We consider a lower weight better because lighter devices are more comfortable to carry. A lower weight is also an advantage for home appliances, as it makes transportation easier, and for many other types of products. Show
Wireless devices allow users more freedom of movement. Interpupillary distance (IPD) is the distance between the center of your eyes. Without adjustable IPD, the lenses of a VR headset may not line up with your pupils, which can result in eye strain and nausea. battery power Unknown. Help us by suggesting a value. (Oculus Rift S) Battery power, or battery capacity, represents the amount of electrical energy that a battery can store. More battery power can be an indication of longer battery life. An indicator shows you when the device has low battery. thickness Unknown. Help us by suggesting a value. (Oculus Rift S) The thickness (or depth) of the product. height Unknown. Help us by suggesting a value. (Oculus Rift S) The height represents the vertical dimension of the product. volume Unknown. Help us by suggesting a value. (Oculus Rift S) Volume is the quantity of three-dimensional space enclosed by the product's chassis or, in simpler terms, the space the product occupies. We consider a lower weight better because lighter devices are more comfortable to carry. A lower weight is also an advantage for home appliances, as it makes transportation easier, and for many other types of products. Wireless devices allow users more freedom of movement. Interpupillary distance (IPD) is the distance between the center of your eyes. Without adjustable IPD, the lenses of a VR headset may not line up with your pupils, which can result in eye strain and nausea. battery power Unknown. Help us by suggesting a value. (Oculus Rift) Battery power, or battery capacity, represents the amount of electrical energy that a battery can store. More battery power can be an indication of longer battery life. An indicator shows you when the device has low battery. thickness Unknown. Help us by suggesting a value. (Oculus Rift) The thickness (or depth) of the product. height Unknown. Help us by suggesting a value. (Oculus Rift) The height represents the vertical dimension of the product. volume Unknown. Help us by suggesting a value. (Oculus Rift) Volume is the quantity of three-dimensional space enclosed by the product's chassis or, in simpler terms, the space the product occupies. There are quite a few VR headsets out there that are worth considering, and the Oculus Quest 2 and Oculus Rift S are two of the best. With that said, there are plenty of differences between the two devices, from resolution to price. Additionally, the Rift S is the predecessor to Oculus Quest 2 and has since been discontinued, so you might have a bit of trouble locating one. Nevertheless, here’s a more in-depth review if you’re looking to compare them. Oculus Quest 2 vs Oculus Rift S: Side-by-Side ComparisonOculus Quest 2Oculus Rift SWhat It Is:Standalone VR HeadsetPCVR headsetPrimary Use:VR Games, Rooms, Work, and ExperiencesVR Games, Rooms, Work, and ExperiencesConceived:October 13, 2020March 20, 2019Initial Release:October 13, 2020May 21, 2019Technical Committee:Meta/FacebookMeta/FacebookInfluential Developers:Meta/FacebookMeta/FacebookOpen Format:NoNoTechnologies Influenced:Gaming, Apple VR, Spectacles, modeling applications, remote work, spatial computingGaming, Apple VR, Spectacles, modeling applications, remote work, spatial computingOculus Quest 2 vs Oculus Rift S: What’s the Difference?Wired vs WirelessThe most obvious difference between the two comes down to how the devices are used. The Meta Quest 2 is used either standalone or tethered to a PC with a USB-C cable or wirelessly. The Oculus Rift S only has the option to be connected by DisplayPort and USB 3. Standalone vs TetheredWhile it may seem like an iteration of the previous point, the Quest 2 can operate standalone while the Rift S is essentially a VR monitor. That means the Quest 2 can run some of the best games available for VR with the highest refresh rate without the need for a desktop tower or a bulky laptop. IPD and Refresh RateAs expected with upgraded devices, the Quest 2 has better optics. It’s not just a higher resolution. The IPD can be physically adjusted by pushing the optics lens closer together or further apart in one of three different settings. This helps to remove blurriness caused by improper focus. The Quest 2 can also push out a much higher refresh rate of 120 Hz over the Rift S’s 80 Hz refresh rate. These two seemingly small differences make the Quest 2 optics a much better experience overall. ComfortKeeping in line with the comfort provided by improved optics, the Quest 2 has a large market of third-party accessories. While it may seem like a downgrade to purchase head straps and other accessories after the initial purchase, the size of the accessories market for the Quest 2 is growing every day. Whether you prefer a straight connection like the Meta Quest Elite Strap or the improved comfort of “halo” head straps, the options are available. The Rift S comes as is. It does use a rather comfortable halo head strap, but it can’t be replaced. Useability and FunctionThe wireless and standalone nature of the Quest 2 lends it to many more functions than just a VR monitor for desktop applications. It promotes freedom with movement and supports entire room tracking that has been used to map out VR users’ entire homes. This allows the Quest 2 to act as a powerful AR headset as well. Similarities and Differences In a NutshellSimilarities
Differences
What is the Oculus/Meta Quest 2?The Oculus Quest 2 can be connected via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and USB-C.Meta Quest 2 is the primary VR headset offered by Meta/Facebook for VR/AR experiences that can range from gaming to remote work. It features inside-out tracking and standalone processing. That means it does not require any external tracking devices and it can be used without the need of a powerful VR-ready PC or laptop. The Meta Quest 2 was released under the Oculus brand as the Oculus Quest 2 on October 13, 2020. In November 2021, Facebook went through with the final changes to the Meta brand name. The VR headset comes in two different models (128 GB storage model and 256 GB storage model). Meta Quest 2 — Advanced All-In-One Virtual Reality Headset — 128 GB
$399.00 Buy on AmazonMeta Quest 2 Specs
What is the Oculus Rift S?Unlike the Oculus Quest 2, the Oculus Rift S must be tethered to a VR-ready computer.The Oculus Rift S is a peripheral VR headset that must be tethered to a VR-ready computer to operate. It was released in May 2019 and features the inside-out tracking that was developed for the Oculus Quest lineup. It was released as a successor to the Oculus Rift CV1 model with a higher-resolution display, inside-out tracking, and a “halo” head strap for increased comfort. While the Oculus Rift S is an improvement over its predecessor, it does suffer from some shortcomings such as a lower 80 Hz refresh rate in comparison to the CV1’s 90 Hz. Oculus Rift S PC-Powered VR Gaming Headset - 301-00178 (Renewed)
Oculus Rift S Specs
Are They the Same Thing?Both of these products are VR headsets. Both can be used tethered to a VR-ready computer. They even have a lot of physical similarities. However, they are not the same thing. The Oculus Rift S is a VR headset meant to be used as a peripheral for a VR-ready PC or laptop. It has no internal battery or processing unit and cannot operate without being tethered to another device. The Meta Quest 2, on the other hand, is meant to work as a standalone VR headset meaning that it can play the best games available for VR right on the headset itself. The physical setup is also quite a bit different, but it’s mostly due to improvements and pathways to cut the price. The Meta Quest 2 is easily the most affordable VR headset on the market. While the Meta Quest 2 is primarily a standalone device, it can also be used tethered to a VR-ready computer so players can not only play the best games for VR but at the highest resolution and graphic quality available. Oculus Quest 2 vs Oculus Rift S: Pros and Cons!Quest 2Pros!Cons!Works standalone or tethered to a PCShort battery lifeHigh-resolution displayRequires a Facebook/Meta accountInside-out tracking eliminates the need for external tracking devices or sensorsModular design that supports customization with third-party accessoriesHand trackingIncredible developer supportAffordable priceRift SPros!Cons!Doesn’t need to be chargedMediocre speakersInside-out tracking gives it a leg up over other tethered VR headsetsNo hand tracking“Halo” head strap designed for comfortRequires connection to PCNo physical IPD adjustmentNon-modular design, meaning no support for customization or accessoriesDiscontinued in favor of the Meta Quest 2Which is better?The Meta Quest 2 is objectively better than the Oculus Rift S which was made abundantly apparent when the Rift S was discontinued as the Quest 2 carried on improving. From technical specs like tracking quality and resolution to device features and price, the Quest 2 has a massive lead in quality in comparison to the Oculus Rift S. If you’re in the market for a VR headset and are considering purchasing a used Oculus Rift S, I would urge you to reconsider. While the Rift S can be obtained at a cheaper price, the Quest 2 is a better value overall. In the next section of this article, I’ll break down the technical specifications and weigh the pros and cons between the two devices to outline why I recommend the Oculus/Meta Quest 2 over the Oculus Rift S. Up Next…
Last update on 2022-12-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API Oculus Quest 2 vs Oculus Rift S: Full Comparison FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)What’s the difference between the Oculus Quest 2 and the Oculus Rift S? The Rift S is the predecessor to the Quest 2. The Rift S can only be used tethered to a VR-ready PC. The Quest 2 can operate standalone as well as tethered. The Quest 2 also features a higher resolution per eye, a faster refresh rate at 120 Hz, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and hand tracking. Which one is better, the Oculus Quest 2 or the Oculus Rift S? Without question, the Quest 2 is the better VR headset and overall product. The Rift S may have advantages over other tethered devices, but the Quest 2’s features outweigh the Rift S. Which is more comfortable, the Oculus Quest 2 or the Oculus Rift S? The Rift S is more physically comfortable than the stock Quest 2. However, the improved features and functions available with the Quest 2 make it a better option. The Quest 2 can also be customized with aftermarket parts that make it just as comfortable and increase the battery life as the Meta Quest 2 Elite Strap, KIWI Elite strap, or BoboVR M2 Pro. Is the Oculus Quest 2 more expensive than the Oculus Rift S? For a new product, the Quest 2 has a lower price. As the Rift S is discontinued, you are more likely to find used prices for the product making it the cheaper option. I would highly suggest acquiring a Quest 2 over the Rift S. If you are looking for a bargain, the Quest 2 can also be found on the used market in places like Facebook Marketplace or eBay. |