Meta Quest 3 vs Apple Vision PRO

April 12, 2024

Why the Meta Quest 3 is a Better Choice than the Apple Vision Pro for Mixed Reality

With the entry of giants like Meta and Apple into the mixed reality market, the competition between devices like the Meta Quest 3 and the Apple Vision Pro is becoming increasingly intense. Although both headsets offer advanced technologies, there are several reasons why the Meta Quest 3 stands out as the more accessible and versatile choice, especially for those looking for a device that balances cost, comfort, and functionality.

In this article, we will explore why the Meta Quest 3 is the best choice for mixed reality compared to the Apple Vision Pro, focusing on key aspects such as cost, visual accessibility, weight, development environment, and the differences between hand tracking and eye tracking.

1. Cost: Economic Accessibility (550€ vs 3500€)

One of the main factors that distinguishes the Meta Quest 3 from the Apple Vision Pro is the cost. The Quest 3 is available for about €550, making it accessible to a wide range of users, both enthusiasts and professionals. In contrast, the Apple Vision Pro, priced at €3500, is significantly more expensive, positioning itself as a luxury product reserved for a few.

This price difference becomes even more significant when considering multiplayer experiences. With the Meta Quest 3, the more affordable price allows groups of friends or colleagues to participate together in mixed reality experiences without facing a prohibitive cost. With the budget required for a single Apple Vision Pro, more than six Meta Quest 3 could be purchased, opening the door to large-scale collaborative and shared experiences.

2. Use of Regular Glasses vs Magnetic Graduated Lenses

Another practical advantage of the Meta Quest 3 is the ability to comfortably use it with your prescription glasses, without having to resort to custom magnetic prescription lenses. The Apple Vision Pro, in fact, requires the purchase of magnetic prescription lenses, which represents an additional cost for users with vision problems.

The Meta Quest 3 features a spacious enough design to allow the use of glasses inside the headset, making the experience much more accessible to a wide audience without having to spend extra money on adapters or specific lenses.

At an event or a fair, it makes all the difference!

3. Lighter Weight: Greater Comfort for Extended Experiences

The weight is a crucial factor when it comes to wearable devices for long periods. The Meta Quest 3 weighs about 515 grams, significantly less than the 700 grams of the Apple Vision Pro. Even a small difference in weight can make a big difference in terms of comfort during prolonged use.

This advantage of lightness in the Quest 3 translates to less stress on the neck and face, allowing users to immerse themselves in mixed reality experiences for longer periods without having to take frequent breaks due to discomfort. This makes it a better choice for those using the headset in professional or educational contexts, where sessions can last several hours.

4. Open Development Environment Integrable with the Global Community

One of the major strengths of the Meta Quest 3 is its open development environment. Unlike the Apple Vision Pro, which is heavily integrated into Apple's closed ecosystem, the Quest 3 supports open platforms like Unity, Unreal Engine, and OpenXR. This offers developers ample opportunities to create customized and innovative experiences, leveraging the contributions of a vast global community.

Meta's ecosystem is much more flexible, allowing for continuous innovation thanks to a wide range of tools and support for developers. In contrast, Apple limits access and development within its own ecosystem, which can be a restriction for those seeking flexibility and customization.

5. Superior Hand Tracking and Less Functional Eye Tracking

One of the areas where the Meta Quest 3 stands out is hand tracking. The Quest 3 uses an advanced hand tracking system that allows users to interact with virtual elements without the need for controllers. This technology has been further refined compared to previous models, providing a more precise and smooth experience. The hand tracking of the Quest 3 is particularly useful for games and applications where direct interaction with the virtual environment is essential.

On the other hand, the Apple Vision Pro places a strong emphasis on eye tracking, a technology that allows the device to detect where the user is looking. Although this feature is intriguing and impressive at first, in practice it proves to be less functional for many contexts, particularly in gaming. In games or more interactive applications, control through eye movements is not as intuitive or precise as hand tracking. Users may find it frustrating to use only eye tracking to select or interact with objects, especially in games where speed and accuracy are crucial.

The Meta Quest 3, with its advanced hand tracking, offers a more natural and versatile interaction, allowing you to use your hands freely, just like you would in the real world, while the eye tracking of the Apple Vision Pro, although interesting, remains more of a curiosity than a true functional solution.

Conclusione: Meta Quest 3 is the Winner for Mixed Reality

In conclusion, the Meta Quest 3 proves to be a better choice than the Apple Vision Pro for several key reasons. The affordable cost makes it an ideal solution for the general public and for multiplayer experiences, while compatibility with prescription glasses eliminates additional costs. The lower weight ensures superior comfort for extended sessions, and the advanced hand tracking offers a more natural and intuitive user experience compared to the eye tracking of the Apple Vision Pro, which may be less functional in contexts like gaming.

In addition, the open system of the Quest 3 supports greater innovation and global collaboration, making it a dynamic platform for developers and users. If you are looking for the best balance between price, comfort, and functionality to explore mixed reality, the Meta Quest 3 is undoubtedly the most compelling choice.