You can’t get into virtual reality any cheaper than with the Meta Quest 3S — but is the budget model really worth it? Here’s everything you need to know about its hardware, comfort, and image quality in our in-depth buying guide.
The Meta Quest 3S is Meta’s low-cost entry into the world of VR. But how good is it really? What compromises will you have to accept, and who should consider the budget version of the Quest 3? We give you a clear overview of its specs, differences from the Quest 3, use cases — and a solid verdict on whether the Meta Quest 3S is actually worth buying.
How Much Does the Meta Quest 3S Cost — and What Versions Are Available?
- The Quest 3S comes in two storage versions, starting at €329 / $299 / £289.
At €329 / $299 / £289 for the 128 GB version, it’s currently the cheapest modern VR headset on the market. A 256 GB model is available for €439 / $399 / £349. Like the Quest 3, the Quest 3S is a standalone headset that works without a PC or cables, but it can also be connected to a computer to stream PC VR games.
It uses the same Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chip as the pricier Quest 3, packs 8 GB of RAM, and supports the same tracking system and Touch Plus controllers. In the box, both versions include the VR controllers, a universal USB-C power adapter, and a three-month trial of Meta Horizon+, giving you access to a rotating catalog of VR games.
Since June 24, 2025, a limited Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition has been available in the US and UK. It’s geared toward Xbox Game Pass cloud gaming but is otherwise technically identical to a standard Quest 3S. The bundle includes an Xbox controller, two VR controllers, and three months of Game Pass Ultimate plus Meta Horizon+. The design comes in Xbox black with green accents.
Meta Quest 3S vs. Quest 3: What’s the Difference?
- The biggest difference between the Quest 3S and Quest 3 is the optics and resolution.
Despite similar internals, the Quest 3S and Quest 3 differ in key ways. The most important: optics. The Quest 3S uses older Fresnel lenses instead of modern pancake optics. That means a sharp image only in the center (“sweet spot”), with visible blur toward the edges. Lens flares or “god rays” are also more pronounced.
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Interpupillary distance (IPD) is another compromise. On the Quest 3S, you only get three fixed settings (58, 63, and 68 mm). If your natural spacing falls between them, you’ll see blur. The Quest 3, by contrast, offers stepless adjustment.
Other differences include:
- Lower display resolution on the Quest 3S (1,832 × 1,920 pixels per eye) versus the Quest 3 (2,064 × 2,208). In practice, the difference is minor.
- Narrower field of view: around 96° versus about 110° on the Quest 3.
- No eye-relief adjustment or headphone jack on the Quest 3S — both features are included on the Quest 3.
Meta Quest 3S: Passthrough and Mixed Reality
- The Meta Quest 3S delivers a decent mixed reality experience.
Both Quest 3 headsets support color passthrough for mixed reality apps. The Quest 3S, however, produces a grainier, less sharp image than the Quest 3. It’s fine for casual MR use, but not ideal for serious productivity or extended sessions.
PC VR and App Compatibility
- The Meta Quest 3S works seamlessly as a PC VR headset.
The Quest 3S has full access to the Meta Horizon app store and the same content library as the Quest 3, including new releases like Metro Awakening, Behemoth, and Batman: Arkham Shadow. With a powerful PC, you can stream VR titles via cable or Wi-Fi. Performance is solid, though streaming resolution is visibly lower than on the Quest 3.
Setup and Ease of Use
- The Quest 3S is quick to set up, but lacks beginner-friendly guidance.
Setup is straightforward via smartphone app. But onboarding tools for beginners are minimal. Key topics like motion sickness or choosing suitable starter games are barely addressed. For newcomers, the interface can feel unintuitive and confusing.
Conclusion: Who Is the Meta Quest 3S For?
- Launched October 15, 2024 in two versions, the Quest 3S is aimed at beginners — but ironically, it’s not especially beginner-friendly.
The Quest 3S is a good fit for anyone who wants the cheapest possible entry into VR. It’s best for casual users who mostly play simple VR games that keep your gaze centered. If you only dabble in mixed reality, want a second headset for family, friends, or fitness apps, and don’t demand top-tier clarity or comfort, the Quest 3S makes sense.
It’s less suitable for anyone who expects a consistently sharp image across the entire field of view. If you want to use mixed reality productively, are sensitive to blur, lens flares, or motion sickness, or plan to play PC VR games at maximum quality, you’ll be better off with the more expensive Quest 3.
The Quest 3S is a good choice if you:
- want the most affordable way into VR
- mostly play VR games where your focus stays centered
- only use mixed reality occasionally
- need a secondary headset for friends, family, or fitness apps
- don’t demand top-notch clarity or comfort
It’s less suitable if you:
- expect a consistently sharp image across the entire field of view
- want to use mixed reality for productivity
- are sensitive to blur, lens flares, or motion sickness
- regularly play PC VR titles at maximum resolution
- care about premium comfort and long battery life
Opinion: At This Price, You Have to Live With Trade-Offs
My personal verdict after eight months with the Meta Quest 3S: For casual users, the Quest 3S may be an acceptable compromise. But for anyone who wants to take VR and mixed reality seriously, the Quest 3 remains the better choice.
On paper, the Quest 3S looks like a bargain: modern hardware, solid controllers, a huge app library, and mixed reality — all under €350 / $300 / £290. But the low price comes at a cost: its Fresnel lenses. They hold the experience back, especially for newcomers. The image is sharp only in the center; the rest of the field of view looks blurry. Unless you keep the headset perfectly aligned or avoid moving your eyes naturally, you’ll see softness. It’s particularly noticeable when watching movies or using mixed reality apps.
And if the past decade has taught us one thing: A bad first VR experience can turn people away for good.
That’s why I struggle to understand Meta’s almost desperate push to bring in new users at any cost. Sure, a cheap headset may pull more people into the ecosystem in the short term. But how many of them will stick around if their first impression is compromised hardware — and how many will ever reinvest in VR again? Add to that the onboarding hurdles Meta still hasn’t solved, from downplaying motion sickness to the confusing interface. A headset aimed at newcomers should do better here.
The Quest 3S isn’t a bad headset. For many, it’s a solid entry point. But if you want lasting enjoyment from VR, play regularly, or plan to use mixed reality seriously, the Quest 3 is worth the extra money. Its superior optics and stepless IPD adjustment make all the difference. My advice: if you can, save up for the Meta Quest 3. Since it’ll be a while before the Meta Quest 4 arrives, the investment in Meta’s current flagship is absolutely worth it.
