The Meta Quest 2 is a virtual reality headset created 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, which was the second version of the Quest series. In 2022, it was renamed the Meta Quest 2 as part of a company effort to replace the Oculus brand after Facebook, Inc. changed its name to 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 Oculus Touch controllers that last longer on a single charge. Like the original Quest, the Quest 2 can operate independently with an Android-based system or connect to a personal computer to use Oculus Rift-compatible VR software.
The Quest 2 received mostly positive feedback for its improvements, such as its clearer display and lighter design. Some changes, however, were criticized, including its standard head strap, fewer options for adjusting the distance between the eyes, and a requirement to log in with a Facebook account to use the headset and its services. The Quest 2 was replaced by the Meta Quest 3 in 2023 but continued to be sold as a more affordable option until September 2024, when it was replaced by the Meta Quest 3S at the same price.
Specifications
The Quest 2 has a similar design to the original Quest but uses white plastic instead of black cloth. 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 of the first model.
The Quest 2 uses the Snapdragon XR2, a system on a chip made by Qualcomm. This chip is based on the Snapdragon 865 and is designed for VR and augmented reality devices. It includes 6 GB of LPDDR4X RAM, which is 2 GB more than the first-generation model.
The dual OLED displays of the first-generation Quest were replaced with a single, fast-switching LCD panel. Each eye has a resolution of 1832×1920, and the display can refresh up to 120 Hz, an increase from the first model’s 1440×1600 per-eye resolution at 72 Hz. The display uses striped subpixels instead of a PenTile matrix, which reduces the screen-door effect and improves image clarity. At launch, the refresh rate was set to 72 Hz by software, with 90 Hz mode available only in the home area as an experimental feature. A software update in November 2020 allowed games to run at 90 Hz. In April 2021, an update added experimental support for 120 Hz mode in games.
The headset allows physical adjustment of the interpupillary distance (IPD) to 58 mm, 63 mm, or 68 mm by moving the lenses into each position.
The Quest 2 runs software based on the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) code, which is now branded as "Horizon OS" since April 2024. To set up the headset for the first time, a smartphone with the Meta Quest app must be used.
A February 2021 update added support for up to three additional 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 be streamed from a PC over Wi-Fi. In July 2021, experimental APIs were added to the Passthrough feature for augmented reality capabilities.
The internal operating system was originally based on Android 10. In March 2023, Meta announced that all new Quest apps would need to target API level 32 (Android 12L) by June 30.
The Quest 2 includes third-generation Oculus Touch controllers, which were 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 software created for the first version of the device. Existing games can be updated to offer better graphics on the Quest 2. It also supports Quest Link (USB) and Air Link (Wi-Fi), which let the headset connect to PC software that works with the Oculus Rift. The Quest 2 does not work with apps or games made for the Oculus Go.
Release
The Quest 2 was first released in two models, which differed based on storage space. The 64 GB model cost $299, and the 256 GB model (replacing the original Quest's 128 GB model) cost $399. Both models were $100 cheaper than similar models from the first-generation Quest. 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 replaced all Oculus logos with Meta logos. By April 2022, newer versions of the Quest 2 hardware had Oculus branding replaced with Meta branding.
Meta aired a commercial for the Quest 2 and Horizon Worlds, titled "Old Friends, New Fun," during Super Bowl LVI in February 2022.
In July 2022, prices for all current Meta Quest 2 models increased by $100 starting in August 2022. This was due to higher production costs and to support ongoing development for consumers and creators. 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 release of the 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 a long time. The Quest 2 was phased out of retail in July 2024. During Meta Connect in September 2024, Meta officially ended production of the Quest 2 and introduced the Meta Quest 3S as a replacement, priced at $299. Remaining stock was sold through the end of 2024.
Facebook introduced an "Elite Strap" accessory, which includes a ring-like pad for the back of the head and a tightness dial. A version with a built-in battery pack was also available. Facebook also promoted Logitech headphones, such as the G333 VR, which were certified for use with the Quest 2. These headphones have shorter cables designed for VR use.
Additionally, Facebook partnered with Logitech to support their K830 keyboard as part of the "Infinite Office" feature. This allows the keyboard to be detected and displayed in a virtual reality environment.
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 smaller design, use cameras instead of infrared tracking rings for inside-out tracking (which means they do not need to be in the headset's line of sight for optimal performance), include a pressure sensor for pinching gestures, and have rechargeable batteries.
Reception
The Verge gave a positive review before the device was released, saying that although it did not have any standout features, it had useful improvements. These included a lighter weight, a screen with better visual quality and a faster refresh rate than the original Quest, and a moved USB port. However, the new strap was criticized for offering less support and a less effective tightening system. This issue was partially fixed with the Elite Strap accessory, which could be purchased separately. The new IPD mechanism, which adjusts the headset for different eye spacing, was described as annoying and less inclusive than the first model. In conclusion, it was said 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, noting that the internal speakers were clearer and louder than before. However, it criticized the new cloth strap compared to the original Quest's elastic straps, claiming the new strap alone caused the weight reduction. It also pointed out limited IPD options, shorter battery life, and controllers with less grip and accuracy during demanding games. The switch from OLED to LCD screens produced sharper images but less vibrant colors.
The Elite Strap accessory faced initial criticism because some straps broke unexpectedly. Facebook responded by saying the issue was due to a manufacturing problem affecting only a few units. Sales of the strap were paused temporarily before being sold again. Other problems, 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 (needed to set up the device for the first time) 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 bought as Christmas gifts during the holiday season.
The Quest 2 faced criticism over the requirement that users must log in with a Facebook account to use the device or any future Oculus products. Concerns were raised about the amount of user data that could be collected, such as the user's surroundings, movements, and biometric information. Some users could not use the headset because their Facebook accounts were suspended. Others said that linking a deactivated Facebook account to the device made the headset unusable. In September 2020, Facebook stopped selling Oculus products in Germany after criticism from the German Federal Cartel Office about the Facebook login requirement. At the Facebook Connect event in 2021, Mark Zuckerberg said the company was working to allow users to log in with accounts other than their personal Facebook accounts.
In July 2022, Meta announced a new "Meta account" system to link its apps and platforms. Users who switched to this system could separate their Facebook logins from VR platforms. However, Ars Technica noted that the new terms of service and privacy policies might still require users to provide accurate personal information, including real names, and could allow continued use of user data by Meta.
In December 2020, Facebook said it was investigating reports of users experiencing rashes or skin irritation from the Quest 2's foam face pad. In April 2021, Facebook stated it had reduced the use of "a few trace substances" that might cause discomfort but found no contamination in its manufacturing process. On July 27, 2021, Facebook announced a recall of the face pads in Canada and the United States, offered free silicone covers to existing users, and temporarily paused global sales of the Quest 2 to include these covers with future shipments.