In this video, I check out the Sonicgrace S3 Duo battery head strap for the Meta Quest 3/3S. You can buy the Sonicgrace S3 Duo from:
Amazon US – S3 DUO – https://amzn.to/3ZiEJXq 10% OFF CODE: PWZR3XG7
Amazon DE – S3 DUO – https://amzn.to/4i09NCC 10% OFF CODE: DZF886H3
Amazon UK – S3 DUO – https://amzn.to/4eFQQ5h 10% OFF CODE: AJDT2QQ5
TLDR: The Sonicgrace S3 Duo head strap is an excellent upgrade for Quest 3 users, offering improved comfort, better weight distribution, and dual hot-swappable 8,000mAh batteries that double playtime. Priced at $80.99, it provides great value with thoughtful features like a magnetic charging dock and quick setup. While minor drawbacks include over-ear headphone compatibility and adjustment dial placement, the overall performance and extended battery life make it a worthwhile investment for extended VR sessions.
I’ve often found the standard Quest 3 strap uncomfortable and lacking when it comes to headset battery life. At $80.99 on Amazon US, the Sonicgrace S3 Duo promised to tackle both issues, offering premium features and build quality, at a competitive price point. It sits among some big-name rivals in the same category, so I was curious to see if it could also deliver.
Unboxing and Design
The packaging was neat and compact. Inside was the three-piece head strap, which included a soft silicone back pad, a thick memory foam top strap, and the main adjustable strap. The highlight, though, was the pair of 8,000mAh battery packs, designed to magnetically attach to the back of the head strap. These batteries promise to double the Quest 3’s playtime, and the inclusion of a dedicated dual-charging dock for the batteries was a thoughtful addition. A USB-C cable and a user manual completed the package, ensuring I had everything I needed to get started.
The S3 Duo’s design immediately impressed me. It’s clear that comfort and functionality were priorities during its development. The memory foam and silicone combination felt soft yet supportive, offering a snug fit without any noticeable pressure points. This padding, combined with the rear-mounted batteries, improved weight distribution significantly, alleviating the front-heavy feeling of the Quest 3/3S. The rear adjustment mechanism was smooth and intuitive to use, allowing me to find the perfect fit with ease. It can also be used whilst the battery is attached, which I found a great feature and shows the strap has been designed with some detail and thought in mind rather than simply copying other straps selling today.
Comfort and Build
The build quality was equally commendable. Durable materials gave the strap a robust feel, and the magnetic charging dock added a modern and practical touch. I particularly appreciated the hot-swappable battery system. The batteries attach securely yet can be swapped out in seconds without interrupting gameplay, a feature that transforms extended VR sessions. The addition of 20W fast charging was another big plus, allowing me to charge both the headset and batteries in record time – reportedly just 2.5 hours to go from empty to full.
The dock itself also seems well-designed. An LED light faces down onto a table surface underneath the dock, this glows whilst charging and turns off once charging has been completed. A simple USB-C connection is located at the back and the whole dock has a minimalist aesthetic to it. Mixed with the four front-facing LEDs of each battery pack, its minimal, but it carries just enough information to keep up to date with each battery’s charging state.
Quick and Easy Setup
Setting up the S3 Duo was a straightforward process. Attaching the back pad and threading the top strap through the Quest 3 was simple, though removing the facial interface first made it easier to align everything properly. Snapping the strap arms into place felt secure, and once I connected a charged battery pack and plugged it into the headset, I was ready to dive in.
Performance and Battery Life
From the moment I put on the S3 Duo, the difference was night and day when compared to using a default soft strap. The balanced weight distribution was immediately noticeable, making the headset feel lighter and more comfortable during extended sessions. The top strap padding felt luxurious, and the reduction in pressure on my face allowed me to immerse myself more fully in games.
The hot-swappable batteries worked as promised, each providing three to four additional hours of playtime. Swapping them mid-game was quick and hassle-free, which eliminated the annoyance of low battery warnings. Being able to rotate between charged batteries also means you can play without any battery anxiety.
What Could Be Improved
Despite these positives, the S3 Duo isn’t perfect. One challenge I encountered was the compatibility with over-ear headphones. The strap’s thick top pad and side rail design can interfere with achieving a proper fit and seal, which might be frustrating for those who prefer over-ear audio. However, this is a common trait of Elite-style head straps for the Quest 3/3S.
Additionally, the placement of the rear adjustment dial can be a bit awkward when a battery pack is attached, requiring some manoeuvring to make adjustments. Due to the premium gear system, the strap can not be pushed inwards for quick tightening – a trait/flaw with cheaper gears in head straps, but a convenience nonetheless.
While I didn’t experience ear rubbing personally, I’ve seen others mention this as a potential issue with similar head straps, so it’s worth keeping in mind. Although the battery can be removed, if you can’t stop the charge to the Quest headset, which is a shame if you want to maintain the counterbalance but not charge the Quest at the same time. A simple press of the status button would have sufficed.
The S3 Duo is confirmed to work with the upcoming Quest 3S, but with the removal of the headphone jack on this headset, there will be a hole on the right side, from the strap having a cutout specifically for this headphone port on the Quest 3.
Verdict: Is It Worth It?
Overall, the Sonicgrace S3 Duo head strap is a fantastic upgrade for Quest 3 users. Its combination of exceptional comfort, extended battery life, and innovative hot-swappable battery system make it a compelling choice at its price point. At $80.99 from Amazon, it’s a great value compared to premium options from more established brands. While there are minor drawbacks, they pale in comparison to the significant improvements it offers.
If you’re looking to enhance your Quest 3 experience with better comfort and longer playtime, the S3 Duo is a worthy investment that delivers on its promises.
TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 – Brief overview
0:31 – Unboxing
1:02 – Installation
3:50 – Fit & Comfort
5:07 – Battery Pack
6:59 – Charging Dock
8:33 – My impressions
