Quest 3 vs. PSVR 2: Which is Better?

In short, the PSVR 2 offers far better graphics, since it is tethered to the PS5’s GPU, whilst the Meta Quest 3 is tethered to a mobile processor. However, the Quest 3 has far better lenses that have 0 blur, has superior mixed reality, has a larger library of games, and is completely standalone (wireless).

• If you don’t own a PS5, then the Meta Quest 3 is the best choice – I certainly wouldn’t buy a PS5 just to try a PSVR 2.
• If you already own a PS5, get the PSVR 2 if you prefer superior immersion and graphics. Otherwise get the Meta Quest 3 if you prefer a larger library of games, wireless convenience, and superior mixed reality capabilities.

Hardware: Standalone vs. Cabled

The Meta Quest 3 is a fully standalone VR headset that requires no wires and nothing outside the box. Meanwhile the PSVR 2 ($550) is tethered to a 15-foot cable that needs to be plugged into a PS5.

If you’ve never used VR before, cables might not seem like a big issue, after all, computers also use cables. However, in VR, cables cause a huge inconvenience when moving around – cables getting twisted and tangled up, or accidentally unplugging the cable, or hitting them with your arms (since the cable is dangling from your head essentially).

Not having cables is a huge benefit, and can even improve your immersion.

Display: PSVR 2 Has a Slight Edge

The Quest 3 has a resolution of 2064 x 2208 pixel-per-eye whilst the PSVR 2 has a resolution of 2,000 x 2,040 pixel-per-eye. Although the Quest 3 gets a slight edge here, but the difference is unnoticeable.

Meanwhile, despite the lower resolution, the PSVR 2 can render games in greater detail due to it’s powerful GPU (the equivalent of an RTX 2070). Meanwhile the Quest 3 uses an integrated Snapdragon XR2 (gen 2) processor, which although is over twice as powerful as its predecessor, the Quest 2, it’s still a mobile processor that’s weaker than the PS5.

The PSVR 2 also uses OLED panels compared to Quest 3’s LCD panels – offering richer, more vibrant colors with deeper black levels. This can make a significant impact on immersion, especially in dark areas.

Overall, the PSVR 2 has a slight edge when it comes to display quality. However, if you have a VR-Ready computer, you can tether your Quest 3 to it to enable PC level graphics which are even higher quality than the PSVR 2.

Lenses: Quest 3 Has a Huge Advantage

This cannot be understated: The PSVR 2 uses traditional fresnel lenses whilst the Meta Quest 3 uses pancake lenses. Pancake lenses are far less blurrier than fresnel lenses where only the center of your vision is clear and the peripherals are blurry. With pancake lenses, almost your entire field of view is clear.

Pancake lenses offer a huge improvement to immersion. This alone can make the Quest 3 the superior VR headset to some people.

Eye Tracking: Isn’t Available on the Quest 3

The PSVR 2 has eye tracking whilst the Quest 3 doesn’t have it. Eye tracking has two use cases in VR:

• Enhancing social presence
• Foveated rendering

Foveated rendering is a new technique that tracks where you are looking and renders that area in higher quality. This reduces the overall rendering worload, allowing for more powerful, visually stunning games.

Meanwhile, eye tracking also enhances social presence

Passthrough and Mixed Reality: Quest 3 All Day

When it comes to mixed reality and passthrough, the Quest 3 has a huge advantage with it’s high resolution, color cameras which allow you to see the outside world whilst wearing your headset. The PSVR 2 uses lower quality black and white cameras for this.

The Quest 3 also has depth sensors that let you detect where walls and obstacles are in your house.

Mixed Reality is a big deal in the future and here are some use cases for it:

• Games that use your home environment
• Social VR: Imagine seeing your friend’s avatar in your room
• Working whilst wearing a VR headset

The passthrough quality for the Quest 3 is so good you can read phones, books and navigate around your house without an issue.

Software and Games: Quest 3 Has A Larger Library, but PSVR 2 Has Quality Exclusives

Having been in the market since 2019, the Quest 3 boasts an expansive library, spanning across genres from games to productivity tools, fitness routines, meditation, and even social realms. Not to mention, it also offers a plethora of free apps and games. This diverse range has given the Quest 3 a formidable head start in terms of content availability.

The PSVR 2, true to PlayStation’s gaming roots, leans heavily into the gaming side of VR. While it does make room for a smattering of fitness apps, it notably lacks in the social world apps.

Although the PSVR 2’s launch catalog primarily consists of ports from the Quest 2, it isn’t without its exclusive jewels. Titles like Horizon Call of the Mountain, Gran Turismo 7, Resident Evil Village, and No Man’s Sky set the PSVR 2 apart, showcasing experiences that aren’t available natively on the Quest 3.

Another thing to consider is PCVR content: The Quest 3 can be connected to your computer to access the huge library of SteamVR games such as Phasmophobia VR or Half-Life: Alyx. Meanwhile, this isn’t possible on the PSVR 2.

Overall, while the Quest 3 undoubtedly enjoys the advantage of having a more diverse software lineup, the PSVR 2 is slowly carving out its niche with exclusive game titles.

Controllers: Quest 3 Has Better Tracking

Both headsets have similar tracking accuracy, but when it comes to games like Beat Saber where every bit of accuracy matters, the Quest 3 has the edge here. This won’t matter unless you’re very tryhard and want to climb the leaderboards in these games though.

In terms of design, the PSVR 2’s controllers are also a bit clunkier, since the Quest 3 controllers don’t have the tracking rings anymore, so they’re more likely to bump into each other during games.

Audio and Haptics

The Quest 3 features integrated speakers that produce 3D audio near the user’s ears. This open-ear design provides situational awareness, allowing external sounds, such as kids playing or alarms ringing, to be audible. It’s a balance between immersion and safety.

Meanwhile, instead of built-in speakers, the PSVR 2 comes with earbuds that provide 3D audio. This design results in a more isolated audio experience, which might be preferable for deep immersion. Sony’s wireless Pulse 3D over-ear headphones, available separately, offer a superior audio experience compared to the bundled earbuds.

Another unique feature of the PSVR 2 is the built-in rumble in the headset. While it may sound like a simple addition, it can significantly elevate the immersive experience.

Both devices come with a headphone jack for those who prefer a more immersive or private audio experience.

Price: Quest 3 is Cheaper Than PSVR 2

The Quest 3 is priced at $499 meanwhile the PSVR 2 is $550. However, you also need to own a PS5, skyrocketing the price to $1000+

There’s no doubt that the Quest 3 offers superior value here, having everything including a GPU in-built.

PSVR 2 or Quest 3? Which Should I Buy?

Without a doubt, the Meta Quest 3 offers better value for its price, and is the superior choice for most people due to its pancake lenses, larger library of apps, mixed reality capabilities and wireless nature.

However, if you already own a PS5 and don’t mind spending money on a new piece of hardware – it is surely a fun experience, as you’ll get access to quality exclusives like Horizon Call of the Mountain. The PSVR 2 also offers some things that the Quest 3 doesn’t have like eye tracking, headset vibrations and OLED panels.

But overall, if you don’t have a PS5, I can’t recommend spending $1000+ just for the PSVR 2. Both headsets are great in their own ways, but the Meta Quest 3 is better and cheaper. Our recommendation is the Meta Quest 3.

Related: Which Quest 3 version to get? 128 GB or 512 GB?