Meta Quest 3S Review: The Best Value in Standalone XR Headsets

Introduction

The Meta Quest 3 has established itself as a top-tier standalone VR and MR headset, dominating the XR market with Meta’s various headsets accounting for nearly 75% of global XR sales. However, with a price tag of $499.99, it’s not the most affordable option for everyone. Enter the Meta Quest 3S, a more budget-friendly alternative that offers many of the same features as the Quest 3, but at around 40% less cost.

In this review, we’ll explore the key features, design, performance, and whether the Meta Quest 3S lives up to its promise of delivering exceptional value.

Key Features

1. Mixed Reality Improvements

The Meta Quest 3S brings notable improvements in mixed reality (MR) experiences, thanks to its enhanced pass-through and performance upgrades over the Quest 2. The 3S is capable of delivering immersive MR experiences, making it a great choice for users looking to explore augmented reality without breaking the bank.

2. 2x Better Graphics Than Meta Quest 2

Powered by the same Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chip as the Quest 3, the Meta Quest 3S offers up to twice the graphical performance of the Quest 2. This means you can expect better textures, more consistent frame rates, and improved lighting and particle effects, all on a standalone device.

3. Value Proposition

Despite sharing the same chipset, software support, and controllers as the Quest 3, the Meta Quest 3S is significantly more affordable. This makes it an attractive option for users who want the best performance without paying for the premium features of the Quest 3.

Design and Fit

The Meta Quest 3S is almost identical in size to the Quest 2 but is 20% slimmer. The design features a sleek, light-grey plastic body and comes with a fabric head strap. However, one of the cost-cutting measures was the removal of the 3.5mm headphone jack, though you can still use USB-C to 3.5mm adapters or Bluetooth earbuds for audio.

The headset’s speakers are down-firing and offer impressive sound quality for their size. However, the front-heavy design may cause some discomfort, especially during extended use. If you plan on using the headset for longer sessions or workouts, consider purchasing breathable first-party facial interfaces or silicone third-party interfaces for better comfort.

For users looking for a more secure fit, the Elite Strap or Elite Strap with Battery (which offers additional battery life) are compatible with the Quest 3S.

Recommended Accessories:

• Elite Strap with Battery: Buy on Amazon
• USB-C to 3.5mm Adapter: Buy on Amazon
• Bluetooth Earbuds: Buy on Amazon

Controllers

The Meta Quest 3S comes with the Touch Plus controllers, which are the same as those bundled with the Quest 3. They are lighter, more compact, and feature a ring-less design, making them easier to handle. The controllers are powered by a single AA battery, which can be easily replaced.

The hand-tracking capabilities are also impressive, allowing for intuitive interaction without needing the controllers. However, full-body tracking is not supported, which may be a drawback for users looking for more immersive experiences in titles like VR chat.

Recommended Accessories:

• AA Batteries: Buy on Amazon

Performance and Features

1. Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 Chip

The Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chip paired with 8GB of RAM ensures smooth performance across a wide range of apps and games. Whether you're launching a game, streaming video, or accessing remote desktop applications, the Meta Quest 3S handles it all without a hitch.

2. Pass-Through and Mixed Reality

The Quest 3S features 4MP full-color pass-through cameras, which provide functional stereoscopic vision. While the pass-through quality is good, it’s not without its limitations, particularly in low-light or overly bright environments. However, it’s more than sufficient for most MR applications, such as gaming or productivity tasks.

3. Storage Options

The Meta Quest 3S is available in 128GB and 256GB variants. Meta claims that 128GB can store up to 30 standalone games, which should be enough for most users. However, if you plan on storing a lot of media or larger games, the 256GB option might be a better fit.

Recommended Accessories:

• Meta Quest 3S (128GB): Buy on Amazon
• Meta Quest 3S (256GB): Buy on Amazon

Games and Software

Meta’s dominance in the XR space means that the Meta Horizon Store offers the largest collection of XR games and apps. With over 600 games and 3000 apps, there’s no shortage of content. The Quest 3S supports high-profile titles like Beat Saber, Assassin’s Creed Nexus, and Batman: Arkham Shadow, making it a great choice for gamers.

Additionally, the Quest 3S supports PC VR through a wired connection or Meta’s Air Link, giving you access to even more content from platforms like Steam.

Recommended Games:

• Beat Saber: Buy on Amazon
• Assassin’s Creed Nexus: Buy on Amazon
• Batman: Arkham Shadow: Buy on Amazon

Battery Life

The Meta Quest 3S is equipped with a 4324mAh battery, which provides up to 2.5 hours of average use. While this is slightly better than the Quest 3’s battery life, it’s still relatively short for long gaming sessions. The included 18W charger can fully recharge the headset in under two hours.

For users who need longer battery life, the Elite Strap with Battery is a great option, as it significantly extends the headset’s usage time.

Final Thoughts

The Meta Quest 3S is an excellent entry point into the world of XR, offering great performance at a lower price point than the Quest 3. While it does make some compromises, particularly in terms of optical quality, the overall experience is still top-notch for its price.

If you’re looking for a standalone headset that delivers great mixed reality and VR experiences without breaking the bank, the Meta Quest 3S is an easy recommendation.

Buy Now:

• Meta Quest 3S (128GB): Buy on Amazon
• Meta Quest 3S (256GB): Buy on Amazon

FAQs

Does the Meta Quest 3S support face tracking?
No, the Quest 3S does not support face tracking.

Does the Meta Quest 3S support eye tracking?
No, only the Meta Quest Pro supports eye tracking.

Can you use the Meta Quest 3S with glasses?
Yes, the Meta Quest 3S includes a glasses spacer in the box for users who wear glasses.

Conclusion

The Meta Quest 3S is a fantastic option for those looking to get into VR and MR without spending a fortune. With its impressive performance, wide library of games, and budget-friendly price, it’s hard to beat the value it offers. Whether you're a casual gamer or a VR enthusiast, the Meta Quest 3S has something for everyone.