Meta Quest 2 Vs Pico 4 – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

Meta Quest 2 & Pico 4 share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features, & design. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the Meta Quest 2 rather than Pico 4.

Why Do I Recommend The Meta Quest 2

  • The Meta Quest 2’s Snapdragon XR2 provides a noticeable leap in performance, supporting more graphically intense games and multitasking. In contrast, the Pico 4 uses the older first-generation XR2.
  • It’s controllers are more advanced with better haptics, offering a more tactile and immersive experience compared to the traditional design of the Pico 4’s controllers.
  • The Meta Quest 2’s IPD adjustment provides more precise visual alignment & better clarity. But the Pico 4 IPD is less precise.
  • It has access to a larger and more established content library via the Meta Quest Store, featuring a wide variety of apps, games, and experiences. On the other hand, the Pico 4 offers the smaller Pico Store.
  • The Meta Quest 2 controllers use AA batteries, which can last around 30 hours. The Pico 4 controllers have rechargeable batteries.
  • Additionally, it includes advanced hand tracking, which is more responsive and accurate than the basic hand tracking of Pico 4.

Maybe the Pico 4 price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the Meta Quest 2. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.

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Side By Side Comparison

FeatureMeta Quest 2Pico 4
Display TypeFast-switching LCDPancake Optics  LCD
Lens TypeFresnel lensesPancake lenses
Interpupillary Distance (IPD)Manual adjustment Motorized adjustment 
Weight503g 295g
Battery Life (Headset)3 hours2.5 hours
Battery Life (Controllers)Uses AA batteries Built-in rechargeable batteries 
Color Pass-ThroughMonochromeBasic mixed-reality
PC VR CompatibilityMeta Link Cable / Air LinkNative SteamVR and wireless PC VR
Content LibraryAccess to Meta Quest StorePico Store + SteamVR content
Operating SystemMeta’s proprietary OSPico OS (based on Android)
ProcessorQualcomm Snapdragon XR2Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2
Storage Options128GB / 256GB128GB / 256GB
Controller DesignMeta Touch ControllersPico controllers 
Controller Tracking Enhanced controller tracking Standard controller tracking 
Software FeaturesMeta Horizon, Horizon Workrooms, more multiplayer supportLimited social VR support
ConnectivityWi-Fi 6Wi-Fi 6
Face CushionStandard foam face cushionSlimmer and ergonomic face cushion
Content EcosystemMeta Store (larger library)Pico Store + SteamVR
PriceCheck Quest 2 PriceCheck Pico 4 Price

What Common Both Can Do?

  • Refresh Rate (72Hz / 90Hz): Both headsets support refresh rates of 72Hz and 90Hz, ensuring smooth motion and reducing motion sickness. The 90Hz mode is particularly beneficial for fast-paced VR experiences like gaming, as it offers smoother visuals.
  • Inside-out Tracking (4 External Cameras): The tracking systems of both headsets are identical in using inside-out tracking, which utilizes four external cameras to track head and hand movements without the need for external sensors. This ensures a seamless VR experience with accurate movement tracking in all directions.
  • Standalone VR Capabilities: Both devices are fully standalone, meaning they do not require a PC or console to run VR applications. Users can install and run VR apps directly on the headset, making it convenient for wireless, untethered use.
  • Built-in Spatial Audio and Microphone: Both headsets come with built-in spatial audio speakers, which deliver immersive 3D sound without the need for external headphones. They also feature built-in microphones for voice communication, making them well-suited for multiplayer VR experiences and social interactions within virtual environments.
  • PC VR Compatibility: Both the Meta Quest 2 and Pico 4 are compatible with PC VR, allowing users to connect to a PC via cable or wireless (e.g., Air Link for Meta Quest 2 and SteamVR support for Pico 4) to play more graphically demanding VR games. This flexibility extends the use cases of both headsets, enabling access to PC-based VR content alongside their standalone offerings.
  • Multiplayer VR Support: Both headsets support multiplayer VR experiences, enabling users to interact and play with others in shared virtual spaces. Whether through games, social platforms, or collaborative applications, both devices make it easy to connect with other VR users.
  • Wi-Fi 6: Both devices support Wi-Fi 6, which ensures faster and more stable wireless connections, especially when streaming PC VR games wirelessly or downloading large VR applications. Wi-Fi 6 also reduces latency, improving the overall VR experience.
  • Fitness and Exercise Support: Both headsets are compatible with fitness apps like Supernatural and other VR exercise platforms. This is a growing use case for VR, and both Meta and Pico support this trend by offering immersive fitness experiences in virtual environments.
  • Controller Tracking: Both headsets provide 6DoF (Degrees of Freedom) tracking for their controllers, allowing for precise tracking of hand movements in all directions. This is critical for interacting with virtual objects in a natural and intuitive way during VR gaming or simulation experiences.
  • Custom Android-based OS: Both devices use Android-based operating systems, with Meta Quest 2 running a proprietary Meta OS and Pico 4 running Pico OS. These systems are optimized for VR but share the flexibility and familiarity of Android, allowing for app development and updates.
  • Game Streaming: Both headsets support wireless game streaming, allowing users to stream PC VR games to the headset over Wi-Fi. This is a highly desired feature for users who want to enjoy more graphically intense PC VR games without being tethered by a cable.
  • USB-C Port: Both the Meta Quest 2 and Pico 4 include USB-C ports, which are used for charging the headsets and connecting to other devices. USB-C has become the standard for fast charging and high-speed data transfer, and its inclusion in both devices ensures easy connectivity.

Common Features

FeatureMeta Quest 2Pico 4
Refresh Rate72Hz / 90Hz72Hz / 90Hz
Tracking SystemInside-out tracking (4 external cameras)Inside-out tracking (4 external cameras)
Hand TrackingYes, supports native hand trackingYes, supports native hand tracking
Standalone VR CapabilitiesYes, fully standalone VR headsetYes, fully standalone VR headset
Built-in AudioSpatial audio speakersSpatial audio speakers
Built-in MicrophoneYes, for voice communicationYes, for voice communication
PC VR CompatibilitySupports PC VR via wired or wireless Supports PC VR via wired or wireless 
Controller TrackingFull 6DoF tracking for controllersFull 6DoF tracking for controllers
Operating SystemCustom Android-based OS (Meta proprietary)Custom Android-based OS (Pico proprietary)
Display TechnologyLCD LCD 
Wi-Fi StandardWi-Fi 6Wi-Fi 6
Bluetooth SupportBluetooth 5Bluetooth 5
Multiplayer VR SupportYes, supports multiplayer VR experiencesYes, supports multiplayer VR experiences
Fitness and Exercise SupportSupports fitness VR apps (e.g., Supernatural)Supports fitness VR apps
Adjustable Head StrapsBoth support user-adjustable head straps for better fitBoth support user-adjustable head straps for better fit
USB-C PortYes, for charging and connectivityYes, for charging and connectivity
PriceCheck Quest 2 PriceCheck Pico 4 Price

FAQ

Can both Meta Quest 2 and Pico 4 be used as standalone VR headsets?
Yes, both Meta Quest 2 and Pico 4 are fully standalone VR headsets. They come with their own internal storage, processing power (Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2), and content stores, allowing users to install and run VR apps directly without needing a PC or console.

What are the display refresh rates for Meta Quest 2 and Pico 4?
Both the Meta Quest 2 and Pico 4 support refresh rates of 72Hz and 90Hz. This ensures smooth visuals and reduces motion blur, making the VR experience comfortable and immersive, especially during fast-paced action games.

Do both headsets support hand tracking?
Yes, both Meta Quest 2 and Pico 4 support native hand tracking. This allows users to interact with virtual environments and objects without the need for controllers, enhancing the immersive experience.

Can I play PC VR games on Meta Quest 2 and Pico 4?
Yes, both headsets support PC VR gaming. Meta Quest 2 allows PC VR gameplay through the Link Cable or Air Link for wireless streaming, while the Pico 4 supports PC VR through SteamVR with both wired and wireless connections.

What is the difference in controller design between Meta Quest 2 and Pico 4?
The Meta Quest 2 comes with standard Touch controllers, while the Pico 4 features upgraded controllers with HyperSense haptics, which provide more immersive vibration feedback. Both sets of controllers support 6DoF (degrees of freedom) tracking.

How does the comfort of Meta Quest 2 compare to Pico 4?
The Pico 4 is designed to be more comfortable, weighing only 295g compared to Meta Quest 2’s 503g. The lighter weight and improved weight distribution of the Pico 4 make it easier to wear for extended periods, whereas the Meta Quest 2 is slightly front-heavy, which can cause some strain over time.

Which VR headset has better IPD adjustment, Meta Quest 2 or Pico 4?
The Pico 4 has an advantage with its motorized IPD adjustment, offering a continuous range between 62mm and 72mm. This allows users to fine-tune the lens distance to their specific eye measurements. In contrast, the Meta Quest 2 has manual IPD adjustment with only three fixed settings (58mm, 63mm, 68mm), which may not suit everyone’s preferences as precisely.

How do the audio systems compare between Meta Quest 2 and Pico 4?
Both headsets come with built-in spatial audio speakers, providing an immersive 3D sound experience without the need for external headphones. Both also have built-in microphones, making voice communication in multiplayer VR apps easy and convenient.

What type of content stores do Meta Quest 2 and Pico 4 offer?
The Meta Quest 2 provides access to the Meta Quest Store, which has a large and well-established library of apps, games, and experiences. The Pico 4, on the other hand, offers access to both the Pico Store and SteamVR, giving it a slightly more open platform, although its proprietary store has fewer exclusive titles compared to Meta.

Which headset is better for mixed reality (MR) experiences?
The Pico 4 has an advantage in mixed reality experiences due to its full-color RGB pass-through, which allows users to see their real-world environment in color while interacting with virtual objects. In comparison, Meta Quest 2 offers only monochrome pass-through, limiting the realism of MR applications.

How do the battery lives of the headsets compare?
The battery life of both headsets is similar. The Meta Quest 2 offers 2-3 hours of usage on a single charge, while the Pico 4 offers slightly longer battery life at 2.5-3 hours. Both headsets come with rechargeable batteries for the controllers, although Pico 4’s controllers tend to have a longer battery life due to their built-in rechargeable design.

Are the headsets compatible with fitness apps?
Yes, both the Meta Quest 2 and Pico 4 support fitness apps. Meta Quest 2 offers popular fitness platforms like Supernatural, while Pico 4 supports similar fitness apps. Both devices are well-suited for VR workouts due to their motion tracking and immersive environments.

What are the main advantages of Pico 4 over Meta Quest 2?
The Pico 4 offers superior display resolution (2160 x 2160 per eye), wider field of view (105 degrees), full-color pass-through for mixed reality, and motorized IPD adjustment. It is also lighter and more comfortable for extended use. The controllers with HyperSense haptic feedback provide more immersive tactile sensations compared to the standard controllers of the Meta Quest 2.

What are the main advantages of Meta Quest 2 over Pico 4?
The Meta Quest 2 has a broader and more established content library, a lower entry price, and a strong community of developers and users. It is a more affordable option for those new to VR, and its content ecosystem includes exclusive titles not available on other platforms.

 

 

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