Meta Quest 3 (8/10, WIRED recommends) is a massive improvement over its predecessor in almost every category. It has improved specs across the board (slightly higher resolution, a faster processor, more RAM, and the option of up to 512GB of internal storage), but the biggest change is the mixed reality update. The previous model, the Quest 2, had external cameras for finding your way around the world and a step function that allowed you to see the room you were in to avoid obstacles. Quest 3 goes several steps further, making immersive augmented reality central to the experience.
For starters, pass-through cameras can now display an image in color instead of black and white. It also has a slightly higher resolution, so it’s easier to know what you’re looking at. It still feels a little like you’re watching an early 2000s YouTube video of your living room, but it’s much better than not being able to see your surroundings at all. This technology enables some new and innovative games and experiences. One of my favorites, PianoVision, is designed to help you learn to play the piano by overlaying helpful information and even piano scrolls onto a video of your real physical keyboard. Turn instrument practice into a guitar hero–It is like an experience, and it is something that would not be possible with virtual reality alone.
The downside? The Meta Quest 3 is more expensive than the Quest 2 (even after its mid-life price increase). Starting at $500, it’s on par with purchasing full game consoles, so it’s not an impulse purchase, but if you’re looking for the best standalone VR headset with the widest library of games and apps that support For both virtual and mixed reality, the Quest 3 is the headset to beat. It’s worth noting that the company behind all of this is Meta (aka Facebook). You might not like it, given Meta’s less-than-stellar track record in managing user data (not to mention how that data is used). At least you no longer need a Facebook account to use Meta headphones.
It supports room-scale virtual reality, pass-through mixed reality, can work with or without a PC, and comes with two controllers.