Reviewed in the United States on October 15, 2023
UPDATE: Seven Months Later (Updated May 11)
COMFORT
The Quest 2 was so unbearably painful and uncomfortable for me, no matter what I did, that I ended up returning it a day later.
I was actually afraid that the Quest 3 wasn't worth getting because it weighs the same as the Quest 2, even 12 grams more.
But the Quest 3, with its default strap, is wonderful to wear. It doesn't feel heavy at all. I like how the facial interface, headset weight, and straps feel. I can wear the Quest 3 for over half a day without feeling any discomfort. If a person is experiencing discomfort, it is because they didn't adjust the straps properly.
TIP - ADJUSTING STRAPS
When adjusting the headset for the first time, the top strap should be adjusted first. It determines how high up or how low the headset will be on your head. And the most important adjustment are the headset arms because they determine how clear your vision will be and how comfortable the headset will be. You want to adjust the top strap and the interface until your eyes are centered in front of the lenses, and then adjust the angle of the headset arms until your vision is perfect. The back straps will determine how snug the headset will be on your head. I recommend making it loose and not snug, so long as the headset won't slide around your face. For those who ever experience discomfort, it's because the headset arms are not at a good angle which causes the pressure of the headset to be solely on the forehead which will go numb due to a lack of blood flow.
PASSTHROUGH IS AWESOME
I originally didn't care about passthrough and foolishly wished that they didn't upgrade it. I thought that Meta could make the headset lighter if they didn't add extra passthrough cameras. But the Quest 3 is not at all heavy and is very comfortable. Passthrough is important to me now. It let's me be entertained and productive while also being fully aware of my surroundings. Passthrough is important for apps like Virtual Desktop and Reality Browser (I was using Immersed at one time, but in addition to it being a buggy and flawed mess, they purposely made it so that the app will not connect if your PC is connected to one or more external monitors, requiring you to physically unplug them.) And some games use passthrough.
The Quest 3 passthrough isn't crystal clear, but it is definitely good and leaps and bounds better than Quest 2's. I have no complaints whatsoever and am really happy with it.
LIGHT LEAKAGE ISN'T A PROBLEM
There is a small opening around the nose area. It's very small and not noticeable. I have spent countless hours on the Quest 3 using all sorts of apps and playing all sorts of games, and that small opening has never been noticeable to me. In fact, it has been immensely useful. I can tilt my head towards the ceiling to peek through that opening at my computer screen if I need click on something but don't want to take my headset off. Having that small opening lets me keep track of my surroundings so I don't bump into furniture or stub my toe. If people seriously think that the small opening takes away from the immersion, they can get a cheap nose cap on Amazon.
SMART GUARDIAN
Another thing that I like about the Quest 3 is that there is a smart guardian. On the Quest 2, if you step outside a small circle, you get kicked out of the app that you were using and get told to create a new boundary which is very time consuming. On the Quest 3, I have my entire house as my boundary. Well, to be specific, I only drew the boundary in the rooms that I needed. So for me, the boundary including my living room, kitchen, bathroom, and hallways in between. It's so great to be able to walk around the entire apartment and be able to continue using VR and AR with no interruptions.
MEMORY SPACE
I bought the 128 GB version. If there had been a 256 GB version, I would have bought that instead and it really bothers me that Meta did a crap move by not providing us with a 256 GB version at the time of release. I didn't want to spend an extra $150 for the 512 GB version, and I still don't wish that I could go back in time and get the 512 GB version instead. But when the Quest 4 comes out, I may splurge and get a 512 GB version. Out of the 128 GB, 18 GB is being used for System apps. But before Asgard's Wrath 2 came out, I had around 30 apps and games installed and still had 51 GB available. It's super fast and easy to uninstall and reinstall apps, so it's easy to manage memory if I run out of room. Unfortunately Asgard's Wrath 2 takes up 36 GB of memory, so I have less room now. But after installing Genotype and Green Hell to free up some space, I will have 16 GB free now. Most games only take around 4 GB or less.
PRODUCTIVITY
I like using Virtual Desktop and Reality Browser when I am doing exercises, indoor walking, or indoor biking. It's cool that I can still see the virtual screens when I have my face buried in a yoga mat. The Quest 3 may end up being a life changer and game changer for me. It might help me be more productive and be a happier person in general.
LYING DOWN MODE
Quest 2 received the Lying Down mode in version 63.0. Quest 3 received it in version 64.0.
QUEST 3 - WORTH THE PURCHASE, NOT EXPENSIVE IF YOU DON'T BUY UNNECESSARY THINGS
The Quest 3 is something that every single person on this planet should get if they can afford it. It cost me $499 plus tax and came to $533. I didn't think that I would need any additional accessories, and five months later that is still true for me. I still don't need a different headstrap or extra battery packs. I just use a 15 foot extension cord.
I just can't get over how great the Quest 3 is. I hated the Quest 2. I don't know what other VR headsets are like, but the fact that most of them at least 200 grams heavier doesn't appeal to me. But the Quest 3 is delightful.
VR COVERS (UPDATE)
I could live without VR covers, and five months later my interface still looks clean and new, after brushing it for a couple of minutes with a toothbrush. But I decided to splurge and buy some VR covers. Two VR covers on the VR Cover website would have cost me $61.20 (after a 10% discount code and $9 shipping). On Amazon, it costs $38.46 for two VR covers (after $7 shipping and $2.50 taxes, and free returns) . The VR covers are extremely well designed and fit the interface perfectly. The improvement in comfort is minimal, but it probably does make a tiny bit of difference. It would probably make a bigger difference if I were to sweat a lot.
BATTERY LIFE
I use the Quest 3 while it is plugged into an extension cord. On some apps and games, the battery level stays around the same. On other games and apps, there is a small drain while the Quest 3 is plugged in but I can play a very long time. Some games use a lot of battery, but I can play for a very long time and the battery will still have 20-40% left after I am exhausted. But I have never had the battery die on me before I finished my gaming session when the Quest 3 is plugged into an extension cord. I definitely do not suggest using the Quest 3 unplugged. Two hours goes by too fast, and that is two hours maximum. If you are using some demanding apps and games, especially with passthrough, the battery will probably only last 45-55 minutes.
TIP - USE EXTENSION CORD INSTEAD OF BATTERY PACKS
I just use an extension cord in which I plug in the Quest 3 wall charger and link cable that comes with the headset. The extension cord that I use is a 15 foot one that I bought seven years ago for $15 (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0000BYC1I) and it lets me go into every room in the house without unplugging anything. I just tuck the heavy extension cord in the front of my pants which just leaves the default Quest 3 link cable between my waist and headset. That default Quest 3 link cable is light and long enough, and I usually wrap it around my neck once so my controllers won't get caught and snagged on the cord.
APP - VIRTUAL DESKTOP (WIRELESS)
Virtual Desktop. I prefer it over the Oculus Link. If you decide to use Virtual Desktop, you only need to buy the Quest version (don't buy the Steam version), and then go to the computer browser Virtual Desktop website and download the free Streamer App for your PC. The free Virtual Desktop Streamer App is what streams your PCVR games to your Quest headset (so you can play them on your headset), wirelessly. By the way, wireless does not have any lag or loss of performance that I am aware of, so don't think that you need a cable to connect your Quest 3 to your computer for PCVR gaming. I think that it is better to use a wireless connection. It has been advised to have a good WIFI router and to use an Ethernet Cable to connect your WIFI router to your PC. I did use an Ethernet Cable, but my router is a four year old ARRIS SURFboard SBG6900AC Docsis 3.0 16x4 Cable Modem/ Wi-Fi AC1900 Router that I bought for $106 and it worked well, so maybe you don't need the best WIFI routers since my router isn't that great.
TIP - WIRELESS VS WIRED. SAVING MONEY.
If you use Virtual Desktop, you won't be using a link cable. And I absolutely loathe Oculus Link (Wired and Wireless), so there hasn't been any need for me to use a link cable at all. I just use an extension cord to keep my battery charged and I use a wireless connection for virtual desktop apps like Virtual Desktop and PCVR games. An extension cord is probably better at keeping the Quest 3 charged than a link cable connected to a computer. The extension cord I bought only cost $15, but the 16 ft Quest Link cable costs $80.
TIP - OCULUS LINK PROBLEMS
One thing about Oculus Link (Wireless) and Oculus Link (Wired) is that they might not work right unless you go to Go to Oculus Desktop App > Settings > Beta > and enable Public Test Channel and let the app update. I don't use Oculus Link, but that is important to know so please make note of it. Some apps and games only work with Oculus Link, but I have only encountered one or two games that only worked with Oculus Link and they were both game that I did not care for and uninstalled.
APP - USE VIRTUAL DESKTOP (NOT IMMERSED)
I like using Virtual Desktop to access my computer screen. It's easy to grab and move the window around, and it has Headlock so it can follow your head movements or even follow you as you walk around the house. And it works in passthrough mode. I also use Reality Browser, and I use Google Remote Desktop on one of the open browser windows. It is a much laggier experience than Virtual Desktop and not as clear, but this way I can get multiple windows. Reality Browser has a nice minimal interface, the windows are very easy to grab and move around, the screens can be seen from both sides of the window, and it works in passthrough mode. Immersed was a pain to use because the windows are too difficult to grab, move, and tilt around. And in addition to it being a buggy and flawed mess, the Immersed developers purposely made it so that the app will not connect if your PC is connected to one or more external monitors, requiring you to physically unplug them. Luckily Virtual Desktop will have multiple monitor support soon.
GAMES - ZOMBIES
Survival Nation has a nice open world with quests, fishing, metal detecting, and climbing. And there is a co-op mode where you can share the open world with three other players.
I also really like Project Terminus. It has a realistic and detailed world, and the atmosphere is great.
I also have Arizona Sunshine, Propagation: Paradise Hotel, Resident Evil 4 (VR), and The Walking Dead: Saint and Sinners installed. These are okay games, but I like Survival Nation and Project Terminus better.
GAMES - OTHERS
I really liked the first Red Matter game. But it was short and didn't have any replay value, so I could only enjoy it the one time. I played Red Matter 2, and I didn't find interesting at all for the first half of the game but the second half was really good. I even felt like crying during the ending.
I think that the Doom 3 VR experience is better than playing the PC version. It is more immersive and you can do more things like lean forward to peek around corners, move your flashlight in any direction you want, look around more freely at everything at every angle, and so on. There is a Prey (2006) VR too, but I was more interested in the Doom 3 VR.
I played a little of Asgard's Wrath 2. I never cared for Greek or Roman mythology or medieval stuff, but I gave it a try and sometimes enjoyed the immersion. Combat can be fun because I use my real arms to swing the weapons. But combat can also be frustrating. The enemies are always on top of me, and it is hard to put some distance between me and them while also throwing weapons at them, turning, and dodging. I actually dropped the game to play Survival Nation and Project Terminus instead.
I did have Green Hell and Genotype installed, but I felt that they were both too boring, so I ended up uninstalling them.
GAMES - FITNESS
Beat Saber is amazing. A must have. Beat Saber has good beats, requires quick thinking and concentration, and is a good overall workout. If you want to score an S rank or higher on each Beat Saber song, you need to make wider arcs when slicing the cubes. I also recommend adjusting the floor height to what you want, and then stand i[ on a chair to adjust the player height. This will ensure that the floor stays level with your real life floor, but will make it easier to reach those low cubes or to duck.
FitXR is good for boxing exercise, but I struggle too much with the hooks and uppercuts. They always register as misses.
Dance Collider is also good. It makes my arms a bit tired though.
Eleven Table Tennis. It's not as much of a workout, but it is a physical activity.
Izzy's Beach Games. It's not a workout, but it's fun and there is great eye candy.
APPS - CUSTOM LAUNCHERS
Lightning Launcher is great for organizing your games and it is free. You can easily create and rename groups, have certain groups be the default location for new apps, adjust the tile size of apps, change app banner images, change the app names, hide apps, and more. The UI and background looks very nice. I also like how we can disable the Horizon Feeds window from opening every time the headset is turned on or after exiting out of a VR app. An "Unable to Access" window pops up instead but it is much easier to close and much less annoying than the Horizon Feeds window. I originally installed Lightning Launcher because I had some apps from Unknown Sources and it was hard to get to them through Meta's Library.
Quest Games Optimizer AKA QGO ($10) lets you increase the resolution of games (not PCVR games) and apps. If you increase the resolution of Horizons Home, the environment and the mirror that you see when you first turn your Quest 3 headset on, there is a remarkable difference. Increasing the resolution and CPU/GPU usage will cause a faster battery drain, but for me that isn't a problem because I always have my Quest 3 plugged into an extension cord.
GAMES - PCVR GAMES
I have a laptop with GTX 1650 and i5-9300H. A lot of PCVR games are unbearably laggy and completely unplayable for me. Some games are playable with some or minimum lag. I am not really happy with my PCVR experience, and I blame PCVR game developers, OVR Advanced Settings, and especially SteamVR for it. There is currently no app or plugin that will let me adjust the movement speed of how fast my character walks or runs. I get a lot of motion sickness in the Contagion VR game, so I wish that I could change the movement speed from 100% to around 10%. There is also currently no app or plugin that will let me change the snap rotation angle (on the thumbstick). OVR Advanced Settings only lets me set a custom snap rotation on controller buttons but not the thumbstick. The only thing that I use OVR Advanced Setting for is to do an emergency y-offset when my character glitches and falls through the floor. Really, SteamVR should have options to adjust all three a.) movement speed, b.) emergency y-offset, and c.) custom snap rotation. I also don't like all the freaking popups that I get when SteamVR is running. The SteamVR window will pop open and cover my screen instead of starting minimized. It also takes up space on the taskbar instead of being limited to just the system tray. Sometimes, I even get a second SteamVR popup window letting me know that SteamVR has been updated, requiring me to click "dismiss" before it goes away. And if I have the SteamVR running on my laptop but my headset is not on, I get a "Headset Not Detected" popup that never goes away. So annoying! Starting SteamVR will also make five previously hidden SteamVR entries show up on my Steam Library even though I have them set to Hidden. SteamVR even messes up how my Steam Library looks like and will take every game from every game category and put them all in one category with the five SteamVR entries that I didn't want to see. I can get my game categories back by going to a new page and then pressing back again, but the overall SteamVR experience sucks.