Compare HTC Vive Cosmos vs HTC Vive XR Elite
In this technical comparison between the HTC Vive Cosmos and the HTC Vive XR Elite, 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 1920 × 1920 per eye (3840 × 1920 combined) for the Vive XR Elite.
Choosing between these two VR Headsets models often comes down to your budget, with prices around $699 (at launch) and $899 – $1,099 USD (depending on bundle/Business edition).
| Specifications |
HTC Vive Cosmos |
HTC Vive XR Elite |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Launch | ||
| Release Version | October 2019 | February 2023 |
| Display | ||
| Sensor Technology | Dual 3.4" LCD Panels | Dual LCD Panels |
| Image Resolution | 2880× 1700 total (1440× 1700 per eye) | 1920 × 1920 per eye (3840 × 1920 combined) |
| Refresh rate | 90Hz | 90Hz |
| Field of view | 110° | Up to 110° |
| Brightness | Standard LCD | Optimized for clear passthrough; 19 PPD (Pixels Per Degree) |
| HDR | Not supported | No |
| Optics | ||
| Lens type | Fresnel | Pancake Lenses |
| IPD adjustment | Hardware-adjustable dial (61mm – 73mm) | Manual stepless slider (54mm - 73mm) |
| Eye relief | Not adjustable (distance from eyes is fixed), but features a Flip-up Visor | Includes Diopter Dials (adjustable focus for each eye, allowing most nearsighted users to go glasses-free) |
| Tracking & Input | ||
| Tracking type | VIVE Insight (6DOF Inside-out tracking) | 6-DOF Inside-out via 4 wide-FOV tracking cameras |
| Controller tracking | 6 On-board cameras (no base stations needed) | 6-DOF VIVE XR Controllers (included) |
| Hand tracking | Supported via VIVE Hand Tracking SDK | Yes (Skeletal-level tracking) |
| Eye tracking | Not supported | Optional (via VIVE Full Face Tracker accessory) |
| Facial tracking | Compatible via VIVE Facial Tracker (requires a different faceplate/setup) | Optional (via VIVE Full Face Tracker accessory) |
| Performance | ||
| Processor / Chipset | None (PC-powered) | Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 1 |
| RAM | PC Dependent (Minimum 4GB+ required) | 12GB LPDDR5 |
| Storage | None | 128GB |
| Mixed Reality Features | ||
| Passthrough | Stereoscopic RGB passthrough via front cameras | 16MP RGB Camera (Full-Color Passthrough) |
| Depth sensing | Software-based (using camera parallax) | Built-in Depth Sensor for improved spatial mapping |
| Audio | ||
| Built-in audio | Integrated on-ear stereo headphones (removable) | Dual integrated speakers with directional sound |
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | No (supports USB-C and Bluetooth 5.2) |
| Mic | Integrated dual microphones | Dual microphones with echo cancellation |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired | USB-C 3.0, DisplayPort 1.2 (via Converter/Link Box) | 1x USB-C 3.2 Gen-1 (Peripheral), 1x USB-C (Power) |
| Wireless | Supported via optional Vive Wireless Adapter (Intel WiGig) | Wi-Fi 6 + Wi-Fi 6E |
| Bluetooth | Yes (for controller pairing and firmware) | Bluetooth 5.2 + BLE |
| PCVR support | Native (SteamVR / Viveport) | Yes (VIVE Streaming via USB-C or Wireless Wi-Fi 6E) |
| Compatibility | ||
| Platforms | SteamVR, Viveport | VIVERSE, SteamVR, Viveport |
| Supported OS | Windows 10, Windows 11 | VIVE XR (Android-based) |
| Comfort | ||
| Weight | ~665g | 625g (with battery cradle) / 260g (in Glasses Mode) |
| Strap type | Halo-style headband with rear tension dial | Rigid battery cradle (standalone) or Temple arms (glasses mode) |
| Face interface | Breathable cloth/foam; Flip-up design allows the visor to tilt up 100° | Magnetic fabric gasket (Face Gasket 2.0 included in Deluxe Pack) |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | N/A | Up to 2 hours (Hot-swappable) |
| Charging method | N/A (Controllers use 2x AA batteries each) | USB-C (30W Fast Charging) |
| External battery support | Only required for the Wireless Adapter kit | Yes (Headset has a built-in 20-minute reserve for swapping) |
| 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. | XR Elite Headset, Battery Cradle, 2x Controllers, Deluxe Strap, Face Gasket 2.0, MR Gasket, USB-C Cables, Microfiber Pouch |
| Price | $699 (at launch) | $899 – $1,099 USD (depending on bundle/Business edition) |
| Full Details | Vive Cosmos - Full Specifications | Vive XR Elite - Full Specifications |