Meta Quest 3S accessories buying guide: Make your headset better

Meta Quest 3S accessories buying guide: Make your headset better

Like all Quest headsets, the new Meta Quest 3S can be customized with optional accessories. We'll show you how to get more out of your Quest 3S.

Ad
Ad

At this year's Meta Connect developer conference, Mark Zuckerberg introduced a new VR headset in the lower price segment. The Meta Quest 3S is supposed to be the successor of the successful Meta Quest 2, but is based on the much more powerful hardware of the Quest 3.

The Quest 3S will be officially available on October 15, 2024, and, like all Quest headsets, can be upgraded with a variety of optional accessories.

In addition to the more expensive official accessories from Meta, there are also a number of well-known third-party manufacturers that offer various head mounts, charging stations, and controller straps. And some Quest 3 accessories are also compatible with the Quest 3S.

In this buying guide, we show you the official accessories as well as cheaper alternatives from manufacturers we trust.

Ad
Ad
  • Note: New accessories and product groups will be added to this article in the future. We include articles from third-party manufacturers, provided they are high-quality products.

Head Straps for Meta Quest 3S: Make your headset more comfortable

Official Meta Quest 3(S) Elite Strap

The official Meta Quest 3 Elite Strap is also compatible with the Quest 3S. The quality issues that led to a temporary stop of sales and free replacements after launch have now been resolved.

The Meta Quest 3 VR headset with the optional head mount

An optional Elite Strap is also available for the Meta Quest 3. | Image: Meta

With the Elite Strap, a flexible ring clings to the back of your head and a Velcro strap runs from the forehead to the back of your head, distributing the weight of the VR headset evenly across your skull. You can adjust the size with the wheel on the back of your head.

The Elite Strap is a huge gain in comfort over the standard headband and is very high quality. However, its price is in the upper segment.

[amazon box="B0CD15C641" template="table"]

Official Meta Quest 3(S) Facial Interface with Head Strap

Meta's Facial Interface with Head Strap combination is priced lower than the Elite Strap, but still comes in at a hefty $50. The Y-shaped head strap is available in the colors "Elemental Blue" and "Blood Orange" and the breathable padding also serves as a light blocker.

The Meta Quest 3, connected with Meta's optional head mount

Meta's Facial Interface with Headstrap is available in two colors, including the "Blood Orange" seen here. | Image: Meta

Kiwi Design K4 Comfort Strap

Kiwi Design's K4 Comfort Strap for Quest 3S and Quest 3 shows that it can be a lot cheaper. The oval ring at the back of the head and the headband are comfortably padded with memory foam.

Unlike Meta's Elite Strap, the headset has a hinge so you can fold it up without taking it off.

Ad
Ad
The Kiwi Design Elite Strap on a Meta Quest 3S.

Kiwi Design's alternative to Meta's Elite Strap is padded with memory foam and cheaper than the original. | Bild: Kiwi Design

The K4 is a redesigned version of the Kiwi Comfort Head Strap, with a modified wheel on the back of the head. See the linked article for more details.

BoboVR M3 Mini Head Strap

BoboVR also offers a padded version of the Elite Strap. In addition to the standard PU leather padding, BoboVR provides a replaceable honeycomb silicone pad for the back of the head, allowing you to customize the headband even more.

The BoboVR Head Strap M3 comes with a replaceable honeycomb silicone pad for the back of the head.

The BoboVR Head Strap M3 comes with a replaceable honeycomb silicone pad for the back of the head. | Bild: BoboVR

Meta Quest 3S: Head straps with additional batteries for more power

Official Meta Quest 3(S) Elite Strap with battery

The Elite Strap with battery is also suitable for both the Quest 3 and the Quest 3S. According to the manufacturer, the built-in battery can extend the runtime of the Quest 3S by up to two hours.

The Meta Quest Elite Strap with battery and a box.

The Elite Strap with battery extends the battery life of the Quest 3S by up to two hours. | Image: Meta

Kiwi Design K4 Boost Comfort Battery Head Strap

Kiwi's K4 headband for the Meta Quest 3S has a similar design to the K4 headband: memory foam on the back of the head and headband, and a hinge for folding the VR headset. However, the additional battery can extend your Quest's battery life up to three hours.

BoboVR S3 Pro Strap and M3 Prostrap with replaceable battery

BoboVR's Pro Straps with Halo design are perfect for long VR sessions. The power-swap design allows you to seamlessly change battery packs, so you can use your Quest 3S for hours without interruption. The S3 version even has a built-in head cooling system to prevent overheating.

logo

Ad
Ad

Facial Interfaces for Meta Quest 3S

Meta Quest 3S Breathable Facial Interface

The breathable facial interface should appeal to VR fitness enthusiasts. The air circulates better, and the silicone insert is easy to clean. However, as with all Meta products, the price is very high.

The breathable headset insert for Meta Quest 3S.

The breathable headset insert for Meta Quest 3S is designed to improve air circulation. | Image: Meta

Charging stations for Meta Quest 3S

Meta Quest Compact Charging Dock

Although the large Meta Quest 3 charging dock is incompatible with the Quest 3S, Meta is releasing a compact version. It includes two holders for charging the Touch Plus Controllers and a 32 cm USB cable for the headset.

The compact charging station from Meta with space for two Touch Plus controllers.

The compact charging station from Meta offers space for two Touch Plus controllers. | Image: Meta

Kiwi design Charging Dock for Meta Quest 3S

The Kiwi Charging Dock works with all Quest headsets and has a magnetic charging connector. However, you cannot use it to charge the controllers. Find all the details in our review of the Kiwi vertical stand.

A Meta Quest 3 on a Kiwi Vertical Charging Stand.

There is also enough space in the holder for the VR controllers if you have protective covers on them. | Bild: MIXED

Cover and knuckle straps for Touch Plus Controllers

Active straps for Meta Quest

The knuckle straps made of nylon fabric from Meta ensure that the Touch Plus controllers fit snugly in your hand. You attach them under the battery cover and adjust the size using a Velcro system.

Zwei Touch Plus Controller, an denen Meta Quest Active Straps befestigt sind.

The Meta Quest Active Straps provide a better grip for the Touch Plus controllers. | Bild: Meta

Kiwi design Comfort Controller Grips (upgraded)

Kiwi offers controller covers that cover the entire controller. The translucent silicone does not interfere with tracking, but works with the wrist straps to provide a secure grip. A cleverly placed cover allows for quick battery replacement.

KIWI design Upgraded Comfort Controller Grips Compatible with Meta Quest 3S/Quest 3 Accessories, Hand Straps with Battery Opening.

Kiwi design Upgraded Comfort Controller Grips are compatible Meta's Touch Plus Controllers and provide hand straps with a battery opening. | Bild: Kiwi

Carrying cases for Meta Quest 3S

Meta Quest Carrying Case and new Compact Carrying Case

Both the Quest 3 and Quest 3S fit into Meta's official carrying cases. However, the new compact version is only suitable for headsets with the standard headband, controller, and cable.

The official Meta travel bag, opened with a Meta Quest 3 inside.

There is also an official travel bag for the Meta Quest 3. | Image: Meta

The larger bag holds the VR headset, both Touch Plus Controllers, charging cable, Active Straps, adapter, and Elite Strap with and without battery.

Accessories for the Meta Quest 3S: controller, link cable, prescription lenses & more

Insertable prescription lenses

If you prefer not to wear glasses under the VR Headset, you can use custom prescription lenses. We recommend the lens inserts from the VR Optician (review).

Ad
Ad
Front view of the Meta Quest 3 VR headset with lens inserts in front.

Visual acuity lenses for the Meta Quest 3 allow use without headsets. | Image: Meta

VR Optician Prescription Lenses

With prescription lens inserts, you can comfortably use your VR headset without glasses. Use the following link to get a 5% discount.

Official Meta Quest Link Cable

Like the Meta Quest 3 and previously the Quest 2, you can use the Quest 3S as a PC VR headset and stream PC VR content from SteamVR to your mobile VR headset. As an alternative to wireless streaming, you can connect the Quest 3S via a link cable, which can result in a more stable connection.

Kiwi design Link Cable

Kiwi design offers a more affordable alternative to the official link cable, which is available in 3 and 5 meter versions.

Meta Quest Touch Pro Controller

First introduced with the Quest Pro, Touch Pro Controllers have some special, exclusive features. Most notably, they have the ability to track themselves for greater precision and stability.

Sources: Amazon