Compare HTC Vive Cosmos Elite vs HTC Vive Pro
In this technical comparison between the HTC Vive Cosmos Elite and the HTC Vive Pro, we analyze the key features to help you choose.
The display is a highlight, featuring a resolution of 2880 × 1700 total (1440 × 1700 per eye) for the Vive Cosmos Elite versus 2880 × 1600 total (1440 × 1600 per eye) for the Vive Pro.
Choosing between these two VR Headsets models often comes down to your budget, with prices around $899 (Full Kit) / $549 (Headset Only) at launch and $799 (Headset Only) / $1,399 (Full Kit) at launch..
| Specifications |
HTC Vive Cosmos Elite |
HTC Vive Pro |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Launch | ||
| Version | March 2020 | April 2018 |
| Display | ||
| Type | Dual 3.4" LCD Panels | Dual AMOLED 3.5" diagonal |
| Resolution | 2880 × 1700 total (1440 × 1700 per eye) | 2880 × 1600 total (1440 × 1600 per eye) |
| Refresh rate | 90Hz | 90Hz |
| Field of view | 110° | 110° |
| Brightness | Standard LCD brightness | High-contrast AMOLED |
| HDR | Not supported | Not supported |
| Optics | ||
| Lens type | Fresnel | Fresnel |
| IPD adjustment | Hardware-adjustable dial (approx. 61mm - 73mm) | Hardware-adjustable dial (61mm–73mm) |
| Eye relief | Not adjustable (fixed distance), but features a Flip-up Visor for quick reality checks. | Lens-to-eye distance adjustment via side button |
| Tracking & Input | ||
| Tracking type | SteamVR Tracking 1.0 / 2.0 (External Base Stations) | SteamVR Tracking 1.0 & 2.0 (Outside-in via Base Stations) |
| Controller tracking | Tracked by Base Stations (uses original Vive "Wand" controllers) | Compatible with Vive Wands (2018) and Valve Index Controllers |
| Hand tracking | Supported via the Vive Hand Tracking SDK | Supported via Vive Hand Tracking SDK |
| Eye tracking | Not supported | Not supported (exclusive to the Vive Pro Eye) |
| Facial tracking | Compatible via the Vive Facial Tracker accessory | Compatible via optional Vive Facial Tracker |
| Performance | ||
| Processor / Chipset | None (PC-powered) | None (PC-powered) |
| RAM | PC Dependent (Minimum 4GB+ required) | PC Dependent (8GB+ recommended) |
| Storage | None | None |
| Mixed Reality Features | ||
| Passthrough | Dual cameras on the faceplate (Stereoscopic, used for Chaperone/Passthrough) | Dual front-facing cameras (Stereoscopic, low resolution) |
| Depth sensing | No dedicated sensor | Software-based spatial mapping |
| Audio | ||
| Built-in audio | Integrated on-ear stereo headphones | Hi-Res certified on-ear headphones |
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | No (Uses USB-C proprietary connection for audio) |
| Mic | Integrated dual microphones | Integrated dual microphones |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired | Proprietary cable to Link Box (DisplayPort 1.2, USB 3.0) | Link Box (DisplayPort 1.2, USB 3.0) |
| Wireless | Supported via optional Vive Wireless Adapter (Intel WiGig) | Supported via optional Vive Wireless Adapter (Intel WiGig) |
| Bluetooth | Yes (for Base Station power management) | Yes (For Base Station control) |
| PCVR support | Native (SteamVR / Viveport) | Native (SteamVR / Viveport) |
| Compatibility | ||
| Platforms | SteamVR, Viveport | SteamVR, Viveport |
| Supported OS | Windows 10, Windows 11 | Windows 7, 8.1, 10, 11 |
| Comfort | ||
| Weight | ~645g | ~770g (Headset + Strap) |
| Strap type | Halo-style headband with rear adjustment dial | Rigid Halo-style with rear adjustment dial |
| Face interface | Replaceable foam cushion; unique flip-up visor design | Replaceable foam (optimized for better weight distribution than original Vive) |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | No (Wired) | N/A (Wired); ~2.5 hours with Wireless Adapter |
| Charging method | N/A (Controllers charge via Micro-USB) | N/A (Wired) |
| External battery support | Only when using the Wireless Adapter | Yes (Required for Wireless Adapter) |
| Misc | ||
| Inside the box | Cosmos Elite Headset (with External Tracking Faceplate), 2x Vive Base Stations 1.0, 2x Vive Controllers (1.0), Link Box, all necessary power/data cables | Vive Pro headset, 2x SteamVR Base Stations 2.0, 2x Vive Controllers (2018), Link Box, all power/data cables. |
| Price | $899 (Full Kit) / $549 (Headset Only) at launch | $799 (Headset Only) / $1,399 (Full Kit) at launch. |
| Full Details | Vive Cosmos Elite - Full Specifications | Vive Pro - Full Specifications |