Meta Quest 3 Vs. Apple Vision Pro – As someone who’s spent countless hours exploring virtual worlds, I’m excited to break down the key differences between these two groundbreaking VR headsets.
Table of Contents
Comparison of Meta Quest 3 and Apple Vision Pro: Features
| Apple Vision Pro | Meta Quest 3 | |
| Audio | Two speakers, spatial audio-enabled | Near-field |
| Battery life | 2 hours (general use), 2.5 hours (watching video) | Up to 2 hours |
| Display resolution | Estimated to be around 3,660 x 3,142px per eye | 2,064 x 2,208px per eye |
| Display technology | micro-OLED | LCD |
| Field of view | Estimated to be around 100 degrees | 110 degrees (horizontal), 96 degrees (vertical) |
| Interpupillary distance (IPD) range | 51-75mm | 53-75mm |
| Processor | M2 processor and an R1 chip | Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 processor |
| Refresh rate | 90Hz/96Hz/100Hz | 72Hz/80Hz/90Hz/120Hz |
| Release date | US: 2 February 2024 | 10-Oct-23 |
| Starting price | $3,499 in US | £479.99 |
| Storage sizes | 215GB/512GB/1TB | 128GB/512GB |
| Weight | 600-650g | 515g |
| UK: 28 June 2024 | ||
| £3,499 in UK |
Design and Comfort
The Meta Quest 3 feels light and balanced on your head, weighing only 515 grams.
The Vision Pro, while heavier at 600-650 grams, distributes weight well with its dual-strap system.
Both are comfortable for extended sessions, but the Quest 3’s lighter weight gives it an edge for longer gaming marathons.
Display Quality and Field of View
Apple Vision Pro rocks micro-OLED technology with an insane 23 million pixels across both eyes.
The colors pop more vibrantly on the Vision Pro, and the clarity is mind-blowing.
Quest 3’s LCDs still look fantastic with 2064 x 2208 pixels per eye, but they can’t match Vision Pro’s crystal-clear visuals.
The field of view is similar between both headsets, though the Vision Pro edges out slightly more expensive.
Controllers and Hand Tracking
Quest 3 gives you both precise Touch Plus controllers and reliable hand tracking.
Vision Pro goes all-in on hand and eye tracking, which works surprisingly well but takes some time.
I prefer having physical controllers for gaming, which gives the Quest 3 an advantage here.
Software and Apps
Meta’s Quest Store has years of VR content – thousands of games and apps ready.
Vision Pro is newer but brings the massive iOS app ecosystem.
The Quest 3 dominates in gaming options right now.
Vision Pro shines with productivity apps and its seamless integration with other Apple devices.
Price Point
Here’s where things get real – the Quest 3 starts at $499.
The Vision Pro launches at $3,499, making it seven times more expensive.
That price difference is vast and really shapes who these headsets are for.
Wireless Freedom
Quest 3 is completely wireless out of the box.
Vision Pro must be plugged in for extended sessions, limiting mobility.
The battery life on both could be better – about 2-3 hours of active use.
Mixed Reality Capabilities
Both headsets excel at mixing virtual and real worlds.
Vision Pro’s passthrough quality is incredibly realistic.
Quest 3’s passthrough is sound but noticeably grainier.
Both let you place virtual windows and objects in your actual space.
Battery life
The Apple Vision Pro and the Meta Quest 3 have comparable battery lives. Apple claims that when using the Vision Pro, typically, its battery lasts two hours, while watching videos lasts two and a half hours. Additionally, you can use the Vision Pro for extended periods by plugging it into a power socket.
The Meta Quest 3 lasts two hours on a single charge. There’s an internal battery pack, so it’s completely standalone – just a device and no snaking cable. You can also plug the device into the wall while charging for several hours.
The most annoying (and embarrassing) thing about the Vision Pro is it uses a silly-looking external battery pack rather than an in-built battery. We get why – people are already complaining about the device’s heft. That means you’ve always got a cable dangling from your head, whether plugged into the external battery pack or the wall.
Who Should Buy Which?
Meta Quest 3 is perfect for:
- Gamers on a budget
- People who want the best VR gaming library
- Those who value wireless freedom
- Casual VR users getting started
Apple Vision Pro is ideal for:
- Apple ecosystem devotees
- Professionals needing a virtual workspace
- Those wanting the absolute best visual quality
- Users with serious productivity needs
FAQs
Q: Can I use these headsets with glasses?
A: Both headsets work with glasses, but the Vision Pro offers custom optical inserts for a better solution.
Q: Do I need a powerful computer to use either headset?
A: No, both are standalone devices. However, Quest 3 can connect to a PC for more powerful VR experiences.
Q: Which has better battery life?
A: They’re similar, offering 2-3 hours of use. Quest 3 has an advantage with its easier battery swap options.
Q: Can I watch Netflix on both?
A: Quest 3 has native Netflix support. Vision Pro currently requires the use of the web browser version.
Q: Is one better for motion sickness?
A: Both handle motion well, but Vision Pro’s higher refresh rate might help sensitive users.
The Bottom Line
The Meta Quest 3 delivers incredible value for VR gaming and general use.
The Vision Pro pushes technical boundaries but comes at a premium price.
Your choice depends on your budget and primary use case.
The Quest 3’s balance of features and price makes it the most intelligent choice for most people.
But if money’s no object and you want the absolute cutting-edge VR tech, the Vision Pro is unmatched.
Remember, we’re still early in the VR revolution – both these headsets show how far we’ve come, but they also hint at where we’re heading.
Choose based on what you’ll use it for, not just the specs on paper.
Meta Quest 3 vs Apple Vision Pro: The Final Verdict
The Apple Vision Pro is an imposing piece of mixed-reality hardware and one of the best headsets we’ve had the opportunity to use in the last few years. It’s phenomenal for business users searching for incredible power, unique spatial computing features, and excellent visual fidelity.
The Meta Quest 3S, as a slightly pared-down version of the Quest 3, isn’t quite as game-changing, but we think it has the potential to outperform the Vision Pro in terms of sales next year. Not only is it far more affordable, but the Quest 3S is incredibly feature-rich. If you’re looking for a great mixed reality experience that won’t break the bank, the 3S is the obvious choice.
