Meta Quest Pro VR headset

Meta Quest Pro User Reviews

Since its launch on October 25, 2022, the Meta Quest Pro has journeyed through a whirlwind of mixed reviews, a price reduction, and a delayed successor, the Quest Pro 2. This article dives into the heart of user experiences shared on Reddit, exploring the device’s visual prowess, performance, comfort, and design. We’ll also touch on the applications, its value for money, and what the users hope to see improved for Meta’s most advanced headset yet.

Visual Quality and Performance: User Perspectives

Pancake Lenses

Users are generally impressed with the Meta Quest Pro’s visuals. The switch to pancake optics from the Quest 2’s Fresnel lenses has significantly enhanced clarity, reduced blurriness and improved peripheral vision. Its expansive 106° field of view (FOV), which remains unaffected by lens separation, further enriches the immersion.

When using software like Immersed or Workrooms, the Quest Pro beats the Quest 2. Text is crisp, and with the edge-to-edge lens clarity, reading is easy. There’s no headache or eye strain. While it might not be as sharp as a regular monitor, it’s a great substitute for extended use if you’re working with a smaller laptop screen.

Best All-round PCVR Headset

The Meta Quest Pro also really shines as a PCVR headset, especially now that it supports WiFi 6E. If you have a router that’s compatible and a fast enough internet connection, your headset can reach speeds up to 1.6Gbps. This translates to a smooth experience without noticeable latency.

Face and Eye Tracking

On the other hand, there are users who have expressed disappointment over the absence of built-in eye or face tracking support in PCVR. Another issue is the lack of high-quality applications that make the most of its mixed-reality capabilities.

Color Passthrough

Several reviews noted that the color passthrough falls short of accurately replicating reality. The video is blurry, struggles with different light levels, and colors can be intense. Reading screens through it is tough. It’s okay for quick tasks, but it’s not much better than the Quest 2’s simpler passthrough.

Comfort and Design: A Matter of Personal Preference

User opinions on comfort of the device vary. Many appreciate that the Quest Pro isn’t strapped to the face since there is no facial interface by default. Some find it comfortable for extended use, while others find the halo strap design uncomfortable. A frequent gripe is the non-adjustable battery and strap at the back. However, some users have found creative ways to increase comfort, such as wearing a baseball cap under the headset or using a different top strap.

If sweat and hygiene are a concern for you, the Head Strap Cover for Meta Quest Pro is an excellent add-on to consider. This cotton VR cover conveniently fits over the front foam of the headset, effectively absorbing sweat during your workouts. Regarded as one of the best accessories for the Meta Quest Pro on the market, these soft, washable covers ensure a more comfortable VR experience.

Head Strap Cover for Meta Quest Pro

Controllers and Tracking

The Meta Quest Pro controllers are appreciated for their accurate tracking and haptic feedback. They are comfortable to hold despite being heavier than Quest 2 controllers.

Unlike the Quest 2 controllers, there’s no need for halo ring guards (like the Quest 2 Halo Controller Protector) since the Quest Pro controllers lack tracking rings. This design eliminates the problem of controller collisions during gaming or accidentally hitting the headset while reaching for objects.

Some users have reported issues with the controllers being sluggish to respond in certain games. Like the face and eye tracking technology, the haptics and pinch sensor features are not widely utilized due to the limited number of apps that support them.

Applications and Use Cases: Gaming and Beyond

Many see the Meta Quest Pro as a promising VR headset for both gaming and work. Apps like Red Matter 2, Eleven Table Tennis and Horizons World, to name a few, are amazing on the Quest Pro. And watching movies is a joy, thanks to the wide FOV, local dimming for deep blacks, QLED color reproduction, and clarity. The movies are HD quality, especially when streamed from the PC. Lying back with the headset may, however, be uncomfortable for some people due to the back battery.

Price and Value: Is the Meta Quest Pro Worth It?

Even though the Meta Quest Pro costs more than Meta Quest 2, many users think the better features and performance make it worth the price. Both the Quest Pro and Quest 2 saw a price drop in March this year, as Meta aims to make them more affordable. Several individuals are adopting a ‘wait and see’ approach, anticipating more price reductions, particularly considering the competition from other VR headsets such as the HTC Vive XR Elite.

Prices of the headsets
Meta Quest Pro – USD$999.99
Meta Quest 2 – USD$429.99 (256GB), USD$399.99 (128GB)

Future Expectations: The Quest Pro’s Potential

Many people would like to see more use of the Quest Pro’s cool features like local dimming and eye-tracked rendering. There’s also anticipation for a potential Quest Pro 2 in a few years’ time, which could further improve on the current model’s features.