Meta typically keeps its headset sales figures under wraps, but there are a few ways to estimate the platform’s success, like looking at the fresh download numbers for its companion app, Meta Horizon, on Android and iOS devices.
According to data from independent analyst Omdia, as highlighted by Game Developer and shared via Forbes, the number of Meta Horizon app downloads dropped by 27% on Christmas Day 2024, compared to 2023. This date is historically known for being the peak period for downloads each year.
The chart from Omdia and Sensor Tower outlines significant moments in Meta’s Quest product timeline, such as the October 2020 launch of Quest 2, its record sales the next year, and the subsequent releases of Quest 3 in October 2023 and Quest 3S in October 2024.
To shed some light on the latest in their lineup, the Quest 3S is Meta’s newest mixed reality headset, featuring the Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chip found in Quest 3, while also retaining the older displays and heavier Fresnel lenses from Quest 2. It’s a good buy for only $300, but if you can stretch your budget, the $500 Quest 3 is still the way to go.
Importantly, this chart doesn’t consider re-downloads, updates, or downloads on new devices tied to existing iOS or Google Play accounts. It also overlooks scenarios where current Quest users add new devices to their accounts, like upgrading from a Quest 2 to a Quest 3S.
The Game Developer also highlights various factors that might cloud the connection between app downloads and actual headset sales. These include second-hand sales, sharing of headsets, or even non-owners downloading the app to explore the store.
Without official sales data, third-party retailer reports offer another glimpse into the market. Game Developer cites data from Amazon product pages, revealing that Meta sold over 160,000 Quest headsets in November 2024 across eight countries, marking a 16% year-over-year sales drop on Amazon. Of these, two-thirds were Quest 3S headsets, with the rest being Quest 3 units.
Interestingly, the Quest 3S led Amazon’s US console sales in 2024, outperforming the Switch, PlayStation 5 Pro, and the updated Xbox Series S and X.
Despite these successes, the decline in app downloads and the dip in year-over-year Amazon sales might suggest a waning enthusiasm compared to the Quest 2’s prime. Data from Omdia indicates that Meta more than doubled its app downloads the year following the Quest 2’s debut, nearly tripling them during the subsequent Christmas season.
The future remains uncertain, as only time will reveal how aggressively Meta will promote the Quest 3 and Quest 3S. A key strategy will involve funding exclusive, blockbuster titles that can maintain momentum throughout the lead-up to the holidays. To boost Quest 3S sales, Meta has temporarily reduced the price of its largest 256GB variant by $50, dropping it to $350. This offer includes a complimentary copy of the highly-rated Batman: Arkham Shadow and a three-month trial of Quest+, the platform’s game subscription service.
The big question is whether these trends suggest a plateau in VR popularity or a shift in what consumers prioritize. One thing remains undisputed: Meta’s Quest line continues to lead the charge in the consumer VR space.
But is that leadership position starting to change? Google probably hopes so.
