Compare HP Reverb G2 vs Valve Steam Frame
In this technical comparison between the HP Reverb G2 and the Valve Steam Frame, 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 for the Steam Frame.
Choosing between these two VR Headsets models often comes down to your budget, with prices around Originally $599 and Estimated $599 – $899 USD.
| Specifications |
HP Reverb G2 |
Valve Steam Frame |
|---|---|---|
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| Launch | ||
| Release Version | May 2020 | 2026 |
| Display | ||
| Sensor Technology | Dual 2.89-inch LCD Panels (Full RGB Stripe) | Dual LCD Panels (RGB Stripe) |
| Image Resolution | 2160 × 2160 per eye (4320 × 2160 combined) | 2160 × 2160 per eye |
| Refresh rate | 90Hz | 72Hz, 90Hz, 120Hz (144Hz Experimental mode) |
| Field of view | 114° (Diagonal) | Up to 110° (Horizontal) |
| Brightness | High-luminance (optimized for simulation environments) | High-persistence LCD (specific nits TBD, optimized for clarity) |
| HDR | No | - |
| Optics | ||
| Lens type | Valve-designed Fresnel Lenses (High-clarity "sweet spot") | Custom Pancake Lenses (Edge-to-edge sharpness) |
| IPD adjustment | Manual slider (60mm – 68mm) | Physical manual dial |
| Eye relief | Adjustable via removable magnetic face gasket spacer (on V2 model) | Adjustable (fits glasses up to 140mm wide) |
| Tracking & Input | ||
| Tracking type | 6-DOF Inside-out via 4 cameras | 6-DOF Inside-out (SLAM) |
| Controller tracking | 6-DOF Reverb G2 Controllers (included) | Tracked via 4 outward-facing monochrome cameras |
| Hand tracking | No | Supported (via expansion or software update; focus is on controllers) |
| Eye tracking | No | Yes (2 interior cameras); enables Foveated Streaming |
| Facial tracking | No | Optional (Supported via front expansion port) |
| Performance | ||
| Processor / Chipset | (PC-Tethered only) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4nm ARM64) |
| RAM | No | 16GB Unified LPDDR5X |
| Storage | No | 256GB or 1TB UFS (plus MicroSD slot for expansion) |
| Mixed Reality Features | ||
| Passthrough | Low-resolution Monochrome (Flashlight mode) | Monochrome (Grayscale) via 4 tracking cameras (1280× 1024) |
| Depth sensing | No | Software-based (Expansion port allows for hardware depth modules) |
| Audio | ||
| Built-in audio | Valve Index-style Off-ear Speakers (High-fidelity spatial audio) | Dual stereo drivers per ear (Extra-fidelity, vibration-canceling) |
| 3.5mm jack | No | Yes |
| Mic | Dual microphones | Dual microphone array |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired | 6-meter proprietary cable (Connects to DisplayPort 1.3 and USB-C 3.0) | USB-C 2.0 (Rear-mounted for charging/data) |
| Wireless | No | Wi-Fi 7 (Dual-radio 5GHz/6GHz for simultaneous internet /streaming) |
| Bluetooth | Built-in (for controller pairing) | Bluetooth 5.3 (Dedicated 2.4GHz link for controllers) |
| PCVR support | Native (Windows Mixed Reality and SteamVR) | Yes (Includes a 6GHz Wi-Fi 6E USB Adapter for low-latency direct link) |
| Compatibility | ||
| Platforms | SteamVR, Windows Mixed Reality (WMR) | Steam, SteamVR, Standalone SteamOS |
| Supported OS | Windows 10/11 (Note: Microsoft is deprecating WMR in 2026; legacy drivers required) | SteamOS 3 (Arch-based Linux); runs Windows games via Proton/FEX-Emu |
| Comfort | ||
| Weight | 498g (Headset only) / 544g (with strap) | 185g (Core module) / 440g (Total with battery strap) |
| Strap type | Flexible overhead strap with Velcro side adjustments | Padded retractable strap with rear-mounted battery (counterbalanced) |
| Face interface | Replaceable magnetic fabric cushion | Fabric/Plastic hybrid (replaceable) |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | No | ~2–3 hours (Standalone) / ~4–5 hours (PC Streaming) |
| Charging method | No | USB-C (45W Fast Charging supported) |
| External battery support | No | Supported via USB-C |
| Misc | ||
| Inside the box | Headset, 2x Controllers, 6m Cable, Power Adapter, DP to Mini-DP Adapter, USB-C to A Adapter | Headset, 2x Steam Frame Controllers, 6GHz Wireless Adapter, 45W Charger, USB-C Cable |
| Price | Originally $599 | Estimated $599 – $899 USD |
| Full Details | Reverb G2 - Full Specifications | Steam Frame - Full Specifications |