Meta Quest 3 vs. Meta Quest 3s: Which One Should You Buy
The VR market is heating up again. With Meta’s latest lineup, many buyers are asking the same question: Meta Quest 3 vs. Meta Quest 3s—what’s the difference, and which one should you buy? Both headsets share the same DNA, but Meta made key trade-offs that change the experience and the price. This guide will help you understand what matters, what doesn’t, and which one fits your needs best.
Price and Position
Let’s start with cost. The Meta Quest 3 launched at $499 for the 128GB model. The Meta Quest 3s, introduced later, starts at $299. That $200 gap is not small—it defines who each headset is for.
Meta built the Quest 3s to make mixed reality more affordable. The company used cheaper materials and simplified some specs to bring the price down. You still get full inside-out tracking, access to the same game library, and the same controllers. But you lose some of the hardware advantages that make the Quest 3 the better all-around performer.
Design and Build
At first glance, both headsets look similar. The Meta Quest 3 is slimmer and lighter, weighing 515 grams, while the Quest 3s comes in slightly heavier at 512 grams. The difference sounds minimal, but in long sessions, even a few grams affect comfort.
The Quest 3 uses pancake lenses, which make the headset thinner and improve image clarity. The 3s uses Fresnel lenses, which are cheaper but bulkier and more prone to glare. You’ll notice the difference when reading text or playing games with high contrast scenes.
Both use the same strap design, but the padding on the Quest 3 feels more premium. If you play often or use VR for work or fitness, this comfort difference matters.
Display and Visuals
Here is where things get clear—literally. The Meta Quest 3 offers 2064 x 2208 pixels per eye, while the Quest 3s drops to 1832 x 1920 per eye. That’s roughly a 25% reduction in resolution.
You’ll see softer edges and less crisp details on the 3s, especially in text-heavy or graphic-rich environments. The Quest 3 also supports a higher contrast ratio and better color reproduction, giving scenes more depth and realism.
If you use your headset mainly for casual gaming, the Quest 3s still looks good. But if you care about visual clarity for simulation games, movies, or productivity apps, the Quest 3 wins without question.
Performance and Hardware
Both headsets run on the Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 processor. That means performance is largely the same in most VR titles. However, the Quest 3 has 8GB of RAM, while the Quest 3s has 6GB.
Those 2GB make a difference. Some advanced apps and mixed reality features run smoother on the Quest 3. As developers push out more demanding content, the extra memory will give the Quest 3 better longevity.
Storage options also differ. The Quest 3 comes in 128GB and 512GB models, while the 3s offers 128GB and 256GB. If you download large games like Asgard’s Wrath 2 (over 25GB), you’ll fill up the 128GB version quickly.
Mixed Reality
Both headsets support passthrough mixed reality, letting you see your surroundings with your headset on. The difference is in quality.
The Quest 3 uses full-color RGB cameras and depth sensors, delivering a sharp, natural view of your environment. You can walk around, see objects clearly, and interact with real and virtual elements seamlessly.
The Quest 3s, on the other hand, drops the depth sensor and uses lower-quality cameras. Passthrough is still color, but more pixelated and less accurate. You can use it to find your controllers or avoid obstacles, but it’s not ideal for complex mixed reality apps.
If you want to explore mixed reality seriously, the Quest 3 is the only real choice.
Content and Compatibility
Both the Meta Quest 3 and Meta Quest 3s share the same ecosystem. Every app or game on the Meta Store works on both. That includes top titles like Beat Saber, Population: One, and Supernatural.
You also get access to Meta Horizon Worlds, fitness apps, and productivity tools like Immersed or Workrooms. In short, you don’t lose access to content by picking the 3s.
However, keep in mind that developers design new experiences with the Quest 3’s full specs in mind. Some future games might scale down graphics or effects on the 3s to maintain performance.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery life is similar. Both headsets last around 2 to 2.5 hours depending on use. Charging takes roughly 2 hours via USB-C.
If you plan to use the headset for long sessions, you’ll need an Elite Strap with Battery, available for both models.
Audio and Controllers
Both use the same Touch Plus controllers, which feel great and track well. They no longer need tracking rings, making them lighter and easier to handle.
Audio is nearly identical too. Both have spatial audio built into the headband, delivering clear sound without headphones. Still, the Quest 3 offers a slightly richer sound stage and better volume control.
You can pair both with Bluetooth headphones if you want private audio, though latency can vary.
Software and Updates
Meta continues to improve its headsets with regular software updates. The Quest 3 gets the most attention, often receiving new features first. The Quest 3s will likely share most updates but might lag behind when new mixed reality capabilities roll out.
For example, the Quest 3 already supports AR game modes and higher-quality room mapping. The Quest 3s can run them, but not at the same level of detail or accuracy.
Who Should Buy Which
Now let’s answer the main question: Meta Quest 3 vs. Meta Quest 3s—which one should you buy?
If you’re new to VR, want to play games, and don’t need the best visuals, go with the Meta Quest 3s. It’s affordable, simple to set up, and gives you access to the full library. You get a strong taste of modern VR without spending too much.
If you’re serious about VR or mixed reality, choose the Meta Quest 3. It’s sharper, more powerful, and future-proof. You’ll appreciate the better lenses, cameras, and comfort over time.
For creators, developers, or anyone using VR beyond entertainment, the Quest 3 is the smarter investment.
Final Verdict
Both headsets prove that Meta dominates the standalone VR market. The company now offers clear options: power and clarity with the Quest 3, or affordability and accessibility with the Quest 3s.
If you want the best value, get the Meta Quest 3s. If you want the best experience, get the Meta Quest 3.
Either way, you’ll own a capable headset ready for today’s and tomorrow’s VR experiences.
In summary:
Meta Quest 3: $499, better lenses, sharper passthrough, 8GB RAM, future-proof.
Meta Quest 3s: $299, solid entry point, same library, great value for casual users.
Your choice depends on how deep you want to go into virtual and mixed reality. But now, you know exactly what separates one from the other.
