Compare Apple Vision Pro M5 vs Valve Index
In this technical comparison between the Apple Vision Pro M5 and the Valve Index, we analyze the key features to help you choose.
The display is a highlight, featuring a resolution of 23 million pixels total (approx. 3660×3200 per eye) for the Vision Pro M5 versus 2880 × 1600 total (1440 × 1600 per eye) for the Index.
Choosing between these two VR Headsets models often comes down to your budget, with prices around 3499 USD and $999 (Full Kit) / $499 (Headset Only) at launch.
| Specifications |
Apple Vision Pro M5 |
Valve Index |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Launch | ||
| Release Version | October, 2025 | June 2019 |
| Display | ||
| Sensor Technology | Micro-OLED (3D display system) | Dual 1440 x 1600 RGB LCDs |
| Image Resolution | 23 million pixels total (approx. 3660×3200 per eye) | 2880 × 1600 total (1440 × 1600 per eye) |
| Refresh rate | 90Hz, 96Hz, 100Hz, and 120Hz | 80Hz, 90Hz, 120Hz, and an experimental 144Hz mode |
| Field of view | ~100° Horizontal | ~130° |
| Brightness | ~5,000 nits (internal) / ~100 nits (perceived) | Not officially rated in nits |
| HDR | Yes (Supports Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HLG) | Not supported |
| Optics | ||
| Lens type | Custom Three-element Catadioptric (Pancake-style) | Custom Double Element Fresnel (Canted design) |
| IPD adjustment | Automatic/Electronic (51mm–75mm) | Physical slider (58mm – 70mm) |
| Eye relief | Adjustable via Light Seal sizes & magnetic ZEISS inserts | Physical knob to move lenses closer/further from eyes to maximize FOV |
| Tracking & Input | ||
| Tracking type | 6DoF Inside-out (12 cameras, 5 sensors) | SteamVR Tracking 2.0 (Outside-in via Base Stations) |
| Controller tracking | No physical controllers (Supports PS/Xbox gamepads) | "Knuckles" Controllers with 87 sensors for individual finger tracking |
| Hand tracking | Yes (High-precision gesture system) | Supported via external cameras/SDKs (experimental) |
| Eye tracking | Yes (High-performance LED/IR camera system) | Not supported |
| Facial tracking | Yes (Used for "Persona" avatars and EyeSight) | Not supported natively |
| Performance | ||
| Processor / Chipset | Apple M5 chip + Apple R1 chip (12ms latency) | None (PC-powered) |
| RAM | 16 GB Unified Memory | PC Dependent (Minimum 8GB+ recommended) |
| Storage | 256 GB, 512 GB, or 1 TB | None |
| Mixed Reality Features | ||
| Passthrough | Real-time 4K Stereoscopic Color Passthrough | Dual 960x960 RGB global shutter cameras |
| Depth sensing | LiDAR Scanner + TrueDepth camera system | Software-based (Stereoscopic) |
| Audio | ||
| Built-in audio | Dual-driver Spatial Audio pods | Integrated Off-Ear Balanced Mode Radiators (BMR) (Non-contact) |
| 3.5mm jack | No (Supports AirPods Pro with H2 ultra-low latency) | Yes |
| Mic | Six-microphone array with directional beamforming | Dual microphone array (High fidelity) |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired | Proprietary Battery Connector (USB-C on the battery) | 5-meter tether (DisplayPort 1.2, USB 3.0, 12V Power) |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Not supported |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.3 | Yes (For Base Station control) |
| PCVR support | Official Mac Virtual Display (Supports Ultra-wide 4K/5K) | Native (SteamVR) |
| Compatibility | ||
| Platforms | App Store (visionOS), iPad/iPhone App Support | SteamVR |
| Supported OS | visionOS 2.0 or later | Windows 10, Windows 11, Linux (SteamOS) |
| Comfort | ||
| Weight | 750 – 800 g (with Light Seal and Head Band) | 809g |
| Strap type | Solo Knit Band and Dual Knit Band (Included) | Rigid head strap with rear adjustment dial |
| Face interface | Magnetic "Light Seal" (Various sizes) | Antimicrobial fabric "Face Gasket" (Magnetic and replaceable) |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 2.5 hours general use / 3 hours video | N/A (Headset is wired); Controllers last ~7–8 hours |
| Charging method | USB-C (via external battery pack) | USB-C (for controllers) |
| External battery support | Required (Headset is tethered to external pack) | N/A |
| Misc | ||
| Inside the box | Headset, Battery, Solo/Dual Bands, Light Seal, Cover | (Full Kit): Headset, 2x Controllers, 2x SteamVR 2.0 Base Stations, Power Adapters, Face Gasket, Cleaning Cloth |
| Price | 3499 USD | $999 (Full Kit) / $499 (Headset Only) at launch |
| Full Details | Vision Pro M5 - Full Specifications | Index - Full Specifications |