Last Update on December 26, 2025
After several weeks of intensive use of the Meta Quest 3S, I’m giving you my full verdict on this headset that aims to democratize mixed reality. Launched at €329, it promises the core Quest 3 experience for €200 less. But what compromises did Meta actually make? This in-depth review answers all your questions.
Quick Verdict: Should You Buy the Meta Quest 3S in 2025?
Overall rating: 8.5/10
The Meta Quest 3S establishes itself as the best VR headset for tight budgets in 2025. With the same Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chip as the Quest 3, impressive color passthrough, and access to the entire Meta catalog, it offers unbeatable value for money. The compromises on Fresnel lenses and slightly lower resolution remain acceptable for the asking price.
Who is it for? VR beginners, casual gamers, and those who want to discover mixed reality without breaking the bank. If you already own a Quest 2, the upgrade is worth it for the color passthrough and increased performance.
Price and Availability: The Best Deals in 2025
The Meta Quest 3S is available in two versions:
- 128 GB: €329.99
- 256 GB: €439.99
In 2025, Meta systematically includes the game Batman: Arkham Shadow with every purchase, an exclusive title worth €50. To find the best prices, check our regularly updated guide to the best VR deals.
Compared to the Quest 3 sold from €549, the €220 savings represent a massive argument for newcomers to the Meta ecosystem.
Design and Comfort: The Return of Fresnel Lenses
The Quest 3S adopts the design language of the Quest 3 with its clean white front. Weighing 514 grams, it is slightly bulkier than its big brother because Fresnel lenses require more space than the Quest 3’s pancake lenses.
Daily Ergonomics
The standard elastic strap does the job for 30 to 45-minute sessions. Beyond that, investing in an Elite Strap (sold separately for €59) is recommended for better weight balance. Adjustment is made via an intuitive rear dial.
Notable point: Meta has removed the 3.5mm jack. You will therefore need to use Bluetooth headphones or a USB-C adapter. This controversial choice streamlines the design but limits wired audio options.
Comfort with Glasses
The included glasses spacer provides enough room for most frames. I tested it with medium-sized rectangular glasses without any issues. For glasses wearers, investing in dedicated prescription lenses (VR Optician, Reloptix) significantly improves comfort during long sessions.
Performance: The Power of the Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2
This is THE good surprise of the Quest 3S: Meta did not compromise on the processor. The Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 offers identical performance to the Quest 3, a 50% jump compared to the Quest 2 according to official Qualcomm specifications.
Key Technical Specifications
| Feature | Quest 3S | Quest 3 | Quest 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 | Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 | Snapdragon XR2 |
| RAM | 8 GB | 8 GB | 6 GB |
| Resolution per eye | 1832 x 1920 | 2064 x 2208 | 1832 x 1920 |
| Lens type | Fresnel | Pancake | Fresnel |
| Field of view | 96° x 90° | 110° x 96° | 89° x 93° |
| Passthrough | 4MP Color | 4MP Color | Low-res B&W |
Display and Visual Quality
Fresnel lenses are the main compromise of the Quest 3S. Compared to the Quest 3’s pancake lenses, they feature:
- A smaller sweet spot (clarity zone)
- More visible god rays in dark scenes
- Increased headset thickness
In practice, after a few hours of use, the brain adapts and these limitations become less noticeable. For fast action games like Beat Saber, the difference with the Quest 3 remains marginal.
The IPD (interpupillary distance) adjustment works with three fixed positions: 58mm, 63mm, and 68mm. Less flexible than the Quest 3’s continuous adjustment, this solution nevertheless suits the majority of users.
Mixed Reality (MR): Color for Everyone
Color passthrough represents the major improvement over the Quest 2. The two 4-megapixel RGB cameras capture your environment in real-time with sufficient quality to:
- Clearly see obstacles and people around you
- Read notifications on your smartphone
- Interact with augmented reality applications
Passthrough Quality
The Quest 3S passthrough equals that of the Quest 3: same sensors, same rendering. Latency remains imperceptible and colorimetry is faithful to reality. The dedicated action button allows you to instantly toggle between immersive VR and mixed reality with a single press.
MR applications like First Encounters (pre-installed) demonstrate the potential of this technology. Seeing virtual creatures invade your living room creates a truly magical experience, particularly impressive for newcomers.
Touch Plus Controllers and Tracking
The Touch Plus controllers accompany the Quest 3S. Identical to those of the Quest 3, they ditch the bulky tracking ring for a more compact and lightweight design. TruTouch haptic feedback enriches every interaction with a precise tactile sensation.
Hand Tracking
Hand tracking (tracking hands without controllers) works remarkably well. For menu navigation, watching videos, or certain dedicated applications, this feature offers appreciable freedom. Some games like Hand Physics Lab fully exploit this technology.
Compatible Accessories
The Quest 3S benefits from compatibility with the Quest accessory ecosystem:
- Elite Strap and Elite Strap with Battery
- Official Meta Charging Dock
- Facial interfaces and alternative cushions
- Silicone protection for controllers
Game Library and 2025 Compatibility
Full access to the Meta Quest Store is the Quest 3S’s major asset. More than 500 native titles, including 2025 exclusives optimized for mixed reality.
Tested Games and Performance
I tested about twenty varied titles:
- Batman: Arkham Shadow: The included exclusive runs perfectly, demonstrating the graphical capabilities of the XR2 Gen 2
- Beat Saber: No perceptible lag, precise tracking even on Expert+ patterns
- Asgard’s Wrath 2: Meta’s epic RPG runs without notable compromise
- Resident Evil 4 VR: Impressive graphics for a standalone headset
PCVR Compatibility
Via Air Link (wireless) or Link cable, the Quest 3S connects to a gaming PC to access Steam VR and Oculus Rift libraries. Performance then depends on your PC configuration, with the headset becoming a simple display peripheral.
Battery Life and Charging: Real-World Testing
The 4325 mAh battery offers:
- 2h to 2h30 in intensive gaming (Beat Saber, action)
- 2h30 to 3h in calm experiences (videos, social VR)
- 3h to 3h30 in light mixed reality
These durations correspond to my real-world measurements, slightly lower than the 2h30 announced by Meta. The USB-C port allows for a full charge in about 2h15. The Elite Strap with integrated battery (sold for €129) doubles the battery life for marathon gamers.
Meta Quest 3S vs Quest 3 vs Quest 2: The Ultimate Comparison
To dive deeper into this comparison, check out our detailed comparison between the Meta Quest 3 and the Meta Quest 3S.
Who Should Choose the Quest 3S?
- Newcomers to VR looking for the best value for money
- Quest 2 owners wanting color passthrough without breaking the bank
- Casual gamers who don’t require maximum resolution
Who Should Prefer the Quest 3?
- Intensive users prioritizing visual quality
- Professionals using VR daily
- Those sensitive to the comfort of pancake lenses
FAQ: Your Questions about the Meta Quest 3S
Is the Meta Quest 3S worth it compared to the Quest 3?
For a €220 saving, the Quest 3S is an excellent choice if you are starting in VR. Identical performance (same chip, same passthrough) largely compensates for the compromises on the lenses. Demanding users or professionals will prefer the Quest 3.
Can you play PCVR games with the Quest 3S?
Yes, via Air Link (Wi-Fi 6 recommended) or USB-C Link cable. The Quest 3S thus accesses Steam VR and the entire PC library, provided you have a compatible gaming PC (RTX 2060 GPU minimum recommended).
Are Quest 2 accessories compatible?
Most Quest 2 accessories work: Elite Straps, third-party charging stations, facial cushions. Quest 2 controllers remain compatible as backups, but the Touch Plus offer a better experience.
What is the real battery life of the Quest 3S?
Between 2h and 2h30 in intensive gaming, up to 3h30 in light use. The Elite Strap with battery doubles these durations for about €129 extra.
Is the Quest 3S suitable for glasses wearers?
Yes, the provided space accommodates most medium frames. For optimal comfort, custom prescription lenses (€80-100) represent a wise investment.
Conclusion and Final Score
The Meta Quest 3S succeeds in its gamble: democratizing mixed reality without sacrificing the essentials. The presence of the Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2, the same color passthrough as the Quest 3, and full access to the Meta catalog make it the obvious choice for discovering VR in 2025.
The compromises on Fresnel lenses and slightly lower resolution remain acceptable given the €220 saved. For newcomers, casual gamers, or those migrating from a Quest 2, the Quest 3S ticks all the boxes.
Final score: 8.5/10
Pros:
- Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 performance identical to Quest 3
- Stunning color passthrough
- Aggressive pricing for the features offered
- Batman: Arkham Shadow included
- Full Meta ecosystem compatibility
Cons:
- Fresnel lenses less sharp than pancake lenses
- No 3.5mm jack
- Standard battery life (2h-2h30)
- Fixed position IPD only
The Meta Quest 3S stands out as the best accessible standalone VR headset in 2025, offering an excellent compromise between price and features for everyone wishing to dive into virtual and mixed reality.
