Is the Oculus Quest 1 Still a Good VR Headset in 2026?

In short – yes, the Oculus Quest 1 can still deliver a great VR experience in 2024, especially at its new lower used prices. While the Quest 2 improves on it in some key areas like power and display resolution, the original Quest 1 remains a viable entry-level VR headset option almost 4 years after its launch.

Released in 2019, the Oculus Quest 1 (now called the Meta Quest 1) made high-quality, standalone VR accessible by not requiring a PC or external sensors. For VR newcomers, it provided an easy all-in-one introduction to immersive virtual worlds untethered from cables. Now with the Quest 2 firmly established as Meta‘s flagship headset, is the aging Quest 1 still worth recommending?

Quest 1 vs Quest 2 Spec Comparison

To understand if the Quest 1 can still hold its own, let‘s compare the key specs and hardware differences between the original Quest and the Quest 2:

From the table above, we can see the Quest 2 improved on the original in nearly every hardware category – more processing power, higher resolution displays, faster refresh rates, more RAM and storage options, lighter weight, and updated controllers.

But specs alone don‘t tell the whole story. Let‘s dive deeper into the key factors to consider when deciding if the Quest 1 is still a viable headset purchase in 2024.

Quest 1 Pros and Cons

Pros

• Lower Price – The biggest advantage of the Quest 1 is it can now be purchased used for $150-250, a significant discount from its launch price of $399 and the Quest 2‘s $399 starting price. For VR newcomers on a tight budget, the Quest 1 is very appealing.

• OLED Displays – The OLED panels in the Quest 1 provide darker blacks and bolder colors compared to the LCDs in the Quest 2. If visuals are a priority, the OLED pops more.

• Physical IPD Slider – The Quest 1 lets you manually adjust lens distance using a slider, while the Quest 2 requires you to set IPD in software. Physical adjustments generally provide more accuracy.

• Ergonomic Design – The soft fabric and more balanced front-heavy design of the Quest 1 some find more comfortable than the Quest 2‘s bare plastic look.

• Accessory Support – Many Quest 1 accessories like battery packs and headstraps still work with the Quest 2, saving you money.

Cons

• Less Powerful – The older Snapdragon 835 chip in the Quest 1 is significantly outperformed by the Snapdragon XR2 in the Quest 2. This means lower fidelity graphics in many newer games.

• Lower Resolution – The 1440×1600 per eye resolution of the Quest 1 screens results in more visible pixels and screendoor effect than the sharper 1832×1920 displays in the Quest 2.

• No 120hz Mode – The Quest 1 refresh rate tops out at 72hz while the Quest 2 can run at 90hz or 120hz for much smoother visuals, especially in fast paced games.

• Discontinued Support – Meta has discontinued support for the Quest 1‘s operating system so it will stop getting updates in 2024. Many newer VR apps and games no longer work on the Quest 1.

• No Wireless PCVR – The Quest 2 supports wireless PCVR gaming through Air Link. The Quest 1 requires a wired connection to play PCVR titles.

Should You Buy an Oculus Quest 1 in 2024?

The Oculus Quest 1 is still a good VR headset option in 2024 if you can find a used one under $200 and don‘t mind being locked out of some newer games. While the graphics, resolution, and refresh rate are not as advanced as the Quest 2, the Quest 1 still delivers immersive VR and plays many top titles like Beat Saber, Superhot VR, Job Simulator, and Space Pirate Trainer with no issues.

The ideal buyer for a used Quest 1 in 2024 is someone on a tight budget looking for an entry level VR device to get started. If you can afford the Quest 2, it is absolutely still worth the upgrade for the future proof power, display improvements, 120hz mode, and ongoing support. But with used models going for as low as $150, the Quest 1 offers an affordable way to enjoy virtual worlds and plenty of great games for a few years to come. Just don‘t expect to play new releases down the line.

For me personally, I would only recommend buying a used original Quest in 2024 if you can get one under $200. The Quest 2 is a big leap forward and worth spending a bit more. But saving money is saving money – and the Quest 1 still beats an entry level headset like the PSVR in some areas despite its age. For VR newcomers on a budget, used Quest 1 headsets are viable and deliver tons of fun. Just know the end of support is coming.

So in summary, while the Oculus Quest 1 can‘t compete with newer options on a raw performance level, it remains a decent budget-friendly entry point into VR in 2024 – especially at used prices under $200. Expect pixelated visuals and missed out on cutting edge new titles, but enjoy deeply immersive virtual worlds and gaming on a tight budget.