I’m thinking about upgrading from a Quest 2 since for a while now the battery life and tracking has started to degrade, I have the money for a Quest 3 and an Index, but I don’t know what to choose, I’ve heard the pancake lenses are great on the Quest 3, but I’ve had so many issues with the link software on my Quest 2, and I’ve heard as well great things about the Index, such as the tracking, controllers, comfort, and sound, and I don’t have to deal with the annoying Quest software, I intend to play pcvr 90% of the time, and I don’t care if it’s it has a cable attached or not as well, if anyone can help me decide, I would appreciate that
I could also stick to my Quest 2, or purchase a Quest 3S when it releases.
I prefer my Quest 3 to my Index. It’s the better headset for me. I loved my Index for years, but its age is starting to show, and even the Quest 2 has some upgrades over it (like higher PPD and wireless).
I recommend spending your cash on a Quest 3, a Kiwi battery strap, and a WiFi 6E router to connect directly to your PC with Virtual Desktop. Use Link only for games that require high bitrate for clarity.
If you already have a Quest 2, don’t buy a Quest 3S unless you’re on a tight budget. It has the same optics as the Quest 2, so it will look the same. The only upgrades are color passthrough and access to newer exclusives. Save your money for a full upgrade instead.
If you’re not doing Full Body Tracking for VRChat, go with the Quest 3.
If you’re unhappy with Meta’s software, I wouldn’t suggest other standalone headsets, especially HTC, they’re even worse.
If you want a lighthouse-tracked headset, skip the Index. It’s reliable with good audio, but it’s bulky, heavy, and outdated. Other lighthouse options are more expensive and offer some advantages, but most people asking about them aren’t flexible on budget.
@Frankline
My budget is around $700, and I was considering either a used Index or a new Quest 3. But now I’m also thinking about the PSVR2 since I forgot about the PC adapter option.
The camera tracking on PS VR2 might be worse on Windows because it connects via Bluetooth, so your experience may vary. If you’re thinking about getting a used Index, check out Tundra Labs for refurb kits.
With a $700 budget, the only PC VR headset that comes close is the Pimax Crystal Light. However, I wouldn’t recommend it due to the issues with their Pimax Play software. While some users may disagree, it’s why I went with the Bigscreen Beyond instead. Plus, the Pimax Crystal Light has a lot of reported quality control problems, and getting them fixed can be a hassle.
You could try “ALVR over USB,” or better yet, go wireless with Virtual Desktop or Steam VR Link. It’s common to get a second router just for VR if your current one isn’t up to par. The Virtual Desktop Discord has a list of recommended routers at different price points.
I’d suggest spending some time optimizing your Quest 2 setup first. Once it’s running well, you can decide whether to upgrade to the Quest 3 or go for something wired like the PSVR2 with a PC adapter or Pimax Crystal Light.
