The world of virtual reality has taken some seriously impressive leaps in the last few years, and the current pinnacle of that is the Meta Quest 3. This headset offers a fantastic mix of features and affordability, and the lack of wires or need for a PC means it’s even simpler to set up.
According to CNET VR expert Scott Stein, the original Meta Quest 3 is still the best VR headset on the market. Why spend $3,499 on the Apple Vision Pro when it doesn’t even have the same library of games available? The Quest 3 boasts some excellent VR and AR capabilities and a growing library of some of the biggest and best games from the technology.
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Unlike the Meta Quest 2, the Quest 3 embraces virtual reality and mixed reality experiences in a way that’s similar to the Apple Vision Pro and last year’s Quest Pro. Better yet, it costs a lot less than both devices, which makes it even more appealing. Other improvements over its predecessor include a new Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 processor, better graphics, a higher-resolution display and improved controllers.
With years of experience helping readers score big savings on tech, Adam Oram and other members of CNET’s dedicated deals team have scoured the web to bring you the best Quest 3 bargains. We’ll continue to update this page with the latest offers, so be sure to check back often.
Best Meta Quest 3 deals
Target has limited quantities of the 512GB model, but if you can get one, you’ll get the same deal as elsewhere, paying $500 to get the headset bundled with the Batman: Arkham Shadow game and a free three-month trial to Meta Quest Plus. Shoppers who use a Target Circle Card* can save 5%, which will take a few bucks off the cost.
Like Amazon, B&H is offering a Meta Quest 3 bundle deal that includes a free copy of Batman: Arkham Shadow with the purchase. Note that, unlike Amazon’s deal, this bundle does not include a free three-month trial to Meta Quest Plus. B&H Payboo Credit Card* users can save a few extra bucks as they’ll also get the sales tax back as cashback.
What is the best Meta Quest 3 deal right now?
Currently, just about every retailer that sells the Meta Quest 3 is bundling a copy of the Batman: Arkham Shadow game with purchase, no matter which model you buy: the 512GB Meta Quest 3 or the 128GB or 256GB Meta Quest 3S. Set in the Arkham universe, the game sees Batman take on The Rat King in an adventure that takes about four hours.
Most retailers also include a free three-month trial of Meta Quest Plus, providing access to two free games per month until the subscription ends. However, you can also grab a month of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate if you get it from Best Buy, which puts it a little ahead of the other retailers.
How we choose Meta Quest 3 deals at CNET
There aren’t many direct discounts on the Meta Quest 3 right now, but we have rounded up a few other ways to score some savings. These primarily include bundle deals, which include a free game and occasionally some other free services. We’ve also scrounged up any retailer-specific offers, such as exclusive savings when you pay with a company credit card.
Meta Quest 3 deals FAQs
How much does the Meta Quest 3 cost?
The Meta Quest 3 came with a pretty hefty price tag when it first hit shelves last year, starting at $500 for the 128GB model and $650 for the 512GB model. Fortunately, prices have dropped since then, and you can now grab the 128GB model for $430 and the 512GB model for $500.
Can I use the Meta Quest 3 if I wear glasses?
Yes, you can absolutely still use the Meta Quest 3 if you wear glasses. Unless your frames are particularly bulky, you should have no problem keeping them on while you use the headset. Just make sure that they’re not bumping up against the lenses. Or, if you prefer a more streamlined solution, Zenni Optical — one of our favorite places to shop for glasses online — makes prescription lenses designed specifically for the Meta Quest 3.
What is the difference between VR and AR?
We named the Meta Quest 3 the best mixed-reality headset in its price range, which means it supports both VR and AR gameplay. VR stands for «virtual reality» and refers to games and programs where you are fully immersed in a virtual environment. On the other hand, AR or «augmented reality,» refers to a real-world environment that has VR elements layered on top.
How do I care for the Meta Quest 3?
One of the most important tips for Quest 3 owners is to avoid exposing it — especially the lenses — to bright sunlight, as this can damage the display. It’s best to keep it in a case while you’re not using it, but if you don’t have one you should keep it away from windows and cover it with a towel or T-shirt.
You’ll also want to clean the headset occasionally. Use microfiber cloths to avoid scratching the lenses, and wipe the exterior with a slightly damp paper towel to remove any dust or grime.
*All information about the Target Circle Card and B&H Payboo Credit Card has been collected independently by CNET and has not been reviewed by the issuer.
