Introduction
Virtual reality (VR) has captured the imaginations of tech enthusiasts. Strapping on a headset transports you into immersive 3D worlds, letting you battle monsters, travel to faraway lands or just hang out with friends. VR is also transforming work and creativity, enabling innovative visualization and collaboration tools.
As VR adoption grows, two headsets stand out from the pack – the Oculus Quest 2 and the now discontinued Oculus Rift S. I‘ve tested both extensively, so let‘s compare these landmark devices to see how they stack up across critical factors like visuals, tracking, content and value. You’ll find everything you need to decide which VR system best fits your needs and budget.
Headset Specs and Hardware Compared
Display and Optics
The Quest 2 ups the ante over the Rift S with 1832×1920 pixels per eye, 20% more than Rift S‘s 1280×1440. This boost in resolution makes distant objects much clearer. Contrast seems better on the Quest 2 as well thanks to its OLED display vs Rift S‘s LCD.
Both headsets run at 80 Hz by default, with Quest 2 supporting an experimental 90 Hz mode. For smooth motion that avoids nausea, 90+ Hz is recommended, so Quest 2 has the edge.
Field of view is almost identical at around 100 degrees. This determines how peripheral your view is inside the headset – good but not class-leading.
Audio Quality
Built-in audio is mediocre on both headsets, but Rift S has the slightest edge with its small speakers being closer to your ears. For longer sessions, use good headphones on either.
Tracking and Input Systems
Both leverage inside-out tracking via mounted cameras so no external sensors are needed. Quest 2 has four cameras while Rift S has five, but Quest 2’s updated computer vision algorithms make its tracking equally robust.
The redesigned Touch controllers shipped with both headsets are comfortable and precise for interacting with virtual worlds. Quest 2 adds useful hand tracking that lets you pinch, point and grasp without controllers. It works surprisingly well considering it’s controller-less input.
Comfort and Ergonomics
The Rift S matte white fabric and molded halo headband oozes comfort. Quest 2‘s stock elastic straps feel cheaper but there are affordable upgrades like the Elite Strap. Counterbalancing rear batteries help greatly too.
Rift S has manual IPD adjustment to set lens spacing. Quest 2 has digital IPD settings but no per user physical adjustment, though its improved optics and range accommodate more users comfortably.
At just over 1 pound, both achieve an acceptable weight distribution on your head, important for longer sessions.
Processing Power and Hardware
The Quest 2 packs far more power with its Snapdragon XR2 chip versus Rift S’s ageing Snapdragon 835. Combined with 6 GB of memory vs Rift S’s 4 GB, it handles more complex graphics and environments. Battery life is 2-3 hours.
Rift S offloads processing to its tethered gaming PC thanks to its cable link rated for ultra-high bandwidth video and data. No battery factor here.
Both have ample on-board storage – 64/128/256 GB for Quest 2 and 128 GB for Rift S.
Connectivity and Required Accessories
The Quest 2 works wirelessly as a stand-alone headset with processing and power on-board. For Link mode, a USB 3 cable connects it to a VR-ready PC to tap into more graphics horsepower.
Rift S always requires a gaming PC connection via long DisplayPort/USB cable that limits your range of motion somewhat unless you install overhead pulleys. Short cables are prone to yanking off your head when moving vigorously.
Quest 2 comes with minimalist Touch controllers. Comfort accessories like pads and grips, headphones and cables cost extra. Lots of choice though with a thriving cross-compatible ecosystem. Rift S includes integrated audio and needed cables to get started.
Using the Headsets
Standalone, Tethered or Combined
Quest 2 shines with its flexibility. Untethered, it plays mobile VR games and apps with full positional tracking anywhere you have space. Or link to a PC for max fidelity PCVR titles. Rift S only works tethered to a desktop or laptop.
Room Scale and Movement
Both headsets support room scale setups where you can walk around virtual spaces matching real room dimensions. No worrying about cords enhances immersion. Quest 2 offers the biggest hassle-free play spaces thanks to its wireless operation.
Cross-Platform Compatibility and Content
The vast Oculus game store works on both headsets natively plus you can access SteamVR titles via Oculus Link. Quest 2 gets some exclusives like Resident Evil 4 VR given its more powerful hardware. Both provide ample quality content today with lots more coming.
Performance and Experience
Visual Fidelity and Smoothness
Running stand-alone, Quest 2 can’t match a VR gaming rig‘s power so graphics are simpler, but its display outshines Rift S adding clarity. Link mode closes this gap substantially while retaining Quest 2‘s resolution advantage.
Higher resolution combined with consistent tracking and minimal lag make for very convincing VR worlds and avatars. Quest 2‘s better contrast creates a sense of depth, space and solid surfaces.
Audio Quality and Spatial Sound
As mentioned earlier, throw on some headphones for long sessions. Integrated audio quality is secondary. Spatial 3D effects like echoes, directional sound sources and ambient background sounds engage your senses deeply in VR on both, heightening immersion.
Tracking Performance
No complaints for either system here. Inside-out tracking means no tedious external sensor setup. Both deliver accurate low-latency tracking for head rotation and controllers thanks to rapid computer vision processing. Large and small movements are captured perfectly for seamless interaction.
Controllers, Hand Tracking and Input
The second generation Oculus Touch controllers included with both headsets simply work. They fit naturally, have capacitive sensors to detect finger grips, and provide intuitive buttons and analog triggers. Haptics add tactile feedback for things like firing weapons. No issues with tracking means you forget about the controllers and focus on experiences.
Quest 2 goes a step further with robust hand tracking built-in. It allows pretty complex finger-only gestures in some apps. You do give up finger-based precision and haptics losing physical buttons, but it’s an impressive technology preview and nice supplementary input option.
Comfort for Long Duration Use
The Rift S is easier to get comfortable with its halo band spreading weight nicely. Quest 2 takes more adjustment, but adding a solid rear counterweight helps greatly. The resolution jump makes Quest 2 better suited for working in VR too – less eye strain focusing on text and details.
Expanded Capabilities
Finger Tracking and Sensing
As covered already, Quest 2‘s computer vision supported hand tracking for controller-less input stands out. It brings natural interactions but lacks tactile feedback. Finger tracking is coming later via accessory caps that enable bending individual fingers in-game. Rift S lacks both input advances.
Accessories Ecosystem
Quest 2‘s popularity has birthed a thriving accessories ecosystem. Comfort-enhancing head straps, grips, cables, batteries, carry cases and more are available from multiple manufacturers. Even fitness-centric leg and wrist trackers work with it. Being self-contained, Quest 2 is a versatile AR/VR platform. Rift S offers less flexibility and options given its single-mode PC tethering focus.
Future Proofing
With cutting-edge tech like hand tracking and an OS frequently updated with new features, Quest 2 feels like the more future-proof purchase. Its stand-alone and tethered capabilities provide two upgrade paths as computing power and content grows. As a discontinued device relying on ageing PC hardware, Rift S has reached its limits.
Value Considerations
Upfront Costs
Quest 2 dominates value comparisons. The 128 GB model costs just $299 brand new – far cheaper than the Rift S‘s original $399 sticker price. Occasional sales drop it under $250 making it very accessible.
Used Rift S headsets now trading privately often still cost over $200. While cheaper than Quest 2, its technology ceiling must be considered given rapid VR hardware advancements.
Total Platform Costs
Assuming you already own a capable gaming PC, a used complete Rift S setup lands under $500. Quest 2 needs no existing ecosystem growing your costs.
However, unlocking Quest 2‘s full potential requires a gaming laptop or desktop around $800+, plus cables/accessories adding another $100+. So while more flexible, pursuing cutting-edge Quest 2 fidelity costs substantially more overall than a discontinued Rift S if starting from scratch.
The Verdict – Which Headset Reigns Supreme?
For most first-time or casual VR users, I have to whole-heartedly recommend the Quest 2 given its well-balanced combination of features, flexibility, visual advances and bargain price. Going wireless makes immersive virtual worlds more life-like by removing cord annoyances. Its versatility to work stand-alone anywhere or link to a gaming rig provides rewarding upgrade paths as budgets allow. Accessories transform comfort and functionality over time too.
The discontinued Rift S now only makes sense for those with powerful gaming PCs wanting a complementary VR display for simulator titles or social apps at lowest total cost. Just brace yourself for visual compromises versus the Quest 2. If investing in a new high-end PC for VR, go Quest 2 with appropriate cables to harness that power. Its integration flexibility across stand-alone and tethered modes can‘t be overstated.
Bottom line – while Rift S offers an easier plug-and-play path to solid VR on existing gaming rigs, Quest 2 provides the most compelling and future-proof gateway for new users to explore immersive virtual worlds thanks to its wireless freedom and expanding capabilities. Hopefully this detailed comparison helps match you to the right Oculus headset choice for your needs!
