Meta · Updated June 2026
Meta Quest 3S: price, specs & release date
Meta Quest 3S, released 2024-10. Every price and spec below is linked to its source and dated — no guesses.
Source: en.wikipedia.org verified ✓ corroborated verify in ledger
The Meta Quest 3S is listed at $299 on en.wikipedia.org as of 2026-06-27, the cheapest VR headsets (median $999); other retailers may be lower. It earns a Silver Deskmark — 57/100 pay-blind standing, #5 of 17 in class.
Verified Jun 27, 2026 · figures linked to their source in the table below
- Best for Best-in-class value at the $299 entry price; Full Quest 3 performance (Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2, 8GB RAM).
- Skip if Lower resolution and grainier image vs Quest 3 (Fresnel lenses) is a dealbreaker.
Is the Meta Quest 3S a good buy?
At $299, the Meta Quest 3S is the cheapest of the 15 VR headsets we track, where the median is $999. On the spec sheet, its FOV of 96 ° is the lowest of the 13, its storage of 128 GB is the lowest of the 10, and its refresh of 120 Hz is above the median of the 17. By release date, it is among the newer of the 16 we date.
Evidence of Record
Our data- Independent labsmeasured it
- 1
- Physical metricsrecorded
- 1
- Outlets on record1 tested · 2 mention-only
- 3
One independent lab measured this product across 1 physical metric — battery. These numbers rest on a single hands-on source so far; 2 other outlets have it on record by mention only.
Review consensus · sourced & dated
What reviewers say about the Meta Quest 3S
Three whitelisted hands-on testers (Tom's Guide, RoadToVR, Tom's Hardware) agree the Quest 3S is the best-value VR entry point at $299, matching the Quest 3's Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 performance. All flag its Fresnel-lens downgrade: lower resolution, narrower field of view, and a grainier image. Only Tom's Guide reported measured battery life (~2 hours).
Based on 3 reviews · 1 lab-tested · 2024-10-14–2024-12-07
Tested by Tom's Guide, RoadToVR, Tom's Hardware
Consistently praised
- Best-in-class value at the $299 entry price · 3 sources
- Full Quest 3 performance (Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2, 8GB RAM) · 3 sources
- Color passthrough / mixed reality is genuinely usable · 2 sources
- Class-leading Touch Plus controllers · 2 sources
Commonly flagged
- Lower resolution and grainier image vs Quest 3 (Fresnel lenses) · 3 sources
- Narrower field of view than the Quest 3 · 3 sources
- Uncomfortable soft strap for long sessions · 2 sources
- Short real-world battery life (~2 hours)
Where reviewers disagree Battery framing splits the panel: Tom's Guide measured only ~2 hours and lists it as a con, while Tom's Hardware counts the 3S's rated 2.5-hour runtime as a pro (longer than the Quest 3's 2.2h). Comfort also divides Tom's Guide and RoadToVR, who both dislike the soft strap, from Tom's Hardware, which found the fit acceptable.
The sources (3)
Battery life (tester-measured, real use): ~2 hours
I found the resolution sharp enough to let me see everything clearly, even small text on web pages.
In my testing, I found that the VR headset's battery life generally lasts around two hours.
It's heavier than the Quest 3, which means you won't forget you're wearing a headset.
With better cameras, mixed reality feels like a real benefit on Quest 3S.
hand-tracking on Quest 3S (and Quest 3 for that matter) can still be frustratingly inaccurate at times.
the underlying Horizon OS software that powers them continues to be rough around the edges
Luckily, performance hasn't taken a backseat to its more expensive sibling.
The "screen door" effect is definitely more noticeable on the Quest 3S, particularly when using the passthrough mode.
Everything looks a touch fuzzier and grainier on the Quest 3S, given the hardware compromises required to trim $200 from the price.
Specifications
| Price (US) | $299 US MSRP for 128 GB base config; 256 GB is $399 |
|---|---|
| Brand | Meta |
| Released | 2024-10 |
| Display per eye | 1832x1920 |
| Refresh (Hz) | 120 |
| FOV (°) | 96 |
| Tracking | inside-out optical (no base stations) |
| Standalone | Yes |
| Storage (GB) | 128 |
| Weight (g) | 514 |
| Passthrough | Yes |
Source: en.wikipedia.org (verified 2026-06-15) · corroborated by meta.com. Wikipedia Meta Quest 3S: 1832x1920 per eye, 90-120 Hz, 514 g, 128 GB and 256 GB models, Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2, Fresnel lenses, 96° horizontal FOV (narrower than Quest 3's 110°), color passthrough cameras. Released October 15, 2024 at $299.99 (128 GB) / $399.99 (256 GB).
Is the Meta Quest 3S worth it vs cheaper VR headsets?
Meta Quest 3S against its closest cheaper and pricier VR headsets on the specs that matter — every value sourced. See all 15 ranked
| Product | Price | Display per eye | Refresh (Hz) | FOV (°) | Tracking | Standalone |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Meta Quest 3S this | $299 | 1832x1920 | 120 | 96 | inside-out optical (no base stations) | Yes |
| Meta Quest 3 | $429 | 2064x2208 | 120 | 110 | inside-out optical (no base stations) | Yes |
Frequently asked questions
What do reviewers say about the Meta Quest 3S?
Three whitelisted hands-on testers (Tom's Guide, RoadToVR, Tom's Hardware) agree the Quest 3S is the best-value VR entry point at $299, matching the Quest 3's Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 performance. All flag its Fresnel-lens downgrade: lower resolution, narrower field of view, and a grainier image. Only Tom's Guide reported measured battery life (~2 hours). Praised: Best-in-class value at the $299 entry price; Full Quest 3 performance (Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2, 8GB RAM); Color passthrough / mixed reality is genuinely usable; Class-leading Touch Plus controllers. Flagged: Lower resolution and grainier image vs Quest 3 (Fresnel lenses); Narrower field of view than the Quest 3; Uncomfortable soft strap for long sessions; Short real-world battery life (~2 hours); Clunky, buggy Horizon OS software; Narrower IPD adjustment range. (From 3 tester reviews, 1 lab-tested.)
How much does the Meta Quest 3S cost?
The Meta Quest 3S has a US price of $299 (US MSRP for 128 GB base config; 256 GB is $399), as of 2026-06-15.
How does the Meta Quest 3S compare on price?
At $299, the Meta Quest 3S is the cheapest of the 15 VR headsets we track, where the median is $999.
When was the Meta Quest 3S released?
The Meta Quest 3S was released 2024-10.
What are the Meta Quest 3S's key specs?
Meta Quest 3S (Meta): display per eye 1832x1920, refresh hz 120, fov deg 96, tracking inside-out optical (no base stations), standalone Yes. Full sourced spec sheet verified 2026-06-15.
Price of record: $299 at en.wikipedia.org, 2026-06-27. Other retailers may be lower — check the current price:
See Meta Quest 3S on Amazon As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.Similar VR headsets
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Compare with
Step up
- Meta Quest 3 $429
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Part of the Wearables cluster
What you put on your wrist, face and finger. Same sourcing, same dated prices: