Meta Quest Pro vs. Quest 3: Which VR Headset Should You Choose?

Thinking of purchasing a Meta Quest for gaming? While one of the virtual reality headsets is newer than the other, working out which Meta Quest is the best isn’t as simple as comparing pricing.

The Quest 3 vs Quest Pro comparison is a nuanced one; this article explores the main differences between the two.

Overall Findings

The Meta Quest Pro is significantly more expensive than the Meta Quest 3, but you can justify the cost if you're looking for a headset that won't irritate sensitive skin or cause excessive sweating.

The Pro’s eye tracking feature, unavailable on the Quest 3, may also be a must-have feature for those planning to collaborate often with others in the Workroom app.

However, if you’re the type of person who rarely has issues wearing VR headsets and you have zero interest in eye tracking, the Meta Quest 3 is the logical choice, especially with it selling for half the price of the Pro.

The average user will find very little to complain about while using a Meta Quest 3.

Comfort: Quest 3 Is More Immersive, but Quest Pro Is More Comfortable

Comfort is arguably the most important factor to consider when it comes to purchasing a virtual or mixed-reality headset. After all, what good are impressive tech specs if the device is uncomfortable or even irritating to use?

The Meta Quest 3 is technically lighter than the Meta Quest Pro, which can make it a good choice for those with neck issues. However, the Pro's weight distribution is more even, which can make it feel lighter (or at the very least, more manageable).

Another factor is the large shields on the front of the Quest 3, which can create a more immersive experience by blocking out light and visual distractions from the outside world. While ideal for those wanting to feel completely immersed in their VR experience, they do touch the face, and that can be an issue for those with sensitive skin.

These shields can also create a hotter and potentially sweatier experience if you’re planning on playing some action, fitness, or dance VR games. If your body tends to run hotter than the average person, the heat is something you may want to keep in mind.

Batteries and Controllers: Quest Pro’s Controllers Are Rechargeable and Have Greater Range of Motion

Both the Meta Quest 3 and Meta Quest Pro controllers are completely fine for the average user, but the Quest Pro controllers offer some refinements that can make them a better investment.

While the Quest 3 controllers kind of stop registering when out of view of the headset, Quest Pro controllers' built-in cameras let them continue to function smoothly whether you hold them to the sides, under, or above the field of view. The Pro controllers also feature improved haptics for a slightly more immersive experience.

The biggest difference between the two Quest controller types is the batteries. The Quest 3 controllers use replaceable AA batteries, which can be a hassle if you use Meta Quest a lot.

The Pro controllers boast built-in rechargeable batteries, which you recharge by placing the controllers in the included charging stand. The Pro controllers take about two hours to fully charge, though, so this delay can create problems of its own.

As for the headsets, they both feature rechargeable batteries with each lasting for just over two hours. The Meta Quest Pro does technically last longer, however, with a charge of around 2.5 hours, while the Meta Quest 3 headset’s battery lasts around 2.2 hours with 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 feature hand tracking, but only the Pro supports eye tracking

While eye tracking may not seem that important of a feature if you use your Meta Quest to play video games and access the average media and productivity apps, it is something that can greatly enhance some communication apps.

In Horizon Worlds and Workroom, for example, the Meta Quest Pro’s eye detection can put your facial expression and on your in-app avatar for other participants to see. This feature can enhance the experience for people you interact with quite a bit.

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

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

This difference in graphics processing unit (GPU) essentially means that the Quest 3 is 2.5 times more powerful than the Pro at rendering video games and can support improved textures and sharper images. The Quest 3 also boasts a 120Hz refresh rate, which is significantly higher than the Pro’s 90Hz.

The Quest Pro isn’t necessarily weaker than the Quest 3 in all areas, though; it offers a higher dynamic range of colors with noticeably darker blacks. It also has 12GB of DRAM compared to Quest 3’s 8GB for improved multitasking.

The $999.99 Quest Pro also comes with 256GB of storage, which is exactly twice that of the Quest 3 (which starts at $499.99). A 512GB version of the Quest 3 is also available, but that will set you back $649.99.

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

With the baseline Meta Quest 3 priced at $499.99 and the Meta Quest Pro selling for double that at $999.99, the Quest 3 does seem like the clear choice for those on a budget who simply can’t afford the Quest Pro.

The Quest 3 is also the virtual-reality headset of choice for gamers with its faster GPU, higher resolution screens, and 120Hz refresh rate. Its built-in hand tracking and controllers, while less advanced than the Pro’s, are also more than enough for the average game and app experience.

If you feel like the 125GB storage on the base Quest 3 isn’t enough space though, you’ll need to pay an extra $150 to get the 512GB model. which does take you closer to the $999.99 Quest Pro price point but is still probably low enough to justify it.

Buy the Quest 3:

The Quest Pro comes with 256GB of storage and can run all the games the Quest 3 can (but with slightly less sharp visuals).

Eye tracking could be a must-have feature if you intend to do a lot of conferencing in Workroom, and the added range of the Quest Pro’s controllers may be a feature you wish you had once you start playing dance and exercise titles.

Players of such games will also appreciate the Quest Pro’s more breathable headset, as will those with sensitive skin.

Buy the Quest Pro: