Compare Meta Quest 3 vs Valve Index
In this technical comparison between the Meta Quest 3 and the Valve Index, we analyze the key features to help you choose.
The display is a highlight, featuring a resolution of 2064 × 2208 per eye for the Quest 3 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 500 USD and $999 (Full Kit) / $499 (Headset Only) at launch.
| Specifications |
Meta Quest 3 |
Valve Index |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Launch | ||
| Version | October, 2023 | June 2019 |
| Display | ||
| Type | LCD (Infinite Display) | Dual 1440 x 1600 RGB LCDs |
| Resolution | 2064 × 2208 per eye | 2880 × 1600 total (1440 × 1600 per eye) |
| Refresh rate | 90 Hz / 120 Hz supported | 80Hz, 90Hz, 120Hz, and an experimental 144Hz mode |
| Field of view | ~110° horizontal / ~96° vertical | ~130° |
| Brightness | - | Not officially rated in nits |
| HDR | No | Not supported |
| Optics | ||
| Lens type | Pancake lenses | Custom Double Element Fresnel (Canted design) |
| IPD adjustment | Continuous 53–75 mm | Physical slider (58mm – 70mm) |
| Eye relief | Yes (lens depth adjustment) | Physical knob to move lenses closer/further from eyes to maximize FOV |
| Tracking & Input | ||
| Tracking type | Inside-out (6 DoF) | SteamVR Tracking 2.0 (Outside-in via Base Stations) |
| Controller tracking | Yes (IR + SLAM tracking) | "Knuckles" Controllers with 87 sensors for individual finger tracking |
| Hand tracking | Yes | Supported via external cameras/SDKs (experimental) |
| Eye tracking | No | Not supported |
| Facial tracking | No | Not supported natively |
| Performance | ||
| Processor / Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 | None (PC-powered) |
| RAM | 8 GB | PC Dependent (Minimum 8GB+ recommended) |
| Storage | 128 GB / 512 GB | None |
| Mixed Reality Features | ||
| Passthrough | Full-color stereo passthrough | Dual 960x960 RGB global shutter cameras |
| Depth sensing | Yes (depth sensor + scene understanding) | Software-based (Stereoscopic) |
| Audio | ||
| Built-in audio | Yes (spatial speakers) | Integrated Off-Ear Balanced Mode Radiators (BMR) (Non-contact) |
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Mic | Yes (4-mic array) | Dual microphone array (High fidelity) |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired | USB-C (Link mode) | 5-meter tether (DisplayPort 1.2, USB 3.0, 12V Power) |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi 6E | Not supported |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 | Yes (For Base Station control) |
| PCVR support | Yes (Wired Link + Air Link + Virtual Desktop) | Native (SteamVR) |
| Compatibility | ||
| Platforms | Standalone / PCVR | SteamVR |
| Supported OS | Meta OS (Android-based), Windows for PCVR | Windows 10, Windows 11, Linux (SteamOS) |
| Comfort | ||
| Weight | ~515 g (without strap) | 809g |
| Strap type | Soft strap (optional Elite strap) | Rigid head strap with rear adjustment dial |
| Face interface | Replaceable facial interface | Antimicrobial fabric "Face Gasket" (Magnetic and replaceable) |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | ~2–3 hours usage | N/A (Headset is wired); Controllers last ~7–8 hours |
| Charging method | USB-C charging / dock support (optional) | USB-C (for controllers) |
| External battery support | Yes (strap-mounted power pack) | N/A |
| Misc | ||
| Inside the box | Headset + 2 Touch Plus controllers + cables | (Full Kit): Headset, 2x Controllers, 2x SteamVR 2.0 Base Stations, Power Adapters, Face Gasket, Cleaning Cloth |
| Price | 500 USD | $999 (Full Kit) / $499 (Headset Only) at launch |
| Full Details | Quest 3 - Full Specifications | Index - Full Specifications |