Meta Quest 3

Last Updated: 03/10/2025, Connor Flick

Overview

The Meta Quest 3 is a stand-alone, VR-focused HMD successor to the Oculus Quest 2, rebranded to fit with Meta's (previously Facebook's) emphasis on virtual and augmented reality. The device adds additional cameras and sensors on the front to allow a higher-fidelity "passthrough" mode for AR apps,  providing color and improved visual quality alongside improved FOV and processing. This, in turn, allows for the "mixed reality" (MR) experiences Meta boasts, allowing users to quickly switch between VR and AR. Most software for the Quest 3 is able to run on-headset, without being attached to a separate PC. It is the more expensive, higher-quality option compared to the Quest 3S.

How to Run Software on the Quest 3

There are, broadly, four options.

• Publish to Store

  • Become a Meta developer, then submit your app to the Horizon store and receive approval

  • Longest and most complex process, but makes your app easiest to access on the Quest 3

• Sidequest

  • This app lets you sideload apps onto the Quest 3 using .apk files

  • Simple approach once setup, although inital setup is complex and loading multiple apps may result in conflicts

  • Wiki tutorial is here, with potential fixes for issues here

• Streaming/Link

  • App runs locally on a PC, streams to a headset

  • Requires a strong connection (wired or wireless) and a PC capable of running VR software; has the most performance issues

  • Apps like Steam Link or Virtual Desktop may allow this to be more effective wirelessly/remotely

• WebXR

  • Quest 3 broadly supports WebXR experiences in both AR and VR

  • Users may access software from the headset browser, rather than through a local file or app

Accessories

None Required!

Optional:

• Charging Dock ($60) -- Organized station for recharging headset and touch controllers

• Meta Quest Elite Strap ($70 - $130) -- Strap, with or without expansion battery, for improved ergonomics and playtime

• Prescription Lenses ($50) -- Lenses for using Quest without glasses. May be anti-fog or anti-oil

  • Notably, the Quest 3 may be used while wearing glasses or contacts.

• Facial Interfaces ($15 - $70) -- Surrounding covers for lenses for comfort and immersion. May provide increased comfort, ergonomics, or breathability. 

Attributions

Header Image: IHazACatNamedMax / Wikimedia Commons / Source Link