Compare Meta Rift S vs Valve Steam Frame
In this technical comparison between the Meta Rift S and the Valve Steam Frame, we analyze the key features to help you choose.
The display is a highlight, featuring a resolution of 2560×1440 total (1280×1440 per eye) for the Rift S versus 2160 × 2160 per eye for the Steam Frame.
Choosing between these two VR Headsets models often comes down to your budget, with prices around $399 (at launch) and Estimated $599 – $899 USD.
| Specifications |
Meta Rift S |
Valve Steam Frame |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Launch | ||
| Version | May 2019 | 2026 |
| Display | ||
| Type | Single Fast-Switch LCD (RGB Stripe) | Dual LCD Panels (RGB Stripe) |
| Resolution | 2560×1440 total (1280×1440 per eye) | 2160 × 2160 per eye |
| Refresh rate | 80Hz | 72Hz, 90Hz, 120Hz (144Hz Experimental mode) |
| Field of view | ~115° | Up to 110° (Horizontal) |
| Brightness | Standard SDR (Not officially rated for high-peak nits) | High-persistence LCD (specific nits TBD, optimized for clarity) |
| HDR | Not supported | - |
| Optics | ||
| Lens type | 2nd Generation Fresnel Lenses (Reduced god rays) | Custom Pancake Lenses (Edge-to-edge sharpness) |
| IPD adjustment | Software-only (Fixed lens distance at 63.5mm) | Physical manual dial |
| Eye relief | Adjustable via a button on the bottom of the headset (Slides the visor forward/back) | Adjustable (fits glasses up to 140mm wide) |
| Tracking & Input | ||
| Tracking type | Oculus Insight (6DOF Inside-out tracking) | 6-DOF Inside-out (SLAM) |
| Controller tracking | 5 Integrated cameras on the headset | Tracked via 4 outward-facing monochrome cameras |
| Hand tracking | No | Supported (via expansion or software update; focus is on controllers) |
| Eye tracking | No | Yes (2 interior cameras); enables Foveated Streaming |
| Facial tracking | No | Optional (Supported via front expansion port) |
| Performance | ||
| Processor / Chipset | None (PC-powered) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4nm ARM64) |
| RAM | Dependent on PC (Minimum 8GB recommended) | 16GB Unified LPDDR5X |
| Storage | None (Games are stored on the connected PC) | 256GB or 1TB UFS (plus MicroSD slot for expansion) |
| Mixed Reality Features | ||
| Passthrough | Passthrough+ (Monoscopic, Black & White) | Monochrome (Grayscale) via 4 tracking cameras (1280× 1024) |
| Depth sensing | Software-based (Using camera parallax) | Software-based (Expansion port allows for hardware depth modules) |
| Audio | ||
| Built-in audio | Integrated directional speakers (located in the headband) | Dual stereo drivers per ear (Extra-fidelity, vibration-canceling) |
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Mic | Integrated dual-microphone array | Dual microphone array |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired | 5-meter tethered cable (DisplayPort 1.2 and USB 3.0) | USB-C 2.0 (Rear-mounted for charging/data) |
| Wireless | No | Wi-Fi 7 (Dual-radio 5GHz/6GHz for simultaneous internet /streaming) |
| Bluetooth | No | Bluetooth 5.3 (Dedicated 2.4GHz link for controllers) |
| PCVR support | Native (Primary mode) | Yes (Includes a 6GHz Wi-Fi 6E USB Adapter for low-latency direct link) |
| Compatibility | ||
| Platforms | Oculus Home, SteamVR, Viveport | Steam, SteamVR, Standalone SteamOS |
| Supported OS | Windows | SteamOS 3 (Arch-based Linux); runs Windows games via Proton/FEX-Emu |
| Comfort | ||
| Weight | 500g (Approx. 1.1 lbs) | 185g (Core module) / 440g (Total with battery strap) |
| Strap type | Halo Headband with rear tension dial (Lenovo design) | Padded retractable strap with rear-mounted battery (counterbalanced) |
| Face interface | Replaceable foam gasket | Fabric/Plastic hybrid (replaceable) |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | N/A (Headset is powered via USB) | ~2–3 hours (Standalone) / ~4–5 hours (PC Streaming) |
| Charging method | No | USB-C (45W Fast Charging supported) |
| External battery support | Not required; controllers use 1x AA battery each | Supported via USB-C |
| Misc | ||
| Inside the box | Rift S Headset, 2x Touch Controllers, Headset Cable (5m), Mini DisplayPort to DisplayPort adapter, 2x AA batteries | Headset, 2x Steam Frame Controllers, 6GHz Wireless Adapter, 45W Charger, USB-C Cable |
| Price | $399 (at launch) | Estimated $599 – $899 USD |
| Full Details | Rift S - Full Specifications | Steam Frame - Full Specifications |