Oculus Quest 2 Vs Pico 4 Which Has Better App Ecosystem In 2025

As virtual reality becomes more accessible and integrated into daily life, the choice of headset significantly impacts user experience—especially when it comes to available apps, games, productivity tools, and long-term software support. In 2025, two headsets remain prominent among standalone VR users: the Meta Oculus Quest 2 and the Pico 4. While both offer compelling hardware, the real differentiator for many consumers lies in the app ecosystem. This article dives deep into the current state of each platform’s software environment, examining content breadth, developer engagement, regional availability, and future outlook to determine which system delivers a richer, more sustainable app experience.

Market Position and Platform Evolution

The Oculus Quest 2, launched in 2020, was a game-changer for consumer VR. Backed by Meta (formerly Facebook), it established a dominant position in the global market with aggressive pricing, strong marketing, and early developer incentives. By 2023, it had become the most widely adopted standalone VR headset, creating a massive user base that attracted developers across gaming, fitness, education, and enterprise sectors.

In contrast, Pico 4 emerged in late 2022 as a direct competitor from ByteDance, the Chinese tech giant behind TikTok. Initially focused on the Asian market, Pico has gradually expanded into Europe and parts of the Middle East. However, due to geopolitical and regulatory factors, Pico remains largely unavailable in the U.S., limiting its global reach. Despite this, Pico has invested heavily in cultivating its own ecosystem, particularly through partnerships with local studios and government-backed educational initiatives in China.

By 2025, the divergence between these platforms is stark: one thrives on global scale and third-party innovation, while the other grows steadily within a protected but expanding regional market.

App Quantity and Content Diversity

When evaluating an app ecosystem, raw numbers matter—but so does quality and category diversity. As of early 2025, the Meta Quest Store hosts over 500 officially listed applications and games, excluding those available via sideloading or enterprise channels. This includes major titles like *Beat Saber*, *Resident Evil 4 VR*, *Gorilla Tag*, and *The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners*. Beyond entertainment, the store features robust offerings in fitness (*Supernatural*, *FitXR*), meditation (*Tripp*, *Guided Meditation VR*), and professional tools (*Spatial*, *Immersive Therapy*).

Pico’s official app library, known as the Pico Store, lists approximately 300 apps. While growing, the catalog leans heavily toward fitness, education, and media consumption. Popular entries include *Zenith: The Last City*, *OhShape*, and localized versions of international hits. However, many Western-developed titles are either delayed or absent due to certification requirements and regional licensing restrictions.

Tip: Always check regional availability before purchasing a VR headset—some apps may never launch on certain platforms due to legal or business constraints.

Comparison of Key App Categories

Category	Oculus Quest 2 (Meta Quest Store)	Pico 4 (Pico Store)
Gaming	Extensive; AAA ports, indie darlings, social experiences	Moderate; fewer high-profile releases, some delays
Fitness	Wide selection with subscription models and live classes	Strong focus; native integration with Chinese health platforms
Productivity	Well-supported; remote work tools, virtual desktops	Limited; mostly enterprise-focused deployments
Education	Good range; language learning, anatomy, history tours	Excellent in China; government-backed curriculum apps
Social & Communication	Highly developed; Horizon Worlds, Messenger Rooms	Minimal; no equivalent to Horizon Worlds outside Asia
Entertainment (Video/Music)	YouTube VR, Netflix, Spotify supported	Baidu, iQIYI, Douyin VR; limited Western services

The data shows that while Pico excels in specific verticals—particularly fitness and education within China—the Oculus Quest 2 maintains a broader, more balanced ecosystem catering to global tastes and use cases.

Developer Support and Innovation Incentives

A thriving app ecosystem depends not just on existing content, but on ongoing developer investment. Meta continues to fund independent studios through its **VR for Good** initiative and offers grants for inclusive design and accessibility features. Additionally, Unity and Unreal Engine provide first-class support for Quest development, including optimized SDKs and performance profiling tools.

Pico has responded with its own developer program, offering up to $1 million in funding for select projects targeting the Chinese market. It also runs annual “Pico Developer Challenges” to stimulate innovation in areas like spatial computing and AI-driven avatars. However, access to these programs often requires Mandarin fluency and local incorporation, creating barriers for international developers.

“Meta’s open developer portal and consistent API updates make it easier to build and maintain cross-platform VR apps.” — Lena Torres, Lead Developer at NovaXR Studios

Another critical factor is update frequency. As of 2025, Meta pushes monthly system updates that improve app compatibility, security, and performance. Pico releases updates quarterly, sometimes lagging behind in adopting new OpenXR standards or WebXR integrations.

Real Example: Launching a Cross-Platform Fitness App

Consider a hypothetical startup developing a full-body motion tracking fitness app. On the Oculus Quest 2, they can leverage Meta’s Hand Tracking API, integrate with Apple Health via cloud sync, and monetize through in-app purchases with minimal friction. They launch globally with day-one support in North America, Europe, and Australia.

Porting the same app to Pico 4 requires reworking the UI for simplified Chinese, submitting documentation to Beijing-based reviewers, and navigating payment processing through Alipay or WeChat Pay. Even then, approval isn’t guaranteed. As a result, many developers prioritize Meta’s platform first—if they consider Pico at all.

Future Outlook and Ecosystem Longevity

One often overlooked aspect of app ecosystems is longevity. The Oculus Quest 2, though officially succeeded by the Quest 3, continues to receive full software support through at least 2027. Meta has committed to maintaining backward compatibility, ensuring that even older devices benefit from new apps and security patches.

Pico 4 faces uncertainty. While ByteDance reaffirmed its commitment to VR in early 2025, the company has shifted focus toward AI-powered AR glasses for 2026. There are signs that Pico may transition into a secondary product line rather than a flagship platform. This potential lack of long-term vision discourages sustained developer investment.

Step-by-Step Guide: Choosing Based on App Needs

1. Identify your primary use case: Are you using VR mainly for gaming, fitness, work, or education?
2. Check regional availability: Is your country supported by both platforms? Can you access desired streaming services?
3. Research top apps: Make a list of must-have applications and verify their presence and version parity on each store.
4. Evaluate update frequency: Look at recent patch notes—how often are apps updated on each platform?
5. Assess community size: Larger user bases typically mean better multiplayer experiences and faster bug reporting.
6. Consider sideloading options: Both platforms allow APK installation, but Meta’s SideQuest community is far larger and better documented.
7. Plan for the future: Will this headset still be supported in three years? Does the company have a clear roadmap?

Tip: If you rely on niche or productivity apps, test them via free trials before committing to a platform.

FAQ

Can I install Oculus apps on Pico 4?

Technically, yes—through sideloading tools like Pico SideQuest or第三方 (third-party) loaders. However, compatibility is inconsistent, and many apps fail to run due to differences in firmware, DRM, or sensor calibration. Performance may also suffer.

Is the Pico Store growing faster than the Quest Store?

In terms of percentage growth, yes—Pico’s store added about 60 new apps in 2024, a 15% increase. But the Quest Store added over 80, maintaining its lead in absolute volume. Growth rate alone doesn’t compensate for starting from a smaller base.

Will Pico ever match Oculus in app variety?

Outside of China, it’s unlikely in the near term. Without access to the U.S. market and constrained by slower developer adoption, Pico lacks the network effects needed to close the gap. Within China, however, it already rivals or exceeds Quest’s localized offerings.

Checklist: Evaluating VR App Ecosystems

• ✅ Confirm availability of your top 5 must-have apps
• ✅ Verify language and region settings for media apps
• ✅ Check if multiplayer or social features are active
• ✅ Review average update frequency for core apps
• ✅ Investigate sideloading options and community tools
• ✅ Assess customer support responsiveness for app issues
• ✅ Look into developer roadmaps and platform commitment

Conclusion: Which Has the Better App Ecosystem in 2025?

After thorough analysis, the Oculus Quest 2 emerges as the clear leader in app ecosystem strength for 2025—not because of superior hardware, but due to its unmatched combination of global reach, developer support, content diversity, and forward-looking platform policies. Its extensive library spans gaming, fitness, productivity, and social interaction, supported by a vibrant community and consistent updates.

Pico 4 holds strong appeal in specific markets, particularly China, where its integration with local services and emphasis on education and wellness create a tailored experience. For users within its supported regions who prioritize fitness and domestic content, it remains a viable alternative. However, its limited international presence, restricted developer access, and uncertain long-term strategy prevent it from competing on equal footing with Meta’s ecosystem.

Ultimately, if app availability, variety, and future-proofing are priorities, the Oculus Quest 2 continues to offer the most reliable and expansive standalone VR experience in 2025—even as newer models enter the market.

💬 Have you switched from Quest to Pico or vice versa? Share your experience with app availability and performance—we’d love to hear what works (or doesn’t) for you.