Compare HTC Vive vs HTC Vive Pro
In this technical comparison between the HTC Vive and the HTC Vive Pro, 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 × 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 $799 (at launch) and $799 (Headset Only) / $1,399 (Full Kit) at launch..
| Specifications |
HTC Vive |
HTC Vive Pro |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Launch | ||
| Version | April 2016 | April 2018 |
| Display | ||
| Type | Dual PenTile OLED | Dual AMOLED 3.5" diagonal |
| Resolution | 2160 × 1200 total (1080 × 1200 per eye) | 2880 × 1600 total (1440 × 1600 per eye) |
| Refresh rate | 90Hz | 90Hz |
| Field of view | ~110° | 110° |
| Brightness | ~200 nits (High-contrast OLED) | High-contrast AMOLED |
| 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) | Lens-to-eye distance adjustment via side button |
| Tracking & Input | ||
| Tracking type | SteamVR Tracking 1.0 (Outside-in via "Lighthouse" Base Stations) | SteamVR Tracking 1.0 & 2.0 (Outside-in via Base Stations) |
| Controller tracking | 360-degree tracking via external laser base stations | Compatible with Vive Wands (2018) and Valve Index Controllers |
| Hand tracking | No | Supported via Vive Hand Tracking SDK |
| Eye tracking | No | Not supported (exclusive to the Vive Pro Eye) |
| Facial tracking | No | Compatible via optional Vive Facial Tracker |
| Performance | ||
| Processor / Chipset | None (PC-powered) | None (PC-powered) |
| RAM | PC Dependent (4GB+ minimum) | PC Dependent (8GB+ recommended) |
| Storage | No | None |
| Mixed Reality Features | ||
| Passthrough | Single front-facing VGA camera (used for "Chaperone" safety bounds) | Dual front-facing cameras (Stereoscopic, low resolution) |
| Depth sensing | No | Software-based spatial mapping |
| Audio | ||
| Built-in audio | None (Included earbuds were separate) | Hi-Res certified on-ear headphones |
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | No (Uses USB-C proprietary connection for audio) |
| Mic | Yes | Integrated dual microphones |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired | 3-in-1 Tether Cable (HDMI 1.4, USB 2.0, and 12V Power) to 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 (Built into the Link Box for Base Station power management) | Yes (For Base Station control) |
| 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 7, 8.1, 10, 11 |
| Comfort | ||
| Weight | ~555g (Original 2016 model); ~470g (2017 weight-reduced revision) | ~770g (Headset + Strap) |
| Strap type | Elastic Velcro "T-strap" (Rigid Deluxe Audio Strap sold separately) | Rigid Halo-style with rear adjustment dial |
| Face interface | Replaceable foam gasket | Replaceable foam (optimized for better weight distribution than original Vive) |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | N/A (Headset is wired); Controllers last ~6 hours | N/A (Wired); ~2.5 hours with Wireless Adapter |
| Charging method | N/A (Headset); Micro-USB for controllers | N/A (Wired) |
| External battery support | N/A | Yes (Required for 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. | Vive Pro headset, 2x SteamVR Base Stations 2.0, 2x Vive Controllers (2018), Link Box, all power/data cables. |
| Price | $799 (at launch) | $799 (Headset Only) / $1,399 (Full Kit) at launch. |
| Full Details | Vive - Full Specifications | Vive Pro - Full Specifications |