The Oculus Quest 1 and Oculus Quest 2 offer the possibility of playing in virtual reality in excellent conditions but in a limited period of time by an internal battery that is ultimately not very powerful. Depending on the type of experience (videos, streaming, games, etc.) and the chosen refresh rate (72/90/120 Hz), the native autonomy of the two headsets varies between two and three hours. If this is enough, overall, some want to play longer without being afraid of running out of fuel or simply do not have access to a power outlet to recharge between two uses. In principle, the solution is quite simple since it suffices to invest in an external battery. But which one to choose? This is the question we will answer in the rest of this article and in this video.
The choice of battery will depend on your expectations in terms of duration and the method of attachment to your helmet. In the list below, you will have our selection of three models tested and approved by us whether for personal use or during VR demonstrations at the shows in which we participate.. We have not encountered any failures or loss of capacity to date even on batteries over three years old. Note, the VR Power VR 2a battery designed for the Quest 2 by Rebuff Reality was not retained in our selection because it costs 70.50 euros (excluding postage), which is far too expensive.
- Pxwaxpy Wireless Power Bank (33800 mAh) : the largest – €29.95 incl. tax
Last arrival in our stock, this battery is exceptional in terms of load capacity. During our last show, we used twelve of them over two days (2x10H in a row) without recharging them on Saturday evening (voluntarily) and only three of them withdrew on the way (after about 5 p.m. ‘use). With its 392 grams, it is rather advisable to wear it on the belt, in a pocket or even via a fastening system such as a strap. It can charge five devices at the same time via its two Type-C 3A and USB 2.1A 25W PD and QC 4.0 input ports. Small bonus, not useful for the Oculus Quest, it allows wireless charging (Qi 15W).
- Anker PowerCore External Battery (20100mAh) : the indestructible classic – €35.99 incl. tax
We have been using this range of batteries since 2018 and none have let us down to date. Of undeniable reliability, its dimensions also serve as a basis for numerous fixings on the back of the helmet straps or even on the top (BoboVR M2). With a reasonable capacity, it allows you to last a good day with your headphones without having to recharge it. It is not too heavy with a weight of 331 grams. The two current downsides to this model are the price, which is higher than the larger model presented above, and the reloading time, which borders on six or even seven hours.
- Charmast Power Bank Quick Charge 3.0 (23800 mAh) : the most tech with its display – €29.99 incl. tax
This battery is physically a bit larger than theAnker but it offers one more charge cycle to our VR headset. Its digital display, admittedly a bit of a gadget, is very practical for precisely viewing the charge level of the latter. With its 386 grams, this battery is rather intended to be worn on the belt, in a pocket or even via a fastening system. It has three USB-A ports including one for fast charging, a USB-C port (functional in input and output) and a Micro-USB port for charging only. If the model pxwaxpy wasn’t cheaper and didn’t have much more load, for a lesser price it would be the perfect model.
- Omars External Battery (10000mAh) : the smallest in size and weight – €18.88 incl. tax
This battery is practical due to its light weight of 190 grams and its connectors. Its capacity makes it possible to triple the initial duration of autonomy. It allows you to charge up to three devices at a time thanks to its USB-C port (input and output) and its two USB-A. It is ideal to be attached to his helmet (via velcrofor example) and thus allow not to have a wire dangling to your pocket or a support.
How to use your external battery?
Overall, there are two ways to connect your external battery to your virtual reality headset: either by connecting it directly to your VR headset, or by carrying it on your person.. In the first case, the headband used will determine where the battery will be attached and how it can be attached. You will also need to buy a short USB-C to USB-A cable so as not to have a mess of cable turns on your head and provide Velcro-type tapes to fix them. In the second, to store it, you can use an external accessory or, less expensive, your jeans pockets, the space between your belt and your belly or even a sweatshirt hood. With these solutions, it is necessary, this time, to turn to a cable between 1 and 1.50 meters.
- backpack strap : original and not too expensive €25.81 incl. tax (premium)
This harness is made of diving material, perforated and breathable (neoprene). It allows you to carry the battery on your back and therefore not support the weight of it, even if it is large, on your head.
- Power Bank Holder : for those who don’t like “tinkering” €35.99 incl. tax
For the price, you will receive a battery holder that can be attached to almost all current straps. It is compatible with the BoboVR M2. Convenient if you are not a handyman, but our solutions made with Velcro tape are just as good and above all much cheaper (see below).
- Pack of three USB Type A to USB Type C cables (30, 50 and 150 cm) : €9.95 incl. tax
We use these cables TECHGEAR since last year and, in addition to giving perfect satisfaction, none has broken as is too often the case with other models. For the price, there are three cables of different lengths which will allow you to use the one that will be most suitable for the chosen location.
- Cable tie tape (velcro) repositionable 20 mm x 10 m : €10.77 incl. tax
This repositionable ribbon makes it possible to manufacture a fastening system for its batteries. It is thus very simple to attach one to the headband or strap of your Oculus Quest 1 or 2.
- Cable tie tape (velcro) repositionable 12.5 mm x 5 m : €7.55 incl. tax
This repositionable ribbon makes it possible to manufacture a fastening system for its batteries. It is thus very simple to attach one to the headband or strap of your Oculus Quest 1 or 2.
To get an illustrated idea of the different ways to fix your external battery, we invite you to look at our dedicated video on the channel Youtube of the site.
In this product segment, there really is no choice. There is the official version (Elite Strap with built-in battery) and the BoboVR M2 Pro.
- Oculus strap Oculus Quest 2 elite strap + battery : 109 €
This official strap has a design flaw that causes it to break easily at the clamping branches. Even if Oculus ensures a standard exchange without problem, this does not solve the main problem of breakage. Additionally, the included battery is quite small and barely doubles the usage time for a very interminable charging time. In short, the Elite Strap with, or without a battery, is to be avoided.
- BoboVR M2 Pro : currently available at €89.90 at the house of cdiscount
The strap BoboVR M2 Pro is a variant of the excellent webbing BoboVR M2 which allows you to wear your VR headset comfortably without having your face compressed. There is, in addition, a removable and magnetic 5400 mAh battery, which triples the playing time and changes in seconds (if you buy an additional battery). This solution is aesthetic and easy to use, but the battery is a bit small in our eyes.
If you haven’t taken the plunge yet, you can treat yourself to a Oculus Quest 2 at the house of Bakerthe Fnac, Darty Where Amazon for €349.99.