Is the Meta Quest 2 (Formerly Oculus Quest 2) Worth It in 2023?

If you’re shopping VR headsets, you’re likely wondering: Is the Oculus Quest 2 worth it? First things first, Oculus Quest 2 is now called Meta Quest 2. I’ll be using the terms interchangeably here since so many people still refer to it as the Oculus.

For several years now, Meta Quest 2 has been one of the most popular VR headsets out there. Meta — the people behind Facebook — bought Oculus in 2014 and have since made the technology brand a key part of their plans for an interactive virtual-reality-driven internet. But they aren’t the only VR headset game in town. I’ll tell you all about the Oculus Quest 2 and compare the gaming system to a bunch of other popular headsets out there so you can make an educated decision.

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Oculus Quest 2 is now officially Meta Quest 2.

The Meta Quest 2 is the latest version of Meta Platform’s popular virtual reality headset, following the 2016 Oculus Rift and the 2019 Oculus Quest.

Meta Quest 2 is a self-contained VR gaming system that — unlike other headsets — doesn’t require a connection to a computer to function. But don’t worry, you can absolutely connect to a computer for some games/functions.

Each Meta Quest comes with a headset and headband, charging equipment, and two wireless controllers — one for each hand. You’ll connect the Quest to the internet to set up your accounts, download games, and connect with other users.

The Meta Quest 2 debuted in 2020 with a sleeker look, lighter weight, a beefed-up processor, and more storage — up to 256 GB.

Note: The Meta Quest Pro was released in 2022, and while its design is sleeker, more ergonomic, and has better weight distribution, it’s largely aimed at use for creative outlets (art and music) and work. The Meta Quest 2, which we’re looking at here, is for entertainment. Also, the Pro’s price tag is quite a bit higher at $999.99.

 

How much does the Oculus Quest 2 cost, and is it worth it?

The Meta Quest 2 costs $399 for the 128 GB and $499 for 256 GB. (There used to be a 64 GB Quest for $299, but Meta quietly discontinued it in 2021.)

Third-party sellers aren’t really worth your time. We found a third-party seller on Walmart charging $395 for a 64 GB — almost the same price as the 128 GB. When shopping for your Quest, check the specifications so you don’t get screwed out of storage.

The 128 GB Quest holds 30 – 40 games, which is more than enough for the average gamer. Unless you plan on having 60 – 80 games stored on your device, the more expensive $499 Oculus Quest 2 is not worth it. The cheaper $399 option would be just fine.

 

So how does the Meta Quest 2 stack up against the competition? Below, I compare the specs and prices of the cheapest models of the Meta Quest 2 and four other leading virtual reality headsets to see if it’s really worth it:

Meta Quest 2 (Oculus Quest 2)

• Price: $399.99
• Wired or Wireless: Wireless
• Resolution: 1832 x 1920
• Platform: Standalone, PC
• Storage: 128GB

HP Reverb G2

• Price: $599
• Wired or Wireless: Wired
• Resolution: 2160 x 2160
• Platform: PC
• Storage: Whatever your PC’s storage is

PlayStation VR2

• Price: $549.99
• Wired or Wireless: Wired
• Resolution: 2000 x 2024
• Platform: Sony PlayStation 5
• Storage: Whatever your PlayStation’s storage is

Valve Index

• Price: $499.99
• Wired or Wireless: Wired
• Resolution: 1440 x 1600
• Platform: PC
• Storage: Whatever your PC’s storage is

HTC Vive Pro 2

• Price: $799
• Wired or Wireless: Wired or Wireless (with adapter)
• Resolution: 2448 x 2448
• Platform: PC
• Storage: the headset depends on your PC’s storage

So, is the Oculus Quest 2 worth it? Yes. It’s priced lower than a lot of the competition, and with high marks for storage, resolution, and platform convenience, it’s a good value in the VR space.

 

Does the Oculus Quest 2 come with games?

Yes, it comes with free games, but the offers rotate and it’s not a guarantee. Back in December 2022, you could get a full version of Beat Saber with your headset purchase.

Currently, you can get two games for free: GOLF+ and Space Pirate Trainer DX, but this offer ends June 3, 2023.

After the promo, expect to play demo versions of a few titles available on the Quest. Sure, you won’t get the full games, but you’ll get a taste of what to expect before spending money on the full versions.

Here are the pre-installed demo games you can play straight out of the box:

• Beat Saber: Use a lightsaber-like drumstick to slice and cut to the rhythm of songs in the game.
• Creed: Rise to Glory: Jab and spar your way to the top from the perspective of fighter Adonis Creed from the movie of the same name.
• Journey of the Gods: Fight evil forces from space as a godlike creature to stop the apocalypse.
• Sports Scramble: This mixes and matches your favorite sports by letting you play the game with the wrong equipment, like hitting a golf ball with a baseball bat.
• SUPERHOT VR: You become an AI and try to lure in others.
• Dance Central: Pick a song and dance to it.

 

Do you need a computer for the Meta Quest 2?

No, you don’t need a PC to play your Meta Quest 2. Most VR devices need a computer or smartphone. The Meta Quest 2 operates independently.

But if you still want to hook up the Quest 2 to your computer, you can use a USB cord or Wi-Fi. The upside to connecting to a PC is that the graphics are higher quality than if you use the headset alone. You’ll have to decide if adding a PC to the Meta Quest 2 is worth it.

 

Can you watch movies on the Meta Quest 2?

Yep, you can watch movies with your VR headset. But don’t expect to be on the boat with Leonardo DiCaprio in The Titanic. You aren’t actually part of some immersive movie experience when you use the Quest. Instead, you’re watching it on a virtual movie theater screen inside of a cabin. Best of all, though, you can watch with other people at the same time.

The Meta Quest 2 lets you watch movies and TV shows via Netflix, Prime Video, and YouTube directly from the Meta store.

If you want to stream from Hulu, Peacock, Disney Plus, Discovery Plus, or any free streaming app, you’ll have to use the built-in web browser. Type in the URL to the site you want to visit, sign in, and stream from the browser. You won’t get the virtual cabin or watch party experience, but you’ll at least get to watch.

 

How long does the Meta Quest 2 take to charge?

From completely dead to full juice, it’ll take 2.5 hours for your Meta Quest 2 to charge. When fully charged, you can squeeze two hours of gameplay out of it. If you’re doing something a little less processor-heavy — like watching a movie — you’ll get closer to three hours.

The headset comes with a USB-C cord, but you can buy a nifty charging dock that holds your Meta Quest 2 and controllers while it charges. You can find generic ones on Amazon for under $50, so you don’t need to spend a ton.

 

How to get the most bang for your buck on a Meta Quest 2 headset.

Here are four things to consider when VR headset shopping:

1. What resolution should I look for?

This depends on what you’re willing to spend. The ideal is to get as close to 4K resolution as possible (3840 x 2160). But if you’re reading this, you’re probably considering cost as a factor. The closest thing on the market to 4K is the Meta Quest Pro (3664 x 1920). But at $999.99, it’s more than twice the cost of a Meta Quest 2 headset.

The next closest resolution out there is the 2160 x 2160 for the HP Reverb G2. The Meta Quest 2 has 1832 x 1920. If all your hopes and dreams are set on resolution, go with the HP Reverb G2. But there are other things to consider.

2. Should I get wired or wireless?

Wireless is less cumbersome, especially if you live in a small space, but the upside of wired gaming is that the direct wiring means faster loading and better graphics. However, wireless headsets are typically more expensive than wired.

3. What’s the best VR platform?

A platform is a device or software you need to play your VR games with a headset. And your platform impacts the things you can do with your VR headset, but also it affects your out-of-pocket cost for these systems.

Here’s a quick overview of your options:

• PC: Your headset is plugged into your PC via cables. You’ll buy games via Steam
• Mobile Phone: Your headset is connected to your mobile phone via Bluetooth or the phone is inserted directly into the headset. Buy games via the phone’s platform
• Console: Your headset is connected to the console via cables or Wi-Fi. Buy games via the console
• Stand-alone: The headset is its own device and doesn’t need a platform. Buy games are from the headset’s store

The Meta Quest 2 is a stand-alone VR headset that has all of the software and functionality built into the equipment.

4. How much storage should I look for?

Ideally, you’d want something that’s 128 GB or more. If you get a VR headset that’s 64 GB, you’ll only be able to fit 10 – 15 games on it. (You’ll only find a 64 GB if you shop used or through third parties. Meta isn’t making this storage amount anymore.)