I’ve been testing various third-party head straps for the Meta Quest 3. In this guide, Ill tell you the best Meta Quest 3 elite strap alternatives that you should wear.
These straps are more comfortable to wear than the default soft strap and are all cheaper than Meta’s official elite strap option.
Comment below and let us know what you like to wear while playing games in virtual reality.
What are the Best Elite Strap Alternatives for the Meta Quest 3?
If the official elite strap isn’t for you, here are my picks for the best alternatives to check out:
Official Meta Quest 3 Elite Strap
Before discussing some of the Elite Strap alternatives for the Meta Quest 3, you should know the official accessory.
The Official Meta Quest 3 Elite Strap is made from durable and quality materials. It builds on the learnings from the first generation of Elite Strap, with better longevity. The compact and lightweight design contributes to its sturdiness and is crucial in reducing facial pressure and evenly distributing the weight.
I think it is a significant improvement over the default soft strap, providing a comfortable and snug fit for long periods of playtime.
The biggest knock on the official elite strap is the price. At $70, it is more expensive than every other option on this list. However, you get an exact match in color and aesthetics with your headset.
What I Like About the Official Meta Quest 3 Elite Strap
I think one standout feature of the official elite strap is its ease of adjustment. With a twist of the adjustment dial, you can quickly customize the fit around your head, ensuring a snug and precise hold. This is especially valuable if you like to exercise in VR and get your sweat on. The strap also includes a flexible top strap that further disperses weight, ensuring perfect alignment over your eyes.
The Elite Strap is designed to work seamlessly with other Meta Quest 3 accessories, such as the Charging Dock and Carrying Case.
BOBOVR M3 Elite Strap (Best Meta Quest 3 Elite Strap Alternatives)
The BOBOVR M3 Elite Strap takes a unique approach by adopting a suspended design with multi-point adjustment. This design significantly reduces the original facial pressure experienced while wearing the headset. Additionally, it allows users to remove the plastic facial interface and enjoy the transparency of MR (Mixed Reality) mode.
This head strap features a magnetic quick-release battery pack. This design makes the power supply more convenient, allowing you to detach and charge the battery without affecting the Quest 3. The hot-swappable battery packs enable virtually unlimited battery life, with each pack having a 5200mAh capacity, adding approximately 2 hours of VR time (depending on the game).
Notably, the dedicated battery pack B2 is incredibly lightweight at just 140g, effectively balancing the weight distribution and reducing the burden on the head. A cable attaches from the battery connection dock up to the USB-c charging port.
BOBOVR had the most popular third-party elite strap for the Quest 2 and the Quest 3 version looks like a great option too. It fits all head shapes and matches the Quest 3 VR headset nicely.
The only drawback about the M3? It is in high demand and regularly goes out of stock! You might have to check back to see when this one is available.
What I Like About the BOBOVR M3 Elite Strap
I like how the BOBOVR M3 Elite Strap combines innovative comfort with a seamless power supply. The reduction in facial pressure and the opportunity to explore MR mode are remarkable. The lightweight battery pack is underrated in how it counterbalances the weight.
The M3 is a game-changer that enhances my Meta Quest 3 adventures in every way. This was one of the most favorite head straps for the Quest 2 and it looks like the trend will continue.
Mes Merry Upgraded Head Strap
The Mes Merry Upgraded Head Strap is a budget-friendly elite strap alternative for the Meta Quest 3. This was the very first elite strap alternative released for the device and the first one I tested.
The strap has good ergonomics, ensuring it fits comfortably with different head sizes. The comfortable foam surround adds to the immersive experience, alleviating pressure during extended VR sessions. The rear “head cup” is a highlight, offering stability and comfort better than the stock strap included with the Meta Quest 3.
The one-click stretch and retract design makes this head strap stand out. This innovative mechanism allows easy adjustment, providing a snug fit with minimal effort. You can press and hold to customize the strap according to your preference.
I had a little trouble installing this head strap on my device. However, the comfort and snugness it provides outweigh the initial assembly challenges. The knob on the back allows for further tightening, and the thick Velcro on top, while it may seem inexpensive, holds up well.
What I Like About the Mes Merry Upgraded Head Strap
What I appreciate most about this head strap is its significant comfort upgrade at an affordable price point. The focus has been on improving user experience through ease of adjustment and ergonomic design.
The rear “head cup” is a notable addition, providing a comfortable and secure fit. While it may lack a fine-tune option for counterclockwise adjustments, the one-click release is a practical solution for quick removal.
BMTick Comfort Strap with Battery Dock and Counter Balance
The BMTick Comfort Strap offers a 3-in-1 solution for VR players looking to check multiple boxes:
an adhesive to attach your own battery pack
counterweight
comfortable head strap
BMTick’s solution is to have a larger surface area that makes contact with your head and 1 centimeter of plush, dense foam padding. This combination relieves pressure points and alleviates weight strain during long sessions. I think the solution works okay, but the extra padding is bulkier than most other options on this list.
The BMTick is meant to work with any generic, flat power banks. It comes with a removable adhesive that you stick the battery pack to in order to hold it in place tight.
The smooth leather finish adds a touch of style to the comfort strap, complemented by padding that molds to the shape of your head. Plus, it’s straightforward to fit, taking just seconds to get comfy on my head.
What I Like About the BMTick Comfort Strap
I like how the BMTick Comfort Strap balances practicality with comfort. The flexibility in adding your own battery park is a nice feature. The leather padding makes it feel like a premium addition to my Meta Quest 3.
Maecker Head Strap
The Maecker Head Strap shines when it comes to weight distribution. It feels solid and spreads the weight significantly better than the original straps, reducing stress on the face to just 30%. The remaining focus is equally shared, with 35% on the top of the head and 35% on the back of the head.
This approach ensures extra comfort and a secure fit, and I like how it allows you to enjoy extended VR sessions without discomfort or headaches.
You can quickly flip up the visor while keeping the headset on. This feature is a game-changer, especially when you must check your surroundings or phone without removing the headset.
The head strap is designed to comfortably fit heads of various sizes, making it suitable for children and adults. Thanks to its accommodating design, quick adjustments between users or family members are hassle-free.
Installation of the Maeckler strap requires no tools, and it has a straightforward tightening adjustment with a secure hold. The memory foam cushion at the top adds a soft and comfortable touch and the breathable soft pad is easy to clean. I think that the overall build is sturdy and reliable!
What I Like About the Maecker Head Strap
I like how the Maecker Head Strap feels like a custom-made solution, delivering exceptional comfort and usability. The weight distribution and the ability to flip up the visor add genuine convenience to my VR adventures, making it a must-have upgrade for Meta Quest 3 owners.
Kuject Design Comfort Head Strap
The Kuject Design Comfort Head Strap is a game-changer for Meta Quest 3 users if the most important thing you value is comfort and convenience. The upgraded adjustable hinge is a standout feature that allows you to flip up the Quest 3 without removing the entire head strap.
The absence of constant knob loosening and tightening simplifies putting on and taking off the head strap, making it effortless to switch between worlds at will.
This head strap provides a generous head pad with an enlarged width of 48mm and a thickness of 16mm. This means a more extensive support area that better fits your head and significantly reduces head pressure. The memory foam back pad with cloud-like softness cushions enhances this experience, effectively absorbing pressure and offering the sensation of lying on a cloud.
The head strap’s detachable design allows for various assembly options to cater to individual head shape requirements, offering excellent stability. You can disassemble this headset really easily to separate it from the Quest 3. This convenience ensures that you can easily take your Meta Quest 3 and head strap anywhere.
What I Like About the Kuject Design Comfort Head Strap:
Kuject has done a really good job focusing on comfort and practicality. The lightweight and durable design makes it an elite strap alternative for anyone seeking comfort and convenience in VR adventures.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why are elite style straps better for the Meta Quest 3?
Elite straps are better for balancing the weight of the Meta Quest 3, which puts a lot of pressure on your forehead.
Why would you buy a third-party option over the official Oculus elite strap?
The main reason to buy a third-party elite strap is to save on costs. In general, the official elite strap has an optimized padded halo strap design, but third-party options can achieve the same result for less money.
Do you need an external battery with your elite strap?
If you play in virtual reality for long periods of time, then external batteries allow you to play uninterrupted for longer. An external battery often sits at the back of your head and provides and extra counterweight.
