Oculus Quest 2 vs Pico Neo 2

Looking back over the past few years, PC-based VR headsets like the HTC Vive (Pro) and Oculus Rift (S) have dominated the market. However, there seems to be a shift in preference. More and more users are seeking the convenience of a standalone headset. With a standalone headset, you no longer need an external PC or sensors. You simply put on the headset and can immediately start exploring the virtual world.

At the end of 2018, the first 6 DOF standalone headset was announced: the Oculus Quest. This headset proved to be a massive hit and significantly boosted the popularity of virtual reality. A second version of this headset has since been developed: the Oculus Quest 2.

However, there are currently more VR headsets competing to be the best "6 DOF standalone headset." For instance, the Pico Neo 2 (and Pico Neo 2 Eye) is also available. This headset is not sold to consumers but is specifically targeted at the business market. In this blog, we will therefore focus on the differences between the Oculus Quest 2 and the Pico Neo 2 headset.

• Screen Type: LCD
• Resolution: 1832 x 1920 per eye
• Refresh Rate: 72 Hz
• Processor: Snapdragon XR2
• Field of View: 100°
• Weight: 503 grams
• Platform: Oculus Store
• Streaming: via Oculus Link cable with PC
• Requirements: mandatory login with Facebook account

• Screen Type: AMOLED
• Resolution: 1920 x 2160 per eye
• Refresh Rate: 75 Hz
• Processor: Snapdragon 845
• Field of View: 101°
• Weight: 350 grams
• Platform: Pico Store
• Streaming: wireless streaming with PC
• Requirements: not sold to consumers

The first thing you notice when you put on the Pico Neo 2 is the improved comfort. The Oculus Quest 2, like the Oculus Go, has an elastic strap to hold the headset in place. The Pico Neo 2 comes standard with a sturdy head strap and adjustment knob, allowing you to fit the headset precisely. Additionally, the battery of the Pico Neo 2 is built into the head strap, which helps distribute the weight evenly, making the headset comfortable to wear even for extended periods. While it is possible to add a head strap and battery to the Oculus Quest 2, these need to be purchased separately.

The image resolution of both the Oculus Quest 2 and the Pico Neo 2 is very good. The built-in processors (Snapdragon 845 in Pico Neo 2, Snapdragon XR2 in Oculus Quest 2) provide sufficient graphical power to display games and content beautifully. The graphical processor of the Oculus Quest 2 is slightly stronger than the Snapdragon 845 used in the Pico Neo 2. This is particularly noticeable in demanding games like Arizona Sunshine. The details, such as shadows, blood splatters, and other elements, look slightly better on the Quest 2. However, this does not mean that the Snapdragon 845 does not perform well. In less demanding applications, such as Beat Saber or a fitness training, you will hardly notice any difference in image resolution.

Since the controllers of the Oculus Rift S and the Oculus Quest are the same, many people are already familiar with this design. The Quest controllers are comfortable to hold and easy to use. However, one of the drawbacks of this controller is that, especially if you have no prior VR experience, the controllers are not very intuitive. Many new users find it difficult to place their fingers correctly and press the right buttons (such as the side trigger for grabbing objects). Pico Neo 2 has therefore opted for a simpler design. The controllers have a straight shape and feel more natural to hold. An additional advantage is that the Pico Neo 2 controllers can be charged via a USB-C cable, while the Oculus touch controllers run on batteries. The downside of the Pico Neo 2 controllers is that there are far fewer accessories, such as protective covers and docking stations, available for them.

One of the main features of the Pico Neo 2 is that it is developed for business users. In fact, Pico Interactive, the company behind Pico Neo 2, only offers the headset to business users and not to consumers. This is particularly evident in two aspects: the face mask and the standard software. The Oculus Quest 2 has a much lower purchase price (available from €349) and is specifically aimed at consumers. However, Oculus does offer the option to sign up for an "Oculus for Business" agreement, allowing companies and organisations to use the headset in a business or commercial environment.

Pico Neo 2 comes standard with a PU leather face mask. This mask is easy to wipe clean with a cloth, making it safe to share between different users. The Oculus Quest 2 comes standard with a foam face mask. While comfortable, it is harder to keep clean and tends to absorb sweat more quickly. Fortunately, there are plenty of accessories available to use the Quest 2 hygienically, such as cotton or silicone masks.

Another important difference between the Oculus Quest 2 and the Pico Neo 2 is the software that comes standard. The Oculus Store is now full of the latest and most fun games you can play. In contrast, the Pico Store looks quite empty and deserted. This highlights the difference between a business product and a consumer product: the "empty" Pico Store offers a lot of possibilities for using your own software and applications, while the crowded Oculus Store leaves little room for this. Additionally, it is mandatory to log in with a Facebook account on the Oculus Quest 2.to log in with a Facebook account.

This question is easy to answer: are you a consumer? Then the standard Oculus Quest 2 is the best choice. The wide range of games, the powerful graphical processor for playing games, and the relatively low purchase price make the Oculus Quest 2 a very attractive headset for anyone looking to experience VR for the first time or upgrade their current setup.

But are you a business and want to use the headset for business or commercial applications? Then both headsets are a good choice. You can choose to purchase the Oculus Quest 2 for Business variant or use the Pico Neo 2. Both VR headsets are a good choice, but the Quest 2 for Business feels slightly better and more familiar due to the extensive software options.