HTC VIVE Focus 3 vs. Oculus Quest 2 (and several other VR headsets)
Is it possible that technology that was first introduced back in 1838 could somehow be the most exciting, innovative and boundary pushing gear today? You can definitely believe it when you start to consider the possibilities of virtual and augmented reality. Computing, and perhaps life itself, is rapidly changing thanks to the advancements of VR headsets. Let’s compare several of the latest models to find out which will best serve your needs in to the future.
HTC VIVE Focus 3 Specs and Pricing vs. Oculus Quest 2 and More
We will be comparing the technical specs and pricing of the HTC VIVE Focus 3 with the Oculus Quest 2 along with the HTC VIVE Pro 2, Pico Neo 3 Eye, HP Reverb G2 and the Microsoft HoloLens 2.
| HTC Vive Focus 3 | HTC Vive Pro 2 | HP Reverb G2 | Pico Neo 3 Eye | Oculus Quest 2 | Microsoft Hololens 2 | |
| Resolution | 2448×2448 per eye | 2448×2448 per eye | 2160 x 2160 per eye | 3664 x 1920 | 1832 x 1920 per eye | 2048 x 1080 per eye |
| Field of View | Up to 120˚ | Up to 120˚ | Up to 114˚ | Fresnel 98˚ | 100˚ | 52˚ |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90/120Hz. 90 via Vive Wireless Adapter | 90Hz | Up to 90Hz | 72Hz | 120Hz |
| Screen | Dual 2.88” LCD | Dual RGB low persistence LCD | Dual 2.89” LCD with Pulse Backlight Technology | Single 5.5″ LCD Screen 773ppi | Single Fast-Switch LCD | Combination of waveguides and laser light projectors |
| Audio | Dual Mic. 2x Dual driver speakers w/ special audio | Hi-Res certified headset | Industry-leading Valve speakers | Built-in Spatial Stereo Speakers | Integrated, in-strap | Built-in Spatial Audio |
| Sensors & Tracking | 4x Tracking cameras, G-sensor, Gyroscope, Proximity sensor. | G-sensor, gyroscope, proximity, IPD sensor, SteamVR Tracking V2.0. | 2 front-facing cameras and 2 side-facing cameras, inside-Out 6 DoF, Gyroscope, Accelerometer, Magnetometer. | Inside-Out 6DoF, 4 Mono Fisheye Cameras60/90Hz Eye Tracking | Inside-Out 6DoF | Accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer, 8MP stills, 1080p 30fps video |
| Battery | 26.6Wh Battery – removable | N/A | N/A | 5300mAh Battery | 3640mAh Battery – 14Wh | 2-3 hours of active use & two weeks of standby time |
HTC VIVE Focus 3 Specs
The HTC VIVE Focus 3 (also known as the VIVE Focus 3 Business Edition) is a high end, standalone VR headset aimed squarely at Enterprise level developers and end users. It’s 6MP (2488 x 2488) resolution with 120⁰ horizontal field of view is eye popping in all of the very best ways. This feature alone will make the price of this headset well worth it and is significantly better than the VIVE Focus Plus, Oculus Quest 2 or HP Reverb G2.
The VIVE Focus 3 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 processor and has 8G of RAM. The headset also includes an active cooling system to help maintain comfort and maximum wearability during even the most strenuous sessions. Another feature that helps with cooling is the placement of the swappable battery in the back of the headset. HTC claims the battery life is two hours and is easily swapped out with a replacement for maximizing your experience.
The VIVE Focus 3 also features updated controllers that are now tracked by the headset’s cameras. According to Roadtovr.com, “unlike the Vive Cosmos, which used visible light tracking for its controllers, the new VIVE Focus 3 controllers appear to be using an infrared tracking solution (similar to Rift and Quest). The VIVE Focus 3 controllers definitely have a similar vibe to the Oculus touch controllers, and fortunately match the inputs that have become the norm for VR controllers in recent years: two thumbsticks, two triggers, two grip triggers, four buttons, and two menu buttons. HTC says the VIVE Focus 3 controllers include capacitive finger sensing as well. While they might look a good bit like Oculus Touch controllers, the VIVE Focus 3 controllers differ in a welcomed way: integrated rechargeable batteries. Charged via a USB-C port, HTC says the controllers will last for 15 hours on a single charge.”
The VIVE Focus 3 also features both a tethered and a wireless option for streaming content. This unique feature adds to functionality and will increase the user experience with the enterprise focused apps available in the VIVE BusinessApp Store.
HTC VIVE Focus 3 Price
The HTC VIVE Focus 3 is clearly at the upper end of current VR headset options. Entering the market at $1300/unit, it is priced as an enterprise solution and not nearly as consumer friendly as other VR headset options. You can also rent a VIVE Focus 3 for $130 per week or $260 per month.
HTC VIVE Focus 3 vs. The Oculus Quest 2
While relatively similar in physical appearance, the HTC VIVE Focus 3 and Oculus Quest 2 could not be more different in price and performance. The Focus 3 is targeted at Enterprise level business users and possibly to Prosumers, while the Quest 2 is targeted to a mass consumer audience. With an initial price of $1300 (USD) for the Focus 3, the Quest 2 seems to be bargain at a more moderate $399. But a quick peek under the hood will reveal a substantial difference in power and spec between the headsets.
Both headsets are powered by the Snapdragon XR2 chipset, but according to the HTC VIVE Focus 3 Reddit reviews, the Quest 2 has been significantly downclocked to save on both battery life and heat generation. The Focus 3 also comes with 8G of RAM vs. 6G on the Oculus 2. The Focus 3 is bigger, faster and weighs more than the Quest 2. These improvements add to the overall cost and also explain the need for a more robust cooling system along with a better, more durable battery system. The Focus 3 battery is interchangeable while the Oculus 2 battery is built in.
The Oculus 2 comes with either 64G or 256GB of storage while the Focus 3 comes with 128GB plus a microSD slot. This extra versatility will likely prove to be an important feature as more apps and uses come to the marketplace.
One of the most significant differences in headsets is the video resolution. The Focus 3 sports an astounding 2448 x 2448 pixels per eye at 90Hz refresh rate while the Oculus 2 has an 1832 x 1920 and 72Hz refresh rate.
Finally, one of the key differences is that the HTC VIVE Focus 3 is available to rent from Hartford Technology Rentals while Facebook/Oculus has not allowed the Oculus Quest 2 to be a headset that can be rented. This difference business approach means that you have to put all of your money on the table just to test the Quest 2.
HTC VIVE Focus 3 vs. HTC VIVE Pro 2
Neither the VIVE Focus 3 nor the HTC VIVE Pro 2 is really a serious competitor for the Oculus Quest 2 because of the price difference. However, when it comes to performance, both of these VR headsets completely raise the bar and set new standards in quality and user experience. The Focus 3 is aimed squarely at the Enterprise customer while the Pro 2 has the high end gamer directly in its crosshairs. With best in class displays, fast refresh and wide field of vision, these VR headsets raise the bar in nearly every way imaginable. Of course, that top of the line experience comes with a bottom line price. The Focus 3 costs $1300 and the Pro 2 starts at $800 and increases with add ons. The Pro 2 is also a tethered VR headset while the Focus 3 can operate as a standalone device.
HTC VIVE Focus 3 vs. the Top VR Headsets Rental Rates
There are many different VR headsets available to meet your needs. With the exception of the Oculus Quest 2, which is not available to rent, here are weekly and monthly rental prices for some of the most popular headsets on the market today.
| VR/AR Headset | Weekly | Monthly |
| Samsung HMD Odyssey Windows Mixed Reality Headset, Controllers | $50 | $95 |
| Microsoft HoloLens 2 Augmented Reality Headset | $295 | $665 |
| HTC VIVE Pro-tethered VR Headset, 2 controllers, 2 lighthouse cameras, 2 tripods | $120 | $245 |
| HTC VIVE Pro2-tethered VR Headset, 2 controller, 2 lighthouse cameras, 2 tripod | $130 | $260 |
| HTC Cosmos tethered VR Headset, 2 controllers | $105 | $150 |
| HTC VIVE Focus 3 VR Headset, 2 controllers | $130 | $260 |
| HP Reverb G2 tethered VR Headset, 2 controllers | $60 | $120 |
| Pico Neo 2 Eye, 128GB, 2 controllers | $120 | $245 |
| Pico Neo 3 Pro Eye, 256GB, 2 controllers | $130 | $260 |
Try Before You Buy VR Headset Program
With so many different VR options it can be a little confusing to figure out which option is best for you and your company. At Hartford Technology Rentals, we’ve got a solution…..Try Before You Buy. With HTR you can select several options and rent for a short period of time to help you decide which VR headset is best for you. When you are ready to start your own comparisons just give us a call at 888-520-5667.