Oculus’ excellent standalone VR headset just got better – and cheaper

£100 cheaper; Gorgeous screen; Best Oculus controllers yet;

Headband is still a mixed bag; IPD "slider" isn't a slider;

Oculus’ excellent standalone VR headset just got better – and cheaper

£100 cheaper; Gorgeous screen; Best Oculus controllers yet;

Headband is still a mixed bag; IPD "slider" isn't a slider;

The Oculus Quest 2 is the absolute best VR headset you can buy, with a fantastic wireless performance and improved screen resolution ensuring a best-in-class experience.

Fantastic wireless performance; Improved screen resolution; Massive library of games, especially with Oculus Link; Affordable price;

Battery life is still pretty short; Oculus Link cable isn't included, and is very expensive;

There's a pair of magic goggles I've gone back to again and again over the last two years, opening up worlds of games, theater, conversations, art and experiences that are tough to even describe. The Oculus Quest 2 is an improved, less expensive sequel to the Oculus Quest, a self-contained VR game console that was my absolute favorite thing in 2019. This year it's already been my portable holodeck, my little magic fitness room, my escape space.

The Quest 2 is faster, smaller, cheaper and better than ever. Except this time around, you need a Facebook account.

$100 less than before; Better, faster processor; Higher-res display; Great self-contained gaming experience; Doubles as PC VR headset; Lighter and a bit smaller;

Store still lacks some higher-end games; Only 2-3 hours of battery life; You have to use Facebook to log in;

Editors' note: A new version of the Quest 2 doubles the storage of the $299 model to 128GB, and includes a silicone cover for the foam face piece after a voluntary recall of the foam covers earlier this year due to facial irritation concerns with a small subset of customers. Existing Quest 2 owners can order a free silicone cover.

Fantastic wireless performance; Improved screen resolution; Massive library of games, especially with Oculus Link; Affordable price;

Battery life is still pretty short; Oculus Link cable isn’t included, and is very expensive;

Editor's note, Aug. 12: The Quest 2 increased in price Aug. 1 by $101. That makes it less of an impulse purchase, but still a CNET Editors' Choice for now. Below is our updated review.