The Meta Quest 2, formerly known as the Oculus Quest 2, has revolutionized the virtual reality (VR) market with its all-in-one design, affordability, and improved features. In this comprehensive review, we will explore the Meta Quest 2’s standout qualities, ranging from its streamlined design and refined controls to its more powerful hardware and smooth performance. Priced at $299, this VR headset offers a compelling package that caters to both newbies and experienced users. We will delve into the various aspects of the Meta Quest 2, highlighting its strengths and addressing any potential limitations. Join us as we examine how this VR headset surpasses its predecessor and competes with other high-end devices in the market.
Simple design
The Meta Quest 2 boasts a compact and lightweight design that enhances user comfort and convenience. Weighing only 17.7 ounces and measuring 4.0 by 7.5 by 5.6 inches (HWD), the headset is smaller and lighter than its predecessor. The smooth plastic chassis, predominantly white, exhibits a sleek and modern aesthetic. The contrasting black plastic and foam eye mask provide a comfortable fit and effectively block out external light. The headset features four position-tracking cameras along its edge, enabling accurate motion tracking and a more immersive VR experience.
The Meta Quest 2’s ergonomic design extends to its user interface and controls. The left side of the headset houses a USB-C port and a 3.5mm headphone jack, while the power button and indicator LED reside on the right side. The inclusion of a volume rocker, two pinhole microphones, and easily adjustable lenses ensures users can customize their experience. The three-point elastic strap, along with the top and side straps, enables secure and adjustable fitting. Although the default strap provides a fast and simple adjustment, users seeking a more secure fit can opt for the Quest 2 Elite Strap as an accessory upgrade.
Better Controls
The Meta Quest 2 comes with Meta Quest 2 controllers, which showcase a slightly modified design from the original Oculus Touch controllers. The curved handles with prominent rings on top facilitate precise tracking through the headset’s cameras. The triggers align naturally with the user’s index and middle fingers, offering comfortable and intuitive control. Notable improvements include a larger circular control surface at the top of the handle, providing a resting spot for the thumb when not actively engaged with the analog stick or face buttons.
The redesigned Meta Quest 2 controllers also offer a better grip and reduced risk of the battery door sliding off during intense gameplay sessions. These refinements contribute to an overall improved user experience, enhancing control accuracy and immersion. Furthermore, the Meta Quest 2 supports hand tracking, allowing users to interact with the virtual environment using their bare hands. The headset’s cameras meticulously track hand movements, enabling gestures such as pinching and clicking. While hand tracking works well for navigating menus, it may not fully replace the controllers for certain applications, requiring users to switch back for specific interactions like launching streaming platforms.

Powerful Hardware
One of the standout features of the Meta Quest 2 is its enhanced hardware, elevating the overall performance and visual quality. Powered by a Snapdragon XR2 processor derived from the Snapdragon 865, this VR headset offers a significant improvement over its predecessor’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 chip. The inclusion of two additional gigabytes of RAM brings the total to 6GB, unlocking even more potential for seamless and immersive VR experiences.
The Meta Quest 2 initially launched with 64GB of storage but now comes standard with 128GB, doubling the storage capacity for users’ VR content. Unfortunately, the storage remains non-expandable, although a 256GB model is available for an additional $100. This increased storage capacity accommodates more games, applications, and media, enabling users to explore a diverse range of VR content without constantly managing storage limitations.
In terms of visual fidelity, the Meta Quest 2 showcases a higher resolution than its predecessor. With a 1,920-by-1,832-pixel picture per eye, compared to the original Quest’s resolution of 1,600 by 1,440 pixels, users can enjoy a sharper and more detailed VR experience. Additionally, the Meta Quest 2 supports a 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring smoother motion and reducing motion sickness. The inclusion of a higher refresh rate contributes to a more immersive and comfortable experience, particularly during fast-paced games or rapid head movements.
Battery life remains a concern for standalone VR headsets, and the Meta Quest 2 offers approximately two to three hours of use between charges, similar to its predecessor. To extend playtime, users can consider the Quest 2 Elite Strap With Battery and Carrying Case, priced at $129, which provides a built-in battery pack. This optional accessory offers longer operating times, catering to users who desire extended VR sessions.
Meta Store and Link Cable
The Meta Quest 2 provides a comprehensive VR experience through its integrated Meta Store, offering a wide array of games and applications. The in-headset menu system and store, which resembles the original Quest’s interface, grants users access to numerous immersive VR experiences. Popular titles like Beat Saber, Rez Infinite, Superhot VR, and Tetris Effect are readily available, providing diverse entertainment options for users.
Additionally, users can explore the extensive library of VR software in the Steam VR store with the optional Meta Link Cable. This 16.4-foot (5m) USB-C cable facilitates a connection between the Quest 2 and a compatible PC, unlocking access to a broader range of VR content. While alternative USB-C cables can be used, the Meta Link Cable’s length and flexibility make it an ideal choice for VR applications, ensuring seamless connectivity and optimal performance.
The inclusion of PC tethering with the Meta Quest 2 is crucial for multiple reasons. Firstly, it enables users to experience graphically advanced VR content that requires the processing power of a PC. This allows for more visually stunning and technically demanding experiences, such as the highly acclaimed Half-Life: Alyx. Secondly, Meta discontinued its Rift line of tethered headsets, making the Quest 2 the sole VR headset from the company that offers both standalone and PC-tethered capabilities. This versatility ensures users can enjoy VR across a spectrum of applications, from the convenience of standalone gaming to the more immersive and visually impressive PC-powered experiences.
Smooth Performance
The Meta Quest 2 excels in delivering a smooth and immersive VR experience through various factors. The Guardian system, carried over from the original Quest, enables users to define their play space and avoid potential collisions or hazards by creating virtual boundaries. This feature works reliably, ensuring a safe and comfortable VR environment.
The headset’s accurate head tracking, facilitated by the four built-in cameras, continuously monitors the user’s position and orientation. Combined with the internal sensors, the Meta Quest 2 provides a full six-degrees-of-freedom (6DOF) experience, mirroring real-world movement and enhancing immersion.
The higher display resolution of the Meta Quest 2 significantly enhances visual quality. While discernible pixels are still present upon close inspection, the overall image appears crisper and cleaner than its predecessor. This visual improvement enhances the overall VR experience, allowing users to fully appreciate the details and immersion provided by VR games and applications.
Several VR games were tested on the Meta Quest 2, demonstrating its capabilities across different genres. Tetris Effect showcased the headset’s immersive capabilities, with the game appearing crisper and more visually appealing than on the PlayStation VR. Gun Club VR, a shooting gallery game, demonstrated accurate controller tracking, enabling precise aiming and an enjoyable simulator experience. YouTube VR allowed users to watch videos in a simulated theater, providing an immersive and engaging viewing experience.
Two popular VR games, Beat Saber and Superhot VR, delivered excellent performance on the Meta Quest 2. The accurate tracking of the headset and controllers allowed for smooth and precise gameplay. The improved display resolution and the 120Hz refresh rate further enhanced these games, contributing to a visually stunning and enjoyable experience.
Even better than before
The Meta Quest 2 represents a significant upgrade over its predecessor, solidifying its position as the best all-in-one VR package on the market. It retains the strengths of the original Quest, such as 6DOF tracking and standalone functionality, while introducing notable enhancements.
With a lighter design, sharper display, and a faster processor, the Meta Quest 2 delivers a more immersive and enjoyable VR experience. Its affordability, priced at $300, further positions it as an accessible entry point for new users and an appealing option for experienced VR enthusiasts.
Optional accessories, like the Quest 2 Elite Strap, offer a more secure and comfortable fit, enhancing the overall user experience. The Meta Quest 2’s compatibility with PC tethering expands its capabilities, enabling users to access graphically advanced VR content and offering a seamless transition between standalone and PC-powered experiences.
Years after its launch, the Meta Quest 2 remains a top choice among VR headsets, earning the Editors’ Choice award. Its combination of performance, affordability, and versatility makes it an outstanding option for anyone seeking a comprehensive VR system.
In conclusion, the Meta Quest 2 sets a new standard for standalone VR headsets. Its streamlined design, refined controls, more powerful hardware, compatibility with PC tethering, and smooth performance contribute to an exceptional VR experience. With its attractive price point, the Meta Quest 2 remains a top choice for both new users and experienced VR enthusiasts alike.
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