The Oculus Quest VR headset is the newest addition in the addition in the Oculus VR headsets collection. It has a similar price tag with the Oculus Rift though it has some additional features that make it a real challenger for the rift. To help you in making a choice between these two amazing headsets, here is a head to head comparison of the two:
The Oculus Rift
There are 2 models of the Oculus Rift, the original Rift that was made in 2016 and the 2018 Rift S. if you compare the 2, you’ll notice that the Rift S is an improved version of the original Rift and this makes it a better option. To get a better understanding of the two, here is a comparison of the original Rift and the Rift S:
Price
Regardless of the improvements, the Rift S is more affordable as it costs $399 compared to the original Rift that costs $499.
Design
The Rift S is an improved version of the original Rift and is more ergonomic and easier to use. When you consider the weight, the Rift S takes the upper hand as well as its weight is evenly distributed. You’ll find it easier to use as you will experience less pressure and less headset movement even when you play for a longer period.
When using the original Rift, the gap around the nose region causes some light leaks which affects the quality of the images when gaming. This problem was sorted with the new Rift S as there is less space around the nose.
Still on the design, the ‘halo’ headband on the Rift S is easier to adjust when using which is a huge improvement of the original Rift that was more difficult to adjust.
Sensors
When using the new Rift S, you’ll not need to use external sensors when tracking your hand’s movements. Instead, you will attach the sensors to your headset which means the movement of the touch controllers will correspond with the movement of the headsets.
Display
The old Rift headset uses a double-OLED display with a resolution of 2160* 1440 at 90HZ whereas the new Rift S has a 2650*1440 display at 80hz.
Though both the original Rift and the Rift S have almost the same features and you will access similar games when using them, the additional features make it a better option.
Audio Delivery
The original Rift has drop down earbuds but when Oculus was making this version, the incorporated the integrated audio just like that of the Oculus Go and the Oculus Quest. You can also opt to use a third-party headphone with the new Oculus Rift S.
Oculus Quest
If you are looking for one of the best standalone VR headsets in the market today, the Oculus Quest should be your first option. This VR headset does not need a PC to operate which makes it portable and more convenient to use in any place. To use it, all you need is to put your headset in place and you’re your motion controllers, then immerse yourself in the world of virtual reality.
Though it will not give you the immersive feeling you’ll get by using a desktop, it has an amazing potential that will enable you to enjoy gaming on another level. Whether you want to get into complex VR or you want to keep it simple, the Oculus Quest VR headset will never let you down. With no wires and a sharp OLED display, it will definitely give you an unforgettable experience.
Design
The Oculus Rift VR headset is designed to operate using a PC and will work in the same way as the initial Rift CV1. Its high-resolution screen, light touch controllers and cameras facing outward which gives room for 6-degrees-of-freedom movement tracking makes it an amazing headset. When connecting it to your PC, you’ll use DisplayPort, not HDMI and this makes it incompatible with some of the gaming laptops.
The Oculus Quest, on the other hand, is a stand-alone VR headset while is operated using Android devices just like the Oculus Go. Just like the Oculus Rift, Oculus Quest uses cameras to give room for 6-degrees-of-freedom movement motion tracking and uses similar touch controllers. You don’t need a PC to operate the Quest which makes it a better option for you if you are yet to buy a gaming laptop.
Control
Both the Oculus Quest and the Rift allows 6DOF motion tracking and will use a similar design of Oculus Touch controllers, you will have an almost similar experience, whichever headset you choose to use. When using them, you can either work by your orientation or your position, whichever works better for you. It will be possible to operate in a 3-dimensional space where you can move around or reach out to control your surroundings.
Using the outward-facing cameras of both the Oculus Quest and the Rift, you’ll be able to mark your play area’s boundaries using the controller to point at the floor. If you want to use your Quest or Rift VR headsets in different rooms, you can use the camera-oriented guardian system to mark the different play areas.
Wireless Freedom
One of the greatest benefits of using Oculus Quest is wire-free capability. You don’t need to use cables to operate your headset unless you are charging it. When using it, all you need is to tether it to your Android device which makes it quite easy to use. For the Rift, you will need to connect it to your PC when using it which makes it more cumbersome to use.
If you are new in gaming and have not managed to purchase a gaming PC, your best option will be getting the Oculus Quest. Later when you have the funds, you can make a switch to the Rift.
VR Experience
The Oculus Quest has a higher resolution at 1440 x 1600 pixels comparing it with 1280 x 1440 pixels for the Rift. However, the Oculus has the upper hand when it comes to its Snapdragon processor that will allow you to access games such as Beat Saber or Superhot VR. You will also enjoy more detailed VR scenes for longer using the Rift despite having fewer pixels for its display.
The Oculus Rift has a better high-speed motion control compared to the Oculus quest as it has a higher refreshing rate. You will feel more comfortable using the Rift as there are fewer chances of suffering from Nausea. One of the greatest benefits you’ll get from using the Rift is the huge library of games you’ll access as it is compatible with the games available in the original Rift.
When using the Oculus quest, you’ll be able to access most of the games that the Rift offers though there are limitations. The Oculus Quest has its separate app library though the collection is not as wide as that of the Rift. There are some developers, however, that will make games that you can exclusively play using this headset which will be a big win for the lovers of this amazing headset.
The Verdict
If you are looking for a virtual reality experience that you’ll be able to use with your PC, the Rift is your best option. The resolution may not be as big as that of the Oculus Rift with the powerful sensors, you not be disappointed. You’ll also enjoy the advantage of accessing a huge collection of games in the Rift games library and this means you can never lack something to interest you.
The Rift VR headset has a higher refresh rate due to its lower resolution displays which makes it more convenient in handling high-speed motion. The Rift has 74Hz whereas the Oculus Quest has 90Hz which will make it more comfortable to use and lessen your chances of suffering from nausea.
If you do not own a PC, you can still enjoy an excellent VR experience using the Oculus Quest. It does not require a PC to use it which makes it a great choice whether you are new in VR or you are a veteran that needs your freedom in virtual reality. The only major limitation you’ll get is the limited games you can access using this VR headset as it cannot access the Rift library. If what some of the developers have promised is anything to go by, you can have the assurance that you will access larger content in the near future. The battery life is also good as you can enjoy up to three hours of use. If it runs out of charge when charging, you can plug it in for charging and continue enjoying your VR experience.
Both the Rift and the Oculus Quest cost the same price and your choice will depend on whether you have a PC or not. You will also need to consider the range of games you want to access and whether you want a virtual reality headset that will allow more flexibility when using it. Both the Rift and the Oculus Quest are great VR headsets