Meta Quest 3 vs. Meta Quest 3S: Which Headset Is Right for You?
Virtual fitness isn’t just a trend—it’s a movement. And the Meta Quest headsets are leading the charge, transforming your living room into a gym, boxing ring, and personal training studio all in one. With immersive environments, hit music, and expert-led workouts (hello, Litesport!), it’s easy to see why more people are ditching gym commutes and sweating it out in mixed reality (MR) instead.
If you’re ready to jump into the world of MR fitness but wondering which headset fits your goals—and your budget—we’ve got you covered. Today, we’re comparing two of Meta’s latest releases: the Meta Quest 3 and the Meta Quest 3S. Both deliver incredible mixed-reality experiences, but there are key differences that could make or break your decision.
Let’s dive in…
Price
The Meta Quest 3 is the more powerful—and more expensive—of the two. It costs $499.99 for the 512GB version, giving you tons of storage for fitness apps, games, and downloaded videos. The Meta Quest 3S, however, is built for accessibility, starting at $299.99 for 128GB or $399.99 for 256GB. Not as much storage capability, but the price tag is much more budget-friendly.
The Takeaway: If you’re budget-conscious or just starting in MR fitness, the 3S is a solid choice. But if you’re serious about downloading lots of content or want top-tier graphics for maximum immersion, the Quest 3 is worth the investment.
Design & Comfort
Both headsets boast a slimmer profile than older models, making long workout sessions way more comfortable. The Meta Quest 3 is 30% slimmer than Quest 2, while the 3S trims 20% off the bulk. Both offer adjustable soft straps to customize your fit—perfect for messy buns, ponytails, or hats.
The Quest 3 takes it a step further with redesigned pancake lenses that deliver ultra-clear visuals and includes a mechanical lens adjustment for personalized clarity. In contrast, the 3S maintains Fresnel lenses and offers a three-position interaxial adjustment.
The Takeaway: Both are fitness-friendly, but if crystal-clear visuals and long-haul comfort are priorities (especially for intense Litesport sessions), the Quest 3 pulls ahead.
Controllers & Haptics
Both headsets come with enhanced Touch Plus controllers designed for intuitive movement—think throwing punches or swinging battle ropes. The Quest 3 features enhanced haptics and a streamlined, ring-free design for seamless reactions. The 3S doesn’t lag far behind, offering TruTouch haptics that make every strike in MR workouts feel real.
The Takeaway: Both provide immersive control, but the Quest 3 has a slight edge if you crave next-level tactile feedback.
Displays & Visuals
The Meta Quest 3 shines in the visual department, delivering a jaw-dropping 2064x2208 resolution per eye along with 4K+ Infinite Display. Expect nearly 30% improved resolution compared to the Quest 2 and a 110° field of view—ideal for detecting obstacles in Daily Dash or surveying your virtual environment while boxing to the rhythm in a Punch Track workout.
However, the Quest 3S holds its own with 1832x1920 resolution per eye and a wide field of view (96° horizontal), but it’s not quite as crisp or expansive.
The Takeaway: If lifelike detail matters, opt for the Quest 3. However, for casual use and adequate visuals, the 3S does just fine.
Performance & Storage
Both headsets are powered by the Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chipset—a massive leap from older Meta models. Load times are faster, games run smoother, and mixed reality is jaw-droppingly seamless. Both also come with 8GB RAM, perfect for multitasking during fitness apps or intense gameplay.
Storage is where the Quest 3 flexes: 512GB lets you store more games, music, and workouts offline. The 3S caps at 256GB, which is still plenty for most users.
The Takeaway: Heavy users or fitness enthusiasts who download multiple apps may want the Quest 3. But the 3S packs enough punch for the everyday user.
Mixed Reality & Hand Tracking
Both headsets nail mixed reality—so you can see your surroundings while virtual objects appear around you. Whether you’re throwing punches in Combo Hero or dodging obstacles in Daily Dash, full-color passthrough keeps you safe and immersed.
Hand tracking is equally impressive on both, allowing controller-free navigation. Simply swipe, tap, or scroll with your hands—perfect for moving through workouts without missing a beat.
The Takeaway: Both deliver immersive mixed-reality workouts and intuitive hand tracking. If you’re after a true fitness playground, either headset will perform beautifully.
Audio
The Meta Quest 3 delivers audio that is 40% louder than that of the Meta Quest 2, featuring enhanced bass that is perfect for Litesport workouts, where music and trainer cues direct your movements. The Quest 3S enhances the audio experience of the Quest 2 by reducing distortion and improving spatial sound; however, it cannot rival the powerful bass of the Quest 3.
Both support external audio with USB-C headphone compatibility.
The Takeaway: If immersive sound is a must, especially for rhythm-heavy Litesport workouts, go Quest 3. But 3S still sounds great for most sessions.
Which Meta Quest Is Right for You?
Both the Meta Quest 3 and Meta Quest 3S open the door to incredible MR fitness experiences—whether you’re throwing jabs, powering through strength circuits, or throwing down battle ropes in Litesport.
Choose Meta Quest 3 if:
You want the best visuals, sound, and performance.
Storage matters for downloading lots of apps and workouts.
You plan to use mixed reality for fitness, gaming, and other MR experiences.
Choose Meta Quest 3S if:
You want a budget-friendly headset with solid performance.
You’re new to MR fitness and want to test the waters.
You don’t need top-tier resolution or audio, but still want an immersive experience.
No matter which headset you choose, MR fitness is about to change the way you work out—and have fun. The Meta Quest 3 is the powerhouse built for serious mixed reality explorers and fitness enthusiasts, while the Quest 3S offers incredible value and performance for anyone ready to start their journey. Either way, your next workout? It’s going to be epic.
Ready to jump in? Head to Meta to shop for the headset that’s right for you and sign up for a Litesport 7-day free trial to get started.
