The Verge’s review of Meta Quest Pro and Horizon Worlds examined comfort, performance, and the state of the metaverse
A recent tech review looked at Meta’s Quest Pro headset and the Horizon Worlds metaverse, focusing on how the device performs in real use and what it means for future virtual experiences. The piece notes that Meta’s hardware is aimed at more immersive interactions, but it also raises questions about practicality and value in today’s market. In Russia, Meta’s apps have faced restrictions, and the surrounding controversy shapes the discussion around any Meta product.
The reviewer highlights several ergonomic concerns. The Quest Pro is described as a heavy device, tipping the scales at over seven hundred grams. That heft translates to noticeable neck fatigue after extended wear, and some users report pressure on the forehead during longer sessions. Battery life also comes up as a drawback, with the device delivering roughly two hours of usage between charges, a gap that stands out when compared with earlier models in the Quest line.
Among the advantages, the reviewer points to improved controller input and a facial expression recognition feature. The latter is labeled as intriguing rather than fully reliable, as it frequently encounters glitches that limit its usefulness in a broad range of applications at present.
Overall, the review assigns a modest score to the Quest Pro, reflecting its mixed reception among critics. The evaluation process also includes testing how the device pairs with Horizon Worlds, Meta’s social VR space, which the reviewer extended to a few colleagues for feedback. The consensus among the testers was disappointment with Horizon Worlds in its current form, particularly regarding user experience and stability.
Technical concerns about the metaverse stand out in the critique. Difficulties were noted when attempting to connect to various modules, including Workrooms, a VR space designed for business meetings. Animations for 3D characters were described as subpar, and some of the social features appear not to meet the expectations of younger users, a factor that weighs heavily on the platform’s broader appeal. After the hands-on testing, the team gathered in a virtual lobby to share impressions, and a recording of that discussion was included in the review for readers who want a deeper understanding of the testers’ reactions.
One tester summarized the situation bluntly: questions about serious decision-making under the current conditions seem impractical. A senior editor from the publication echoed this sentiment, suggesting that Meta should consider closing Horizon Worlds and offering something vastly improved instead of merely incrementally better. The response to the project’s scale is pointed: Meta reportedly invested around ten billion dollars in its development. A strong voice in the discussion asserted that the money might be better spent elsewhere, describing Horizon Worlds as one of the most flawed projects in history from their perspective.
Background notes indicate broader industry debates about how much value large investments in virtual reality metaverses deliver today. The coverage frames the Quest Pro as a snapshot of where Meta stands in bridging hardware with social software, while inviting readers to weigh the potential of future iterations against the current limitations that testers encountered. The narrative remains focused on user experience, hardware practicality, and the evolving expectations for how social VR platforms should function in a broader digital ecosystem.
Historically, Meta’s initiatives in mixed reality have drawn substantial attention and criticism alike. Observers continue to watch how the company evolves its hardware line and whether Horizon Worlds can become a more stable, widely adopted space for collaboration and entertainment. As the dialogue about immersive technology moves forward, the review reinforces the idea that hardware capability must align with compelling, reliable software if such platforms are to gain lasting traction in diverse audiences across North America and beyond.