Virtual reality technology has reached an exciting tipping point thanks to significant advancements in aesthetics, tracking, and general performance. However, between the two giants in the Oculus series, the Oculus Quest 2 and the discontinued Oculus Rift S, many gamers wonder which of the two holds the title as the best. That being said, what is there to compare between the Quest 2 and the Rift S?

The Oculus Quest 2 is a standalone VR system powered by Snapdragon. In contrast, the Oculus Rift S is a headset that connects to a PC via a cable. Despite their similar VR experiences, the Quest 2 is cheaper and has a higher resolution of 1,832 by 1,920 than the Rift S, which has 1,280 by 1,440.

Even though both headsets have their benefits, there are distinct differences in determining which Oculus is best in various cases. However, if there is only one Oculus to rule them all, there would have to be a few features to consider. So, let’s put the Quest 2 and Rift S in a solo 1v1 to determine which Oculus is best.

Quest 2 Vs. Rift S: Which Oculus Is Best?

If you’re looking for a VR headset but don’t want to spend around AU$1900 on some insane headsets out there (Cough, Valve’s Index), then an Oculus should be on your shopping list. First, there’s the Rift S, an AU$630 tethered headgear that connects to your computer. On the other hand, the Quest 2 headset costs AU$479 and can be used with your PC. So let’s see how they compare.

Quest 2 Vs. Rift S: Graphics Power

With the Oculus Rift S, you can experience VR with a PC tethered to the headset. It has many features similar to the original Rift but streamlines and improves a few aspects. For example, it has a per-eye resolution of 1,280 by 1,440 pixels and an 80Hz refresh rate, and it runs on your PC. In addition, it implies that the Rift S can handle visuals that would be impossible to achieve with a solo headset.

Unfortunately, it is incompatible with several gaming laptops because it connects to PCs through DisplayPort rather than HDMI. The Oculus Quest 2 is a standalone headgear that runs off an Android operating system. It employs cameras to offer 6DOF motion tracking, and it uses Touch controllers that are comparable to the Rift S.

In addition to a Snapdragon 865 CPU and a 1,832-by-1,920 pixel resolution, the Quest 2 has a 90-frame-per-second refresh rate. It connects to your PC through a USB-C connection and can be used as a tethered headset, precisely like the Rift S. The Rift S’s tethered capabilities may render it outdated. In fact, Oculus themselves shares this sentiment.

Overall, the Quest 2 takes the win in terms of graphics performance.

Quest 2 Vs. Rift S: Availability

The Rift S is still for sale in several places worldwide; however, Oculus declared on Facebook in 2020 that they will have to cease selling it in 2021. As a result, the Oculus Quest 2, a standalone PC VR headset that can also be attached to a PC using a pricey proprietary connection, has taken the place of the Rift S.

Once a channel that sells the Rift S is out of stock, it will not be refilled. So instead, the Oculus Quest 2 PC VR headset that can also be attached to a PC using a pricey proprietary connection is listed to replace the Rift S.

It would be best to keep in mind that, except for the Quest 2, Oculus has discontinued all headset models except for the Quest 2. Every new iteration of Oculus headgear appears to be a Quest in the future.

However, this does not imply that Oculus will stop supporting the Rift S. Because the Quest is compatible with the same PC VR software as the Rift S, you can be sure that it will continue to operate for years to come.

That being said, you’ll likely have to settle with a used Rift S sold online. Oculus focuses all of its efforts on standalone VR headsets that can also be used as PC-tethered headsets for PC-based VR games due to the Oculus Link connection. As a result, we recommend the Quest 2 over the Rift S since that’s what Oculus will be developing in the future.

Overall, the Quest 2 takes the win in terms of availability.

Quest 2 Vs. Rift S: The Control Systems

Because the Quest 2 and the Rift S both feature 6DOF motion tracking and employ Oculus Touch controllers that are pretty comparable. They may provide similar experiences, even if they don’t look alike.

By using 6DOF motion tracking, the system can track your orientation (the direction you are facing) and your location (where you are physically located). Three measures for direction (pitch, yaw, and roll) and three measurements for the position (up/down, left/right, and forward/backward) give rise to the word.

The Oculus Go and other 3DOF headsets and controllers can only track orientation, but the Quest and Rift S can monitor everything. That makes a significant impact in VR since it allows you to move about and alter your surroundings in three dimensions. But, unfortunately, you can only point with 3DOF.

There’s an analogue stick, two face buttons, a menu button, and two triggers beneath your index and middle fingers on each controller. Traditional video game controls are covered by the analogue sticks and buttons, while the triggers and motion tracking cover virtual pointing and holding with hands. They perform admirably on both headsets.

Both headsets include an updated Guardian system that keeps track of your playing area. However, to decide where you may securely utilise the Rift, you must physically pull a controller around your room because of both external sensors.

Overall, the result of the control schemes between the two ends with a tie.

Quest 2 Vs. Rift S: Mobility

The main benefit of the Oculus Quest 2 is that it is fully wire-free. There are no cords required for the headset and controllers to function (except when charging the headset). Likewise, you don’t have to wrangle a large cable linked to a computer to put it on and start playing. With the Oculus Link cable, you can play it tethered.

The Quest 2 is relatively similar to the Rift S in terms of VR experience but with a significantly better resolution. In addition, the Snapdragon 865 CPU is strong enough to run games like Beat Saber and Superhot VR directly on the headset. Compared to the Rift S’ PC power, the Quest 2 hits a performance ceiling; however, this may be overcome by purchasing an additional cable.

Overall, the Quest 2 takes the win in terms of mobility.

Quest 2 Vs. Rift: PC Gaming

You’ll have to deal with a bulky, lengthy wire extending from the headset to your computer no matter what you use. That’s how connected virtual reality works, and it’s still a pain. You can utilise cable management to reduce slack and avoid tripping or dragging anything down, but you’ll still have to carry a large wire over your shoulder. In addition, the Rift S has a lesser resolution than the Quest.

The Rift S’s main advantage is its storage. It uses the PC-based Oculus Store, which has amassed a remarkable collection of games and apps over the years.

There are several exciting things to test here, including a more feature-rich and perhaps moddable version of Beat Saber. In addition to the Oculus Store, you can search SteamVR for more titles, but be prepared to wrestle with settings to make the two platforms work together. Of course, all of those features are available on the Quest 2 as well, thanks to Oculus Link.

Overall, in PC Gaming, the result ends in a tie.

For The Love Of Oculus: The Quest 2 Is The Winner

Meta rebranded the Oculus Quest 2 headset the Meta Quest 2 in January 2022. However, the hardware itself, as assessed here, is unchanged.

Furthermore, the Oculus Quest 2 is one of the best VR headsets on the market for both newcomers and seasoned VR veterans. In fact, if you’re searching for a top-tier VR system that doesn’t require the extra wires, hefty expense, or added intricacy of a PC-based VR setup like the HTC Vive or the now-discontinued Oculus Rift S, it’s a must-have item.

But how much longer will the Quest 2 be at the top of the VR heap? Facebook introduced its next VR headset, Project Cambria, now known as Meta, in its most recent Connect event. The corporation said that this new gadget would be home to innovative technology that intends to help establish the initial days of its determined ‘metaverse’. However, it isn’t due until next year, so for the time being, Oculus’ flagship VR gadget reigns supreme.

The Oculus Quest 2: What Do You Need To Know?

Starting with the standalone Quest 2, you’ll have access to virtually everything that makes virtual reality unique and well worth your time, enabling you to enjoy high-quality virtual reality experiences in your lounge for a reasonable price and with minimal setup.

With The Quest 2, you can (almost literally) enter game worlds, access 360-degree video content, and download apps from a variety of genres. It is a genuinely immersive device that even the most tech-averse members of your family will like after getting used to it (VR-induced motion sickness is factual).

The Oculus Quest 2 VR headset is the second in the Quest series of virtual reality headsets. It’s a battery-powered, independent headgear, similar to the original Oculus Quest, that lets you freely walk about your natural and digital play environments without the worry of stumbling over a cable.

However, if you already own the original Quest and contemplate the Quest 2, several substantial differences would make an upgrade well worth it. First, the new model provides a more responsive overall experience thanks to upgraded RAM and CPU specifications.

It also boasts a higher-resolution display than its predecessor, which is 50% crisper. These enhancements make the Oculus Quest 2 experience even more fluid and immersive when combined.

Furthermore, producers of Quest 2 games can now run their games at 90Hz, which is essential for enhanced comfort and realism while playing. Finally, the headset is significantly lighter than before, with double the battery life of the controllers.

Hand tracking is also excellent, though it still seems like a work in progress at times. The first Quest had it via a firmware update, but it’s built into the Quest 2 from the beginning.

There are hundreds of separately sold – and some free – Oculus Quest games available to play with the headset, ranging from shooters to puzzle games, fitness games to meditation apps. Even if the quality – and comfort – vary depending on what you’re watching or playing, there’s something for everyone.

The Oculus Quest 2 also has a social component to it. Though some cringe at the new Facebook account requirement and the recent addition of advertisements, the Oculus Quest 2 is fantastic for playing with friends. Whether through online avatars or in the same physical room, thanks to the ability to Google Cast whatever you’re viewing in your headset to a nearby display.

What Is New With The Oculus Quest 2?

As a teaser, Quest 2 will have an augmented reality passthrough. With the latest Oculus SDK release, developers can now test the new passthrough API functionality. The headgear would be able to beam augmented reality items, pictures, and more into your virtual surroundings thanks to the technology.

The passthrough technology will essentially operate as an overlay to your VR activities, allowing you to have social, productivity, and gaming-related experiences. These include watching a movie or show on a virtual screen with others or fighting “zombies hidden in your living room.”

As of later this year, developers will be able to patch passthrough API features into their games and applications, enabling them to add even more functionality and value to their creations. Unfortunately, as previously said, the technology is now only accessible to Oculus Quest 2 developers. Still, keep your eyes peeled for future updates!

Conclusion

The Oculus Quest 2 is the best VR headset that Oculus has developed so far. It’s light, comfy, and powerful enough to perform astonishingly detailed virtual reality experiences. It might also be the best VR headset ever, depending on how much raw power you value vs. mobility and comfort.

If you’ve been waiting for a cause to swap reality for virtual reality, Oculus Quest 2 is as near to perfection as VR has gotten so far. It’s certainly worth your time, money, and efforts. Until a Quest 3 is released, this is the VR headgear to have.

References

https://www.oculus.com/compare/

https://versus.com/en/oculus-quest-2-vs-oculus-rift-s

https://www.wired.com/gallery/best-vr-headsets-in-this-reality/

https://www.theverge.com/a/best-vr-headset-oculus-rift-samsung-gear-htc-vive-virtual-reality

https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-standalone-vr-headset/

https://www.pcgamer.com/oculus-quest-2-is-back-on-sale-in-australia-and-its-cheaper-too/

Oculus Quest 2 vs Rift S: Which Is The Better VR Headset?

https://developer.oculus.com/blog/mixed-reality-with-passthrough/