Independent guide - not affiliated with or endorsed by Meta.
The Quest 2 is no longer sold new, but used ones are everywhere. Here is what it still does well, what you give up compared with the Quest 3S, and how to buy a used one safely.
The short answer
Only if you can get one very cheaply, and only for basic VR. Meta stopped selling the Quest 2 new after it sold out in 2024 and Meta confirmed the wind-down that September, as TechCrunch reported. So any Quest 2 you buy now is used or old stock, typically without a manufacturer warranty, while the Quest 3S is the entry headset on Meta's current comparison page.
If the price gap to a new Quest 3S is small, buy the 3S. If a used Quest 2 is close to free, as a spare for guests or a first try of VR, it can still be fun.
The case for the Quest 2
The Quest 2 is a fully capable standalone headset with six-direction tracking, so you can walk around, duck and reach in games. Many popular games and media apps still run on it, and it can play PC VR over a cable or Wi-Fi. As a cheap way to see whether you like VR at all, it still works.
What you give up versus newer Quests
The Quest 2 uses the older Snapdragon XR2 Gen 1 chip, while the Quest 3 and 3S use the XR2 Gen 2. Its passthrough is black and white, so the full-colour mixed reality apps built for the Quest 3 family do not work the same way, if at all. Its Fresnel lenses show more glare than the Quest 3's pancake lenses.
Software support is the bigger question for a headset this old. Newer games are increasingly built with the Quest 3 family in mind, and some may not support the Quest 2. Check each app's store page for supported headsets, and check Meta's release notes to see which headsets recent system updates reach. Our Quest 2 vs Quest 3 upgrade guide goes deeper on the differences.
Quest 2 vs Quest 3S: the key decision
This is the real choice for budget buyers. The Quest 3S has the same processor and memory as the Quest 3, colour passthrough for mixed reality, and a new-device warranty. It keeps Fresnel lenses like the Quest 2, so the jump in sharpness is smaller than to a Quest 3, but performance and app support are much better.
Compare the used Quest 2 price with the current Quest 3S price on Meta's site rather than relying on any figure in an article, because both change often. Unless the Quest 2 is a small fraction of the 3S price, the 3S is the better long-term buy. Our budget VR headset guide covers other low-cost options.
Buying a used Quest 2 safely
Ask the seller to factory reset the headset and remove it from their Meta account before you pay; our factory reset guide shows the steps. Check the lenses for scratches and for discoloured patches, which can come from sunlight damage, and look at the facial interface and strap for wear. Make sure both controllers are included and pair, and that the headset charges and holds a charge for a reasonable session.
Once it is yours, our setup guide (written for the Quest 3 but the steps are very similar) and battery tips will help you get started.
Who should still buy the Quest 2
Pick one up if you find it very cheap, want a spare headset for guests, or want to try VR before spending more. For a main headset, especially for mixed reality or newer games, spend more on the Quest 3S or Quest 3.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Meta Quest 2 discontinued?
Yes. Meta stopped selling it new in 2024, so it is now mainly available used or as leftover stock.
Is the Quest 2 or Quest 3S better?
The Quest 3S. It has a faster chip, colour mixed reality and a new-device warranty. The Quest 2 only makes sense if it is much cheaper.
Do new games still work on the Quest 2?
Many do, but some newer games target the Quest 3 family only. Check the supported headsets on each app's store page before buying.