Are you planning to buy a virtual reality headset but confused about which one to choose? The HTC Vive and Oculus Rift S are two of the most popular VR headsets available in the market. In this article, we will compare these two headsets based on their features and performance to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Comfort
The HTC Vive has a bulkier design compared to the Oculus Rift S. It has a large headset with front-facing cameras and sensors, and it has a separate base station that needs to be mounted for tracking. The Oculus Rift S, on the other hand, has a sleek design with cameras integrated into the headset itself for tracking.
Both headsets come with adjustable straps, but the Oculus Rift S has a more comfortable fit as it distributes weight evenly across your head. The HTC Vive can feel heavy after extended use.
Display
Both headsets have impressive displays with a resolution of 1440 x 1600 pixels per eye. However, the Oculus Rift S uses an LCD panel compared to the OLED panel used in the HTC Vive. This means that the blacks are not as deep in the Rift S as they are in the Vive.
Tracking
The HTC Vive uses external base stations for tracking, which provides room-scale VR where you can move around freely within your play area. The Oculus Rift S uses inside-out tracking technology, which means that it uses cameras on the headset itself for tracking.
While both methods have their advantages and disadvantages, inside-out tracking is more convenient as you don’t need any external sensors or equipment set up in your room.
Controllers
The controllers of both headsets are similar in terms of functionality. However, the Oculus Touch controllers have better ergonomics and feel more natural in your hand compared to the bulky HTC Vive controllers.
Software and Content
Both headsets use the same software platform, SteamVR, which offers a vast library of VR games and applications. However, Oculus has its own exclusive titles that can only be played on their headset.
Price
The HTC Vive is more expensive than the Oculus Rift S. The Vive costs around $599 while the Rift S costs around $399.
Conclusion
Both the HTC Vive and Oculus Rift S are excellent VR headsets, but they have their strengths and weaknesses. If you prioritize room-scale VR and don’t mind spending extra money, the HTC Vive might be a good option for you. But if you want a more comfortable headset with inside-out tracking technology at an affordable price, then go for the Oculus Rift S.