Virtual reality (VR) enthusiasts are always on the lookout for the best VR headset in the market. Two of the most popular options are HTC’s Vive Pro and Valve’s Index.
Both headsets have their own unique features and advantages, but which one is better? In this article, we will compare the Vive Pro and Valve Index to help you decide which one is a better fit for your VR needs.
Design and Comfort
When it comes to design, both headsets have a sleek and modern look. The Vive Pro has a matte black finish with blue accents while the Valve Index has a glossy black finish with small fringes of blue. The Vive Pro is heavier than the Valve Index, weighing in at 1.37 pounds compared to the latter’s 1.78 pounds.
In terms of comfort, both headsets have adjustable straps that allow you to customize how tight or loose they fit on your head. However, the Valve Index takes comfort to another level by providing an adjustable knob at the back of the headset that allows you to adjust the distance between your eyes and lenses.
Display Quality
The Vive Pro has a resolution of 1440 x 1600 pixels per eye while the Valve Index has a resolution of 1440 x 1600 pixels per eye as well. However, what sets them apart is their refresh rates. The Vive Pro has a refresh rate of 90Hz while the Valve Index has an impressive refresh rate of 120Hz.
The higher refresh rate on Valve Index means smoother motion and less motion sickness when compared to Vive Pro. Also, it provides brighter colors and sharper images due to its LCD screens instead of OLEDs used in HTC’s device.
Controllers
Both headsets come with their own set of controllers. The Vive Pro uses HTC’s Vive Wand controllers while Valve Index uses its own Index controllers.
The Vive Wand controllers have a touchpad and a trigger button, while the Index controllers have a joystick, buttons, and finger tracking. The finger tracking on Valve Index’s controllers allows for more natural hand movements in VR, giving you a more immersive experience.
Tracking
Both headsets use external base stations for tracking. The Vive Pro uses HTC’s SteamVR Tracking 1.0 while Valve Index uses SteamVR Tracking 2.0.
SteamVR Tracking 2.0 provides better accuracy and range than the first version, allowing for more freedom of movement in VR and less chance of losing tracking.
Price
The cost of the Vive Pro depends on which package you choose. The headset alone costs $799 while the full kit that comes with base stations and controllers costs $1399.
On the other hand, Valve Index’s full kit comes with everything included at a price of $999 which is cheaper than Vive Pro’s full package but still expensive when compared to other VR headsets in the market.
The Verdict
Both Vive Pro and Valve Index are great VR headsets with their own unique features that make them stand out from each other. If you’re looking for comfort, then Valve Index might be your perfect choice due to its adjustable back knob. If display quality is important then Valve index wins again due to its high refresh rates and LCD displays.
However, if you’re looking for cheaper options then there are better ones available in the market right now like Oculus Quest 2 or Rift S. In conclusion, it all comes down to your personal preferences as both headsets offer great VR experiences but it’s up to you to decide which suits your needs better.