The Meta Quest Pro is not for everyone. At $1,500, with a particular focus on productivity, the Pro Quest is designed for a niche type of virtual reality user. Which is a shame, because many of the helmet’s improvements, such as the adjustable strap with built-in battery and the charging station, are a definite improvement over the more affordable Quest 2.
Luckily the Quest 2 has made the rounds of the neighborhood and there are plenty of accessories that can take the great little headset into a decidedly more “Pro” space. If you’re looking to get a taste of the Quest Pro life without spending the equivalent amount for an office fit-outor just want to start your virtual reality experience on the right foot this vacation periodhere are the best accessories that will enhance your Quest 2.
What to buy to make your Quest 2 more “Pro”
Meta has sold a number of Quest 2 Helmets, but if you haven’t purchased it yet, here are a few things to consider. The company recently increased the price from the Quest 2 from $299 to $399 to account for inflation (and perhaps Meta’s recent economic difficulties). Meta has also confirmed that it will release a Quest 3 in 2023, likely with improved performance over the current Quest 2. So there’s certainly reason to wait.
But if that doesn’t deter you, there are some notable benefits to buying a Quest 2 in 2022. Through December 31, Amazon, Best Buy, GameStop, Target, and Walmart are selling the headset at a discounted price of $349.99 for the 128GB model and $429.99 for the 256GB version, and playing games. beat the saber and Resident Evil 4 free. The offer is “while supplies last” but seems like a pretty good starting point if you’re looking to get into VR.
Wireless charging stations
Although the Quest Pro has a shorter battery life than the Quest 2, it also has a more convenient charging method: a wireless charging station for the headset and controllers.
Anker’s Charging Dock for Quest 2 allows the headset to charge wirelessly using a dongle to convert USB-C charging to magnetic charging. Quest 2 controllers use rechargeable batteries and spare cases to charge wirelessly on the docking station. Anker claims the dock can charge your headset and controllers in just 2.5 hours, but it’s also a great way to keep your Quest 2 system clean when not in use.
For a slightly more affordable option, the Turtle Beach Fuel Compact VR Charging Station uses the same methods (a dongle and rechargeable batteries) but in a smaller package. Charging still takes 2.5 hours, but placing the controllers behind the headset rather than next to it means you can free up desk or table space.
best sound
Meta hasn’t drastically changed the audio experience on its new headphones, but if you’re not comfortable with sound spilling out into the room around you, there are several great ways to get sound. more immersive on the Quest 2.
Logitech’s Chorus VR Off-Ear headset clips onto the Quest 2’s straps and slots into its USB-C port to deliver clearer sounds and a wider soundstage without plugging anything into your ears. If you slide the speakers up, it will also automatically mute your in-game sound – nifty!
For a more comprehensive option, the Kiwi Design Helmet Head Strap adds a more comfortable and easily adjustable head strap (very similar to the Quest Pro) and over-ear speakers for better sound. Two upgrades for the price of one.
If the headphones are faster, the Soundcore VR P10 wireless gaming headphones use a high-speed LightningSync 2.4GHz wireless connection with the Quest 2 for low-latency wireless audio. It should be as flexible as wearing no headphones at all, but with a bit more punch than the Quest 2’s default open-ear audio.
More comfortable head straps
One of the most underrated things about the Quest Pro is its new lightweight (and I would say) more comfortable design. That’s largely down to its adjustable back strap, a big improvement over the Quest 2’s fabric. With the right accessory, you can get a remarkably similar experience on Meta’s cheaper headset.
Meta has its official version, the Quest 2 Elite strap with battery, which makes the headset more comfortable to wear and increases the battery life to 6 hours of regular use. It works well but is not cheap.
The Newenmo Adjustable Head Strap for Meta Quest 2 offers more or less the same functionality, but covers its straps with soft padding rather than hard plastic to reduce pressure on your head, face and forehead.
PC VR
Your Quest 2 may never have the processing power or new screens of the Quest Pro, but you can increase it by connecting your headset to your gaming PC and playing games compatible with the Oculus Rift and Steam VR. Yes, with the right accessories, a computer and some software tweaks you can even play Half-Life: Alyx on your quest 2.
The easiest path is to simply use a high-quality USB-C cable to connect your Quest 2 to your PC. Meta still sells a nice long Quest 2 Link cable with 16 feet of gear to get you tangled up. It will even charge your headphones via USB-C.
But the coolest (and probably most temperamental) option is the D-Link VR Air Bridge, a small dongle that you plug into your gaming PC that creates a direct wireless connection to your Quest 2. Your computer will need to have a wired ethernet connection for your router, but the connection between the dongle and your Quest 2 is Wi-Fi 6, so it should be fast.
