In this technical comparison between the HTC Vive Cosmos Elite and the HTC Vive Pro Eye, 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 Eye.
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 $1,599 (Full Kit at launch).
| Specifications |
HTC Vive Cosmos Elite |
HTC Vive Pro Eye |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Launch | ||
| Version | March 2020 | June 2019 |
| 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 (Standard VR brightness) |
| HDR | Not supported | Not supported |
| Optics | ||
| Lens type | Fresnel | Fresnel |
| IPD adjustment | Hardware-adjustable dial (approx. 61mm - 73mm) | Hardware-adjustable dial (61mm-72mm) |
| Eye relief | Not adjustable (fixed distance), but features a Flip-up Visor for quick reality checks. | Lens distance adjustment (adjustable dial on the side) |
| Tracking & Input | ||
| Tracking type | SteamVR Tracking 1.0 / 2.0 (External Base Stations) | SteamVR Tracking 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 | Integrated (Tobii Technology); 120Hz output frequency, 0.5 ∘ –1.1 ∘ accuracy |
| Facial tracking | Compatible via the Vive Facial Tracker accessory | Compatible via optional Vive Facial Tracker accessory |
| Performance | ||
| Processor / Chipset | None (PC-powered) | None (PC-powered) |
| RAM | PC Dependent (Minimum 4GB+ required) | PC Dependent (Minimum 4GB+ required) |
| Storage | None | None |
| Mixed Reality Features | ||
| Passthrough | Dual cameras on the faceplate (Stereoscopic, used for Chaperone/Passthrough) | Dual front-facing cameras (Stereoscopic) |
| Depth sensing | No dedicated sensor | Software-based (Spatial mapping via cameras) |
| Audio | ||
| Built-in audio | Integrated on-ear stereo headphones | Hi-Res certified on-ear headphones (removable) |
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | No (Uses USB-C for external audio) |
| Mic | Integrated dual microphones | Integrated dual microphones with active noise cancellation |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired | Proprietary cable to Link Box (DisplayPort 1.2, USB 3.0) | Link Box 2.0 (DisplayPort 1.2, USB 3.0) |
| Wireless | Supported via optional Vive Wireless Adapter (Intel WiGig) | Supported via Vive Wireless Adapter (Intel WiGig) |
| Bluetooth | Yes (for Base Station power management) | Yes (For base station and peripheral management) |
| 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 (Windows 10+ recommended for dual cameras) |
| Comfort | ||
| Weight | ~645g | ~800g (Approx. 1.76 lbs) |
| Strap type | Halo-style headband with rear adjustment dial | Rigid head strap with rear adjustment dial and optimized center of gravity |
| Face interface | Replaceable foam cushion; unique flip-up visor design | Replaceable foam cushion (Large surface area for pressure relief) |
| 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 Eye headset, 2x Base Stations 2.0, 2x Controllers (2018), Link Box, all necessary cables, mounting kit. |
| Price | $899 (Full Kit) / $549 (Headset Only) at launch | $1,599 (Full Kit at launch) |
| Full Details | Vive Cosmos Elite - Full Specifications | Vive Pro Eye - Full Specifications |