Comparing Meta Quest 3S with Other VR Headsets in the Same Segment

The Meta Quest 3S has entered the market with quite a buzz. With Meta’s reputation in the VR world already cemented by earlier versions like the Quest 2 and Quest 3, this new headset aims to deliver strong performance at a mid-range price. But the competition is also heating up. Headsets like the Pico 4, HTC Vive XR Elite, and PlayStation VR2 are all gunning for a spot on every gamer’s shelf. So how does the Quest 3S really stack up?

Design and Build Quality

Meta Quest 3S keeps things simple and comfortable. It features a plastic frame, soft facial padding, and an adjustable head strap that’s been slightly upgraded from the Quest 2. Compared to Pico 4, which has a sleeker and more futuristic look, the 3S feels more functional than fancy. HTC Vive XR Elite, on the other hand, offers a premium build with modular design options—but at a higher cost.

When it comes to weight, the Quest 3S is lightweight enough for extended play sessions, even though it’s not the lightest in the segment. Pico 4 wins in terms of weight distribution, while the Vive XR Elite may feel bulkier due to its additional features and hardware modules.

Display and Visual Quality

This is where Meta Quest 3S really stands out. It offers improved display resolution over the Quest 2, bringing clearer images and better color saturation. The pancake lenses help reduce glare and improve focus across the lens, which is a big plus for visual immersion.

Compared to Pico 4’s dual LCD screens at 2160 x 2160 per eye, the Quest 3S holds up pretty well. PlayStation VR2, however, has OLED panels with HDR support, which makes colors more vibrant and blacks deeper—ideal for cinematic experiences. HTC Vive XR Elite also uses high-resolution displays, but it shines more in enterprise and productivity use than in casual gaming.

Performance and Processing Power

The Quest 3S is powered by the Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chip, offering solid performance for standalone VR gaming. Most games run smoothly, with minimal lag or overheating, even during long sessions. Compared to the older XR2 chip in Pico 4, the new processor gives Meta’s headset a clear edge.

PlayStation VR2 benefits from being tethered to the PlayStation 5, so technically it doesn’t need its own processor. This gives it an advantage in graphics-intensive titles, although it also means being tied down with cables. HTC Vive XR Elite offers hybrid use, but for standalone performance, Quest 3S takes the win in terms of balance between mobility and power.

Controllers and Tracking System

Meta redesigned the Touch Plus controllers for the Quest 3 series, and they’re pretty great. Responsive, ergonomic, and with solid haptics, they enhance gameplay without feeling bulky. Pico 4’s controllers are also responsive but don’t feel as polished. Vive XR Elite goes for a more premium controller feel but adds to the overall cost.

In terms of tracking, Quest 3S offers inside-out tracking using cameras built into the headset. No external sensors needed, and it works quite well in most lighting conditions. PlayStation VR2 still uses external cameras, which can sometimes lead to tracking issues. HTC Vive’s tracking is precise but depends heavily on external accessories for the best experience.

Content and Ecosystem

Meta Quest 3S has access to the Meta Quest Store, which features a wide library of VR games, social apps, fitness experiences, and experimental content. Meta’s ecosystem is one of the most active and developer-friendly. Pico has been catching up with new game partnerships, but it still lags behind in exclusive titles.

PlayStation VR2, of course, has some excellent exclusives like Horizon Call of the Mountain and support from AAA studios. But it’s not a standalone VR system, so it needs a PS5 to work. HTC Vive focuses more on professional, enterprise-level VR solutions, so its game library is less appealing to casual gamers.

Comfort and Wearability

For everyday use, comfort plays a huge role. Quest 3S has improved padding and weight balance compared to Quest 2. It’s good for gaming sessions that last an hour or more. Pico 4 shines in comfort thanks to its counterbalance design and light build, while Vive XR Elite adds flexibility with its modular setup but might not be the most lightweight option.

The lenses on the Quest 3S offer a wider field of view, which also improves comfort by reducing the need for frequent adjustments. IPD (interpupillary distance) adjustment is manual but easy enough to manage.

Battery Life

The Quest 3S offers about 2 to 2.5 hours of battery life on a full charge, which is decent for standalone VR. It charges relatively fast and supports play-while-charging. Pico 4’s battery performance is almost the same, while HTC Vive XR Elite can stretch longer with an external battery pack.

PlayStation VR2 doesn’t rely on its own battery since it’s connected to the console, but that means less freedom of movement. For those who value wireless freedom, Meta Quest 3S provides the sweet spot.

Price and Value

One of the biggest selling points of Meta Quest 3S is its price-to-performance ratio. It’s priced lower than high-end headsets like Vive XR Elite and still offers premium features like mixed reality capabilities, full-color passthrough, and access to a massive app library.

Pico 4 might be slightly cheaper in some regions, but the trade-off often comes in terms of fewer available games or slightly less optimized software. PlayStation VR2 is great for console users but comes with the extra cost of a PS5. Vive XR Elite is more expensive and better suited for developers and pros.

Mixed Reality and Passthrough

Meta Quest 3S also introduces improved mixed reality features with better passthrough cameras. The full-color passthrough helps blend real-world surroundings with digital overlays, creating cool possibilities for productivity and spatial apps. Pico 4 also has passthrough, but it's grayscale and less sharp.

This feature is still evolving but sets Meta apart by focusing not just on gaming, but also on virtual productivity, fitness, and interactive environments. Vive XR Elite also does a great job here, though it’s more focused on industrial and business use cases.