Between Apple Vision Pro and Meta Quest 3, Vision Pro is the superior choice for design and performance. However, the Quest 3’s affordability and range of VR experiences make it an optimal choice for beginners and gaming enthusiasts.

Comparing Apple Vision Pro and Meta Quest 3

Key Differences Between Apple Vision Pro and Meta Quest 3

  • Price: Apple Vision Pro starts at $3,499, Meta Quest 3 ranges from $499.99 to $649.99.
  • Performance: Vision Pro leverages Apple’s dual-chip design for superior AR experience whereas Quest 3 utilizes Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 for its mixed-reality experiences.
  • Accessories: Vision Pro is compatible with iPhone, iPad, and Mac products, whereas Quest 3 requires Android or iOS devices for Ray-Ban Meta glasses activation.
  • Design: Vision Pro features compact design and advanced privacy features like Optic ID. In contrast, Quest 3 is 40% slimmer than its predecessor with stronger audio range.
Comparison Apple Vision Pro Meta Quest 3
Type Mixed Reality Headset Mixed Reality Headset
Price Starts at $3,499 $499.99 for 128GB, $649.99 for 512GB
Operating System VisionOS Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2
Images Quality A pixel density higher than a 4K TV per eye 30% higher resolution than Quest 2, 25 pixels/degree, 1,218 pixels/inch
Weight and Design Compact aluminium and glass design with adjustable elastic strap Slightly heavier than Quest 2, 40% slimmer than Quest 2
Audio Spatial Audio System 40% louder audio range than Quest 2
Battery Life 2 hours, can be used continually when plugged in. 1.5-3 hours depending on the use
Content App Store with Immersive 3D content created by Apple Wide array of VR games and experiences
Controls Voice, eyes, and hands control Touch Plus Controllers with improved haptics
Release Date Early 2024 October 10
Security Optic ID using unique iris patterns of user Account registration and software activation
Target Consumers All users seeking cutting-edge, immersive AR/VR experiences VR enthusiasts, seasoned gamers, tech-savvy consumers looking for immersive experience

What Is Apple Vision Pro and Who’s It For?

An unprecedented mixed reality headset, Apple Vision Pro is ushered in by Apple’s avant-garde tech prowess. Its very foundation lays in Voice, Eye, Hand Navigation paving way for an “infinite canvas” for apps. Its compact form fuses immersive digital content into physical space, making your room a personal theater. It’s designed for tech enthusiasts, professionals seeking advanced connectivity and collaboration tools, and consumers looking for an immersive entertainment experience.

Colorful image of a technology enthusiast operating the Apple Vision Pro in a modern workspace

Pros of Apple Vision Pro

  • Multi-tasking facilitated by expansive app range
  • Advanced 3D photo and video capabilities
  • Compact design prioritizing user convenience
  • Superior display offering personal cinema experience

Cons of Apple Vision Pro

  • Premium pricing might be prohibitive for some
  • Short external battery life of 2 hours
  • Future adaptation necessary for more affordable, prescription lens-equipped version

What Is Meta Quest 3 and Who’s It For?

Meta Quest 3, Meta’s foray into mixed reality headset market, provides an array of remarkable VR experiences. Housed in a slim profile that’s 40% slimmer than its predecessor, it offers vibrant visual immersion. Its target demographics include VR enthusiasts, seasoned gamers, and tech-savvy consumers seeking immersive experiences.

Colorful depiction of a professional gamer engaged with the Meta Quest 3 in a dynamic gaming arena.

Pros of Meta Quest 3

  • Impeccable display, design, and optic enhancements
  • Pocket-friendly compared to competitors
  • Robust storage of 128GB and 512GB

Cons of Meta Quest 3

  • Lack of distinctive mixed-reality app
  • Privacy concerns
  • Potential interference with personal medical devices

Apple Vision Pro vs Meta Quest 3: Pricing

The Apple Vision Pro, slated to arrive in early 2024, starts at a staggering $3499, considerably higher than the more cost-friendly Meta Quest 3, available from $499.99.

Apple Vision Pro

The Apple Vision Pro, Apple’s inaugural mixed reality device, offers phenomenally advanced features and an impressive tech stack. But with a starting price point of $3499, it’s an expensive affair.

Meta Quest 3

The Meta Quest 3, providing a wholesome mixed reality experience, starts at a more accessible price of $499.99 for the 128GB version and $649.99 for the 512GB variant, asserting itself as a financially feasible, yet power-packed, alternative.

The Verdict | Apple Vision Pro vs Meta Quest 3

Weighing the capabilities of Apple Vision Pro and Meta Quest 3, the preference swing hinges on price versus complexity, among other decisive factors.

Tech-Savvy AR/VR Enthusiast

For the tech-savvy AR/VR enthusiast craving immersive experience, the Meta Quest 3 presents an attractive option owing to its affordability and double graphics processing power. The customizable fit and improved audio are welcome enhancements. Yet, while Apple Vision Pro’s price tag may deter, its distinct underpinnings in augmented reality, remarkable FaceTime capabilities, and wide array of apps offer a premium experience worth every penny.

Tech-savvy enthusiast with a VR headset

Professional Content Creator

The professional content creator will consider the mixed reality capabilities on both devices. Here too, despite the heftier price, Apple Vision Pro wins favor with its incredible design, advanced technology for spatial experiences, 3D Facetime meetings and the ability to create virtual avatars and detect user’s facial and eye movements- tools not taken lightly in content creation.

Professional content creator immersed in AR/VR content

Gaming Enthusiast

For the gaming enthusiast, the Meta Quest 3, with its wide array of VR games and experiences, improved controllers, accessibility and superior graphics processing power presents a vivid, immersive and affordable playing field. However, the Apple Vision Pro with its high performing dual-chip processor could offer a new level gaming realism, if the price is not a concern.

Gaming enthusiast enjoying a VR game

Navigating between the Apple Vision Pro and the Meta Quest 3 comes down to preference and price, with the former boasting a mix of superior AR and VR technologies and the latter driving an affordable, immersive VR environment.

Tiffany Brise

Content writer @ Aircada, patiently awaiting a consumer AR headset that doesn’t suck.