The Oculus Quest 2 delivers an incredibly immersive virtual reality experience, but to fully lose yourself in otherworldly environments, pairing it with the right headphones is key. With so many options on the market, finding the perfect audio companion for your Quest 2 can be overwhelming.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the essential factors to consider and highlight our top picks for the best headphones to take your VR adventures to the next level.
What to Look For in Oculus Quest 2 Headphones
When shopping for headphones to use with your Quest 2, keep these key aspects in mind:
Sound Quality
Exceptional audio is crucial for a truly transportive VR experience. Look for headphones with powerful drivers, wide frequency response, and rich, detailed sound that will make virtual worlds come alive around you. However, even great headphones can experience issues, like AirPods connected but sound coming from phone instead of the earbuds.
Comfort and Fit
VR sessions can last for hours, so headphones that rest comfortably on your head and ears without causing fatigue are a must. Seek out models with plush earpads, adjustable headbands, and lightweight designs. Some users find that AirPods hurt their ears after extended use, so opt for ergonomic designs.
Wired vs Wireless
Traditional wired headphones plug directly into the Quest 2’s 3.5mm jack for reliable, latency-free audio. However, dealing with a dangling cable can hamper immersion. Wireless options that connect via a USB-C dongle offer more freedom of movement without laggy sound.
Noise Isolation
Headphones that seal around your ears to block out ambient noise will help you stay focused on the virtual world and prevent distractions from your real surroundings. Some earbuds also offer snug fits for impressive noise isolation.
Durability
With intense movements common in VR, your headphones need to withstand accidental bumps and drops. Premium materials like steel, aluminum, and high-grade plastics will ensure your audio investment lasts for years.
Price
While you can certainly find decent budget headphones for under $50, spending more will get you meaningful upgrades in sound quality, comfort, and durability. Most of our recommended options fall in the $80 to $300 range.
Top Headphones for Oculus Quest 2
Soundcore VR P10 Wireless Earbuds
For unbeatable convenience and freedom, it’s hard to top the Soundcore VR P10 earbuds. Rather than relying on Bluetooth, these buds come with a USB-C dongle that plugs into the Quest 2 for near-instant wireless connectivity with minimal latency.
The sound quality is fantastic thanks to beefy 11mm drivers and Soundcore’s BassUp technology, which analyzes and enhances the low end in real time. You also get a solid 6 hours of battery life per charge, with the case providing an additional 24 hours. Switchable ear tips ensure a comfortable and secure fit.
Perhaps most impressive is the P10’s versatile compatibility. In addition to working flawlessly with the Quest 2, you can pair them to any Bluetooth-enabled device or plug the dongle into a PC, mobile phone, tablet, or Nintendo Switch for low-latency wireless audio. For $80, the Soundcore VR P10 is a tremendously appealing all-in-one solution.
Pros:
- Excellent sound with punchy bass
- Convenient and reliable wireless connectivity
- Comfy fit with multiple ear tips
- Works with many devices beyond the Quest 2
Cons:
- Dongle can be tricky to remove from charging case
- Some may prefer over-ear headphones
Kiwi Design Audio Strap
If you want to upgrade your Quest 2’s head strap and audio at the same time, the Kiwi Design Audio Strap is a compelling option. This sturdy elite-style strap features integrated headphones that rest on top of your ears for comfort during long play sessions. It’s one of the best Oculus Quest 2 head straps available.
The large earpads house potent 40mm drivers that deliver detailed, dynamic sound to draw you deeper into virtual realms. An extra-cushy foam pad on the headband and highly adjustable fit system let you find the perfect balance of security and comfort for your head shape and size.
But the Audio Strap’s most impressive feature is its built-in 6,400mAh battery pack. With up to 5 extra hours of VR playtime, you can explore to your heart’s content. A passthrough charging port even lets you keep your Quest 2 powered while gaming. If you need even more power, check out our guide to the best battery pack for Oculus Quest 2.
Pros:
- Distributes weight more comfortably than original strap
- Integrated battery greatly extends VR sessions
- Excellent on-ear audio with large 40mm drivers
- Highly customizable fit
Cons:
- Not as portable as earbuds
- On-ear design still rests on your face
Logitech G333 VR Wired Earbuds
For a no-nonsense wired VR audio solution, the Logitech G333 earbuds are specifically designed for the Quest 2 and come recommended by Meta itself. The thoughtful 3.5mm cable is the perfect length to prevent annoying dangling, while soft silicone tips (in three sizes) stay firmly in place as you move around in VR.
Dual dedicated drivers, one for highs/mids and one for bass, work together to produce well-balanced, immersive sound. And despite the low $50 price, the aluminum housing gives them a more premium look and feel compared to other budget models.
The G333’s lightweight, low-profile design won’t weigh down your headset or cause heat buildup around your ears. They’re easy to pop in and out if you need to talk to someone else in the room. And there’s no batteries to worry about charging; just plug in and play.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Tangle-free cable designed for Quest 2
- Includes 3 earpiece sizes for ideal fit
- Dual drivers deliver solid sound quality
Cons:
- Wired design not as freeing as wireless
- Eartips can come loose with intense movement
Logitech G Pro Gaming Headset
Designed with feedback from pro eSports players, the wired G Pro headset can significantly enhance your Quest 2 audio while also serving as an excellent option for PC and console gaming. The large 50mm drivers deliver expansive sound with plenty of depth and detail to fully immerse you.
Plush leatherette earpads and a memory foam headband let you play in comfort for hours, and the entire design is impressively lightweight for an over-ear model. A handy velcro strap keeps the shorter Quest 2 cable tidy.
The G Pro’s passive noise isolation does a great job blocking out room noise so you can focus entirely on the VR world. An included detachable 6mm mic can provide crystal-clear voice chat for multiplayer games, and you also get a splitter for separate mic and headphone input on PCs. Just be aware of common issues like the HyperX Cloud 2 mic not working.
Pros:
- Outstanding audio fidelity
- Supremely comfortable
- Compatible with many devices
- Detachable mic is handy for multiplayer
Cons:
- Pricey
- Heavier than on-ear options and earbuds
Budget Pick: Kiwi Design Wired Earbuds
You don’t have to spend a lot to get a solid VR listening experience. This pair of wired earbuds from Kiwi Design is a steal at just $30. The extra long cable ensures you won’t have any audio dropouts as you twist and turn.
The 10mm dynamic drivers pump out respectable sound that’s a step up from the Quest 2’s built-in audio. Featuring an aluminum shell and braided cable, the build quality is also better than you’d expect at this price point. Three sizes of silicone ear tips are included to help you find an ideal fit.
While they won’t blow audiophiles away, the Kiwi Design earbuds are an extremely affordable way to enjoy VR with minimal sound leakage. They’re also available in a shorter cable variant ideal for use with other devices.
Pros:
- Very budget-friendly
- Long, durable cable
- Multiple ear tip sizes included
- Lightweight and portable
Cons:
- Sound quality can’t match pricier options
- No volume controls on cable
Getting the Most From Your Quest 2 Headphones
Connecting Your Headphones
The Quest 2 works with both 3.5mm and USB-C headphones:
- For wired 3.5mm models, simply plug them into the headphone jack on the left side of the headset.
- For USB-C headphones, connect them to the charging port on the right side.
- Wireless earbuds like the Soundcore VR P10 come with a USB-C dongle that plugs into the charging port.
Fitting Your Headphones
- Experiment with different ear tips on earbuds to find the most secure yet comfortable option. A good seal is key for optimal sound.
- Adjust the headband on over-ear models so they stay in place but don’t clamp down too hard.
- Route the cable carefully to minimize contact with your body and reduce microphonics.
Optimizing In-Headset Audio Settings
- In your Quest 2 settings, you can adjust the headphone volume and balance game/chat audio mix.
- Some games, like many Oculus games for kids, may have their own audio settings worth tweaking.
- If using earbuds, enabling noise cancellation can provide a more immersive experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use any pair of headphones with the Oculus Quest 2?
As long as they have a 3.5mm headphone plug or USB-C connector, any headphones should work with the Quest 2. However, models specifically designed for VR will provide a more seamless experience.
Will wireless headphones cause audio lag?
Bluetooth headphones are not ideal for VR due to latency. However, earbuds with a dedicated wireless dongle like the Soundcore VR P10 offer much faster, near-lagless connectivity.
Do I really need headphones if the Quest 2 has built-in speakers?
The Quest 2’s integrated audio is serviceable but far from great. Dedicated headphones will provide better sound quality, bass response, and positional audio while also minimizing sound bleed that could bother others around you.
What should I do if my AirPod mic is not working?
If you encounter an AirPod mic not working, first ensure the microphone isn’t physically blocked. Clean the mic grilles and check your AirPod settings. Resetting or updating the firmware can also help resolve mic issues.
What advantages do open-back headphones offer?
Open-back designs can create an even wider, airier soundstage for more expansive audio. However, they don’t block outside noise and let a lot more sound leak out. Closed-back headphones are generally a better choice for VR.
Conclusion
Choosing the right pair of headphones for your Oculus Quest 2 is one of the easiest ways to elevate your VR experience to the next level. While the Quest 2’s built-in audio gets the job done, a dedicated solution can offer better sound quality, comfort, and noise isolation to help you get totally lost in virtual worlds.
Our overall favorite is the Soundcore VR P10 wireless earbuds, which offer an incredibly liberating and convenient listening experience both in and out of VR. The Kiwi Design Audio Strap is another standout for its superior comfort and built-in backup battery. But no matter your needs or budget, one of the exceptional headphones on this list is sure to become your go-to companion for Quest 2 adventures.
