Compare HTC Vive vs HTC Vive Cosmos
In this technical comparison between the HTC Vive and the HTC Vive Cosmos, we analyze the key features to help you choose.
The display is a highlight, featuring a resolution of 2160 × 1200 total (1080 × 1200 per eye) for the Vive versus 2880× 1700 total (1440× 1700 per eye) for the Vive Cosmos.
Choosing between these two VR Headsets models often comes down to your budget, with prices around $799 (at launch) and $699 (at launch).
| Specifications |
HTC Vive |
HTC Vive Cosmos |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Launch | ||
| Version | April 2016 | October 2019 |
| Display | ||
| Type | Dual PenTile OLED | Dual 3.4" LCD Panels |
| Resolution | 2160 × 1200 total (1080 × 1200 per eye) | 2880× 1700 total (1440× 1700 per eye) |
| Refresh rate | 90Hz | 90Hz |
| Field of view | ~110° | 110° |
| Brightness | ~200 nits (High-contrast OLED) | Standard LCD |
| HDR | No | Not supported |
| Optics | ||
| Lens type | Fresnel | Fresnel |
| IPD adjustment | Hardware-adjustable dial (61mm--72mm) | Hardware-adjustable dial (61mm – 73mm) |
| Eye relief | Lens-to-face distance adjustment (adjusted by pulling and twisting the side knobs) | Not adjustable (distance from eyes is fixed), but features a Flip-up Visor |
| Tracking & Input | ||
| Tracking type | SteamVR Tracking 1.0 (Outside-in via "Lighthouse" Base Stations) | VIVE Insight (6DOF Inside-out tracking) |
| Controller tracking | 360-degree tracking via external laser base stations | 6 On-board cameras (no base stations needed) |
| Hand tracking | No | Supported via VIVE Hand Tracking SDK |
| Eye tracking | No | Not supported |
| Facial tracking | No | Compatible via VIVE Facial Tracker (requires a different faceplate/setup) |
| Performance | ||
| Processor / Chipset | None (PC-powered) | None (PC-powered) |
| RAM | PC Dependent (4GB+ minimum) | PC Dependent (Minimum 4GB+ required) |
| Storage | No | None |
| Mixed Reality Features | ||
| Passthrough | Single front-facing VGA camera (used for "Chaperone" safety bounds) | Stereoscopic RGB passthrough via front cameras |
| Depth sensing | No | Software-based (using camera parallax) |
| Audio | ||
| Built-in audio | None (Included earbuds were separate) | Integrated on-ear stereo headphones (removable) |
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Mic | Yes | Integrated dual microphones |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired | 3-in-1 Tether Cable (HDMI 1.4, USB 2.0, and 12V Power) to Link Box | USB-C 3.0, DisplayPort 1.2 (via Converter/Link Box) |
| Wireless | Supported via optional Vive Wireless Adapter (Intel WiGig) | Supported via optional Vive Wireless Adapter (Intel WiGig) |
| Bluetooth | Yes (Built into the Link Box for Base Station power management) | Yes (for controller pairing and firmware) |
| PCVR support | Native (SteamVR / Viveport) | Native (SteamVR / Viveport) |
| Compatibility | ||
| Platforms | SteamVR, Viveport | SteamVR, Viveport |
| Supported OS | Windows 7 SP1, 8.1, 10, 11 (Linux and macOS support experimental/limited) | Windows 10, Windows 11 |
| Comfort | ||
| Weight | ~555g (Original 2016 model); ~470g (2017 weight-reduced revision) | ~665g |
| Strap type | Elastic Velcro "T-strap" (Rigid Deluxe Audio Strap sold separately) | Halo-style headband with rear tension dial |
| Face interface | Replaceable foam gasket | Breathable cloth/foam; Flip-up design allows the visor to tilt up 100° |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | N/A (Headset is wired); Controllers last ~6 hours | N/A |
| Charging method | N/A (Headset); Micro-USB for controllers | N/A (Controllers use 2x AA batteries each) |
| External battery support | N/A | Only required for the Wireless Adapter kit |
| Misc | ||
| Inside the box | Headset, 2x Wireless Controllers, 2x Base Stations 1.0, Link Box, Earbuds, 3-in-1 Cable, Power adapters, and mounting hardware. | Cosmos Headset, 2x Cosmos Controllers, Link Box (with power adapter), DP 1.2 cable, USB 3.0 cable, 4x AA batteries. |
| Price | $799 (at launch) | $699 (at launch) |
| Full Details | Vive - Full Specifications | Vive Cosmos - Full Specifications |