For most PC VR users, the Oculus Rift S is the better choice because it has higher resolution and needs no external tracking sensors. The original Oculus Rift CV1 still has meaningful advantages: a 90Hz refresh rate, OLED contrast, mechanical IPD adjustment, and integrated over-ear headphones. Neither is a current-generation headset; in 2026, buy either only as a complete, tested used system at a suitably low price.
Here, “Oculus Rift” means the consumer Rift CV1—not the earlier development kits. Rift S was a replacement, not a comprehensive “Rift 2” upgrade: it improved clarity and setup while making trade-offs elsewhere.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
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Oculus Rift S PC-Powered VR Gaming Headset | $239.49 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Oculus Rift S Virtual Reality Headset ONLY - Used | $13.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Oculus Rift S PC-Powered VR Gaming Headset | $765.77 | Buy on Amazon |
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LICHIFIT Soft Silicone Eye Cushion Cover Pad for Oculus Rift S VR Headset Light Blocking... | $10.99 | Buy on Amazon |
Oculus Rift CV1 vs. Rift S: specification comparison
| Specification | Oculus Rift CV1 | Oculus Rift S |
|---|---|---|
| Release | 2016 | Announced March 20, 2019; launched May 21, 2019 |
| U.S. launch price | $599.99 for the headset bundle | $399.99 |
| Platform | PC-tethered VR | PC-tethered VR |
| Display | Dual OLED panels | Single LCD panel |
| Resolution per eye | 1,080 × 1,200 | 1,280 × 1,440 |
| Refresh rate | 90Hz | 80Hz |
| Lenses | Fresnel | Fresnel |
| Field of view | Approximately 90° class; exact comparable figures vary by measurement method | Described as slightly larger than Rift; exact comparable figures vary by measurement method |
| IPD adjustment | Mechanical lens spacing; approximately 58–72mm | Software adjustment; best-fit range commonly cited around 61.5–65.5mm |
| Tracking | External Constellation sensors | Inside-out Oculus Insight tracking using five cameras |
| External sensors required | Yes; number and placement depend on play space and coverage desired | No |
| Degrees of freedom | 6DoF head and controller tracking | 6DoF head and controller tracking |
| Audio | Integrated over-ear headphones | Built-in directional speakers and 3.5mm headphone jack |
| Cable | Approximately 4m | Approximately 5m |
| Computer connection | USB and HDMI, subject to the computer and headset configuration | USB 3.0 and DisplayPort; Mini DisplayPort adapter included |
| Weight, headset only | About 470g before cable | Approximately 561–563g before cable, depending on measurement convention |
| Standalone operation | No | No |
| Availability in 2026 | Discontinued legacy hardware; used market | Discontinued legacy hardware; used market |
Display and refresh-rate figures are per-eye resolution and headset refresh rate, not the computer’s render resolution. Rift S launched at $399.99 in the United States on May 21, 2019; those are historical launch details, not current prices. Road to VR’s Rift S specification coverage reports the display comparison, and its launch report covers the date and price. Meta’s Rift S announcement described the headset as a PC VR replacement with built-in Insight tracking.
Which headset has the better display?
Rift S: more pixels, less screen-door effect
Rift S raises per-eye resolution from 1,080 × 1,200 to 1,280 × 1,440—about 1.4 times as many total pixels across both eyes. In many games that means less visible screen-door effect, more legible text, and improved definition in distant objects. It is generally the stronger choice for simulators, menus, and text-heavy PC VR.
#1 Best Overall
- Top VR gaming library: Blast, slash and soar your way through the top library in VR gaming. Oculus Rift S lets you play hundreds of games and exclusives already available in the Oculus store, with so much more to come.
- Improved optics: Stare down the competition with next-generation lenses and a sharper display. Improved optics deliver bright, vivid colors and reduced “screen-door” effect.
- Ergonomic design: Keep your head in the game thanks to a Halo headband redesigned with speed in mind. Rift S stays securely and comfortably in place with a quick twist of the fit wheel, so it can take-or double take-your fastest reactions.
- Oculus touch controllers: Arm yourself with our updated Oculus touch controllers. Your slashes, throws and grab appear in VR with intuitive, realistic precision, transporting your hands and gestures right into the game.
- Oculus insight tracking: take a step forward with Oculus insight. It translates your movements into VR No matter which way you're facing and provides room-scale tracking without external sensors.
Rift CV1: OLED contrast and a higher refresh rate
The original Rift’s OLED panels produce deeper blacks and stronger contrast than Rift S’s LCD, a difference that can matter in dark games. It also runs at 90Hz rather than 80Hz. The difference is real, though not a guarantee that every player will find the older headset smoother; sensitivity to refresh rate and the game’s performance both matter.
Higher resolution does not make Rift S sharper in every situation. Lens fit, IPD, render resolution, graphics-card performance, and game settings all affect the image. Oculus described Rift S’s field of view as slightly larger, but published figures are difficult to compare because measurement methods differ. Treat the FOV difference as modest rather than relying on a single precise degree figure. Road to VR’s specification coverage discusses the display and refresh-rate trade-off.
How do tracking and setup differ?
Rift S is simpler to set up
Rift S uses five headset cameras for Oculus Insight inside-out tracking. It tracks the headset and Touch controllers without external sensors, making it easier to move between rooms or set up in a small space. The trade-off is that cameras have limited views: controllers held directly behind the head or body can briefly leave their tracking coverage. Very dim rooms, direct sunlight, reflective surfaces, and visually featureless spaces can also make tracking less reliable.
Rank #2
- Sold as spare part. Headset (HMD) ONLY
- Oculus Rift S Controllers and cable required
- Operating System: Windows 10
- Windows PC and internet connection required - IMPORTANT: review recommended specs to confirm system compatibility
Rift CV1 can offer different coverage with external sensors
The original Rift’s Constellation system relies on external sensors. A basic front-facing setup can work with fewer, while broader room-scale or 360-degree coverage calls for additional sensors, suitable placement, and enough USB bandwidth. With a well-installed multi-sensor arrangement, the CV1 can track movements—such as reaching behind the body—that can challenge Rift S. It is not automatically better: setup complexity, sensor placement, USB conflicts, and the room itself all affect results.
Meta’s Rift S announcement describes Insight, while UploadVR’s launch coverage reports the five-camera design.
IPD, fit, and comfort: the important exception
Interpupillary distance (IPD) is the distance between the centers of your pupils. CV1 physically moves its lenses to match it; Rift S leaves the lenses in place and adjusts the rendered image in software. That software control is not equivalent to changing lens spacing. Contemporary reporting placed Rift S’s best-supported range around 61.5–65.5mm, while CV1’s physical adjustment covers a wider range. Someone outside Rift S’s optimal range may struggle to find a clear, comfortable image and experience blur, eye strain, or headaches. If your IPD is unusual, do not choose Rift S based on resolution alone. See Road to VR’s discussion of Rift S IPD and field of view.
Rank #3
- Brand New in box. The product ships with all relevant accessories
Fit is personal. Rift S has a halo-style headband with a rear adjustment wheel; CV1 uses a fabric-style strap and includes its headphones on the headset. Rift S is heavier, but its weight distribution may reduce pressure on some faces. Head shape, glasses, hair, facial-interface condition, strap adjustment, and replacement parts can all change the experience. Contemporary coverage generally praised Rift S’s headband and setup, but that does not make it a universal comfort upgrade. Tech Advisor’s comparison discusses the design and cable differences.
Audio, controllers, and what comes in the box
CV1’s integrated over-ear headphones provide more isolation and are usually preferable for bass or noisy surroundings. Rift S uses built-in directional speakers instead; they leave the ears more open, but provide less isolation and immersion. Rift S has a 3.5mm headphone jack if you prefer your own headphones. Tom’s Hardware identifies audio as one of Rift S’s compromises in its Rift S review.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesBoth systems use six-degree-of-freedom Oculus Touch controllers, but revisions and used bundles vary. Never assume a listing includes a working pair. Check the exact contents: controllers, sensors for CV1, cables and adapters, and any needed mounting hardware. A headset-only CV1 listing is not a complete room-scale system, and missing parts can erase an apparent bargain.
Rank #4
- Suitable for Oculus Rift S VR Headset, perfect to replacing the old dirty pad, clean and sanitary.
- Made of high quality silicone material, soft and breathable.
- Blocking sweat and Leak-proof light, but it will not block your field of view.
- Easy to install and remove, friendly design fits most faces.
- 4 color for choice: Gray, Blue, Red, Black
Will your PC or laptop work?
Both headsets render through a PC; neither runs Quest-native games or works as a standalone device. Rift S connects through DisplayPort and USB 3.0. It is not designed for HDMI-only laptops. A Mini DisplayPort adapter was included for compatible computers, but the port must carry the right signal from the discrete GPU. USB-C is not sufficient merely because it can carry video: the port needs DisplayPort Alt Mode and suitable GPU routing.
- Check that the computer has a physical DisplayPort or Mini DisplayPort connection for Rift S.
- Confirm the video port is connected to the discrete GPU, not only integrated graphics; laptop manufacturers can document this routing.
- Confirm an available USB 3.0 port.
- Do not count an HDMI-only setup or assume a generic conversion adapter will work.
- Check the game’s requirements separately. Headset compatibility, demanding-game performance, graphics settings, and software overhead are different questions.
Rift S’s increased resolution does not automatically require a dramatically stronger PC: Oculus kept recommended specifications broadly similar while the headset runs at 80Hz instead of 90Hz. Actual performance still depends on the game and computer; there is no single GPU recommendation that fits every title. For connection details and laptop caveats, see Tom’s Hardware’s Rift S review.
Which headset should you buy in 2026?
Neither is a current-generation product. Rift S is no longer available as a current retail headset, and both models should be treated as legacy used hardware; Lenovo’s Oculus brand page reflects Rift S’s discontinued status. Used condition and completeness matter more than launch MSRP.
Choose Rift S if clarity and simple setup matter most
- The headset is complete, tested, and priced only modestly above a comparable CV1.
- You want the higher-resolution image and do not want external sensors.
- Your IPD fits comfortably and your PC has suitable DisplayPort and USB 3.0 connections.
- The cable is intact and has been tested for dropouts.
Choose Rift CV1 for specific strengths or a much lower price
- You need mechanical IPD adjustment or prefer OLED contrast.
- You value 90Hz and integrated over-ear headphones.
- You already have a working sensor setup, or the listing includes tested sensors and accessories.
- It is substantially cheaper than a complete Rift S in comparable condition.
Skip both if the deal or use case does not fit
- The price approaches a newer headset, accessories are missing, or the seller cannot demonstrate the system working.
- You want standalone VR, contemporary accessories, or a currently sold headset. Consider a current Meta Quest model instead; Quest devices are standalone-first and can also be used for PC VR. Meta’s current product category is at meta.com/quest; check its regional store for current models and prices.
Used-headset inspection checklist
- Test both displays: confirm a stable image in each eye, with no flicker, dead areas, or intermittent black screen.
- Check the cable: while the headset is running, gently move the cable near its connections and look for image or tracking dropouts. Rift S’s proprietary cable can be difficult or costly to replace.
- Verify tracking: move your head and both controllers through the play area. For CV1, confirm every included sensor is detected; for Rift S, check controller tracking across normal play positions.
- Test both controllers: check thumbsticks for drift, triggers, grip buttons, tracking, battery contacts, and battery covers.
- Listen to the audio: check CV1’s headphones or Rift S’s speakers and headphone jack.
- Confirm computer connections: make sure USB and video detection are stable on the actual PC you plan to use.
- Inspect optics and fit parts: look for scratched lenses, display damage, deteriorated facial foam, missing nose-gasket parts, and loose adjustment mechanisms. Keep lenses out of direct sunlight; concentrated sunlight can damage displays.
- Inventory the bundle: verify controllers, sensors, cables, adapters, power accessories, and mounts as applicable.
- Try the fit: confirm Rift S is optically comfortable at your IPD, and check whether the used facial interface and strap suit you.
- Get a return option: discontinued hardware may be difficult to repair, and future software compatibility is not guaranteed. Prefer a seller who allows returns if testing reveals faults.
Both are old PC headsets, so do not assume long-term official support, replacement-part availability, or compatibility with future versions of Meta’s PC VR software. Windows, graphics drivers, Meta’s PC application, and SteamVR versions can affect current behavior.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
