Compare HTC Vive vs HTC Vive Cosmos Elite
In this technical comparison between the HTC Vive and the HTC Vive Cosmos Elite, 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 Elite.
Choosing between these two VR Headsets models often comes down to your budget, with prices around $799 (at launch) and $899 (Full Kit) / $549 (Headset Only) at launch.
| Specifications |
HTC Vive |
HTC Vive Cosmos Elite |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Launch | ||
| Version | April 2016 | March 2020 |
| 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 brightness |
| HDR | No | Not supported |
| Optics | ||
| Lens type | Fresnel | Fresnel |
| IPD adjustment | Hardware-adjustable dial (61mm--72mm) | Hardware-adjustable dial (approx. 61mm - 73mm) |
| Eye relief | Lens-to-face distance adjustment (adjusted by pulling and twisting the side knobs) | Not adjustable (fixed distance), but features a Flip-up Visor for quick reality checks. |
| Tracking & Input | ||
| Tracking type | SteamVR Tracking 1.0 (Outside-in via "Lighthouse" Base Stations) | SteamVR Tracking 1.0 / 2.0 (External Base Stations) |
| Controller tracking | 360-degree tracking via external laser base stations | Tracked by Base Stations (uses original Vive "Wand" controllers) |
| Hand tracking | No | Supported via the Vive Hand Tracking SDK |
| Eye tracking | No | Not supported |
| Facial tracking | No | Compatible via the Vive Facial Tracker accessory |
| 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) | Dual cameras on the faceplate (Stereoscopic, used for Chaperone/Passthrough) |
| Depth sensing | No | No dedicated sensor |
| Audio | ||
| Built-in audio | None (Included earbuds were separate) | Integrated on-ear stereo headphones |
| 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 | Proprietary cable to 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 (Built into the Link Box for Base Station power management) | Yes (for Base Station power management) |
| 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) | ~645g |
| Strap type | Elastic Velcro "T-strap" (Rigid Deluxe Audio Strap sold separately) | Halo-style headband with rear adjustment dial |
| Face interface | Replaceable foam gasket | Replaceable foam cushion; unique flip-up visor design |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | N/A (Headset is wired); Controllers last ~6 hours | No (Wired) |
| Charging method | N/A (Headset); Micro-USB for controllers | N/A (Controllers charge via Micro-USB) |
| External battery support | N/A | Only when using the Wireless Adapter |
| 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 Elite Headset (with External Tracking Faceplate), 2x Vive Base Stations 1.0, 2x Vive Controllers (1.0), Link Box, all necessary power/data cables |
| Price | $799 (at launch) | $899 (Full Kit) / $549 (Headset Only) at launch |
| Full Details | Vive - Full Specifications | Vive Cosmos Elite - Full Specifications |