So, you’re looking to jump into the metaverse or just want to slice some neon blocks in Beat Saber, and you’re wondering, how much do a oculus cost these days? Honestly, the first thing you need to know is that they aren't even called "Oculus" anymore—Meta killed that branding years ago—but everyone still calls them that. It's fine. We all do it.
If you're walking into a store today in early 2026, the price tag isn't just one number. It's a spectrum. You’ve got the budget-friendly entry point, the mid-range workhorse, and the used market that’s currently flooded with older tech.
Basically, if you want the "standard" experience that most people are buying right now, you’re looking at $299. But if you want the high-end lenses and better storage, that number jumps to $499.
The Breakdown: New Headset Pricing in 2026
Right now, the lineup is dominated by two main players: the Meta Quest 3S and the Meta Quest 3. The older Quest 2 and the high-end Quest Pro have officially been put out to pasture by Meta, meaning you won't find them on official shelves anymore.
The Budget King: Meta Quest 3S
This is the headset for the person who wants VR but doesn't want to pay "new laptop" prices. It starts at $299.99 for the 128GB model. If you need more room for games—and honestly, with modern VR titles getting bigger, you probably do—the 256GB version sits at $399.99.
It’s got the same "brains" (the Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chip) as the more expensive model, which means it plays all the newest games like Batman: Arkham Shadow. But there’s a catch. To keep it at $299, Meta used the older Fresnel lenses. They're a bit bulkier, and the image isn't quite as "edge-to-edge" clear as the premium model. It’s the "Honda Civic" of VR. Reliable, does the job, but it’s not luxury.
The Premium Standard: Meta Quest 3
If you want the best visual experience without spending thousands on an Apple Vision Pro, this is it. It costs $499.99. Interestingly, Meta discontinued the lower-storage versions of this headset, so it now only comes in a 512GB configuration at that price point.
The big difference here? Pancake lenses. They allow the headset to be much thinner and the visuals to stay sharp even if you move your eyes around. It’s noticeably more comfortable for long sessions. If you have the extra $200, most VR enthusiasts will tell you to just save up for this one.
Hidden Costs: It’s Never Just the Headset
You’ve got your $300 or $500 ready. Cool. But wait.
The "out of the box" experience is... okay. But Meta’s stock head straps are notoriously "meh." They’re basically just elastic bands that tend to give people "VR face" (that red ring around your eyes) after twenty minutes. Most people end up buying an Elite Strap with Battery, which adds another $129.
Then there’s the software. Most decent games cost between $20 and $40. Meta also pushes their Meta Horizon Plus subscription, which is about $10 a month. You get a rotating catalog of games, kinda like Xbox Game Pass. If you’re a heavy gamer, it’s a good deal. If not, it’s just another recurring bill.
And let's not forget the "PCVR" crowd. If you want to connect your headset to a gaming PC to play Half-Life: Alyx, you either need a high-end Wi-Fi 6E router or a $79 Link Cable.
The Used and Refurbished Market
This is where you can find some serious steals, or some serious headaches. Since the Quest 3S launched, the secondary market for the older Quest 2 has plummeted.
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You can routinely find used Quest 2 units on eBay or Facebook Marketplace for $150 to $180. On sites like Back Market, refurbished units often hover around $269, which comes with a warranty. Honestly, at that price, I'd just spend the extra $30 to get a brand-new Quest 3S. The processor in the Quest 2 is starting to show its age, and some newer games won't even run on it.
As for the Quest Pro, that $1,500 experiment is now a ghost. You can find them used for around **$800 to $900**, but unless you specifically need eye-tracking for social VR (like VRChat), it’s hard to recommend. It’s heavier and has a lower resolution than the $500 Quest 3.
Why Do Prices Keep Changing?
Meta is in a weird spot. They’ve lost billions of dollars on their Reality Labs division. Because of that, we’ve seen them get more aggressive with hardware pricing. They used to sell the Quest 2 at a loss just to get people into the ecosystem. Now, they seem more focused on "mid-range" stability.
There are also rumors about U.S. tariffs impacting the cost of electronics manufactured overseas. Some analysts, like those at Space4Games, have noted that Meta might actually raise prices if manufacturing costs continue to climb. So, that $299 price point might be the cheapest we see for a while.
Making the Choice: Which One Should You Buy?
If you’re still staring at your wallet, here’s how to decide:
- Buy the Quest 3S ($299) if you’re buying a gift for a kid or you just want to watch movies on a giant virtual screen and play some casual Superhot. It’s the best value in tech right now.
- Buy the Quest 3 ($499) if you’re going to spend more than 5 hours a week in VR. The pancake lenses are a game-changer for eye strain and clarity. It’s a "buy once, cry once" situation.
- Skip the Quest 2 unless you can find one for under $125. It’s becoming "legacy hardware" fast.
The total cost of ownership for a "good" setup—headset, a better strap, and a few games—usually lands around $450 for the budget route and $700 for the enthusiast route.
Actionable Next Steps
Before you pull the trigger, check if your current Wi-Fi can handle VR. Download a speed test app; if you aren't getting at least 200Mbps locally, you might need to budget for a router upgrade too. Also, keep an eye on "Open Box" deals at Best Buy. You can often snag a 512GB Quest 3 for under $430 if someone returned it because they got motion sick on day one. Their loss is your gain.