Compare HTC Vive Pro vs HTC Vive XR Elite
In this technical comparison between the HTC Vive Pro 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 × 1600 total (1440 × 1600 per eye) for the Vive Pro 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 $799 (Headset Only) / $1,399 (Full Kit) at launch. and $899 – $1,099 USD (depending on bundle/Business edition).
| Specifications |
HTC Vive Pro |
HTC Vive XR Elite |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Launch | ||
| Version | April 2018 | February 2023 |
| Display | ||
| Type | Dual AMOLED 3.5" diagonal | Dual LCD Panels |
| Resolution | 2880 × 1600 total (1440 × 1600 per eye) | 1920 × 1920 per eye (3840 × 1920 combined) |
| Refresh rate | 90Hz | 90Hz |
| Field of view | 110° | Up to 110° |
| Brightness | High-contrast AMOLED | 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 | Lens-to-eye distance adjustment via side button | Includes Diopter Dials (adjustable focus for each eye, allowing most nearsighted users to go glasses-free) |
| Tracking & Input | ||
| Tracking type | SteamVR Tracking 1.0 & 2.0 (Outside-in via Base Stations) | 6-DOF Inside-out via 4 wide-FOV tracking cameras |
| Controller tracking | Compatible with Vive Wands (2018) and Valve Index Controllers | 6-DOF VIVE XR Controllers (included) |
| Hand tracking | Supported via Vive Hand Tracking SDK | Yes (Skeletal-level tracking) |
| Eye tracking | Not supported (exclusive to the Vive Pro Eye) | Optional (via VIVE Full Face Tracker accessory) |
| Facial tracking | Compatible via optional Vive Facial Tracker | Optional (via VIVE Full Face Tracker accessory) |
| Performance | ||
| Processor / Chipset | None (PC-powered) | Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 1 |
| RAM | PC Dependent (8GB+ recommended) | 12GB LPDDR5 |
| Storage | None | 128GB |
| Mixed Reality Features | ||
| Passthrough | Dual front-facing cameras (Stereoscopic, low resolution) | 16MP RGB Camera (Full-Color Passthrough) |
| Depth sensing | Software-based spatial mapping | Built-in Depth Sensor for improved spatial mapping |
| Audio | ||
| Built-in audio | Hi-Res certified on-ear headphones | Dual integrated speakers with directional sound |
| 3.5mm jack | No (Uses USB-C proprietary connection for audio) | No (supports USB-C and Bluetooth 5.2) |
| Mic | Integrated dual microphones | Dual microphones with echo cancellation |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired | Link Box (DisplayPort 1.2, USB 3.0) | 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 Base Station control) | 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 7, 8.1, 10, 11 | VIVE XR (Android-based) |
| Comfort | ||
| Weight | ~770g (Headset + Strap) | 625g (with battery cradle) / 260g (in Glasses Mode) |
| Strap type | Rigid Halo-style with rear adjustment dial | Rigid battery cradle (standalone) or Temple arms (glasses mode) |
| Face interface | Replaceable foam (optimized for better weight distribution than original Vive) | Magnetic fabric gasket (Face Gasket 2.0 included in Deluxe Pack) |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | N/A (Wired); ~2.5 hours with Wireless Adapter | Up to 2 hours (Hot-swappable) |
| Charging method | N/A (Wired) | USB-C (30W Fast Charging) |
| External battery support | Yes (Required for Wireless Adapter) | Yes (Headset has a built-in 20-minute reserve for swapping) |
| Misc | ||
| Inside the box | Vive Pro headset, 2x SteamVR Base Stations 2.0, 2x Vive Controllers (2018), Link Box, all power/data cables. | XR Elite Headset, Battery Cradle, 2x Controllers, Deluxe Strap, Face Gasket 2.0, MR Gasket, USB-C Cables, Microfiber Pouch |
| Price | $799 (Headset Only) / $1,399 (Full Kit) at launch. | $899 – $1,099 USD (depending on bundle/Business edition) |
| Full Details | Vive Pro - Full Specifications | Vive XR Elite - Full Specifications |