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
Feature | Meta Quest 2 | Pico 4 |
Display Type | Fast-switching LCD | Pancake Optics LCD |
Lens Type | Fresnel lenses | Pancake lenses |
Interpupillary Distance (IPD) | Manual adjustment | Motorized adjustment |
Weight | 503g | 295g |
Battery Life (Headset) | 3 hours | 2.5 hours |
Battery Life (Controllers) | Uses AA batteries | Built-in rechargeable batteries |
Color Pass-Through | Monochrome | Basic mixed-reality |
PC VR Compatibility | Meta Link Cable / Air Link | Native SteamVR and wireless PC VR |
Content Library | Access to Meta Quest Store | Pico Store + SteamVR content |
Operating System | Meta’s proprietary OS | Pico OS (based on Android) |
Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 | Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 |
Storage Options | 128GB / 256GB | 128GB / 256GB |
Controller Design | Meta Touch Controllers | Pico controllers |
Controller Tracking | Enhanced controller tracking | Standard controller tracking |
Software Features | Meta Horizon, Horizon Workrooms, more multiplayer support | Limited social VR support |
Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 |
Face Cushion | Standard foam face cushion | Slimmer and ergonomic face cushion |
Content Ecosystem | Meta Store (larger library) | Pico Store + SteamVR |
Price | Check Quest 2 Price | Check 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
Feature | Meta Quest 2 | Pico 4 |
Refresh Rate | 72Hz / 90Hz | 72Hz / 90Hz |
Tracking System | Inside-out tracking (4 external cameras) | Inside-out tracking (4 external cameras) |
Hand Tracking | Yes, supports native hand tracking | Yes, supports native hand tracking |
Standalone VR Capabilities | Yes, fully standalone VR headset | Yes, fully standalone VR headset |
Built-in Audio | Spatial audio speakers | Spatial audio speakers |
Built-in Microphone | Yes, for voice communication | Yes, for voice communication |
PC VR Compatibility | Supports PC VR via wired or wireless | Supports PC VR via wired or wireless |
Controller Tracking | Full 6DoF tracking for controllers | Full 6DoF tracking for controllers |
Operating System | Custom Android-based OS (Meta proprietary) | Custom Android-based OS (Pico proprietary) |
Display Technology | LCD | LCD |
Wi-Fi Standard | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 |
Bluetooth Support | Bluetooth 5 | Bluetooth 5 |
Multiplayer VR Support | Yes, supports multiplayer VR experiences | Yes, supports multiplayer VR experiences |
Fitness and Exercise Support | Supports fitness VR apps (e.g., Supernatural) | Supports fitness VR apps |
Adjustable Head Straps | Both support user-adjustable head straps for better fit | Both support user-adjustable head straps for better fit |
USB-C Port | Yes, for charging and connectivity | Yes, for charging and connectivity |
Price | Check Quest 2 Price | Check 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? Do both headsets support hand tracking? Can I play PC VR games on Meta Quest 2 and Pico 4? What is the difference in controller design between Meta Quest 2 and Pico 4? How does the comfort of Meta Quest 2 compare to Pico 4? Which VR headset has better IPD adjustment, Meta Quest 2 or Pico 4? How do the audio systems compare between Meta Quest 2 and Pico 4? What type of content stores do Meta Quest 2 and Pico 4 offer? Which headset is better for mixed reality (MR) experiences? How do the battery lives of the headsets compare? Are the headsets compatible with fitness apps? What are the main advantages of Pico 4 over Meta Quest 2? What are the main advantages of Meta Quest 2 over Pico 4? |