Apple Vision Pro VS Meta Quest 3: What is the Difference

Apple Vision Pro, released just a few weeks ago, has already created a buzz among users. People have already started comparing the two mesmerizing VR headsets, Apple Vision Pro VS Meta Quest 3. There has been a lot of discussion and varying viewpoints about these two headsets.

Even Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg recently tried Apple Vision Pro and shared his experience on his social media handle. He took to his Instagram handle and wrote, “I don’t just think that the Quest is the better value, I think Quest is the better product, period.”

Well, this is what Zuckerberg feels about Apple Vision Pro, but you don’t have to agree to it completely. You have the option to compare the two products and then buy any one according to your requirements. This article can guide you through the two newest products and help you make an informed decision.

We are sharing some major distinctions between Meta Quest vs. Apple Vision Pro in this post. And, of course, we will be sharing some similarities (if any) as well here. So, without wasting any moment, let’s get to the point. Here we go…

Meta Quest

Meta Quest is a virtual reality headset developed by Meta Platforms (formerly known as Facebook). Formerly, Meta Quest was known as Oculus Quest. Meta Quest is a standalone headset. This means that it does not need a PC or console to function. The Meta Quest 3, released on October 10, 2023, is the latest model in the Meta Quest series.

The Meta Quest 3 prioritizes gaming. It has advanced features, including a high-resolution display, spatial audio, and hand-tracking capabilities. It boasts an impressive library of VR/MR titles such as Beat Sabre, Superhot, and Asgard’s Wrath 2. Additionally, there are numerous third-party accessories available to enhance comfort, controller grip, and battery life, along with PC VR support. In addition to gaming, Meta Quest can also be used for non-gaming purposes, including education, training, and entertainment. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has claimed Meta Quest is the best Virtual Reality headset in his recent Insta post.

Pros

• Standalone headset
• Budget-friendly VR headset by Meta
• It offers a balanced blend of work and play
• Lightweight and durable
• Boasts numerous advanced features comparable to Apple Vision Pro
• Allows for immersive mixed reality experiences

Cons

• Boasts many cutting-edge features, yet isn’t comparable with the Apple Vision Pro
• Cameras designed for pass-through tend to struggle in low-light conditions.
• Ideal For
• Ideal for both gamers and non-gamers

Pricing

Meta Quest is available at Best Buy and Amazon for $500. You can buy Meta Quest from any of the platforms.

Apple Vision Pro

Announced on June 5, 2023, Apple released its first-ever Virtual Reality headset on February 2, 2024. This VR headset is truly impressive. It features high-quality finish, an aluminum frame on its sides and a curved laminated glass display on the front. Apple Vision Pro VR headset includes advanced features, such as a high-resolution display with a wide FOV, eye-tracking and hand-tracking sensors, and powerful processing capabilities.

These unique features allow users to interact with the virtual world in a more natural way. This headset is said to provide a truly immersive experience to users. Many users have claimed that Vision Pro offers a unique VR experience that sets it apart from other headsets.

Some even said that the Apple Vision Pro offers an audiovisual experience that rivals being physically present at a movie theatre or basketball game. It is a perfect VR headset for entertainment purposes. Let’s now take a look at some pros and cons of the product…

Pros

• Features impressive technology that is truly remarkable
• Offers mind-boggling features
• Boasts impressive features
• It offers 360-video for an immersive experience
• Standalone headset

Cons

• Lacks durability
• Extremely expensive VR headset by Apple
• Ideal For
• Ideal for entertainment and productivity purposes

Pricing

Apple Vision Pro is available for $3499 on the Apple site. You can visit the Apple site for more details on pricing.

Let’s now take a look at the specifications of both Meta Quest vs. Apple Vision Pro. Here we go…

Let’s now take a look at some of the major distinctions between these two products. Here we go…

Apple Vision Pro vs Meta Quest 3

Here are some distinctions between the two VR headsets based on different parameters. Take a look…

➤ Design

☞ Meta Quest 3: Let’s begin with design. The two headsets boast almost similar designs with slight differences. The Meta Quest 3 features a sleek and functional design. It has a simple white plastic front with three pill-shaped modules. These modules house cameras and various sensors, enhancing the device’s capabilities. Also, it has a Y-style head strap that goes over the top and behind the user’s head.

Meta also offers Blood Orange and Elemental Blue straps and facial interfaces. The Meta Quest 3 is designed to sit securely on a person’s head, reducing the likelihood of wobbling or sliding during sudden movements. Additionally, Meta has thoughtfully included an IPD adjustment wheel, allowing you to customise the lens distance to your eye for optimal comfort. It features compact and very comfortable controllers for grip, a joystick, two top buttons, and a convenient shoulder button on the handle.

☞ Apple Vision Pro: The Apple Vision Pro boasts a more streamlined appearance. It is designed to be a high-quality device comparable to your TV or laptop. The front of the device, also known as the Enclosure, features a wide range of sensors and is adorned with a visually appealing black glass-like design. The design features a single strap that securely wraps around the back of the user’s head.

The strap has two speakers that are positioned near your ears, along with some extra controls. The back end of the strap is designed to support the back of your head gently. It also incorporates a Fit Dial feature to ensure a snug and secure fit. The battery of the Vision Pro is connected to the headset through the left strap. Users have to deal with an additional cable. The Vision Pro has a slightly different weight distribution compared to the Quest 3. This is because it houses multiple computing components within its glass and aluminium face piece, making it slightly more front-heavy.

➤ Display

☞ The Meta Quest 3 boats Dual LCD, Pancake lenses with a refresh rate of 120 Hz. Moreover, it provides a high resolution of 2,064 x 2,208 pixels per eye. Also, it boasts an impressive field of view, with a horizontal angle of 110 degrees and a vertical angle of 96 degrees.

☞ Apple Vision Pro boasts a superior display. It has micro-OLED displays with a refresh rate of 90 Hz. Also, Vision Pro features an impressive 24MP resolution, equivalent to a stunning 4K resolution. However, there is no information about Vision Pro’s FUV (field of view); however, it is expected to have around 100 degrees of horizontal angle.

➤ Audio

☞ Meta Quest 3: When it comes to audio, both Meta Quest and Vision Pro incorporate the speakers into the headband. Each ear is equipped with one. Both devices have near-field speakers positioned in the headband. It features spatial audio support – it is the latest addition to the newest VR headset by Meta. The Meta Quest 3 offers a wider field of view and enhanced versatility with its 3.5mm jack. Users have the option to use their own headphones and connect them to the Quest’s built-in 3.5mm headphone jack for better audio quality.

☞ Apple Vision Pro offers a remarkable volume level, particularly when compared to the Meta Quest 2. Vision Pro comes with spatial audio support, along with a feature known as Personalised Spatial Audio that functions seamlessly as you turn your head. Headphones can be connected by using the USB-C port on the Apple Vision Pro, as it does not have a 3.5mm jack.

➤ Passthrough Cameras and Mixed Reality

☞ Meta Quest 3 headsets have passthrough cameras to enhance the experience of mixed reality. The Meta Quest 3 features cameras integrated into the front of the headset, along with a depth sensor located in the central pill-shaped hole. When activated, the cameras display the surrounding area, allowing users to have an immersive experience. The Meta Quest cameras perform great in natural light. They are able to capture colours accurately and deliver satisfactory sharpness. But users can have problems using them in dim lights or poorly lit rooms.

☞ Apple Vision Pro is concerned. It has an impressive array of 12 cameras, five sensors, and six microphones. Apple Vision Pro includes LIDAR cameras to capture 3D information, as well as motion sensors to track head movement and eye tracking. Apple Vision Pro VR headset lacks controllers. This headset utilises hand gestures captured by the passthrough cameras to navigate and perform various tasks. For more details on Vision Pro’s camera specifications, you can visit Apple’s site.

➤ Battery Life

You will be surprised to know that both Meta Quest and Apple Vision Pro have similar battery life. Both the headsets offer 2 hours of battery life. Meta Quest comes with a 3.5mm jack to charge the device.

Apple Vision Pro does not include a 3.5mm jack. To charge the Apple Vision Pro headset, users can connect the device to a power outlet using a USB-C Charge Cable and an Apple USB-C power adapter.

➤ Software and Performance

☞ The Meta Quest 3 utilises the Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 processor and 8GB of RAM for improved gaming performance and overall efficiency. Additionally, it utilises Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2 for seamless connectivity, enabling it to effortlessly connect to a wide range of devices with exceptional features and high speeds. Moreover, it offers video passthrough with a latency of 12ms. In addition, the Touch Plus controllers truly enhance the gaming experience and are especially useful for apps like Beat Sabre and Supernatural, where rhythmic inputs are crucial.

☞ The Apple Vision Pro operates on Apple’s VisionOS. It utilises both Apple’s M2 chip and its R1 chip. People who have used Apple Vision Pro claim that it is one of the best VR headsets. It offers seamless gesture control functions and spatial video features. Moreover, Apple’s VisionOS is far superior to the Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 in benchmarks. Vision Pro lacks controllers, so game developers may encounter challenges when working with it. Vision Pro Apps called Synth Riders. However, users claim that they had a tough time using hand-tracking in dimmer environments. Moreover, the Vision Pro is compatible with a variety of Apple Arcade games; however, not all of them fully utilise the headset’s exceptional audiovisual capabilities and hand-eye tracking sensors.

➤ Durability

Meta Quest comes with a plastic front, making it ultra-durable and lightweight. The plastic casing surrounding the Quest provides added protection against damage. The Vision Pro, on the other hand, lacks the same level of durability found in the Quest 3. Apple Vision Pro features an aluminum frame on its sides and a curved laminated glass display on the front, which makes it less durable.

➤ Pricing

When it comes to the pricing of the two devices, Meta Quest is significantly less pricier compared to the Apple Vision Pro. Meta’s Virtual Reality headset is priced at $500, whereas Apple’s Vision Pro costs $3499 on the Apple site, which is too high for that matter. If you make your decision based on price, then surely Meta Quest is the best option. And the fact is both headsets offer similar functionalities. Also, Meta Quest is a branded product. The use of budget-friendly material in the making of Meta Quest makes it the most affordable option.

➤ Final Verdict: Which VR headset is considered the top choice?

☞ Last Wording of Meta Quest 3

Well, it is very difficult to choose the best among the two stunning products. Of course, both Meta Quest and Apple Vision Pro have stunning features, and they both offer stunning performance. The Meta Quest 3 offers a combination of mixed reality, games, entertainment, and a more affordable price. It’s evident that this VR headset is intended for everyday use and is priced to be accessible to a wide range of users. Moreover, the Meta Quest 3 excels in almost every aspect. Quest 3 provides comparable features but at a lower level of quality, be it in terms of display resolution, spatial audio playback, or processing speed.

☞ Last Wording of Apple Vision Pro

Vision Pro features 3D glass with beautifully curved edges, 4K Micro OLED displays, and much more. These features definitely deliver a superior 3D movie experience. Also, it comes with software that allows users to use their eyes and finger pinches to navigate and FaceTime friends. Vision Pro offers a unique VR experience that sets it apart from other headsets. However, it lacks some of the most required features, such as controllers. The lack of controllers makes it a poor choice for gamers. Additionally, the Vision Pro necessitates an external battery pack, which becomes an additional item for users to remember all the time.

Moreover, Apple Vision Pro is very new in the market. A lot of information about it is not available. You will have to wait a while to get detailed information about Vision Pro.

All in all, Meta Quest may not be as flawless as Apple Vision Pro, but it is an ideal pick for everyday use. Also, it is a budget-friendly choice. So, if you have budget constraints, you can opt for Meta Quest. And if you are a local Apple customer, then definitely, Apple Vision Pro is your best bet!

Choose Wisely!