In this technical comparison between the HP Reverb G2 and the Pico 4, we analyze the key features to help you choose.
The display is a highlight, featuring a resolution of 2160 × 2160 per eye (4320 × 2160 combined) for the Reverb G2 versus 2160 × 2160 per eye (4320 × 2160 combined) for the 4.
Choosing between these two VR Headsets models often comes down to your budget, with prices around Originally $599 and $349 - $399 USD.
| Specifications |
HP Reverb G2 |
Pico 4 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Launch | ||
| Version | May 2020 | October 2022 |
| Display | ||
| Type | Dual 2.89-inch LCD Panels (Full RGB Stripe) | Dual 2.56-inch Fast-LCD Panels |
| Resolution | 2160 × 2160 per eye (4320 × 2160 combined) | 2160 × 2160 per eye (4320 × 2160 combined) |
| Refresh rate | 90Hz | 72Hz / 90Hz |
| Field of view | 114° (Diagonal) | 105° (Diagonal) |
| Brightness | High-luminance (optimized for simulation environments) | 1200 PPI (Pixels Per Degree); 20.6 PPD |
| HDR | No | No |
| Optics | ||
| Lens type | Valve-designed Fresnel Lenses (High-clarity "sweet spot") | Pancake Lenses |
| IPD adjustment | Manual slider (60mm – 68mm) | Motorized stepless adjustment via software menu (62mm - 72mm) |
| Eye relief | Adjustable via removable magnetic face gasket spacer (on V2 model) | Includes a glasses spacer; slim profile allows for close fit |
| Tracking & Input | ||
| Tracking type | 6-DOF Inside-out via 4 cameras | 6-DOF Inside-out tracking via 4 monochrome cameras |
| Controller tracking | 6-DOF Reverb G2 Controllers (included) | 6-DOF PICO 4 Haptic Controllers (Infrared ring design) |
| Hand tracking | No | Yes |
| Eye tracking | No | No |
| Facial tracking | No | No |
| Performance | ||
| Processor / Chipset | (PC-Tethered only) | Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 1 |
| RAM | No | 8GB LPDDR4X |
| Storage | No | 128GB or 256GB |
| Mixed Reality Features | ||
| Passthrough | Low-resolution Monochrome (Flashlight mode) | Single 16MP RGB Camera (Color Passthrough, but monoscopic / flat) |
| Depth sensing | No | No (Uses software-based environmental mapping) |
| Audio | ||
| Built-in audio | Valve Index-style Off-ear Speakers (High-fidelity spatial audio) | Dual stereo speakers integrated into the headstrap (Spatial Audio support) |
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| Mic | Dual microphones | Dual microphones with noise reduction |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired | 6-meter proprietary cable (Connects to DisplayPort 1.3 and USB-C 3.0) | USB-C (Supports data, charging, and wired streaming) |
| Wireless | No | Wi-Fi 6 (Dual-band 2.4/5GHz) |
| Bluetooth | Built-in (for controller pairing) | Bluetooth 5.1 |
| PCVR support | Native (Windows Mixed Reality and SteamVR) | Yes (via PICO Connect or Virtual Desktop over Wi-Fi/USB) |
| Compatibility | ||
| Platforms | SteamVR, Windows Mixed Reality (WMR) | PICO Store, SteamVR (via PC link) |
| Supported OS | Windows 10/11 (Note: Microsoft is deprecating WMR in 2026; legacy drivers required) | PICO OS 5.0 (Based on Android) |
| Comfort | ||
| Weight | 498g (Headset only) / 544g (with strap) | 586g (Total with strap); front unit is remarkably light at 295g |
| Strap type | Flexible overhead strap with Velcro side adjustments | Rigid strap with rear-mounted battery for balanced weight distribution |
| Face interface | Replaceable magnetic fabric cushion | Breathable fabric; includes a removable nose pad for light leakage |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | No | Approx. 2.5 - 3 hours |
| Charging method | No | USB-C (20W Fast Charging) |
| External battery support | No | Yes (Compatible with external power banks and battery straps) |
| Misc | ||
| Inside the box | Headset, 2x Controllers, 6m Cable, Power Adapter, DP to Mini-DP Adapter, USB-C to A Adapter | PICO 4 Headset, 2x Controllers, 4x AA Batteries, Glasses Spacer, Nose Pad, USB-C Cable, Power Adapter |
| Price | Originally $599 | $349 - $399 USD |
| Full Details | Reverb G2 - Full Specifications | 4 - Full Specifications |