The Meta Quest 2 and Oculus Quest 2 refer to the same virtual reality (VR) headset produced by Meta Platforms, Inc. While the device was originally known as the Oculus Quest 2 when it launched in October 2020, a rebranding to Meta Quest 2 occurred in October 2021 following Facebook‘s company-wide rebrand to Meta.
Despite the name change, the Meta Quest 2 and Oculus Quest 2 are identical devices with no differences in technical specifications, features, or functionality. The only change was to the name and logo due to the shift to Meta as the parent company brand.
Key Differences Between Meta Quest 2 and Oculus Quest 2
As the Meta Quest 2 and Oculus Quest 2 are the same product, there are no technical differences between the two devices. The key distinctions are:
- Name: Meta Quest 2 vs. Oculus Quest 2
- Logo: Updated from Oculus logo to Meta logo
- Release Date:
- Oculus Quest 2 released October 13, 2020
- Meta Quest 2 rebranded October 28, 2021
- Company: Produced by Meta Platforms, Inc. (formerly known as Facebook)
- Product Specifications: No changes to display, storage, battery life, controllers, tracking, software, etc. between Oculus Quest 2 and Meta Quest 2
All other aspects of the VR headset remain unchanged between the Oculus Quest 2 and Meta Quest 2, including:
- Hardware design
- Display resolution and refresh rate
- On-board storage capacity
- Computing power and performance
- Battery life
- Built-in audio and tracking
- Controllers and other accessories
- Software and operating system
- Available apps and content
- Price points for different models
Side-by-Side Comparison of Meta Quest 2 and Oculus Quest 2
Here is a side-by-side overview of the key specifications and features of the Meta Quest 2 vs. Oculus Quest 2:
| Feature | Meta Quest 2 | Oculus Quest 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 1832 x 1920 pixels per eye 120 Hz refresh rate |
1832 x 1920 pixels per eye 120 Hz refresh rate |
| Lenses | Fresnel lenses with fixed IPD | Fresnel lenses with fixed IPD |
| Field of View | Approximately 90 degrees | Approximately 90 degrees |
| On-Board Storage | 128GB, 256GB options | 128GB, 256GB options |
| Memory | 6GB RAM | 6GB RAM |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 | Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 |
| Battery Life | 2-3 hours | 2-3 hours |
| Tracking | 6DOF inside-out tracking Hand tracking support |
6DOF inside-out tracking Hand tracking support |
| Audio | Stereo speakers 3.5mm headphone jack |
Stereo speakers 3.5mm headphone jack |
| Controllers | Oculus Touch controllers | Oculus Touch controllers |
| Connectivity | WiFi 5 (802.11ac) Bluetooth 5.0 |
WiFi 5 (802.11ac) Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Weight | 503g | 503g |
| Operating System | Android-based OS | Android-based OS |
| Price | $299 (128GB) $399 (256GB) |
$299 (128GB) $399 (256GB) |
As shown by the table above, the Meta Quest 2 and Oculus Quest 2 share identical display specs, storage capacity, battery life, tracking and motion controllers, operating system, and pricing.
The only identifiable difference is the branding and logo change from Oculus to Meta.
Meta Quest 2 vs. Oculus Quest 2: Key Features
As standalone VR headsets, the Meta Quest 2 and Oculus Quest 2 provide an all-in-one virtual reality experience without the need for a PC or console. Here are some of the key features that allow them to deliver immersive VR:
Display and Optics
- High resolution 1832 x 1920 LCD display with 120Hz refresh rate provides sharp visuals
- Fast refresh rate enables smooth visuals and comfortable experience
- Fresnel lenses with fixed IPD match focal distance for clear viewing
- Approximately 90 degree field of view immerses users in VR environments
Design and Ergonomics
- Lightweight and comfortable design with adjustable straps for secure fit
- Breathable fabrics and balanced weight allow for longer wear
- Touch controllers mirror natural hand shape and gestures
- Inside-out tracking with no external sensors required
Performance Hardware
- Powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 chip optimized for VR
- Fast processing and graphics for smooth performance
- 6GB RAM provides ample memory for demanding apps and games
- Onboard storage up to 256GB holds multiple apps and content
Software and Content
- Oculus mobile software platform provides easy access to apps and tools
- Oculus mobile store offers growing catalog of over 300 apps and games
- Ability to connect to PC for Oculus Rift content using Oculus Link cable
Audio and Connectivity
- Built-in speakers provide immersive 3D spatial audio
- Bluetooth and WiFi support wireless accessories and streaming
- USB-C port enables direct connection to PC (Oculus Link)
- 3.5mm headphone jack supports use of headphones
Comparing the Meta Quest 2 and Oculus Quest 2 Design
The Meta Quest 2 and Oculus Quest 2 feature the exact same hardware design and form factor. Both headsets have a slim profile and lightweight build optimized for comfort and portability.
Key design elements include:
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Fabric straps – The stretchable straps are made from soft, lightweight fabrics that contour to the head. Velcro adjustments allow you to tighten or loosen the fit.
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Plastic body – The front visor and surrounding body are made from plastic polymers for durability and lightness. The rounded visor shape matches facial contours.
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Face cushion – The removable face cushion utilizes soft foam and breathable fabrics for comfort during extended wear.
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Headstrap – An upper headstrap helps distribute weight and create a more stable and snug fit on the head.
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Touch controllers – The intuitive controllers feature buttons, triggers, and thumbsticks that mirror hand positions used in VR.
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Speakers – Integrated open-ear speakers direct sound towards the ears for lifelike 3D audio.
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Ventilation – Air vents and circulation gaps help prevent fogging and overheating during active use.
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Lens distance wheel – A small wheel lets you adjust the distance between lenses to optimize clarity based on your interpupillary distance (IPD).
Overall, the Meta Quest 2 and Oculus Quest 2 share a minimalist, fabric-based design focused on being lightweight, well-balanced, and comfortable for extended VR gaming or metaverse applications.
Meta Quest 2 vs. Oculus Quest 2: Specs Comparison
As covered earlier, the Meta Quest 2 and Oculus Quest 2 are identical devices internally. However, here is a detailed look at the key specs for both headsets:
Display
- Resolution: 1832 x 1920 pixels per eye
- Refresh rate: 120Hz
- Technology: Fast-switch LCD
- Lenses: Fresnel lenses
- Field of view: Approximately 90 degrees
- Fixed lens IPD: 63.5mm
- Manual IPD adjustment: 58–72mm
Processors
- Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2
- CPU: 1 XR2 ARM-based processor
- GPU: Qualcomm Adreno 650
- Performance: 10 TOPS AI processing
Memory and Storage
- RAM: 6GB
- Storage: 128GB or 256GB UFS 3.0
Tracking and Input
- 6DOF inside-out tracking via 4 wide-view sensors
- Hand tracking support
- Oculus Touch controllers (same as original Quest)
Audio
- Integrated open-ear speakers with spatial audio
- Mic array for voice input
- 3.5mm headphone jack
Battery
- Capacity: 3560 mAh lithium ion battery
- Battery life: 2-3 hours typical use
- Charging: USB-C charging (2-3 hours for full charge)
Connectivity
- WiFi 5 (802.11ac)
- Bluetooth 5.0
- USB 2.0 (Oculus Link)
- USB 3.2 Gen 1 (data transfer)
Weight
- Headset: 503g
- Controllers: 116g each
Dimensions
- Headset: 191 x 102 x 142mm (strap extended)
- Controller: 106 x 106 x 40mm
Other Details
- Required space: 2 x 2m play area
- Operating temp: 10° to 35° C
- Storage temp: -20° to 45° C
Comparing the Meta Quest 2 and Oculus Quest 2 Controllers
The Meta Quest 2 and Oculus Quest 2 both come with the same redesigned Oculus Touch controllers. These provide natural, intuitive input and interaction within VR through hand tracking and gesture controls.
Here is an overview of the Oculus Touch controllers included with both headsets:
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Ergonomic design – Lightweight and comfortable, with a shape that fits in the hand. Internal sensors detect finger positions.
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Buttons and inputs – ABXY buttons, menu/Oculus button, grip trigger, analog thumbstick, and haptic feedback.
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Tracking – Internal inertial and optical sensors enable 6DOF tracking.
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Battery – One AA battery provides 30+ hours of use per controller.
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Connectivity – Connects to headset via Bluetooth 5.0.
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Charging – No charging required. Uses easily replaceable AA batteries.
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Hand tracking – Integrated sensors allow hand tracking without controllers.
The Oculus Touch controllers allow for precise and natural interaction in VR on both the Meta Quest 2 and Oculus Quest 2. Their lightweight ergonomic design places key inputs within easy reach under your thumbs and fingers.
Apps and Games for Meta Quest 2 and Oculus Quest 2
The Meta Quest 2 and Oculus Quest 2 provide access to the same content libraries and VR app ecosystems.
Both headsets can access the mobile Oculus content store with over 300 apps and games optimized for the standalone Quest platform.
Popular titles available on the Oculus mobile store include:
- Beat Saber
- Superhot VR
- Job Simulator
- Space Pirate Trainer
- I Expect You To Die
- Moss
- Angry Birds VR
- Arizona Sunshine
- Vacation Simulator
- Dance Central
For more advanced VR experiences, the Meta Quest 2 and Oculus Quest 2 can connect to a gaming PC via the Oculus Link cable (sold separately). This provides access to the entire Rift Platform library with over 500 titles, including:
- Half-Life: Alyx
- Lone Echo
- Asgard‘s Wrath
- Stormland
- Robo Recall
- A Fisherman‘s Tale
- Five Nights at Freddy‘s
- Medal of Honor: Above and Beyond
With the combined mobile and PC libraries, both headsets provide access to over 800 VR apps and games spanning all genres from action to puzzles and everything in between.
Meta Quest 2 vs. Oculus Quest 2: Which Should You Buy?
When it comes to deciding between purchasing the Meta Quest 2 or Oculus Quest 2, the choice basically comes down to timing and branding preferences.
Since the devices are technically the same, there are no hardware, specs, or content differences to factor in. The Meta Quest 2 is simply a rebranded Oculus Quest 2 under Meta‘s new company name.
Here are a few key points to consider:
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If you prefer the Oculus brand name, you may want to opt for the Oculus Quest 2 purchased before the rebranding occurred in October 2021.
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For those less concerned with branding, the Meta Quest 2 offers the exact same functionality and is the current model sold moving forward.
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The Meta Quest 2 retails for the same $299 starting price for the 128GB model as the Oculus Quest 2. There are no pricing differences.
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Both headsets will continue receiving the same software updates from Meta in parallel.
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Accessories and mods that work with Oculus Quest 2 also work identically with Meta Quest 2.
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Availability of the Oculus Quest 2 may be limited to existing retailer stock as manufacturing switches over to the Meta Quest 2.
Unless you have a strong preference for the Oculus brand or can find Oculus Quest 2 deals on remaining stock, the Meta Quest 2 is essentially the successor continuing the same exact product line under a new name.
Meta Quest Pro vs. Meta Quest 2 and Oculus Quest 2
While the Meta Quest 2 and Oculus Quest 2 are the same device, the Meta Quest Pro stands out as a higher-end VR headset targeted at professionals.
Here is a quick comparison between the Meta Quest Pro vs. Meta Quest 2/Oculus Quest 2:
- Display: Meta Quest Pro has 37% more pixels (2160 x 2160 per eye) and mini-LED panels with local dimming vs. LCD on Quest 2
- Field of view: Meta Quest Pro has 25% larger field of view
- Tracking: Meta Quest Pro adds face and eye tracking
- Ergonomics: Meta Quest Pro uses a split headband design optimized for long wear
- Cameras: Meta Quest Pro has high-res outward facing cameras that pass through video of surroundings
- Controllers: Meta Quest Pro has redesigned controllers optimized for mixed reality
- Price: Meta Quest Pro costs $1499, significantly more than the $299 Quest 2 starting price
The Meta Quest Pro aims for ultra-premium performance and features to push the boundaries of virtual and mixed reality for workplace applications. But for most consumers, the much more affordable Meta Quest 2 and Oculus Quest 2 deliver excellent mainstream VR capabilities at a fraction of the cost.
Should You Upgrade from Oculus Quest to Meta Quest 2?
For those still using the original Oculus Quest, you may be wondering if it‘s worth upgrading to the Meta Quest 2.
Here are some of the key improvements to consider:
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Higher resolution display – Meta Quest 2 bumps up the resolution to 1832×1920 per eye compared to 1440×1600 on Oculus Quest. This provides much sharper, more detailed visuals.
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Faster refresh rate – The display refreshes at 120Hz rather than 72Hz, making everything appear smoother and more comfortable.
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Better processors – It utilizes the Snapdragon XR2 which is around 30% faster versus the Snapdragon 835 on Oculus Quest.
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Greater storage capacity – Meta Quest 2 starts at 128GB, four times larger than Quest‘s basic 64GB model. The maximum is boosted to 256GB.
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AR overlays – Passthrough AR features allow displaying real world surroundings on Quest 2.
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Oculus Link updates – Enhanced Oculus Link capabilities provide a smoother PCVR experience.
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New controller design – Redesigned Oculus Touch controllers are more ergonomic.
While the Oculus Quest is still a capable device, the Meta Quest 2 provides noticeable visual and performance upgrades that make a big difference in VR immersion. If you use VR frequently, the Meta Quest 2 is worth upgrading to.
Meta Quest 2 vs. Oculus Quest 2: Verdict
When weighing up the Meta Quest 2 versus the Oculus Quest 2, it quickly becomes evident they are the exact same VR headset.
Aside from superficial branding and naming differences after Facebook‘s transition to Meta, the hardware specifications, capabilities, content libraries, and price points remain 100% identical.
For practical purposes, the Meta Quest 2 continues the lifecycle of the successful Oculus Quest 2 essentially unchanged. It provides the same untethered, room-scale VR experiences and ability to connect to a PC for more advanced gaming.
Unless the Oculus or Meta branding holds significance, prospective buyers can purchase either headset model and receive the same excellent standalone VR functionality. With widespread availability and an affordable starting price, the Meta Quest 2 (formerly Oculus Quest 2) delivers immersive virtual reality in a compact, all-in-one design.