Oculus Rift S vs Oculus Rift (CV1)
Trying to decide between the Oculus Rift S and the Oculus Rift (CV1)? Below we put both headsets side by side — display, performance, comfort, features and real-world pricing across every major store — so you can see exactly where each one wins and pick the right VR headset for your budget. The Oculus Rift (CV1) is the more affordable option, but cheaper isn't always the smarter buy.
Oculus Rift S vs Oculus Rift (CV1): specs compared
| Specification | Oculus Rift S | Oculus Rift (CV1) |
|---|---|---|
| Release Year | 2019 | 2016 |
| Headset Type | PC-tethered (requires gaming PC) | PC-tethered (requires gaming PC) |
| Display Panel | Single LCD | Dual OLED |
| Resolution (per eye) | 1280 × 1440 per eye | 1080 × 1200 per eye |
| Refresh Rate | 80Hz | 90Hz |
| Field of View | ≈110° horizontal | ≈110° horizontal |
| Lenses | Fresnel | Fresnel |
| Processor | N/A (runs on host PC) | N/A (runs on host PC) |
| RAM | N/A (host PC) | N/A (host PC) |
| Storage Options | N/A (host PC) | N/A (host PC) |
| Tracking | Inside-out, 6DoF (5 cameras) | Outside-in, 6DoF (Constellation sensors) |
| Degrees of Freedom | 6DoF (room-scale) | 6DoF (room-scale) |
| Controllers | Oculus Touch (updated) | Oculus Touch / Xbox controller |
| Passthrough / Mixed Reality | Black & white passthrough (Guardian) | No |
| Eye / Face Tracking | No | No |
| Weight | ≈500 g | 470 g |
| Battery Life | N/A (powered by PC) | N/A (powered by PC) |
| Audio | Integrated headstrap speakers, 3.5mm jack | Integrated on-ear headphones |
| Connectivity | DisplayPort + USB 3.0 | HDMI + USB 3.0 |
| Launch Price | $399.99 | $599.99 |
| Lowest price | $180 | $150 |
Oculus Rift S — best for
- PC gaming
- Collectors
Pros
- Simple inside-out tracking, no base stations
- Comfortable halo strap
- Solid PC VR performance for its era
Oculus Rift (CV1) — best for
- Collectors
- VR history
Pros
- Vivid dual-OLED panels at 90Hz
- Excellent Oculus Touch controllers
- A genuine piece of VR history
The verdict: which should you buy?
If budget is your main concern, the Oculus Rift (CV1) is the more affordable choice and still delivers a great VR experience. If you want the stronger all-round package — better display, performance or features — the Oculus Rift S is worth the extra outlay. Read each headset's full review for the complete picture, and check the live pricing tables to grab the best current deal.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, the Oculus Rift S or the Oculus Rift (CV1)?
It depends on your needs and budget. The Oculus Rift (CV1) is the more affordable option, while the Oculus Rift S offers a higher-tier experience. Our full comparison breaks down display, performance, features and price so you can choose the right one.
What is the price difference between the Oculus Rift S and Oculus Rift (CV1)?
The Oculus Rift S starts around $180 and the Oculus Rift (CV1) around $150 across major retailers. See the live pricing table above for the cheapest current option on each platform.
Do the Oculus Rift S and Oculus Rift (CV1) play the same games?
If both are standalone Meta Quest headsets they share the same game library. Cross-platform (e.g. Quest vs PSVR2 or PC VR) libraries differ — check each headset's ecosystem above.