Unlike the Meta Quest 3, the Quest 3S doesn't have a 3.5mm audio port. In other words, you won't be able to connect wired earbuds to the Quest 3S, but it's not necessary. The audio that emanates from the Quest 3S is crisp and sharp, and it gets sufficiently loud, too.

Meta's new entry-level virtual reality headset has arrived, but you'll have to wait until October 22 to play Batman: Arkham Shadow.

The Meta Quest 3S contains many of the Quest 3’s signature features, including color passthrough, speedy performance, a compact design, and a robust app library — all for $299. Though it’s not as comfortable to wear and its battery life isn't the best, its low starting price makes it an enticing product for those curious about VR.

The Meta Quest 3S, an affordable alternative to Mark Zuckerberg’s class-leading Meta Quest 3 headset is now hitting stores, offering a superb entry point to the world of virtual, augmented and mixed reality experiences, without the burden of a gigantic price tag attached.

The 3S is the latest ‘mixed reality’ headset from Meta, the company formerly known as Facebook. It costs £289.99, the cheapest Quest yet, but Meta insists it has very similar specs and performance to the £469.99 Meta Quest 3 that launched in October 2023.

I reviewed Meta's Quest 3S, a budget VR headset with mixed reality and AI, to test its quality and value as an upgrade or a first headset.