In this technical comparison between the HTC Vive Cosmos 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 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 $699 (at launch) and $799 (Headset Only) / $1,399 (Full Kit) at launch..
| Specifications |
HTC Vive Cosmos |
HTC Vive Pro |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Launch | ||
| Version | October 2019 | 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 | High-contrast AMOLED |
| HDR | Not supported | Not supported |
| Optics | ||
| Lens type | Fresnel | Fresnel |
| IPD adjustment | Hardware-adjustable dial (61mm – 73mm) | Hardware-adjustable dial (61mm–73mm) |
| Eye relief | Not adjustable (distance from eyes is fixed), but features a Flip-up Visor | Lens-to-eye distance adjustment via side button |
| Tracking & Input | ||
| Tracking type | VIVE Insight (6DOF Inside-out tracking) | SteamVR Tracking 1.0 & 2.0 (Outside-in via Base Stations) |
| Controller tracking | 6 On-board cameras (no base stations needed) | Compatible with Vive Wands (2018) and Valve Index Controllers |
| Hand tracking | Supported via 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 VIVE Facial Tracker (requires a different faceplate/setup) | 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 | Stereoscopic RGB passthrough via front cameras | Dual front-facing cameras (Stereoscopic, low resolution) |
| Depth sensing | Software-based (using camera parallax) | Software-based spatial mapping |
| Audio | ||
| Built-in audio | Integrated on-ear stereo headphones (removable) | 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 | USB-C 3.0, DisplayPort 1.2 (via Converter/Link Box) | 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 controller pairing and firmware) | 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 | ~665g | ~770g (Headset + Strap) |
| Strap type | Halo-style headband with rear tension dial | Rigid Halo-style with rear adjustment dial |
| Face interface | Breathable cloth/foam; Flip-up design allows the visor to tilt up 100° | Replaceable foam (optimized for better weight distribution than original Vive) |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | N/A | N/A (Wired); ~2.5 hours with Wireless Adapter |
| Charging method | N/A (Controllers use 2x AA batteries each) | N/A (Wired) |
| External battery support | Only required for the Wireless Adapter kit | Yes (Required for Wireless Adapter) |
| Misc | ||
| Inside the box | Cosmos Headset, 2x Cosmos Controllers, Link Box (with power adapter), DP 1.2 cable, USB 3.0 cable, 4x AA batteries. | Vive Pro headset, 2x SteamVR Base Stations 2.0, 2x Vive Controllers (2018), Link Box, all power/data cables. |
| Price | $699 (at launch) | $799 (Headset Only) / $1,399 (Full Kit) at launch. |
| Full Details | Vive Cosmos - Full Specifications | Vive Pro - Full Specifications |