Quest 2 vs Rift S: Which Vr Headset Should You Buy?
Virtual reality has exploded in popularity, offering immersive experiences that transport you to other worlds. But with so many VR headsets available, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. Today, we’re diving deep into a head-to-head comparison to help you make the best decision for your needs.
We’re putting the Oculus Quest 2 and the Oculus Rift S under the microscope. Both headsets, once top contenders in the VR market, offer different strengths and weaknesses. Understanding these differences is key to determining which headset will provide the most satisfying virtual reality experience.
Whether you’re a seasoned VR enthusiast or a curious newcomer, this comparison of the quest 2 vs rift s will provide valuable insights. We’ll explore everything from performance and features to price and ease of use, ensuring you have all the information you need to make an informed purchase.
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | Quest 2 | Rift S |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution Per Eye | 1832 x 1920 | 1280 x 1440 |
| Refresh Rate | 72-120Hz | 80 Hz |
| Tracking | Inside-Out | Inside-Out |
| Controllers | Touch Controllers | Touch Controllers |
| Storage Options | 128GB, 256GB | N/A |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 | N/A |
| RAM | 6GB | N/A |
| Audio | Integrated Speakers & 3.5mm Jack | Integrated Speakers & 3.5mm Jack |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | DisplayPort, USB 3.0 |
| Weight | 503g | 563g |
| IPD Adjustment | Yes, mechanical | Yes, mechanical |
| Passthrough | Yes | No |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Resolution & Display
- Quest 2: Boasts a higher resolution per eye (1832 x 1920) than the Rift S, resulting in a sharper and more detailed image. The LCD panel delivers vibrant colors. However, some users may notice the “screen door effect” due to the pixel arrangement.
- Rift S: Offers a resolution of 1280 x 1440 per eye, which is lower than the Quest 2. It utilizes an LCD panel. The image quality is still good, but not as crisp or immersive as the Quest 2.
- Winner: Quest 2
Tracking System
- Quest 2: Uses inside-out tracking with four built-in cameras. This offers excellent freedom of movement and eliminates the need for external base stations. However, tracking can sometimes be affected in low-light environments.
- Rift S: Also utilizes inside-out tracking, similar to the Quest 2. It tracks well but can occasionally lose tracking in certain situations. The tracking is generally reliable, but some users may find it slightly less precise than external tracking systems.
- Winner: Quest 2
Processing Power
- Quest 2: Features a Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 platform, providing significantly more processing power than the Rift S. This allows for more demanding VR experiences and better performance. It can also run games natively without a PC.
- Rift S: Relies entirely on the connected PC for processing. Its performance is dependent on the PC’s specifications, including the graphics card and CPU.
- Winner: Quest 2
Connectivity
- Quest 2: Offers both standalone and PC VR capabilities. It can be used wirelessly via Air Link or wired via Link cable to connect to a PC. This versatility makes it highly adaptable.
- Rift S: Requires a PC connection via DisplayPort and USB 3.0. It is a tethered device and cannot be used without a PC.
- Winner: Quest 2
Audio
- Quest 2: Integrated spatial audio through built-in speakers, which can be sufficient for some users. However, the audio quality might not be as good as dedicated headphones.
- Rift S: Integrated spatial audio through built-in speakers, delivering decent sound quality. However, it also benefits from being able to use headphones.
- Winner: Tie
Comfort & Design
- Quest 2: Lighter than the Rift S but can feel front-heavy. The included strap is often criticized. Third-party head straps can significantly improve comfort.
- Rift S: Generally considered more comfortable than the original Quest, with a halo headband design. The weight distribution is better balanced, leading to less strain during longer play sessions.
- Winner: Rift S
Price
- Quest 2: Starts at a lower price point than the Rift S did at launch. The price has fluctuated.
- Rift S: Was available at a higher price point than the Quest 2’s starting price.
- Winner: Quest 2
Ecosystem & Content
- Quest 2: Access to the Oculus Store (now Meta Quest Store) and SteamVR, offering a wide selection of VR games and experiences. The standalone capabilities expand the content options.
- Rift S: Access to the Oculus Store and SteamVR, with a vast library of VR games. However, since it is discontinued, new content development is primarily focused on newer VR platforms.
- Winner: Quest 2
Winner by Category:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Resolution | Quest 2 |
| Refresh Rate | Quest 2 |
| Portability | Quest 2 |
| PC VR Experience | Rift S |
| Ease of Use | Quest 2 |
| Standalone Capability | Quest 2 |
What They Have in Common:
- Inside-Out Tracking: Both headsets utilize inside-out tracking, meaning the tracking sensors are located on the headset itself, eliminating the need for external base stations. This simplifies setup and offers greater portability.
- Touch Controllers: Both the Quest 2 and Rift S come with Oculus Touch controllers, providing intuitive and responsive hand tracking for interacting with virtual environments. They offer similar button layouts and functionality.
- Integrated Audio: Both headsets feature integrated audio solutions, with speakers built into the head strap. They also both include a 3.5mm headphone jack for private listening.
- Comfortable Design: Both headsets are designed with comfort in mind, featuring adjustable head straps and ergonomic designs to accommodate various head sizes and shapes. However, individual comfort can vary.
- Access to Oculus Store: While the Rift S connects to a PC, both headsets can access the Oculus store for games and apps.
Quest 2 Vs Rift S Buying Guide
Price and Availability
The Quest 2 generally wins on price and accessibility. The Rift S was discontinued, making it harder to find and often more expensive on the used market. New Quest 2 units, even with the price increase, remain a more affordable option, especially considering the all-in-one functionality. Availability is another factor; the Quest 2 is readily available at most major retailers, while finding a functioning Rift S requires patience and luck in the second-hand market. This makes the Quest 2 a practical choice for budget-conscious buyers and those who want immediate access to VR.
Setup and Ease of Use
The Quest 2 offers a vastly superior setup experience. Being a standalone headset, it eliminates the need for a powerful PC and external tracking sensors. This plug-and-play simplicity makes it exceptionally easy to set up and start gaming. The Rift S, on the other hand, required a VR-ready PC, a DisplayPort connection, and USB 3.0 ports. Setting up the Rift S involved connecting all these cables and calibrating external tracking cameras, a process that could be cumbersome for some users. The Quest 2’s portability and wireless capabilities further enhance its convenience.
Performance and Visuals
While the Rift S boasts a slightly higher resolution and smoother visuals on a compatible PC, the Quest 2 has closed the gap significantly. The Quest 2 can connect to a PC via Oculus Link or Air Link, allowing it to play PC VR games with impressive graphical fidelity. The Quest 2’s refresh rate and resolution have improved over time through firmware updates, making the visual experience comparable to the Rift S in many cases. The Rift S, however, offers a more consistent visual experience due to its tethered nature and reliance on a dedicated PC.
Tracking and Controllers
The Quest 2 utilizes inside-out tracking, meaning its cameras are built into the headset itself. This eliminates the need for external sensors and provides a cleaner, more streamlined setup. The Rift S also used inside-out tracking, but its tracking performance could sometimes be affected by lighting conditions. Both headsets feature similar controller designs, with comfortable ergonomics and accurate tracking. The Quest 2’s tracking is generally considered reliable and responsive, offering a solid VR experience that competes well with the Rift S’s tracking capabilities.
Game Library and Ecosystem
The Quest 2 has access to both the Oculus Quest store (standalone games) and the Oculus Rift/SteamVR libraries (PC VR games). This provides a vast selection of titles, from immersive experiences to action-packed games. The Rift S, being PC-tethered, relies on the PC VR ecosystem. While it has access to a wide range of titles through SteamVR and the Oculus Rift store, its game library is not as diverse as the Quest 2’s, given its ability to play standalone games. The Quest 2’s ability to play standalone games allows for a broader range of playstyles.
Future Proofing and Updates
The Quest 2 is the clear winner in terms of future-proofing. It continues to receive software updates and improvements from Meta, enhancing its performance and features. The Rift S is no longer actively supported, meaning it won’t receive new features or performance optimizations. The Quest 2’s standalone capabilities and ongoing support make it a more relevant and future-proof investment. Meta consistently releases new software updates, and the Quest 2 has a longer lifespan than the Rift S, which is now considered obsolete.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy quest 2 If…
- You want a standalone VR experience without the need for a PC.
- You prioritize portability and the ability to play VR games anywhere.
- You want the latest VR technology and features, including a higher resolution and refresh rate.
- You are looking for a more affordable entry point into VR.
Buy rift s If…
- You already own a VR-ready PC and prefer a tethered experience.
- You prioritize a higher-fidelity visual experience and are willing to sacrifice portability.
- You prefer the simplicity of a direct connection to your PC.
- You already own a Rift S and want to stick with the same ecosystem.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between the Quest 2 and Rift S?
The primary difference is the Rift S’s reliance on a PC for operation, while the Quest 2 can function as a standalone headset. The Quest 2 offers greater portability and ease of use, while the Rift S offered higher graphical fidelity, though this gap has narrowed. The Rift S is also discontinued, making it harder to acquire and support.
Does the Quest 2 require a PC?
No, the Quest 2 can function as a standalone headset, playing games and experiences directly on the device. However, it can also connect to a PC via Oculus Link or Air Link to play PC VR games, providing a more powerful gaming experience. This flexibility is a significant advantage.
What is the resolution of the Quest 2 and Rift S?
The Quest 2 has a higher resolution per eye compared to the Rift S. The Quest 2 offers 1832 x 1920 pixels per eye, while the Rift S has 1280 x 1440 pixels per eye. Although the Rift S provided a sharper image with its design, the Quest 2’s higher resolution provides an advantage in overall visual clarity.
What are the tracking systems used by each headset?
Both headsets use inside-out tracking. This means the tracking is handled by cameras built into the headset, eliminating the need for external sensors. This system tracks the headset and controllers’ movements in the play space. This provides an easier setup and is a convenient feature for both headsets.
Can I use the Rift S with a PC other than a gaming PC?
No, the Rift S required a PC with a DisplayPort, USB 3.0 ports, and a graphics card capable of handling VR games. It needs a VR-ready PC to function correctly. The graphics card is the most crucial component, and the PC must meet Oculus’s minimum or recommended specifications.
How does the battery life of the Quest 2 compare to the Rift S?
The Rift S has no battery life limitations, as it’s tethered to a PC. The Quest 2’s battery life is usually around 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on the game or application. The Quest 2 also has a charging feature that allows you to play while charging, extending its playtime.
Is the Rift S still a viable option to buy in 2024?
Due to the discontinuation of the Rift S, it is not recommended to buy it in 2024. Finding a working unit can be challenging, and support from Meta is no longer available. The Quest 2 is a better option, offering a better experience and support.
Final Verdict
The Quest 2 offers a superior user experience due to its standalone capabilities, ease of setup, and ongoing software support. While the Rift S provided a good experience, its discontinued status and reliance on a PC make it less appealing. The Quest 2’s versatility, improved performance, and accessibility make it the clear winner.
Winner: Quest 2