The Meta Quest Pro and Sony PlayStation VR are two of the most recognizable names in the virtual reality headset market. But beyond the brand recognition, these two devices actually have quite distinct target audiences and capabilities. As a VR technology expert, I‘ve thoroughly tested both headsets and analyzed their strengths, weaknesses, and ideal use cases. In this in-depth comparison, I‘ll provide all the data and insights you need to determine which headset is the best fit for your needs and budget.
Tale of the Tape: Quest Pro vs PSVR Specs Comparison
Let‘s start by looking at the raw technical specifications of these two headsets:
| Spec | Quest Pro | PSVR |
|---|---|---|
| Release Date | October 2022 | October 2016 |
| Display | Dual LCD 1800×1920 per eye | Single OLED 960×1080 per eye |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz, 120Hz |
| Field of View | 106 degrees | 100 degrees |
| Processor | Snapdragon XR2+ | PS4/PS5 |
| Memory | 12GB | 8GB (PS4), 16GB (PS5) |
| Storage | 256GB | 500GB (PS4), 825GB (PS5) |
| Audio | Integrated speakers, 3.5mm jack | Integrated speakers, 3.5mm jack |
| Tracking | Inside-out 6DoF | Outside-in 6DoF |
| Controllers | Touch Pro | PlayStation Move, DualShock 4, Dualsense |
| Connectivity | WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, USB-C | USB, HDMI |
| Price | $1500 | $350 |
As you can see, the Quest Pro boasts some impressive specs thanks to its much more recent release date. The higher resolution LCD displays, wider FOV, and faster processor give it an edge in visual quality and performance. However, the PSVR‘s OLED display technology provides deeper blacks and richer colors, so it‘s not a complete shutout in the display department.
One of the main advantages of LCD tech is the ability to increase the refresh rate without significantly impacting image quality. The Quest Pro takes full advantage of this, offering a smooth 90Hz refresh rate that matches the PSVR. It‘s worth noting though that the PSVR is capable of 120Hz in certain titles, which can enhance the sense of presence and realism. However, relatively few PSVR games actually support 120Hz mode. According to a Reddit analysis, only around 20 out of the 600+ PSVR games run at 120Hz (source).
Tracking and Controls: The Quest Pro‘s Inside-Out Advantage
In terms of tracking, the Quest Pro‘s inside-out 6DoF solution is far more convenient and reliable than the PSVR‘s outside-in approach. With inside-out tracking, you don‘t need to worry about setting up any external sensors or cameras. The Quest Pro‘s four built-in cameras can track your position and controllers‘ locations with impressive accuracy. You have the freedom to move around your play space without fear of occlusion or dead zones.
The PSVR, on the other hand, uses the PlayStation Camera to track the headset and controllers via a glowing light array. This setup is more prone to occlusion issues if your hands block the lights from the camera‘s view. It also limits you to a stationary play area within the camera‘s field of view. While adequate for seated or standing experiences, the PSVR tracking falls short of the Quest Pro‘s when it comes to roomscale VR.
Controller ergonomics is another area where the Quest Pro takes the lead. The Touch Pro controllers have a comfortable grip that feels natural to hold for extended periods. The buttons, triggers, and thumbsticks are all intuitively laid out. The PSVR Move controllers definitely show their age with a less ergonomic wand design. They lack a thumbstick, which can make locomotion in games awkward. The DualShock 4 and Dualsense controllers are decent alternatives for some titles, but can‘t match the hand presence of the Touch Pro.
Comfort and Audio: A Closer Match
Comfort is one of the most crucial factors in any VR headset, and both the Quest Pro and PSVR hold up well in extended play sessions. The Quest Pro has a well balanced design that distributes its weight evenly on your head. The foam facial interface is plush and provides a good seal without putting too much pressure on your face.
The PSVR takes a unique approach with its halo headband design. The display hangs down in front of your face, secured by the circular headband that rests on your forehead. This takes some weight off your cheeks compared to other headsets. However, some users find the PSVR puts too much pressure on the forehead, leading to discomfort over time. Overall, I‘ve found the Quest Pro to be the more consistently comfortable headset for a wider range of head sizes and shapes.
As for audio, both headsets have built-in spatial audio speakers that provide an immersive 3D sound experience. The Quest Pro‘s speakers are slightly higher quality with a fuller range, but the PSVR‘s audio is no slouch. Both also include a 3.5mm headphone jack if you prefer to use your own headphones.
Content Wars: Quest‘s Deep Library vs PSVR Exclusives
Of course, a VR headset is only as good as the content you can play on it. In sheer quantity, the Quest Pro has a clear lead with over 1,700 apps in the Meta Quest Store (source). These span a wide range of games, productivity tools, social apps, and other experiences. With the Quest Pro being a standalone headset, it can also connect to a VR-capable PC to access even more content on platforms like SteamVR.
Popular Quest titles include:
- Beat Saber – Over 4 million copies sold on Quest (source)
- Resident Evil 4 VR – Acclaimed full-length AAA port
- Population: One – Fortnite-style battle royale shooter
- Superhot VR – Over 2 million copies sold across all platforms (source)
- Demeo – Dungeons & Dragons inspired virtual tabletop game
While the PSVR library is more limited, it makes up for it with an impressive array of exclusive titles you can‘t play anywhere else. These leverage the power of PlayStation consoles to deliver high production quality AAA experiences. Some of the standouts include:
- Astro Bot: Rescue Mission – Adorable 3D platformer with inventive VR level design
- Blood & Truth – Explosive crime thriller inspired by Guy Ritchie films
- Farpoint – Sci-fi FPS with a unique PlayStation Aim Controller for realistic gunplay
- Resident Evil 7: Biohazard – Full-length AAA survival horror game playable entirely in VR
- Moss – Enchanting storybook adventure starring a brave mouse heroine
Sony hasn‘t released specific sales figures for PSVR titles, but the headset itself has sold over 5 million units (source). This install base bodes well for continued investment in PSVR-exclusive content.
Beyond Gaming: The Quest Pro‘s Productivity Play
While both headsets primarily focus on gaming content, the Quest Pro does open up some interesting use cases beyond entertainment thanks to its productivity features. The high resolution displays are well-suited for working with detailed 3D models or architectural designs. The pass-through cameras enable mixed reality applications where you can interact with virtual elements overlaid on your real environment.
Access to business-focused apps like Immersed and Horizon Workrooms on the Quest Pro also make it a viable tool for remote collaboration. You can join meetings, share presentations, and brainstorm together with colleagues in VR. The PSVR doesn‘t really offer any comparable productivity functionality. It does have a Cinematic Mode that lets you view non-VR content on a virtual screen, but the low resolution and lack of spatial tracking limit its usefulness for serious work.
Looking Ahead: The PSVR 2 Looms Large
No comparison of the Quest Pro and PSVR would be complete without acknowledging the elephant in the room: the upcoming PlayStation VR 2. Sony has been drip-feeding details on this next-gen headset, and it‘s shaping up to be a massive leap over the original PSVR.
Some of the rumored PSVR 2 specs include:
- 4K HDR OLED displays with 2000×2040 resolution per eye
- 110-degree FOV
- Foveated rendering powered by eye tracking
- Haptic feedback in the headset
- Inside-out tracking (no external camera needed)
- New controllers with adaptive triggers, capacitive touch sensors, and finger tracking
On paper, the PSVR 2 looks to meet or exceed the Quest Pro in many areas. The higher resolution displays and FOV will provide an even more immersive visual experience. The addition of eye tracking and foveated rendering could allow for better performance and graphical fidelity by only rendering in full resolution where you‘re looking. Haptics in the headset itself is a feature not found on the Quest Pro. And the new controllers sound like a massive upgrade over the PSVR Moves.
The big question is how much the PSVR 2 will cost. The advanced feature set suggests it will be priced higher than the original PSVR‘s $399. A $599 price point would put it in direct competition with the Quest Pro. But with Sony‘s penchant for subsidizing hardware to sell more software, it‘s possible they could hit an aggressive $499 price point. Either way, the PSVR 2 is definitely one to watch as a potential Quest Pro rival.
The Verdict: Different Headsets for Different Folks
So where does that leave us in the Quest Pro vs PSVR debate? After extensively testing both headsets, it‘s clear that they cater to different audiences and use cases.
The Quest Pro is the best overall choice for most people thanks to its cutting-edge specs, excellent tracking, ergonomic controllers, and sheer versatility as a standalone and PCVR-capable headset. The $1500 price is certainly steep, but you‘re getting the most technologically advanced VR experience on the market today. And the Meta Quest library has something for everyone, with top-tier exclusives and a wide range of genres.
For PlayStation diehards, the PSVR remains a great entry point into console VR at a much more affordable price. What it lacks in tech specs it more than makes up for with a strong lineup of exclusive games that highlight the power of PlayStation hardware. Astro Bot, Resident Evil 7, and other PSVR showpieces are must-play experiences for any VR enthusiast. And with the PSVR 2 on the horizon, investing in the PlayStation VR ecosystem now could pay off down the line.
Ultimately, your choice comes down to budget, the types of games and experiences you‘re most interested in, and whether you prioritize the freedom of standalone VR or the raw power of a tethered console/PC headset. The Quest Pro and PSVR both deliver compelling VR, but they take very different paths to get there. In a market as dynamic and fast-moving as VR, that‘s an exciting thing. Competition breeds innovation, and we all stand to benefit as players. Whichever headset you choose, you‘re in for a thrilling ride.
