The Oculus Quest 2 (or Meta Quest 2) and PlayStation VR (or PSVR) have something important in common; and it’s not like people are arguing about what to call them. Both headsets offer a quality VR experience, as you can see in our Oculus Quest 2 review and our PlayStation VR review , and they’re also similarly priced. Each is an extremely engaging entry into the world of VR gaming and experiences. But which one should you buy?
A lower price doesn’t automatically mean a lower level of VR, and in fact many of the same games and apps that can be played on the Valve Index, for example, can also be played on these. Both the PSVR and Quest 2 are on the cheaper end of the VR headset scale, and both are on our list of best VR headsets.
If you’re worried that the world of VR is too different from 2D gaming, don’t be. Many traditional 2D game developers are also working on VR titles, and there’s a wide variety of games, apps, and videos for every headset. You’ll have no problem finding something you like. If cost is still a concern even at this lower end, check out our collection of VR headset deals and the best free VR experiences where we can help.
It’s also worth noting that the PSVR 2, Sony’s next-gen VR headset built specifically for the PS5, is on the way, so if you’re looking for the latest and greatest from Sony, the sequel might be worth waiting for .
Today’s best Oculus Quest 2 and Sony PlayStation VR deals
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Oculus Quest 2 vs PlayStation VR: Design
(Image credit: Oculus)
The Oculus Quest 2 is (apart from the charger) completely wireless. You don’t even need to connect it to a computer to set it up; just connect it to your WiFi and everything can be sorted with nothing more than the headphones and controllers that came in the box. It is a fully self-contained unit without the need for a computer, console or external camera to download and play games, videos and applications. The two Touch controllers, with their minimalist design, are surprisingly light and intuitive to use. It may seem a little backwards that they run on AA batteries, but depending on how often you use the headphones, these batteries can easily last for weeks or even months.
On the downside, the standard head strap (there’s a better one sold separately) can be quite fiddly to adjust, which could be frustrating if you think more than one person will be using it regular way It’s also worth noting that in the initial setup, you must draw a “Guardian” area within the intended play space. This involves using the forward-facing camera to view your surroundings and “draw” a safe play space that the Quest is happy with. The Quest may require you to redraw it if it doesn’t recognize your surroundings the next time you turn it on.
(Image credit: Sony Interactive Entertainment LLC)
The PlayStation VR is, like the Quest, perfectly comfortable to wear for extended periods (although it’s more susceptible to sweat in long sessions, so it’s important to know how to properly clean your VR headset). There’s no getting around the fact that using the PSVR means having cables on the floor, with the headset connected to a box that then connects to the console, power adapter and TV.
PSVR requires a PS4 (or PS5, via an adapter you must request from Sony (opens in a new tab)) and a PS4 camera. While that means even more cables, it also means that the PSVR can offer benefits that the Quest can’t. The ability to play traditional 2D games on a large virtual cinema-style screen inside the headset, and even (on PS4) the ability to watch Blu-rays in 3D.
The main downside to Sony’s headphones, aside from the cables, is inconsistent driver tracking. If you’re lucky enough to have a large room with plenty of clear distance between you and the TV, it’s likely to rarely (if ever) be a problem. Otherwise, for games that track the movement of your controllers, you may find it a more demanding struggle to keep up with wide, sweeping movements (especially when lifting up or down). With no external camera to “see” the controllers, this isn’t a problem for the Quest.
Winner: Oculus Quest 2
Oculus Quest 2 vs PlayStation VR: Specs
(Image credit: Oculus)
The Quest offers a higher resolution image, at 1832 x 1920 per eye versus the PlayStation VR’s 960 x 1080. If you’re wondering, yes, the difference is very noticeable. Both, however, are capable of 120 Hz refresh rates.
Surprisingly, perhaps, PSVR offers a higher field of view, at 96 degrees compared to Quest’s 89 degrees. However, the Quest’s display is so much sharper and clearer that the bottom line here is a foregone conclusion.
Winner: Oculus Quest 2
Oculus Quest 2 vs PlayStation VR: Cost
(Image credit: Sony Interactive Entertainment LLC)
The cheapest version of the Oculus Quest 2 is $299 / £299, and the most expensive version (with 256GB of storage instead of 128GB) is $399 / £399. Whichever version you buy, it includes everything you need to get started.
For the PSVR, we’ll assume you already have a PS4 and/or PS5 (and a TV!). The camera headset costs around $299 / £249. This does not include Move controllers, which are required for certain games. They are surprisingly hard to find and will probably set you back around $99 / £99 for a pair if you can find them.
However, in the long run, PSVR may come out cheaper. Some games are physically available, meaning you can shop around for the best price, buy second-hand, and trade it in when you’re done. Also, when PSVR games are on sale in the PlayStation Store, the discounts are (usually) better than those found in the Oculus/Meta store.
Winner: Draw
Oculus Quest 2 vs PlayStation VR: Exclusive games
(Image credit: Team ASOBI)
One thing that is important to note is that many VR titles such as Beat Sabre, Vader Immortal, Job Simulator and many more are available for both. In fact, the Quest has bled so many exclusive games, it doesn’t have many standouts left. Resident Evil 4’s VR adaptation is the closest it’s got to a killer app, with Tales from the Galaxy’s Edge perhaps tempting Star Wars fans.
PSVR, on the other hand, has created an impressive list of brilliant exclusives over the years. Astro Bot: Rescue Mission and Statik, for example, are excellent, while brilliant games like WipEout, Hitman 3 and Dreams have been updated with VR modes.
Winner: PlayStation VR
Oculus Quest 2 vs PlayStation VR: Verdict
Want the best picture and a completely wireless experience (and don’t mind the Facebook account requirement)? Then the Quest is for you. However, if you’re willing to sacrifice resolution for a superior game catalog, and are okay with the occasional controller tracking issues, then the PSVR is the way to go.
If you’re still undecided, check out our Oculus Quest 2 vs. Valve Index and the best VR headsets to see if they can help you decide which VR headset is right for you.
Today’s best Oculus Quest 2 and Sony PlayStation VR deals
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