Meta Quest 3S: the headset drops to €277 on AliExpress

The Meta Quest 3S is a mixed-reality headset combining virtual reality and augmented reality in one device. Able to operate wirelessly and without a cable, this best-selling model is an accessible way into VR. At a discounted price like this, stock could disappear in no time.

On AliExpress, the Meta Quest 3S headset is available for just €297 instead of €379 with the code DSFR33 or PCFR33. This particularly generous reduction is part of the Back to School event, running from 17 to 26 August. Be warned, though: the most appealing deals tend to sell out in the opening days, and this is one of them.

Do not delay if you want to get hold of one, particularly as the ecommerce site gives an additional €20 off to customers who pay using PayPal. This brings the headset’s current price to €277 (a limited offer that could end at any moment). If you are looking for the more premium model, the Meta Quest 3 is also discounted on AliExpress.

AliExpress also includes a range of order-related services. The Meta Quest 3S comes with free, fast delivery from France, a 90-day free returns period from the date of receipt, and a two-year manufacturer’s warranty. It is also worth remembering that PayPal lets you spread the payment over 4 interest-free instalments on the ecommerce platform, making the cost of the headset easier to manage.

Meta Quest 3S: a more affordable alternative to the Quest 3

Available since autumn 2024, the Meta Quest 3S is a standalone virtual-reality and mixed-reality headset positioned as a more affordable version of the Quest 3. Like its sibling, it works without a computer or console through Meta Horizon OS. Put simply, the device provides access to a substantial catalogue of VR games and applications, while its front-facing cameras enable colour mixed reality. It can also be connected to a PC by cable when required, allowing you to play compatible VR titles.

The Meta Quest 3S has an LCD display with a resolution of 1832 x 1920 pixels per eye, equating to 773 ppi and roughly 20 pixels per degree. Its refresh rate can reach 120 Hz, while 72 and 90 Hz modes are also available. Whereas the Quest 3 uses pancake lenses, this model is fitted with Fresnel lenses. These work alongside three interpupillary-distance settings, approximately 58, 63 and 68 mm, so you can adjust the headset for the best possible comfort. Its field of view reaches around 96° horizontally and 90° vertically.

Colour mixed reality and spatial tracking

Mixed reality is one of the Meta Quest 3S’s key upgrades over the Quest 2. The VR headset includes cameras that display your real-world surroundings in colour, along with two infrared illuminators to support tracking in low-light conditions. Spatial tracking uses six degrees of freedom (6 DoF), monitoring head movements and the two controllers, as well as hand tracking without the controllers. The headset also has two open speakers and a microphone.

Battery, performance and connectivity

Its 4,324 mAh battery delivers up to 2.5 hours of battery life, while the Meta Quest 3S is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 processor, a chip with substantially greater graphics performance than the Quest 2. Paired with 8 GB of RAM and 128 GB of storage, it gives the headset the power to access a wide range of mixed-reality experiences and just as many games through the Meta Horizon platform.

In design terms, the Meta Quest 3S weighs approximately 514 g. Its straps provide a secure fit and comfortable wear for several hours. In short, it is pleasant to wear when immersing yourself in virtual reality and its broad range of possibilities. Connectivity includes Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2. Overall, this model retains the main strengths of the standard version: software capabilities, colour mixed reality and compatibility with next-generation games, all at a more accessible price point. With this discount, it is an even better proposition.