Compare HTC Vive vs HTC Vive XR Elite
In this technical comparison between the HTC Vive and the HTC Vive XR 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 1920 × 1920 per eye (3840 × 1920 combined) for the Vive XR Elite.
Choosing between these two VR Headsets models often comes down to your budget, with prices around $799 (at launch) and $899 – $1,099 USD (depending on bundle/Business edition).
| Specifications |
HTC Vive |
HTC Vive XR Elite |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Launch | ||
| Version | April 2016 | February 2023 |
| Display | ||
| Type | Dual PenTile OLED | Dual LCD Panels |
| Resolution | 2160 × 1200 total (1080 × 1200 per eye) | 1920 × 1920 per eye (3840 × 1920 combined) |
| Refresh rate | 90Hz | 90Hz |
| Field of view | ~110° | Up to 110° |
| Brightness | ~200 nits (High-contrast OLED) | Optimized for clear passthrough; 19 PPD (Pixels Per Degree) |
| HDR | No | No |
| Optics | ||
| Lens type | Fresnel | Pancake Lenses |
| IPD adjustment | Hardware-adjustable dial (61mm--72mm) | Manual stepless slider (54mm - 73mm) |
| Eye relief | Lens-to-face distance adjustment (adjusted by pulling and twisting the side knobs) | Includes Diopter Dials (adjustable focus for each eye, allowing most nearsighted users to go glasses-free) |
| Tracking & Input | ||
| Tracking type | SteamVR Tracking 1.0 (Outside-in via "Lighthouse" Base Stations) | 6-DOF Inside-out via 4 wide-FOV tracking cameras |
| Controller tracking | 360-degree tracking via external laser base stations | 6-DOF VIVE XR Controllers (included) |
| Hand tracking | No | Yes (Skeletal-level tracking) |
| Eye tracking | No | Optional (via VIVE Full Face Tracker accessory) |
| Facial tracking | No | Optional (via VIVE Full Face Tracker accessory) |
| Performance | ||
| Processor / Chipset | None (PC-powered) | Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 1 |
| RAM | PC Dependent (4GB+ minimum) | 12GB LPDDR5 |
| Storage | No | 128GB |
| Mixed Reality Features | ||
| Passthrough | Single front-facing VGA camera (used for "Chaperone" safety bounds) | 16MP RGB Camera (Full-Color Passthrough) |
| Depth sensing | No | Built-in Depth Sensor for improved spatial mapping |
| Audio | ||
| Built-in audio | None (Included earbuds were separate) | Dual integrated speakers with directional sound |
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | No (supports USB-C and Bluetooth 5.2) |
| Mic | Yes | Dual microphones with echo cancellation |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired | 3-in-1 Tether Cable (HDMI 1.4, USB 2.0, and 12V Power) to Link Box | 1x USB-C 3.2 Gen-1 (Peripheral), 1x USB-C (Power) |
| Wireless | Supported via optional Vive Wireless Adapter (Intel WiGig) | Wi-Fi 6 + Wi-Fi 6E |
| Bluetooth | Yes (Built into the Link Box for Base Station power management) | Bluetooth 5.2 + BLE |
| PCVR support | Native (SteamVR / Viveport) | Yes (VIVE Streaming via USB-C or Wireless Wi-Fi 6E) |
| Compatibility | ||
| Platforms | SteamVR, Viveport | VIVERSE, SteamVR, Viveport |
| Supported OS | Windows 7 SP1, 8.1, 10, 11 (Linux and macOS support experimental/limited) | VIVE XR (Android-based) |
| Comfort | ||
| Weight | ~555g (Original 2016 model); ~470g (2017 weight-reduced revision) | 625g (with battery cradle) / 260g (in Glasses Mode) |
| Strap type | Elastic Velcro "T-strap" (Rigid Deluxe Audio Strap sold separately) | Rigid battery cradle (standalone) or Temple arms (glasses mode) |
| Face interface | Replaceable foam gasket | Magnetic fabric gasket (Face Gasket 2.0 included in Deluxe Pack) |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | N/A (Headset is wired); Controllers last ~6 hours | Up to 2 hours (Hot-swappable) |
| Charging method | N/A (Headset); Micro-USB for controllers | USB-C (30W Fast Charging) |
| External battery support | N/A | Yes (Headset has a built-in 20-minute reserve for swapping) |
| 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. | XR Elite Headset, Battery Cradle, 2x Controllers, Deluxe Strap, Face Gasket 2.0, MR Gasket, USB-C Cables, Microfiber Pouch |
| Price | $799 (at launch) | $899 – $1,099 USD (depending on bundle/Business edition) |
| Full Details | Vive - Full Specifications | Vive XR Elite - Full Specifications |