Update 2024: Quest 3 has been released. Check out our guide on Meta Quest 3 vs. PSVR 2: Which to choose?
Now that the PlayStation VR 2 has been released…it is time for the tricky question; which headset is better, the PSVR2 or the Oculus/Meta Quest 2?
Well, today, as an owner of both headsets, I will be expressing and explaining the differences between them.
I’ve spent some time with each of the virtual reality headsets long enough to know many of the pros and cons of each and today we will be breaking that down.
To begin us off, let’s begin with a bullet point checklist.
Key Points to Consider:
- The new eye-tracking feature is something that really stands out while using the PSVR2, especially in games where you find yourself looking around a lot. It highlights objects you are looking at before you even move your head or controllers.
- The PlayStation VR 2 fits a lot more comfortably than the Oculus Quest 2. It doesn’t feel so heavy in the front or almost off-balancing.
- Quest 2 does have a bigger library of games to choose from, my personal favorite being Iron Man VR, which is one that you can’t play anywhere else really.
- At launch, the PSVR2 didn’t have many games in its library, but Horizon: Call of the Mountain is outstanding in more ways than one which personally made the headset even more exciting with hopes of more games like this in the future.
- The PSVR2 is way more immersive! It really surrounds you wherever the headset is taking you and makes you believe you are there, being slightly more clear and more comfortable on the face than the Quest 2, which makes it feel more realistic.
- While playing on both headsets, it seems the PSVR2 doesn’t lose track of you or your controllers once, whereas the Quest 2 has personally done that a few times for me.
- In order to use a PlayStation VR 2, you have to own a PS5, whereas the Oculus Quest 2 can be used by itself or with a gaming PC.
- The PSVR2 comes with earbuds to make you feel more engulfed in the world around you in VR, whereas the Quest 2 plays sound outside the headset, and can be tricky to wear headphones with the headset on.
- The Quest 2 can be used without any cables unless you want to hook it up to a PC where the PSVR2 has a cable attached to it, making it unable to be replaced years later if something happens to it.
Quest 2 vs. PSVR 2 Specs: PSVR2 is Superior
When it comes to the specs, the PlayStation VR 2 definitely overthrows the Quest 2 by a little bit, having a better screen, better lens adjustment settings, and even having the famous dual sense controllers that are my personal favorite from the PS5.
Oculus Quest 2 | PlayStation VR 2 | |
---|---|---|
Resolution (Per-eye) | 1832×1920 | 2000×2040 |
Display type | LCD | OLED (+HDR) |
Refresh rate | 72Hz – 120Hz | 90Hz/ 120Hz |
Field of view | 110 degrees | 89 degrees |
Lenses | Fresnel | Fresnel, Fully adjustable |
Features | Hand tracking, PC compatibility, voice commands, wireless | Eye tracking, Facial haptics, headphone jack |
Controllers | Meta Ouest 2 Touch controllers | PlayStation Sense Controllers |
Price | $399.99 – $499.99 | $549.99 |
Immersion – PSVR2 Trumps Quest 2
Now, when it comes to the immersion of virtual reality, The PlayStation VR 2 is once again surpassing the Oculus Quest 2. This comes in the form of graphics which is downright one of the right ways outside of audio for the player to feel physically and mentally in the VR world they are exploring. The PSVR2’s graphics are very much so more advanced than the Quest 2’s, which makes PlayStation’s headset more detailed and realistic while using.
Another good thing to note here is the controllers of the PlayStation VR 2, which as mentioned, take after the PS5 controllers with dual sense. These controllers are new, having the touch sense feature, and from all the playing I’ve done, it picks up outstandingly, while my Oculus has sometimes lost what my hands are doing due to poor lighting in my room.
With all this being said, the PlayStation VR 2 offers a much more polished version of VR with superior graphics and overall hardware.
The PlayStation VR also benefits from a wider selection of games, many of which are exclusive to the platform. The Quest 2 has a growing library of games, but many of them are ports of existing PC or console titles. In contrast, PlayStation VR has a solid lineup of original games, including some highly regarded titles like Astro Bot: Rescue Mission and Blood & Truth.
Getting onto the haptic feedback, this is another feature of the PlayStation VR 2 that really makes it immersive.
To explain what Haptic feedback is, it is a type of vibration you feel while doing things in VR, so if you are using a gun or bow and arrow, it will feel more realistic that you are doing those things. The Haptic feedback is used in the controllers of the PlayStation VR 2 and it will be triggered in most games if not all. It truly does add an extra layer of realism to the headset and experience.
Game Library – Quest 2 Wins
Now, here is where the Oculus Quest 2’s strong suit comes in. It has a superior library to the PSVR2, and this is what makes it a selling point. The headset offers a wide range of games that cater to all genres and skill levels. Its collection has a ton of diversity, having wholesome building games, as well as shooting games.
A couple of the big hit games on the Oculus Quest 2 are Beat Saber, Vader Immortal, Job Simulator, The Climb 2, and many more. The gaming library for this headset is constantly growing and bringing more. And not only this, but the headset is easily able to be hooked up to a gaming PC and then you can access the Steam library of VR games as well.
Tracking – Quest 2 Edges PSVR2
Moving onto tracking…the Oculus Quest 2 wins this with the headset having an impressive tracking feature and it actually outdoes the PlayStation VR 2 in several ways, for example, it is completely wireless. So you can move around even more freely than with the PSVR2, even though we are given a very long cable.
The headset tracks the user’s movements in real time, which results in no lag or delay I’ve seen yet in the movements made while in a VR world. The PlayStation VR 2 is limited to a smaller tracking volume than the Oculus Quest 2, due to the headset having a requirement o external sensors. This basically means that Quest 2 is better suited for those who plan to play in larger spaces.
Comfort: PSVR2 Wins
The PlayStation VR 2 is referred to as the most comfortable VR headset on the market thus far, and it outshines the Oculus Quest 2 in many ways. One thing that the PSVR2 headset did differently is balancing out the weight across the band that goes on your head, so it doesn’t feel as front-heavy. It also has a much better setup for the adjustable headband.
The PSVR2 has a padded faceplate as well as some extra material between the eyes and on the nosepiece to keep out any extra light, which is another downside that wasn’t added to the Oculus Quest 2. While the Quest 2 is front-heavy for users, there are comfort mods you can purchase to balance it out and make the headset more comfortable for use. A lot of these mods can be found on places like Amazon or Best Buy.
The Cost
The Oculus Quest 2 is listed as $399.99 – $499.99, which depends on which size GB you buy. 128GB is $399.99, which could be good if you don’t plan to have a whole lot of games downloaded at one time. However, you will definitely want to consider the 256GB for $499.99 if you want to have more games downloaded at once.
The PlayStation VR 2 is priced at $549.99, and this headset doesn’t come with any GB opinions with all the games being stored on your PS5, so think about that before purchasing as well.
The Verdict:
Overall, both are very good and quality headsets, but the decision comes down to a few factors:
- Do you already own a PS5?
- Do you own a VR-Ready PC?
- Are there any Quest 2 or PS5 exclusives that really catch your eye?
Ultimately, the difference between the PSVR 2 and Quest 2 is the Playstation VR2 provides a more immersive, better experience. Meanwhile the Quest 2 has many more games and apps.
Our recommendation is:
If you already own a PS5 and not a VR-Ready computer, get the PSVR 2
If you don’t own a PS5 and don’t plan on getting one, get the Quest 2.
However if you own both, it’ll come down to preference on what games you want to play. Both are really good headsets and I don’t think you’ll be disappointed with either.