We have a good match up today, the Globular Cluster CMQ3 VS Kiwi Design H4 Boost. These are two solid head straps for your Meta Quest 3 and 3s head sets. Each are a halo type strap but that is almost the only similarity between these two. I’ll break it down for you in this article but also show you the differences in the video below.
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Globular Cluster CMQ3
Kiwi Design H4 Boost
| Feature | Globular Cluster CMQ3 | KIWI Design H4 Boost |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Halo | Halo |
| Compatibility | Meta Quest 3 / 3S | Meta Quest 3 / 3S |
| Weight | ~400 grams (with battery) | ~450 g |
| Battery | Anker Nano – 5000 mAh | 5300 mAh – Dual Charging System |
| Playtime (Added) | ~2 Hours (can have multiple batteries) | ~2 Hours |
| Adjustability / Fit | Multiple forehead & rear pads, 2 top straps, configurable for different head shapes | Adaptive front headrest, adjustment knob, tilt & FOV adjustments |
| Price (Typical) | ~$75 (with battery) | $80 |
| Focus / Strengths | Takes pressure off face, multiple pad options, lightweight comfort | All-in-one comfort + battery solution; Dual-Boost charging convenience |
Overview
- Globular Cluster CMQ3 — a comfort-focused halo strap that emphasizes padding choices, replaceable forehead and rear pads, and a lightweight balanced fit. It’s aimed at people who want to tune comfort and hygiene (washable pads) without adding a lot of bulk or integrated electronics.
- KIWI Design H4 Boost — a halo battery head-strap that integrates a battery, dual-fast charging, and an adjustable frame intended to eliminate facial pressure and extend playtime by roughly 2–2.5 hours depending on use. It’s a full-feature accessory for users who want longer sessions and the convenience of charging through the strap.
Design & Comfort
Globular Cluster CMQ3
The Globular Cluster CMQ3 does not have a complicated design. However, it works with efficiency to make your experience light and comfortable. It has a mini strap to connect to the top of the head set which helps to decrease extra movement. The top strap is also great for dispersing pressure across your head instead of just all on the forehead and back of the head.
Coming in at just ~400 grams with the battery, the CMQ3 is one of the lightest halo style straps with a battery. This light weight makes it awesome for both active and more relaxed games. The other night I watched a baseball game using my Quest 3 and the CMQ3 head strap. It was not bothersome at all because of the light weight.
The various options of forehead pads, top straps, and back pads make this head strap awesome for getting the fit and feel that you like. I prefer one of the fabric pads, but the leather one is great for more active games if you are going to be sweating. I haven’t seen any other head strap have so many options.
H4 Boost
Built as a halo strap with an adaptive front headrest and soft adaptable rear cushion. KIWI markets it as “zero facial pressure” by shifting weight to the halo. The forehead pad on the H4 boost is one of a kind. It features an oval pad with a hole in the middle. Every other halo type head strap I’ve reviewed is one large forehead pad. This new design allows for more heat dissipation and less sweat on the forehead. Since it is set off the forehead bar and can pivot, it allows for better forming to your head.
There is also a top strap (that is not padded), and a rear pad that is nice and thick as Kiwi always has. The rear pad has flexible pivot points like the forehead pad does so it can fit better to the back of your head.
The side pivot points of the head strap do move up and down but not as much as the CMQ3 or many other head straps I’ve used. Sometimes I do wish it would go lower on the back of my head.
The H4 Boost comes in at a weight of ~450 grams. About the average weight for a halo type head strap.
Verdict: The CMQ3 is lighter and more modular with the different padding options. The H4 has better flexibility and adjustability.
Battery, charging & playtime
CMQ3
Globular Cluster has opted to go with a trusted third-party for their batteries. They have made a perfect size cradle for the Anker Nano power bank. Anker is one of the most trusted power bank producers in the world. The Anker Nano is 5000 mAh which will give you roughly an extra 1.5-2 hours of play time.
Though it is not “hot-swappable” like some head straps are, you can purchase multiple of these batteries to have on the side and ready to go when one goes dead. I call it “swappable” as you need to unplug and plug in a new one. It isn’t magnetic like some are.
Anker Battery
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/47eHPhF (I saw it on sale on Oct. 20, 2025, for $16. When I recorded the video, it was $23 so my numbers will be a little different)
Amazon Canada: https://amzn.to/3WJCSIS
H4 Boost
The H4 Boost has an integrated 5300 mAh battery. Since it is integrated, it cannot be removed or swapped out. It will get you roughly 2 hours of extra play time.
The new Kiwi battery head straps have a dual-charging system. This means that you can leave the H4 Boost plugged into your head set at all times. When you need to charge, just plug your power cord into the H4 Boost and you will be able to charge both the head set and the head strap at the same time. It doesn’t charge one through the other, it has two charging chips that allow for them both to be charging. With a 45W charger, you can have both the head set and the head strap fully charged within 2.5 hours.
Verdict: H4 Boost wins if you want built-in battery and fast charging. CMQ3 needs a separate battery but you can have multiple on the side ready to go.
Fit, adjustability & compatibility
Both are designed for Meta Quest 3 and 3S and attach cleanly to the headset mounting points. The H4 Boost clips over the side arms while the CMQ3 has friction grips that slide through the arms.
I found the CMQ3 to be easier to adjust in order to get it into a comfortable position. The H4 Boost is definitely capable but just takes a little more tweaking.
Between the two, I have noticed the CMQ3 to be a bit more stiff (in a good way) in terms of movement while playing more active games. There is less movement when looking down while playing golf as an example.
Price & Value
The Kiwi Design H4 Boost comes in at $80 USD (use the promo code BRIANSLOAN to get 10% off on their website).
The Globular Cluster CMQ3 is $55 plus another ~$20 for the battery (the battery price fluctuates but I have seen it as low as $16).
The Globular Cluster (with the batter) is still about $5 cheaper than the H4 Booster. This does make them very similar in price.
Who should buy which?
- Buy Globular Cluster CMQ3 if: you care most about a lightweight, highly tweakable comfort mod, want washable pad options, and prefer adding a battery only if/when needed. Great for people who prioritize minimal bulk and optional multiple batteries.
- Buy KIWI Design H4 Boost if: you want a single strap that adds significant battery life, fast charging, and an immediately noticeable “zero-facial-pressure” halo fit. and don’t mind a bit more weight for those benefits. Ideal for long sessions and users who prefer a simple head strap charging solution as you will only need to plug in one thing.
Where to Buy the Globular Cluster CMQ3 and the Kiwi Design H4 Boost
Globular Cluster CMQ3:
Kiwi Design H4 Boost:
Final Take
Both straps really improve the Quest 3/3S experience versus the stock strap. The end goal is the same but how they approach the problem is different. The CMQ3 focuses on simplicity in design with options in padding. The H4 Boost boasts an advanced charging system and adjustable pads. With the price point being similar, it makes the battle between these two even closer.
In the end, I personally like the CMQ3 a bit more. I usually have the CMQ3 on my Quest 3 and the H4 Boost on my Quest 3s. The lighter weight, padding options, and ability to have multiple extra batteries ready makes it the winner for me!
Check out my full individual reviews of each of them here:
Check out my other VR Accessory Reviews Here!
