In this technical comparison between the HTC Vive and the HTC Vive Pro Eye, 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 Eye.
Choosing between these two VR Headsets models often comes down to your budget, with prices around $799 (at launch) and $1,599 (Full Kit at launch).
| Specifications |
HTC Vive |
HTC Vive Pro Eye |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Launch | ||
| Version | April 2016 | June 2019 |
| 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 (Standard VR brightness) |
| HDR | No | Not supported |
| Optics | ||
| Lens type | Fresnel | Fresnel |
| IPD adjustment | Hardware-adjustable dial (61mm--72mm) | Hardware-adjustable dial (61mm-72mm) |
| Eye relief | Lens-to-face distance adjustment (adjusted by pulling and twisting the side knobs) | Lens distance adjustment (adjustable dial on the side) |
| Tracking & Input | ||
| Tracking type | SteamVR Tracking 1.0 (Outside-in via "Lighthouse" Base Stations) | SteamVR Tracking 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 | Integrated (Tobii Technology); 120Hz output frequency, 0.5 ∘ –1.1 ∘ accuracy |
| Facial tracking | No | Compatible via optional 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 front-facing cameras (Stereoscopic) |
| Depth sensing | No | Software-based (Spatial mapping via cameras) |
| Audio | ||
| Built-in audio | None (Included earbuds were separate) | Hi-Res certified on-ear headphones (removable) |
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | No (Uses USB-C for external audio) |
| Mic | Yes | Integrated dual microphones with active noise cancellation |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired | 3-in-1 Tether Cable (HDMI 1.4, USB 2.0, and 12V Power) to Link Box | Link Box 2.0 (DisplayPort 1.2, USB 3.0) |
| Wireless | Supported via optional Vive Wireless Adapter (Intel WiGig) | Supported via Vive Wireless Adapter (Intel WiGig) |
| Bluetooth | Yes (Built into the Link Box for Base Station power management) | Yes (For base station and peripheral 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 7, 8.1, 10, 11 (Windows 10+ recommended for dual cameras) |
| Comfort | ||
| Weight | ~555g (Original 2016 model); ~470g (2017 weight-reduced revision) | ~800g (Approx. 1.76 lbs) |
| Strap type | Elastic Velcro "T-strap" (Rigid Deluxe Audio Strap sold separately) | Rigid head strap with rear adjustment dial and optimized center of gravity |
| Face interface | Replaceable foam gasket | Replaceable foam cushion (Large surface area for pressure relief) |
| 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 Eye headset, 2x Base Stations 2.0, 2x Controllers (2018), Link Box, all necessary cables, mounting kit. |
| Price | $799 (at launch) | $1,599 (Full Kit at launch) |
| Full Details | Vive - Full Specifications | Vive Pro Eye - Full Specifications |