Compare Sony PlayStation VR vs Valve Steam Frame
In this technical comparison between the Sony PlayStation VR and the Valve Steam Frame, we analyze the key features to help you choose.
The display is a highlight, featuring a resolution of 1920 × 1080 total (960 × 1080 per eye) for the PlayStation VR 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, headset only) and Estimated $599 – $899 USD.
| Specifications |
Sony PlayStation VR |
Valve Steam Frame |
|---|---|---|
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| Launch | ||
| Release Version | October 2016 | 2026 |
| Display | ||
| Sensor Technology | Single 5.7" OLED | Dual LCD Panels (RGB Stripe) |
| Image Resolution | 1920 × 1080 total (960 × 1080 per eye) | 2160 × 2160 per eye |
| Refresh rate | 90Hz, 120Hz | 72Hz, 90Hz, 120Hz (144Hz Experimental mode) |
| Field of view | Approx. 100° | Up to 110° (Horizontal) |
| Brightness | High (OLED) | High-persistence LCD (specific nits TBD, optimized for clarity) |
| HDR | Headset does not support HDR; however, the CUH-ZVR2 Processor Unit supports HDR passthrough to the TV. | - |
| Optics | ||
| Lens type | Aspherical (Non-Fresnel, significantly reducing "god rays") | Custom Pancake Lenses (Edge-to-edge sharpness) |
| IPD adjustment | Software-only (via PlayStation Settings) | Physical manual dial |
| Eye relief | Yes (A button on the bottom allows the visor to slide forward/back) | Adjustable (fits glasses up to 140mm wide) |
| Tracking & Input | ||
| Tracking type | Outside-in (Visible light tracking via 9 LEDs on the headset) | 6-DOF Inside-out (SLAM) |
| Controller tracking | Tracked by the PlayStation Camera (required) | 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 | External Processor Unit (handles 3D audio and Social Screen output) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4nm ARM64) |
| RAM | Dependent on Console (PS4/PS5) | 16GB Unified LPDDR5X |
| Storage | None (Stored on Console) | 256GB or 1TB UFS (plus MicroSD slot for expansion) |
| Mixed Reality Features | ||
| Passthrough | None (Hardware does not have front-facing cameras) | Monochrome (Grayscale) via 4 tracking cameras (1280× 1024) |
| Depth sensing | Handled by the external PlayStation Camera | Software-based (Expansion port allows for hardware depth modules) |
| Audio | ||
| Built-in audio | Integrated Microphone (ZVR2 model adds integrated earbuds) | Dual stereo drivers per ear (Extra-fidelity, vibration-canceling) |
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Mic | Yes | Dual microphone array |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired | HDMI, USB, and proprietary AUX (via Processor Unit) | 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 | Not officially supported | Yes (Includes a 6GHz Wi-Fi 6E USB Adapter for low-latency direct link) |
| Compatibility | ||
| Platforms | PlayStation 4, PlayStation 4 Pro, PlayStation 5 | Steam, SteamVR, Standalone SteamOS |
| Supported OS | PlayStation System Software (PS5 requires a Camera Adapter) | SteamOS 3 (Arch-based Linux); runs Windows games via Proton/FEX-Emu |
| Comfort | ||
| Weight | ~610g (excluding cable) | 185g (Core module) / 440g (Total with battery strap) |
| Strap type | Halo-style headband with rear dial and quick-release button | Padded retractable strap with rear-mounted battery (counterbalanced) |
| Face interface | Rubber/Silicone light shield (easily removable and washable) | Fabric/Plastic hybrid (replaceable) |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | N/A (Headset is wired); Move controllers last ~10 hours | ~2–3 hours (Standalone) / ~4–5 hours (PC Streaming) |
| Charging method | N/A (Headset); Mini-USB or Micro-USB for controllers | USB-C (45W Fast Charging supported) |
| External battery support | No | Supported via USB-C |
| Misc | ||
| Inside the box | VR Headset, Processor Unit, Connection cable, HDMI cable, USB cable, Stereo headphones, AC power cord/adapter | Headset, 2x Steam Frame Controllers, 6GHz Wireless Adapter, 45W Charger, USB-C Cable |
| Price | $399 (at launch, headset only) | Estimated $599 – $899 USD |
| Full Details | PlayStation VR - Full Specifications | Steam Frame - Full Specifications |