HTC Vive
Score: 72/100
Meta Quest 2
Score: 76/100Rankings
The Meta Quest 2 128 GB is an all-in-one VR headset delivering XR2 Gen 2 performance with three-position IPD and a bundled game. It suffers from lower resolution, a narrow 96° field of view and limited battery life. Suited for beginners and casual gamers who value affordability.
The HTC Vive (original 2016) is a PC-tethered, room-scale headset with precise Lighthouse tracking and a wide 110° field of view. Its front-heavy design and cable tether limit comfort and mobility. Best suited for enthusiasts who prioritize accurate tracking over portability.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
| ↓ lower better | 470 gbest | 830 g |
110 °best | 96 ° | |
— | 1,832 pixelsbest | |
90 Hzbest | — | |
6best | — | |
— | 2.5 hoursbest | |
0.08 yearsbest | — |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Display(2) | ||
Field of View (°) | 110 ° | 96 ° |
Resolution per Eye (pixels) | 1080x1200 pixels | 1832x1920 pixels |
Fit & Comfort(1) | ||
IPD Adjustment Range (mm) | 57-70 mm | 58-68 mm |
Build & Design(2) | ||
Weight (g) | 470 g | 830 g |
Lens Type | adjustable | Fresnel |
Audio(1) | ||
Spatial Audio Support | false | true |
Connectivity(1) | ||
Connectivity Type | wired | wireless |
Accessories(1) | ||
Included Accessories | Base stations, controllers, cable, adapters | Meta Quest 3S headset, Two Touch Plus controllers, USB‑C charging cable, Power adapter, Bundled copy of Batman: Arkham Shadow |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Reviewers praise the Vive's precise Lighthouse tracking, wide 110° field of view and the pioneering Chaperone system, noting the 15% weight reduction and slimmer cabling as comfort wins. However, they criticize the front-heavy ergonomics, the tethered cable that restricts movement, and the relatively low 1080×1200 resolution which shows a screen-door effect compared with newer headsets.
Users echo the experts, lauding the accurate room-scale tracking and the immersive experience in spacious play areas. Common complaints focus on the headset's front-heavy feel, cable drag, and the absence of built-in audio, with many mentioning neck strain after half an hour of play.
Professional reviewers describe the Quest 3S as a strong entry-level VR headset that offers the same XR2 Gen 2 performance as the Quest 3 at a lower cost, praising its color passthrough, hand-tracking improvements, and bundled game. They note compromises such as bulkier Fresnel optics, a lack of depth sensing, and reduced resolution/FOV compared with the premium Quest 3.
Everyday users commend the headset for its crisp visuals for the price, comfortable fit with a glasses spacer, wireless freedom and responsive tracking, and especially enjoy the bundled Batman: Arkham Shadow. Common complaints revolve around lower clarity and narrower FOV than newer models, occasional mixed-reality boundary issues, short battery life, and the bulkier Fresnel lens design.
“The tracking is spot on, but after an hour the front-heavy headset starts to hurt my neck.”
“I love the 110° FOV, but the cable really drags me around the room.”
“Crisp visuals for the price”
