Meta Quest Pro vs. Meta Quest 3: Which One is The Best?

This article looks at the key changes between the Meta Quest Pro vs Meta Quest 3. While one of the virtual reality headsets is newer than the other, determining which Meta Quest is the best is more difficult than it appears because each model targets a somewhat different market. The comparison between Quest 3 and Quest Pro is subtle.

Overall Findings

The Meta Quest Pro is substantially more expensive than the Meta Quest 3, but it’s worth the investment if you want a headset that won’t irritate delicate skin or create excessive sweating. The Pro’s eye tracking capability, which is unavailable on the Quest 3, may also be a must-have feature for people who intend to collaborate frequently with others in the Workroom app.

However, if you’re the type of person who rarely has problems wearing VR headsets and has no interest in eye tracking, the Meta Quest 3 is the obvious choice, especially since it costs half as much as the Pro.

While both headsets have access to the same library of apps and video games, the Quest 3 offers the greatest experience thanks to its newer GPU and higher-resolution screens. The average user will have little to complain about when utilizing a Meta Quest 3.

Comfort: While Quest 3 is more immersive, Quest Pro is more comfortable.

When selecting a virtual or mixed reality headset, comfort is arguably the most crucial thing to consider. After all, what use are outstanding technical specs if the item is unpleasant or even disagreeable to use?

The Meta Quest 3 is theoretically lighter than the Meta Quest Pro, making it a viable option for folks who have neck concerns. However, the Pro’s weight distribution is more even, making it feel lighter (or at least more controllable).

If you experience skin sensitivity or neck issues, you may want to try on the Meta Quest 3 and Pro headsets in an electronics display room, store, or event before investing in one.

Another issue is the big shields on the front of the Quest 3, which can enhance the immersive experience by filtering out light and visual disturbances from the outside world. While great for people who want to be entirely immersed in their VR experience, they do touch the face, which might be uncomfortable for those with sensitive skin.

If you plan on playing action, fitness, or dancing VR games, these shields can make the experience hotter and potentially sweatier. If your body runs hotter than the usual individual, you should keep this in mind.

Batteries and Controllers: The Quest Pro controllers are rechargeable and have a greater range of motion.

Both the Meta Quest 3 and Meta Quest Pro controllers are perfectly enough for the average user, however the Quest Pro controllers have several improvements that may make them a better investment.

While the Quest 3 controllers stop registering when they are not in view of the headset, the Quest Pro controllers’ built-in cameras allow them to function normally whether held to the sides, below, or above the field of view. The Pro controllers also have better haptics, providing a somewhat more immersive experience.

The batteries are the most noticeable difference between the two versions of Quest controllers. The Quest 3 controllers use replaceable AA batteries, which can be inconvenient if you use Meta Quest frequently.

The Pro controllers have built-in rechargeable batteries, which can be recharged by placing them in the provided charging station. However, the Pro controllers take approximately two hours to fully charge, which can provide its own set of issues.

The headsets both have rechargeable batteries that last for just over two hours. The Meta Quest Pro has a higher battery life, lasting roughly 2.5 hours, whilst the Meta Quest 3 headset’s battery lasts about 2.2 hours on a full charge.

Eye and Hand Tracking: Meta Quest Pro Is the Headset To Get if You Want Eye Tracking

The Meta Quest 3 and Pro both have hand tracking, but only the Pro has eye tracking.

While eye tracking may not seem like a crucial feature if you only use your Meta Quest to play video games and use standard media and productivity apps, it can significantly improve some communication apps.

In Horizon Worlds and Workroom, for example, the Meta Quest Pro’s eye detection feature can display your facial expression and in-app avatar for other participants to view. This feature has the potential to significantly improve the experience for folks with whom you frequently interact.

Hardware Specs: Meta Quest 3 Wins When It Comes to Video Games

The Meta Quest Pro is powered by a Snapdragon XR2+ Gen1, however the Quest 3 has the newer Snapdragon XR2 Gen2.

This differential in graphics processing unit (GPU) capacity implies that the Quest 3 is 2.5 times more capable than the Pro at producing video games, allowing for enhanced textures and crisper visuals. The Quest 3 also has a refresh rate of 120Hz, which is much faster than the Pro’s 90Hz.

The Quest Pro isn’t inherently inferior to the Quest 3 in all respects; it has a wider dynamic range of colors and considerably darker blacks. It also includes 12GB of DRAM, up to 8GB on the Quest 3, which allows for better multitasking.

The $999.99 Quest Pro also includes 256GB of storage, which is precisely twice the capacity of the Quest 3 (which starts at $499.99). A 512GB version of the Quest 3 is also available, but it costs $649.99.

Final Verdict: The Best Meta Quest for You Depends on a Variety of Factors

With the original Meta Quest 3 priced at $499.99 and the Meta Quest Pro priced twice that at $999.99, the Quest 3 appears to be the obvious choice for people on a tight budget who just cannot afford the Quest Pro.

The Quest 3 is also the preferred virtual reality headset for gamers, thanks to its faster GPU, higher resolution panels, and 120Hz refresh rate. Its built-in hand tracking and controls, while less complex than the Pros’, are nevertheless adequate for the usual gaming and app experience.

If the standard Quest 3’s 125GB storage is insufficient, you can upgrade to the 512GB variant for an additional $150. This brings you closer to the $999.99 Quest Pro price threshold, but it is still likely low enough to justify it.