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With the Pico Neo 3 release in late 2021 and the Meta Quest 3 release in late 2023, it may be thought that the Meta Quest 3 is the clear choice for 2024 buyers, but both headsets are different enough that there is some debate on which to get depending on the user.
With that being said, this article will cover the main difference between the two, so that you can choose the one that is best for you.
The Meta Quest 3 has a better viewing experience with 2064×2208 pixels per eye (vs 1832×1920 on Pico Neo 3), a 30hz higher refresh rate (120hz vs 90hz), and a slightly larger field of view at 110 degrees horizontal and 96 degrees vertical (vs 98h and 90v on the Pico).
Additionally, the Meta Quest 3 was designed to offer a VR and MR (mixed reality) experience. As such, it has a number of front-facing cameras designed to integrate your surroundings into a VR world. These cameras can also perform limited hand and body tracking.
The Pico Neo 3, on the other hand, is a VR-oriented headset and does not have the MR capabilities of the Quest 3.
Unlike the Meta Quest 3, the Pico Neo 3 comes with the gear you need to have a more premium setup. For one, the Neo 3 comes with an Elite Strap which provides for a more comfortable experience.
Additionally, the headset also comes with a USB-C to DisplayPort cable allowing for uncompressed PC to VR streaming. In other words, VR apps found on the PC can be streamed directly to the headset without losing video quality.
As for the Meta Quest 3, an Elite Strap and USB-C to DisplayPort cable do not come with the base purchase but are offered at a significant markup.
Though prices are always changing, the Neo 3’s base model is around €590 with 128GB or €670 with 256GB. On the other hand, the Quest 3’s base model is around €550 with 128GB or €700 with 512GB.
The Pico Neo 3 runs on an Android system allowing for compatible APK files to be downloaded on the headset. This is a huge plus for enterprise users as it allows the headset to reach beyond its own app store and “dip” into more business-oriented apps.
On the other hand, the Meta Quest 3 is limited to the Quest app store unless a Meta Quest for Business license is purchased. The license comes with enterprise-level features that allow for device management along with apps such as “Shared Mode” which shares content from the administrators to other headsets without the need to go through additional login setups.
The Neo 3 also has access to enterprise-level apps such as the PICO Business Suite which offers apps like Sync that allows you to sync up a number of headsets at once, and Kiosk Mode which will boot up a designated app automatically when the headset is turned on.
While they both offer enterprise-level apps, the difference between the two is that the Neo 3 comes with the apps without any additional costs. Whereas, the Quest 3 requires an annual Meta Quest for Business subscription to have access to enterprise-level apps. This subscription must be bought for every headset used, which can quickly add up in cost.
As far as ability and specs go, the Meta Quest 3 is the clear winner. However, the Pico Neo 3 comes with a more premium setup from the start along with enterprise-ready apps at no additional cost.
The Meta Quest 3 also offers enterprise-level apps but at a significant annual markup per device. With that being said, the additional cost may be worth it for businesses with a smaller number of headsets.
For larger businesses, the Pico Neo 3 will offer huge cost advantages over time, making it the better choice in most cases.
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Tyler Hilgeman is a writer for VR Expert who is fascinated with VR technology and what it can become. He got his start in the industry writing about the Apple Vision Pro before it had a name and has since written numerous reviews, comparison articles, and news pieces about emerging headsets.
