Compare Meta Quest 1 vs Valve Index
In this technical comparison between the Meta Quest 1 and the Valve Index, we analyze the key features to help you choose.
The display is a highlight, featuring a resolution of 1440×1600 per eye for the Quest 1 versus 2880 × 1600 total (1440 × 1600 per eye) for the Index.
Choosing between these two VR Headsets models often comes down to your budget, with prices around $399 (64GB) / $499 (128GB) and $999 (Full Kit) / $499 (Headset Only) at launch.
| Specifications |
Meta Quest 1 |
Valve Index |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Launch | ||
| Version | May, 2019 | June 2019 |
| Display | ||
| Type | Dual PenTile OLED | Dual 1440 x 1600 RGB LCDs |
| Resolution | 1440×1600 per eye | 2880 × 1600 total (1440 × 1600 per eye) |
| Refresh rate | 72 Hz | 80Hz, 90Hz, 120Hz, and an experimental 144Hz mode |
| Field of view | ~95° Horizontal | ~130° |
| Brightness | ~100 nits | Not officially rated in nits |
| HDR | No | Not supported |
| Optics | ||
| Lens type | Fresnel | Custom Double Element Fresnel (Canted design) |
| IPD adjustment | Physical slider (58mm – 72mm) | Physical slider (58mm – 70mm) |
| Eye relief | Adjustable via glasses spacer (included) | Physical knob to move lenses closer/further from eyes to maximize FOV |
| Tracking & Input | ||
| Tracking type | 6DoF Inside-out | SteamVR Tracking 2.0 (Outside-in via Base Stations) |
| Controller tracking | IR Ring | "Knuckles" Controllers with 87 sensors for individual finger tracking |
| Hand tracking | Yes (Added via software update) | Supported via external cameras/SDKs (experimental) |
| Eye tracking | No | Not supported |
| Facial tracking | No | Not supported natively |
| Performance | ||
| Processor / Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 | None (PC-powered) |
| RAM | 4 GB | PC Dependent (Minimum 8GB+ recommended) |
| Storage | 64 GB or 128 GB | None |
| Mixed Reality Features | ||
| Passthrough | Yes (Grayscale, low resolution) | Dual 960x960 RGB global shutter cameras |
| Depth sensing | No | Software-based (Stereoscopic) |
| Audio | ||
| Built-in audio | Integrated spatial audio (strap-mounted) | Integrated Off-Ear Balanced Mode Radiators (BMR) (Non-contact) |
| 3.5mm jack | No | Yes |
| Mic | Internal dual-microphone | Dual microphone array (High fidelity) |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired | USB-C (Supports Data & Charging) | 5-meter tether (DisplayPort 1.2, USB 3.0, 12V Power) |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | Not supported |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Yes (For Base Station control) |
| PCVR support | Oculus Link (Wired) & Air Link (Wireless) | Native (SteamVR) |
| Compatibility | ||
| Platforms | Meta Quest Store, SteamVR (via Link) | SteamVR |
| Supported OS | Quest System Software | Windows 10, Windows 11, Linux (SteamOS) |
| Comfort | ||
| Weight | 571 g | 809g |
| Strap type | Rubberized semi-rigid "T-strap" | Rigid head strap with rear adjustment dial |
| Face interface | Foam (removable) | Antimicrobial fabric "Face Gasket" (Magnetic and replaceable) |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 2 – 2.5 hours | N/A (Headset is wired); Controllers last ~7–8 hours |
| Charging method | USB-C (15W) | USB-C (for controllers) |
| External battery support | Yes (via USB-C power banks) | N/A |
| Misc | ||
| Inside the box | Headset, 2 Controllers, 15W Plug, AA Batteries, Spacer | (Full Kit): Headset, 2x Controllers, 2x SteamVR 2.0 Base Stations, Power Adapters, Face Gasket, Cleaning Cloth |
| Price | $399 (64GB) / $499 (128GB) | $999 (Full Kit) / $499 (Headset Only) at launch |
| Full Details | Quest 1 - Full Specifications | Index - Full Specifications |