The Meta Quest 3 (8/10, WIRED recommends) is a massive upgrade over its predecessor in almost every category (save price). It has improved specs across the board (a slightly higher resolution, a faster processor, more RAM, and the option for up to 512GB of internal storage), but the biggest change is the upgrade to mixed reality. The previous model, the Mission 2, it had external cameras to orient yourself in the world and a step function that allows you to see the room you are in to avoid obstacles. But Quest 3 goes several steps further and makes immersive augmented reality at the core of the experience.
For starters, pass-through cameras can now show you a color image instead of black and white. They also have a slightly higher resolution, so it’s easier to tell what you’re looking at. It still feels like you’re watching a 2000s YouTube video of your own living room, but it’s a lot better than not being able to see what’s around you at all.
This technology allows for some innovative new 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 rolls onto a video of your actual physical keyboard. It turns practicing your instrument into a Guitar Hero–as 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 the latter’s mid-life price hike). At $500, it’s on par with buying full-blown gaming consoles, so it’s not an impulse buy — but if you’re looking for the best standalone VR headset with the widest library of games and apps that support both VR and mixed reality, the Quest 3 is the headset to beat.
It’s also worth keeping in mind that the company behind all of this is Meta (aka Facebook). You might not like that, given Facebook’s less-than-stellar track record in managing user data (not to mention how that data is used). If you’re looking for a VR headset, the Meta Quest 3 is still our top pick. Try not to buy too many things from Meta Store. Stick to purchases at a higher price stable market, such as Steam (which also supports Quest 2).
Supports room-scale VR, pass-through mixed reality, can work with or without a PC, and comes with two controllers.