Oculus Quest vs Rift S: Which Vr Headset Reigns Supreme?
Virtual reality has exploded in popularity, offering immersive experiences that transport you to other worlds. But with so many options, choosing the right VR headset can be a daunting task. This comparison dives deep into the battle of the headsets.
We’re putting two popular contenders head-to-head: the Oculus Quest and the Oculus Rift S. Both headsets offer access to a vast library of VR games and experiences, but they differ significantly in their design and functionality. Understanding these differences is crucial.
Whether you’re a seasoned VR enthusiast or a curious newcomer, this comparison will help you determine which headset best fits your needs and budget. We’ll explore everything from setup and portability to performance and game selection, ensuring you make an informed decision about the Oculus Quest vs Rift S.
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | Quest | Rift S |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution Per Eye | 1832 x 1920 | 1280 x 1440 |
| Refresh Rate | 72 Hz | 80 Hz |
| Tracking | Inside-Out (6DoF) | Inside-Out (6DoF) |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 | N/A |
| RAM | 6GB | N/A |
| Storage | 64GB / 128GB / 256GB | N/A |
| Audio | Integrated Speakers & 3.5mm Jack | Integrated Speakers & 3.5mm Jack |
| Microphone | Integrated | Integrated |
| Weight | 503g | 563g |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB-C | DisplayPort 1.2, USB 3.0 |
| Controllers | Touch Controllers | Touch Controllers |
| PC VR Compatibility | Yes (with Link Cable/Air Link/Virtual Desktop) | Yes |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Standalone VR Capability
- Oculus Quest: The Quest is a standalone VR headset, meaning it doesn’t require a PC or external sensors. It features an integrated Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 platform and has onboard storage. This makes it incredibly portable and easy to set up, but processing power is limited compared to PC-powered headsets.
- Rift S: The Rift S requires a PC to function, connecting via DisplayPort and USB. It relies on the PC’s processing power for rendering, delivering higher graphical fidelity and more complex VR experiences. This setup is less portable and requires a compatible gaming PC.
- Winner: Quest
Display Resolution & Refresh Rate
- Oculus Quest: The Quest features a per-eye resolution of 1832 x 1920 pixels and a 72Hz refresh rate. The display is OLED. This provides a good visual experience, but the refresh rate is lower than some other headsets.
- Rift S: The Rift S has a per-eye resolution of 1280 x 1440 pixels and a 80Hz refresh rate. It uses an LCD panel. The higher refresh rate contributes to smoother visuals, but the resolution is slightly lower than the Quest.
- Winner: Rift S
Tracking System
- Oculus Quest: The Quest uses inside-out tracking with four built-in cameras. This system tracks the headset and controllers without external sensors. This makes setup easy, but tracking can be affected by lighting conditions and occlusion (when controllers or headset are out of view of the cameras).
- Rift S: The Rift S also uses inside-out tracking with five built-in cameras. The tracking system is similar to the Quest, offering a good tracking experience but with the same potential limitations related to lighting and occlusion.
- Winner: Tie
Controllers
- Oculus Quest: The Quest uses Oculus Touch controllers, providing intuitive and responsive input. They offer excellent tracking within the Quest’s tracking volume and feature haptic feedback.
- Rift S: The Rift S also uses Oculus Touch controllers. They are the same design as the Quest controllers.
- Winner: Tie
Audio
- Oculus Quest: The Quest features integrated speakers that provide spatial audio. It also has a 3.5mm headphone jack for private listening. The built-in audio is convenient, but external headphones generally provide a better audio experience.
- Rift S: The Rift S has integrated spatial audio and a 3.5mm headphone jack. The integrated audio is similar to the Quest.
- Winner: Tie
PC VR Compatibility
- Oculus Quest: The Quest can connect to a PC via Oculus Link (USB-C) or Air Link (Wi-Fi) to play PC VR games. This greatly expands its game library and allows access to more graphically demanding experiences.
- Rift S: The Rift S is exclusively designed for PC VR, requiring a gaming PC to function. This offers access to a wide library of PC VR games.
- Winner: Quest
Comfort & Design
- Oculus Quest: The Quest’s design is relatively comfortable, but the weight distribution can be front-heavy. The built-in battery adds to the weight.
- Rift S: The Rift S features a halo headband design, which distributes weight more evenly. It is generally considered more comfortable for longer play sessions.
- Winner: Rift S
Price
- Oculus Quest: The Quest’s price point varies based on storage capacity, making it a more accessible option for those new to VR.
- Rift S: The Rift S is no longer in production, so pricing varies based on the used market.
- Winner: Tie
Winner by Category:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Portability | Oculus Quest |
| Visual Fidelity | Rift S |
| Ease of Use | Oculus Quest |
| Standalone Gaming | Oculus Quest |
| PC VR Gaming | Tie |
| Overall Value | Tie |
What They Have in Common:
- Inside-Out Tracking: Both the Quest and Rift S utilize inside-out tracking, meaning they use cameras on the headset to track your movements and the controllers without the need for external base stations. This simplifies setup and offers great freedom of movement.
- Touch Controllers: Both headsets come with Oculus Touch controllers, providing intuitive and responsive hand tracking for interacting with virtual environments. This allows for a similar level of interaction in games and apps.
- Integrated Audio: Both headsets feature integrated spatial audio, with speakers built into the head strap, offering immersive sound without the need for separate headphones. A 3.5mm headphone jack is also included for private listening.
- Oculus Ecosystem: Both headsets are part of the Oculus ecosystem, granting access to the Oculus Store and a wide variety of VR games, apps, and experiences. This provides a consistent software experience across both platforms.
- Comfortable Design: Both headsets are designed with comfort in mind, featuring adjustable head straps and comfortable facial interfaces, allowing for longer play sessions. Both headsets offer a good fit for a wide range of head sizes.
Oculus Quest Vs Rift S Buying Guide
Portability and Setup
The Oculus Quest shines with its wireless and standalone nature. This means no need for a powerful PC or external sensors. You can set it up and start playing virtually anywhere with ease. The Rift S, on the other hand, is tethered, requiring a connection to a PC via a DisplayPort and USB 3.0. Setup involves connecting the headset and configuring the software on your PC. This is not as portable or quick, but offers a more immersive experience.
Visual Fidelity and Performance
The Rift S boasts a higher resolution display and a faster refresh rate than the original Quest, resulting in sharper visuals and smoother gameplay, especially beneficial for fast-paced games. The Quest’s performance is limited by its onboard processor. While the Quest can run many games, it may have to compromise on graphical fidelity compared to the Rift S. The Rift S is always running at its maximum potential, as it is powered by your PC.
Game Library and Content Availability
Both headsets have access to a vast library of VR games and experiences. The Rift S leverages the Oculus PC platform, giving access to the full Oculus Rift library, including titles optimized for PC hardware. The Quest also has its own store with standalone versions of many popular games. Quest users can also access PC VR content through Oculus Link, which allows them to connect their Quest to a gaming PC. Both offer a wide selection.
Comfort and Ergonomics
Both headsets offer comfortable designs, but they have different approaches. The Rift S features a halo-style headband that distributes weight well, potentially making it more comfortable for longer play sessions. The Quest is also comfortable, but its weight is focused on the front of the headset. This difference in design means that some users may prefer the comfort of the Rift S, while others may find the Quest more comfortable. Both can be adjusted.
Price and Value for Money
When considering the price, the Oculus Quest has always been the more expensive of the two headsets, especially when factoring in the required PC hardware for the Rift S. The Quest is a complete package, including the headset, controllers, and built-in tracking. The Rift S offers a similar package, however, it requires a gaming PC. If you already have a powerful gaming PC, the Rift S offers excellent value. If you don’t, the Quest’s all-in-one approach is more affordable.
Long-Term Viability and Future Support
While the Rift S has been discontinued, it still receives software updates and support. The Quest continues to evolve with new software features and hardware revisions. The Quest’s standalone nature allows for easier upgrades and future support, as it is not tied to PC hardware limitations. Both headsets are still viable options for VR gaming. The Quest’s standalone ability could be seen as a sign of where the future of VR is going.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy oculus quest If…
- You want a completely wireless VR experience and the freedom to play anywhere.
- You prioritize portability and ease of setup.
- You want the option to play both standalone VR games and PC VR games.
- You prefer a more modern and self-contained VR solution.
Buy rift s If…
- You prioritize the best visual fidelity and refresh rate.
- You want a PC VR experience without the need for a separate display.
- You primarily plan to play PC VR games and have a compatible gaming PC.
- You want a slightly more affordable option compared to purchasing a Quest and a Link cable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between the Oculus Quest and the Rift S?
The main difference is that the Oculus Quest is a standalone VR headset, meaning it doesn’t require a PC to function. The Rift S is a PC-powered headset, requiring a connection to a computer. This affects portability, performance, and the games available. The Quest is more portable while the Rift S offers better graphics and access to a wider range of PC VR games.
Which headset has better graphics?
The Rift S generally has better visual fidelity due to its higher resolution display and the power of the connected PC. It can run games at higher graphical settings and smoother frame rates. The Quest’s graphics quality is determined by its internal processor, which is capable, but not as powerful as a dedicated gaming PC. This means the Rift S has the advantage.
Can I use the Oculus Quest with a PC?
Yes, you can use the Oculus Quest with a PC using Oculus Link or Air Link. This allows you to play PC VR games on your Quest, effectively turning it into a Rift S with a few performance trade-offs. This adds to the Quest’s versatility, letting you experience both standalone and PC-powered VR. This is a key feature.
What are the tracking methods for each headset?
Both headsets use inside-out tracking, meaning they track your movements using cameras built into the headset itself. The Rift S uses five cameras, while the Quest uses four. Both systems offer excellent tracking accuracy, allowing for immersive and responsive gameplay. The inside-out tracking eliminates the need for external base stations.
Which headset is better for portability?
The Oculus Quest is the clear winner for portability. It’s completely wireless and doesn’t require any external devices or a PC to function. This allows you to play VR games anywhere you have space, without being tethered. The Rift S requires a PC and is therefore limited to the location of your gaming setup.
What is the battery life of the Oculus Quest?
The Oculus Quest has a battery life of approximately 2-3 hours for gaming, depending on the game and usage. When the battery runs low, you can recharge it using the included charger. The Rift S doesn’t have a battery, as it is powered by the PC. This means that you can play for as long as you want.
Are there any subscription fees for using these headsets?
No, there are no mandatory subscription fees to use either the Oculus Quest or the Rift S. You purchase games and experiences individually through the Oculus Store. However, some games may offer optional in-app purchases or subscriptions for additional content, but these are not required to play the game.
Final Verdict
Both the Oculus Quest and Rift S are excellent VR headsets, each catering to different needs. The Rift S provides a higher-fidelity PC VR experience with smoother performance, ideal for gamers with powerful PCs. The Oculus Quest offers the ultimate in portability and versatility, letting you play VR games anywhere. The Quest’s wireless freedom and the option to connect to a PC are appealing.
Winner: Oculus Quest