Compare HTC Vive vs Sony PlayStation VR
In this technical comparison between the HTC Vive and the Sony PlayStation VR, 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 × 1080 total (960 × 1080 per eye) for the PlayStation VR.
Choosing between these two VR Headsets models often comes down to your budget, with prices around $799 (at launch) and $399 (at launch, headset only).
| Specifications |
HTC Vive |
Sony PlayStation VR |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Launch | ||
| Version | April 2016 | October 2016 |
| Display | ||
| Type | Dual PenTile OLED | Single 5.7" OLED |
| Resolution | 2160 × 1200 total (1080 × 1200 per eye) | 1920 × 1080 total (960 × 1080 per eye) |
| Refresh rate | 90Hz | 90Hz, 120Hz |
| Field of view | ~110° | Approx. 100° |
| Brightness | ~200 nits (High-contrast OLED) | High (OLED) |
| HDR | No | Headset does not support HDR; however, the CUH-ZVR2 Processor Unit supports HDR passthrough to the TV. |
| Optics | ||
| Lens type | Fresnel | Aspherical (Non-Fresnel, significantly reducing "god rays") |
| IPD adjustment | Hardware-adjustable dial (61mm--72mm) | Software-only (via PlayStation Settings) |
| Eye relief | Lens-to-face distance adjustment (adjusted by pulling and twisting the side knobs) | Yes (A button on the bottom allows the visor to slide forward/back) |
| Tracking & Input | ||
| Tracking type | SteamVR Tracking 1.0 (Outside-in via "Lighthouse" Base Stations) | Outside-in (Visible light tracking via 9 LEDs on the headset) |
| Controller tracking | 360-degree tracking via external laser base stations | Tracked by the PlayStation Camera (required) |
| Hand tracking | No | No |
| Eye tracking | No | No |
| Facial tracking | No | No |
| Performance | ||
| Processor / Chipset | None (PC-powered) | External Processor Unit (handles 3D audio and Social Screen output) |
| RAM | PC Dependent (4GB+ minimum) | Dependent on Console (PS4/PS5) |
| Storage | No | None (Stored on Console) |
| Mixed Reality Features | ||
| Passthrough | Single front-facing VGA camera (used for "Chaperone" safety bounds) | None (Hardware does not have front-facing cameras) |
| Depth sensing | No | Handled by the external PlayStation Camera |
| Audio | ||
| Built-in audio | None (Included earbuds were separate) | Integrated Microphone (ZVR2 model adds integrated earbuds) |
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Mic | Yes | Yes |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired | 3-in-1 Tether Cable (HDMI 1.4, USB 2.0, and 12V Power) to Link Box | HDMI, USB, and proprietary AUX (via Processor Unit) |
| Wireless | Supported via optional Vive Wireless Adapter (Intel WiGig) | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes (Built into the Link Box for Base Station power management) | No |
| PCVR support | Native (SteamVR / Viveport) | Not officially supported |
| Compatibility | ||
| Platforms | SteamVR, Viveport | PlayStation 4, PlayStation 4 Pro, PlayStation 5 |
| Supported OS | Windows 7 SP1, 8.1, 10, 11 (Linux and macOS support experimental/limited) | PlayStation System Software (PS5 requires a Camera Adapter) |
| Comfort | ||
| Weight | ~555g (Original 2016 model); ~470g (2017 weight-reduced revision) | ~610g (excluding cable) |
| Strap type | Elastic Velcro "T-strap" (Rigid Deluxe Audio Strap sold separately) | Halo-style headband with rear dial and quick-release button |
| Face interface | Replaceable foam gasket | Rubber/Silicone light shield (easily removable and washable) |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | N/A (Headset is wired); Controllers last ~6 hours | N/A (Headset is wired); Move controllers last ~10 hours |
| Charging method | N/A (Headset); Micro-USB for controllers | N/A (Headset); Mini-USB or Micro-USB for controllers |
| External battery support | N/A | No |
| 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. | VR Headset, Processor Unit, Connection cable, HDMI cable, USB cable, Stereo headphones, AC power cord/adapter |
| Price | $799 (at launch) | $399 (at launch, headset only) |
| Full Details | Vive - Full Specifications | PlayStation VR - Full Specifications |