Compare HTC Vive vs HTC Vive Pro 2

In this technical comparison between the HTC Vive and the HTC Vive Pro 2, 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 4896×2448 total (2448×2448 per eye) for the Vive Pro 2.

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 2
HTC Vive HTC Vive Pro 2
Launch
Release Version April 2016 June 2021
Display
Sensor Technology Dual PenTile OLED Dual RGB Low Persistence LCD
Image Resolution 2160 × 1200 total (1080 × 1200 per eye) 4896×2448 total (2448×2448 per eye)
Refresh rate 90Hz 90Hz / 120Hz (Note: 90Hz max when using Wireless Adapter)
Field of view ~110° Up to 120° (Horizontal)
Brightness ~200 nits (High-contrast OLED) -
HDR No Not supported
Optics
Lens type Fresnel Dual-element Fresnel Lenses (Bespoke design to reduce blur)
IPD adjustment Hardware-adjustable dial (61mm--72mm) Hardware-adjustable dial (57mm – 70mm or 72mm depending on batch)
Eye relief Lens-to-face distance adjustment (adjusted by pulling and twisting the side knobs) Adjustable via a side button to accommodate glasses
Tracking & Input
Tracking type SteamVR Tracking 1.0 (Outside-in via "Lighthouse" Base Stations) SteamVR Tracking 2.0 (Outside-in; requires 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 external Vive Hand Tracking SDK (uses built-in cameras)
Eye tracking No Not supported (Available on the Vive Pro Eye model, not Pro 2)
Facial tracking No Supported via optional Vive Facial Tracker accessory
Performance
Processor / Chipset None (PC-powered) None (PC-powered)
RAM PC Dependent (4GB+ minimum) Dependent on PC (Minimum 8GB recommended)
Storage No None (Stored on PC)
Mixed Reality Features
Passthrough Single front-facing VGA camera (used for "Chaperone" safety bounds) Dual VGA front-facing cameras (Stereoscopic, low resolution)
Depth sensing No No dedicated depth sensor (Software-assisted via cameras)
Audio
Built-in audio None (Included earbuds were separate) Hi-Res Certified removable headphones (with integrated amplifier)
3.5mm jack Yes No (Uses USB-C for audio/headphones)
Mic Yes Dual integrated microphones
Connectivity
Wired 3-in-1 Tether Cable (HDMI 1.4, USB 2.0, and 12V Power) to Link Box Link Box 2.0 (DisplayPort 1.4 with DSC, USB 3.0)
Wireless Supported via optional Vive Wireless Adapter (Intel WiGig) Supported via optional Vive Wireless Adapter
Bluetooth Yes (Built into the Link Box for Base Station power management) Yes (Used for Base Station management and peripheral communication)
PCVR support Native (SteamVR / Viveport) Native (SteamVR and 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) ~850g (Headset + Strap)
Strap type Elastic Velcro "T-strap" (Rigid Deluxe Audio Strap sold separately) Rigid Halo-style with rear adjustment dial and top strap
Face interface Replaceable foam gasket Replaceable foam (PU leather or fabric options)
Battery
Battery life N/A (Headset is wired); Controllers last ~6 hours N/A (Wired); ~2.5 hours when using the Wireless Adapter kit
Charging method N/A (Headset); Micro-USB for controllers N/A (Wired); QC 3.0 Power Bank for Wireless Adapter
External battery support N/A Yes (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. Headset, All-in-one cable, Link Box 2.0, DP 1.4 cable, USB 3.0 cable, power adapters (Full Kit adds 2x Base Stations 2.0 and 2x Vive Controllers)
Price $799 (at launch) $799 (Headset only) / $1,399 (Full Kit at launch)
Full Details Vive - Full Specifications Vive Pro 2 - Full Specifications