headsets.

One distinct benefit of the PlayStation headset is that it has eye-tracking, which makes for more engaging experiences and reduces the risk of motion sickness. The Quest lacks this feature, but it supports mixed reality functionality to combine real-world and virtual displays. You won’t find that on PSVR for now.

Because the Quest is a self-contained system, its graphical and storage specs are limited. It has just 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. That’s nowhere near what you get on the PS5, which boasts 16GB of RAM and 825GB of storage.

PSVR 2 vs. Meta Quest 3: Comfort and Convenience

Of course, if you’re going to be wearing a headset for hours on end, you’ll want it to be comfortable. The Meta Quest 3 has a slight edge here because it’s one of the lightest headsets available, clocking in at 45 whole grams less than the PSVR 2.

Both systems have relatively comfortable straps, but the PlayStation’s is thicker, which may provide more grip if you move your head around a lot. Sony’s VR solution also has fewer components in the headset itself and has built-in ventilation, which means it doesn’t get as hot over time.

The Meta Quest 3 gets another point in its favor by being entirely wireless. Sony’s version has a single cord in the back, which doesn’t get in the way most of the time but does make it slightly less convenient.

PSVR 2 vs. Meta Quest 3: Games

Things are a little less even when it comes to the game available on each platform. There are hundreds of games and apps for the Quest, thanks in part to its Steam support and the fact that it’s been out for longer. Sony’s alternative doesn’t have quite the same range.

Because the PSVR 2 is exclusive to PlayStation, that limits its compatibility to only PS5-supported titles. Not every game in the PS5’s library has PSVR support, either. While there are still a couple hundred games you could play, there aren’t as many as the Quest.

On the other hand, some PSVR 2 games are Sony exclusives, so the PlayStation is the only way to experience them. Be sure to compare the list of games to decide for yourself which has more of the specific titles you want to play.

Who Is the PSVR 2 Best For?

The PlayStation VR 2 is best for Sony fans who already have a PS5. It’s still a great system if you don’t have PlayStation’s latest flagship console, but the expense of getting one on top of the headset may be too much for some users.

You should also go with the PSVR 2 if you don’t plan on moving around much while wearing the headset but will use it for long stretches. In that case, its cable won’t be as annoying, and you’ll appreciate its cooling features.

Naturally, if you’re a fan of PlayStation-exclusive games, the PSVR is the way to go. Beyond that, its use of the PS5’s hardware means it may be the better headset if you only want to use VR for gaming.

Who Is the Meta Quest 3 Best For?

By contrast, you should go with the Meta Quest 3 if you don’t have or plan on buying a PS5. It’s also the better option if you want to use your VR headset for more than just games, thanks to its mixed reality features.

Even if you don’t have a PC to take advantage of the Quest 3’s Steam support, Meta’s headset is the more budget-friendly and versatile choice. It can work as a stand-alone system, and if you want to play more games, you can build a PC for under $500, undercutting the cost of a PS5 in some cases.

Already owning a gaming PC strengthens the argument for the Meta Quest 3 even more. Still, make sure that Steam VR-capable games are more your style than PS5 exclusives if you want to go that route.

Find the VR Headset That’s Right for You

Overall, both the PSVR 2 and Meta Quest 3 are excellent VR headsets. Which one is better than the other comes down to personal preference. Start by deciding what you’ll use VR for and what you like to play, and then use this guide to find out which platform is most worth your money.