VR (virtual reality) is getting more popular by the year, and you need a wireless VR headset to take part in immersive VR games. And when people think of VR headsets, they think of the Oculus Quest 2 from Meta. This headset is an upgrade to the original Oculus VR headset. It certainly offers plenty of tech improvements. The Oculus Quest 2 headset (Meta Quest 2) and controllers are perfect for most VR games and experiences. But once you get started with a game, it’s a hassle to have to re-charge the battery too frequently. Let’s discuss the typical Oculus Quest 2 battery life.
We’ll talk about how it compares to a few other popular headsets, and we’ll go into ways to improve the battery life on the Quest 2 headset.
The VR Gaming Headset We Recommend
Our favorite all-in one Virtual Reality headset bundle is the Meta Quest 2 (formerly called the Oculus Quest 2).
Battle with friends, enjoy immersive live events, and exercise in exotic locations, all with the Quest 2 from Meta.
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Typical Battery Life of the Oculus Quest 2
The Oculus Quest 2 has a 3640mAH lithium-ion battery. This is why this VR headset will give you between 2 and 3 hours of battery life in each charge.
Unfortunately, this isn’t such a great battery life when compared to other VR headsets on the market. Also, keep in mind that this time tends to get a bit shorter as your headset gets older. That is because of reduced battery capacity.
How Long Does It Take to Fully Charge the Oculus Quest 2
You will usually have to leave your Oculus Quest 2 charging for around 2½ hours for a full charge. Luckily, there are things you can do to help your Oculus Quest 2 last longer during each play session.
How to Improve Battery Life of the Quest 2
There are several steps you can take to improve the battery life of your Quest 2. Let’s take a look at them here.
Use an Elite Strap
If you’re willing to purchase add-ons for your Quest 2, think about getting the Elite Strap. Some users find that it doubles their headset’s battery time. This is because the Elite Strap contains extra battery power in itself.
When you attach an Elite Strap to the Quest 2 headset, you first use the battery power in the strap. Once that is used up, you start using the internal battery in your headset.
The Elite Strap is ergonomic, and it gives you the benefits of better support and proper balance. As a result, investing in an Elite Strap gives you more than one advantage.
Shut Down When Not Using
Don’t just put your headset in sleep mode when you are not using it. Instead, turn it completely off. To make sure your Oculus Quest 2 is off, hold down its power button.
Keep it depressed until the indicator light is no longer on. You should hear a chiming noise when this happens.
Some Oculus Quest 2 users think they have turned off their headset when they’ve really just put it in sleep mode. If you just put it in sleep mode, you will not save the kind of battery power you would by turning it off.
You will help to keep the internal battery of your Oculus 2 headset in optimal condition by completely shutting down the device when you are not using it.
Always Use the Right Charger
It’s best to use the charger that came with your Oculus Quest 2 headset. Using this designated charger will make sure your headset’s battery doesn’t get damaged or compromised in any way.
An alternative is a charging dock made for Quest 2, which has room for the headset as well as controllers. If you use this to charge your Oculus Quest 2 headset, you will probably find the battery not lasting as long.
Never Overcharge
Always immediately unplug your Oculus Quest 2 after it has reached full charge. Leaving it to charge too long (in other words, to overcharge) may damage your battery life.
After you see that your headset is completely charged, unplug it right away. Remember that your headset battery will probably achieve a full charge after 2 ½ hours. Stay close, so you can unplug it as soon as the battery is full.
Comparing the Oculus Quest 2 Battery to Other VR Headsets
If the Oculus Quest 2 / Meta Quest 2 isn’t for you or maybe you just want to know all the options, there are plenty on the market to consider. Let’s explore some other popular VR headsets below.
How it Compares to the HTC Vive Pro 2
How does the Quest 2 compare to the HTC Vive Pro 2? The HTC Vive Pro 2 is known for its exceptionally high resolution. This VR headset is also a good choice if you are looking for convenient battery life.
The HTC Vive Pro 2 controllers are known for providing approximately 5 hours of playtime before recharging is needed.
There are some downsides to the HTC Vive Pro 2, however. It’s quite expensive, and you may also have to buy additional PC hardware. Another drawback is how heavy this headset is when compared to other options.
It’s not a great option if you want something easy to carry around. Something else to keep in mind with the HTC Vive Pro 2 is the fact that it’s quite time-consuming to set up.
For instance, you will have to figure out the multitude of plug sockets as well as cables.
How it Compares to the Sony Playstation VR
The Sony Playstation VR headset is another popular alternative. With the Sony name, you know you will get quality. And indeed, this headset features a customized OLED screen, as well as top-notch visuals.
As a VR headset, the Sony Playstation VR model gives you 360-degree vision.
If you buy the Sony Playstation VR, you can usually expect the battery to last 5 hours before needing a recharge. Of course, this will vary by exact use and other factors.
Final Thoughts About the Oculus Quest 2 Battery
While the Oculus Quest 2’s battery life isn’t quite as good as some alternative VR headsets, there are steps you can take to help maximize it.
If you buy the Oculus Quest 2 and don’t want to be interrupted for charging more often than necessary, keep these and mind.
