The Meta Quest 2 is a virtual reality headset made by Reality Labs, a part of Meta Platforms. It was introduced on September 16, 2020, and released on October 13, 2020, as the Oculus Quest 2. This was the second version in the Quest series. In 2022, the product was renamed the Meta Quest 2 as part of a company-wide change to remove the Oculus brand after Facebook, Inc. became Meta.
The Quest 2 is an improved version of the original Oculus Quest. It is lighter, has better internal components, a display with higher resolution and refresh rate for each eye, and updated controllers with longer battery life. Like the original Quest, the Quest 2 can operate as a standalone device using an Android-based operating system or connect to a computer to run Oculus Rift-compatible VR software.
The Quest 2 received mostly positive feedback for its improvements, such as the better display and lighter design. However, some changes were criticized, including the standard head strap, fewer options for adjusting the distance between the eyes (called interpupillary distance or IPD), and a requirement to log in with a Facebook account to use the headset and Oculus services. The Quest 2 was replaced by the Meta Quest 3 in 2023 but remained available as a lower-cost option until September 2024, when it was replaced by the Meta Quest 3S at the same price.
Specifications
The Quest 2 has a design similar to the original Quest, but it uses white plastic instead of black cloth on the outside. It weighs 503 grams (17.7 oz), which is lighter than the first-generation Quest, which weighed 571 grams (20.1 oz). The strap is now made of fabric with adjustable Velcro, replacing the elastic strap from the first model.
The Quest 2 uses the Snapdragon XR2, a single chip that handles many tasks. This chip is based on the Snapdragon 865 and is designed for virtual reality and augmented reality devices. It has 6 GB of LPDDR4X RAM, which is 2 GB more than the first-generation model.
The Quest 2 uses a single, fast-switch LCD panel instead of two OLED screens from the first model. Each eye sees a resolution of 1832×1920, with a refresh rate of up to 120 Hz. This is an improvement from the first model’s 1440×1600 per eye at 72 Hz. The display uses striped subpixels instead of a PenTile matrix, which helps reduce the screen-door effect and improve image clarity. At launch, the refresh rate was limited to 72 Hz by software, but updates in 2020 and 2021 added support for 90 Hz and 120 Hz modes in games.
The headset allows physical adjustment of the interpupillary distance (IPD) at 58 mm, 63 mm, and 68 mm by moving the lenses into each position.
The Quest 2 runs an operating system based on Android Open Source Project (AOSP) code, now branded as "Horizon OS" since April 2024. A smartphone with the Meta Quest app is needed for setup.
In February 2021, the system added support for up to three accounts on a single headset, allowing shared access to purchased software. In April 2021, "Air Link" was added as an experimental feature, enabling games to stream from a PC over Wi-Fi. In July 2021, experimental augmented reality features were added through the Passthrough function.
The operating system was originally based on Android 10. In March 2023, Meta required all new Quest apps to use Android 12L (API level 32) by June 30.
The Quest 2 includes third-generation Oculus Touch controllers, inspired by the original Oculus Rift controllers. These controllers have four times the battery life of the first-generation Quest controllers.
Games
The Quest 2 works with all games and apps made for the first version of the device. Older games can be updated to have better picture quality on the Quest 2. It uses Quest Link (USB) and Air Link (Wi-Fi) to connect the headset to PC software that is compatible with the Oculus Rift. It does not work with games and apps made for the Oculus Go.
Release
The Quest 2 was first released with two models that differed in storage size. The 64 GB model cost $299, and the 256 GB model (which replaced the original Quest's 128 GB model) cost $399. Both models were $100 cheaper than the first-generation Quest's similar models. In 2021, the 64 GB model was replaced by a 128 GB model at the same price.
In November 2021, as part of Facebook, Inc.'s rebranding to Meta, the Oculus brand was gradually replaced. The Oculus Quest 2 was renamed "Meta Quest 2" in marketing materials, the Oculus Store became the "Quest Store," and Oculus-developed platforms like Facebook Horizon were rebranded as "Horizon." In March 2022, software version 38 removed all Oculus logos and replaced them with Meta's logo. By April 2022, newer versions of the Quest 2 hardware had Oculus branding replaced with Meta's.
Meta released a commercial for the Quest 2 and Horizon Worlds titled "Old Friends, New Fun" during Super Bowl LVI in February 2022.
In July 2022, Meta increased the prices of all current Meta Quest 2 models by $100, effective August 2022, due to higher production costs and to support continued investment in the industry. At the same time, Beat Saber was included with the headset as a promotional offer until the end of 2022. In March 2023, the 256 GB model was reduced to $429.
With the announcement of the upcoming Meta Quest 3 in June 2023 (priced at $499 for its base 128 GB model), the 128 GB Quest 2 model was reduced to $299, and the 256 GB model was reduced to $349. Meta's Chief Technology Officer, Andrew Bosworth, stated the company would continue supporting the Quest 2 "for quite a while." The Quest 2 was phased out of retail in July 2024. During Meta Connect in September 2024, Meta officially discontinued the Quest 2 and introduced the Meta Quest 3S as a replacement at $299. Remaining stock was sold through the end of 2024.
Facebook introduced an "Elite Strap" accessory with a ring-like pad for the head and a tightness dial. A version with a built-in battery pack was also available. Facebook promoted Logitech headphones, such as the G333 VR, which were certified for use with the Quest 2. These headphones had shortened cables for VR compatibility.
Facebook also partnered with Logitech to support the K830 keyboard as part of the "Infinite Office" feature, allowing the keyboard to be detected and displayed in virtual reality environments.
In October 2022, Meta released new Touch Pro controllers for the Meta Quest Pro. These controllers are also available as an optional upgrade for existing Quest 2 headsets. The Touch Pro controllers have a more compact design, use cameras instead of infrared tracking rings for inside-out tracking, include a pressure sensor for pinching gestures, and have rechargeable batteries.
Reception
The Verge gave a positive review before the product was released. It said the device had some useful improvements, such as being lighter, having a better-looking screen with a higher refresh rate than the original Quest, and a USB port moved to a different location. However, the new strap was criticized for offering less support and a less effective tightening mechanism. This issue was partially fixed with the Elite Strap accessory sold separately. The new IPD (inter-pupillary distance) mechanism was also described as inconvenient and less inclusive compared to the first model. The review concluded that while the Quest 2 was not essential for current owners, it offered the best overall combination of hardware, features, and price.
Ars Technica was less positive. It noted that the internal speakers were clearer and louder than before but criticized the new cloth strap compared to the original Quest's elastic straps. The review claimed the new strap contributed to the device's lighter weight. Other issues included limited IPD options, shorter battery life, and controllers with less grip and accuracy in demanding games. The switch from OLED to LCD screens produced sharper images but less vibrant colors.
The Elite Strap accessory faced initial complaints about straps breaking unexpectedly. Facebook responded by stating the problem was a "production inconsistency" affecting only a few units. Sales of the strap were temporarily paused before resuming. Additional issues, such as loose screws in the strap, were also reported.
In November 2021, Qualcomm reported that at least 10 million Quest 2 headsets had been shipped worldwide. In late December 2021, the Oculus app (required for setup) became the most popular app on the iOS App Store and Google Play Store in the United States for the first time. This suggested that many Quest headsets were purchased as Christmas gifts during the holiday season.
The Quest 2 faced criticism for requiring users to log in with a Facebook account to use the device or future Oculus products. Concerns included the amount of user data collected by the company, such as the user's surroundings, movements, and biometric information. Some users could not use the headset if their Facebook accounts were suspended. Others said linking a deactivated account made the headset unusable. In September 2020, Facebook stopped selling Oculus products in Germany after criticism from the German Federal Cartel Office over the Facebook login requirement. At the 2021 Facebook Connect event, Mark Zuckerberg said the company was working on allowing users to log in with accounts other than their personal Facebook accounts.
In July 2022, Meta announced a new "Meta account" system to link Meta apps and platforms. Users transitioning to this system could separate their Facebook logins from VR platforms. However, Ars Technica noted that new terms of service and privacy policies might still require users to provide accurate personal information and allow Meta to use user data extensively.
In December 2020, Facebook investigated reports of users experiencing skin irritation from the Quest 2's foam face pad. In April 2021, Facebook said it had reduced the use of "a few trace substances" in the manufacturing process that might cause discomfort but found no contamination. On July 27, 2021, Facebook announced a recall of the face pads in Canada and the United States, offered free silicone covers to users, and temporarily paused global sales of the Quest 2 to include the covers with future shipments.