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At the VR Reviews, we strive to help you make the right gaming decisions with confidence. To do this, some of the headsets or games featured on this website are from our partners. However, this doesn’t influence our recommendations. Our opinions are always our own.
Valve Index is the most significant original achievement of Valve, and in 2019 it finally introduced its VR.
The headset is jam-packed with a vast majority of exceptionally great features, and its design is ergonomic, which is loved by the VR enthusiasts.
Its screen resolution and field of view are as fantastic as its intuitive controllers that can track movement accurately no matter the position. However, you have to spend a lot in-order-to call Valve Index your own.
Vive by HTC is an exceptionally immersive, highly interactive, and ergonomic tethered virtual reality model. The ease of use and comfortability HTC Vive offers is supreme.
However, once the initial software & hardware installation is completed, it’s a piece of cake. It’s a big one for VR enthusiasts that prefer “THE BEST” when it comes to virtual reality performance.
However, this is a solid choice and worth considering.
The Index is a VR model manufactured and designed by the Valve. The Valves VR released on June 28 – 2019, the Index is 2nd-generation virtual reality headset and the first-ever headset created by the Valve.
On the other hand, HTC Vive is a VR model manufactured by the HTC [all rights reserved] and Valve. The unique technology HTC Vive uses is “room-scale” tracking, which enables its users to move in 3D space and use motion-tracking hand controllers to enhance interaction with the virtual environment.
However, HTC Vive & Valve Index – both headsets are solid performers and deliver an immersive and visually interactive virtual reality environment.
Valve Index vs Vive is a big one.
Valve Index is the newest VR premium virtual-reality model and is capable of delivering reliable performance. Its materials feel luxurious, the display is supreme, and the audio quality is High-Res immersive.
The HTC Vive has gained the majority of attention as a cost-effective, comfortable, and tracking accuracy. The Vive is considered as the best VR model on the market.
Furthermore, thanks to the fact that it allows for room-scale virtual experience should sell it alone, but it’s way more believable and fluid compared to other VR models in the market.
The controllers it offers are incredibly intuitive and feels more natural. However, the library of games it provides grows in size day by day at an uncontrollable rate.
On the other hand, the Valve Index might be the best VR model to date, but it is beatable because of its annoying aspects along for the ride.
The initial setup of the VR Valve Index is painful and requires a large amount of work. As well as, some updates can cause connection issues if not installed.
Valve Index
HTC Vive
Vive vs Valve Index – Tech Specifications describe the important most considerable features of both headsets.
Ehn the focus comes to the technology, the Valve Index is based on uses a dual LCD display with a 1440 x 1600 per-eye resolution. And it doesn’t drop any of its display rates and has a 120 Hz display. However, Valve Index can bump this up to 144 Hz.
Respectively, Inside the HTC Vive is a 2160 x 1200 OLED combined resolution screen that operates at 90 Hz. However, that is less than Valve Index, but because HTC Vive supports powerful GPU, the refresh rate doesn’t matter much.
One of the most considerable parts of every headset is its display resolution. The display subsystem Index is equipped with is a pair (two) of the LCD screen, offering a resolution of 1440 x 1600 per-eye, which makes it 2880 x 1600 combined.
Likewise, the HTC Vive offers some uniqueness when it comes to the screen panels. It uses a pair (two) of OLED panels, each having a display resolution of 1080 x 1220 pixels per-eye, making it 2160 x 1200 pixels combined.
The Valve Index offers the best visual experience when it comes to the refresh rate and boosts the display of 1440 x 1600 pixels per-eye resolution with a 120 Hz of RR.
However, the refresh rate HTC Vive offers is 90 Hz. Furthermore, it does not ease as it seems to conclude just by the numbers you observe; it is more complicated than that.
Because maybe the hardware used in HTC Vive seems outdated if compared to the Valve Index, but with a powerful gaming PC on its back can boost up the results and can give an immersive virtual reality output.
IPD allows and enables us to change the distance between the lenses to align our eyes with the optical center best.
The physical IPD range on the Valve VR Index is between 58 mm to 70 mm, and in case you need more comments on these numbers, they can cover the vast majority of users.
The interpupillary distance of HTC Vive is similar to the Valve Index, and the user can interact with it and can customize it through an IPD Knob on the headset surface.
The Valve Index features a pair (two) of High-Res ultra-field, full-range, extra-aural headphones. These headphones use BMR audio drivers to create accurate, immersive, and exceptionally low-frequency sounds.
On the other hand, when HTC Vive released doesn’t contain built-in headphones, but in mid-2017, HTC released the Deluxe Audio Strap for HTC Vive and added integrated over-ear headphones.
As well as, they improved the HMD’s comfort through better weight distribution.
The Valve Index enhances its tracking through Index Base Stations that further improve the tracking technology. Furthermore, its fixed lasers sweep 100 times a second to track photonic sensors on the headset and controllers.
This ensures the highest sub-millimeter screen resolution experiences across all postures and actions without fear of occlusion.
When it comes to motion tracking, HTC Vive is the most accurate and the best. The motion tracking of its controllers is by far the most reliable of the entire group, with the Valve Index being a close behind.
Index and Vive – both headsets record the body and head movement accurately, and both (Index and Vive) considered the superior tracking headsets.
Vive vs Valve Index – The controllers both VR offers are exceptionally significant in their way.
The Valve Index is intended to be used with the Valve Index Controllers, and that’s why during its development, these controllers are known as Knuckles Controllers.
However, the beauty of the Valve Index is that it is also compatible with HTC Vive & HTC Vive Pro controllers.
The controllers of the Valve Index contain a joystick, trackpad, two face buttons, menu button, trigger, and an array of 87 sensors that track the hand position accurately, as well as, are responsible for finger position, motion, and pressure to create a representation of user’s hands in virtual reality environment.
Another exceptionally brilliant beauty of the Valve Index is that it supports both Windows and Linux operating systems.
On the other hand, the HTC Vive controllers have multiple input techniques and methods, which include a trackpad, grip buttons, and dual-stage trigger, as well as, a use per charge of about 6 hours.
Furthermore, across the ring on these controllers, there are 24 tracking sensors whose core purpose is to detect the base stations to determine the locations of these controllers.
However, SteamVR (1 0)Tracking System is capable of tracking controllers position to a fraction of a millimeter accurately with update rates between 250 Hz – 1 kHz.
Index and Vive- both virtual reality headsets are complicated when it comes to set up, and the users have to face high complexity. However, in both Index and Vive cases, you have to deal with the wires a lot.
Valve Index has few physical wires attached to the headset, while on the other hand, because the HTC Vive is based on older technology and gives a hard time when it comes to cable management.
Valve Index promises a FOV (field of view) up to 20-degree wider than the standard amount (which is 100 to 110 degrees).
Generally, the FOV depends on how far the virtual reality headset screen gets from your eyes. In the case, when someone dials it out, the Valve Index has the same standard google-like effect.
The FOV (field of view) HTC Vive offers is exceptionally standard and is an immersive feature, 110-degree.
HTC Vive offers a 448 PPI rate, which is considered perfect when it comes to the ideal virtual experience output, and this rate is capable of giving the maximum amount expected.
However, the rate Valve Index offers also exceptionally supreme and which is 598 PPI. It’s a big difference and stands out. In this section, the Valve Index got the lead.
Vive vs Valve Index – Following are the features that will help you decide the one according to your taste.
The Valve Index is an enhanced – detailed virtual reality headset. It improved itself when it comes to resolution and display.
However, HTC Vive enhanced itself when it comes to the quality of comfort. Furthermore, when diving deep down in the details of them both (The Index and Vive), there are a majority of reasons on both Index and Vive sides that defend Index as well as Vive.
Our ultimate aim will be to give you all the essential details required to come up with a final decision.
Valve Index has proven an ergonomic design for all heads and faces. Valve Index doesn’t give you a hard time adjusting it over your head, your head size, face angle, and ear-position, it fits perfectly. Its eye relief adjustment and IPD enhance the comfortability.
The surface that is going to touch your head and face is soft and made with high-quality, woven antimicrobial fabric thin enough on the skin and easy to clean.
Ergonomically designed padding evenly the pressure and distribute its weight equally and comfortably. Furthermore, the face gasket of the Valve Index is replaceable with a magnetic interface for cleaning purposes.
On the other hand, when it comes to the design while talking about HTC Vive, it’s designed from the ground up for a perfect room-scale virtual reality experience.
Furthermore, which allows users to move in physical space as they explore the virtual environments. Using its front-facing tracking camera, the Vive can reveal objects in your physical area as you approach them.
As you are familiar with the display resolution of these both (The Index and Vive) VR models, only if you read the article carefully.
Otherwise, Valve Index uses a 1440 x 1600 pixels per-eye LCD panel for a combined resolution of 2880 x 1600. However, these panels can be called full RGB and have the ability to operate at a maximum of 144 Hz refresh rate.
However, generally, it operates between 80Hz to 120Hz refresh rate. The overall specified field of view (FOV) Valve Index offers is 130°.
Furthermore, and in the end, Valve Index uses an enhanced version of Valve’s Lighthouse Tracking System, which is a real help in improving the virtual environment movement accuracy and experience.
The HTC Vive has a RR (refresh rate) of 90 Hz with a 110-degree of FOV (field of view). HTC Vive uses a pair (two) of OLED displays, and each is having a display resolution of 1080 x 1200, which makes a 2160 x 1200 combined pixels.
HTC Vive contains a built-in front-facing camera that allows you to observe the surroundings without removing the headset. And the software use this camera to identify any kind of movement or static object in the physical space.
This functionality also can work as a “Chaperone” safety system, which means it can automatically display a virtual wall/feed for the safety guide purpose and help aware the users from real-world obstacles.
Inside the headset’s outer-shell divots are the majority of sensors that detect the base stations’ IR pulses to determine the VR’s location and make the virtual environment feel more natural and near to the actual.
When it comes to the detailed specifications, without the discussion of the facts, that’s why one headset is superior to others is meaningless.
And that’s why we are going to do so in the first place. The following are the reasons why we think that the Valve Index is better than HTC Vive.
Furthermore, the following are the few reasons why we think the HTC Vive is better than Valve Index.
However, the Index and Vive – both VR have adjustable lenses and are based on a unique immersive display.
Valve Index vs. Vive| Specification Comparison
Detailed Specifications | Vive
Detailed Specifications | Valve Index
Hardware and software setup of the Valve Index is kind of a challenge. It’s a complex one you have to go through from the following procedures to experience it. It can be a 1-hour processor that can be further enhanced by the mistakes you will make.
On the other hand, HTC Vive is as complicated as Valve Index. However, the way to set up this device is a bit different.
Now it’s in your hands which you think is comfortable or secure enough for you to enjoy. Preference, according to the setup complexity, is not suggested by us.
The Index enables you to enjoy better hygiene and easier upkeep with its interface and foam replacement set. It’s designed to replace the face gasket through a magnetic facial interface fully.
It offers a pair (two) of memory foam replacements – standard and comfortable one. Furthermore, the sessions involving intensive workouts its interface keep your device sweat-free and hygienic.
On the other hand, HTC Vive operates through its platform, a system called SteamVR, which feels like the start of a valid VR user interface. It offers a big picture friendly interface. The Vive interface is its big selling point.
However, Valve Index & HTC Vive – both VR headsets offers a customizable user interface that is as interactive as real thanks to the motion tracking accuracy and display visual results which enhance the experience at a high-level.
Both VR headsets, HTC Vive & Valve Index, share a conventional store for virtual reality games and applications, which is StreamVR. That means the virtual experiences it offers are the same for both HTC Vive and the Index devices. Make your way through a massive library of exceptionally immersive virtual-reality experiences with the help of SteamVR 2 0. The most overrated virtual reality games and applications SteamVR 2 0 offers are the following:
The Index has a pair (two) front-facing tracking cameras and is compatible with Lighthouse 1.0 and 2.0 base stations inside-out motion and position tracking.
HTC Vive is no different and also compatible with Lighthouse 1.0 & 2.0 and has a front-facing tracking camera. These external sensors enable the output of an immersive room-scale virtual reality experience.
What increases these both (Valve Index and HTC Vive) motion and environmental tracking accuracy is their front-facing headset built-in tracking cameras.
However, the Lighthouse 2.0 is not much different from its previous version as they should be but just a change in design, as well as, now, they enable you to connect up to four Lighthouse 2.0 base stations.
Furthermore, by doing so, you can have a 10 x 10 meters room-scale experience, which will provide you the accuracy you required.
The Index has a pair (two) of built-in headphones that are High-Res certified and comfortable as possible with an ergonomic design. The quality of sound it delivers is exceptional and outputs high-quality audio.
These headphones are of excellent quality and don’t touch your ears. However, not touching the ears is comfortable in its way, but you will hear immersive audio, which will not affect your virtual reality experience.
Furthermore, it’s audio functionality is so unique that it feels like the sounds and voices are environmental and coming from the physical world.
However, HTC Vive does not come with a built-in audio device, but if you already own a good pair (two) of headphones than HTC Vive is possible to output the maximum sound quality possible.
Valve Index vs Vive – Now, if you were with us the whole time, then you gained a significant amount of knowledge that takes us to the PC requirement phase of these both (HTC Vive & Valve Index) headsets.
The Index & HTC Vive – both VR have a big price tag, and before buying one, we must consider if your PC is even capable of handling the power of VR. The following are the minimum required criteria for Valve Index and HTC Vive.
Valve Index vs. Vive | Minimum PC requirement comparison
Minimum Requirement | for Valve Index
Minimum Requirement | for Vive
Valve Index and HTC Vive, both are the unique headset and based on high-tech hardware and software.
They require a significant amount of hardware, which is essential for them to operate. The price tag for the HTC Vive and The Index is around $1000 for each.
Furthermore, this value is just for the headsets and in-box hardware. A total cost can exceed this limit.
HTC Vive vs Valve Index, these both VR are great, but our winner is Valve Index because of its latest hardware & software technology and accuracy in tracking.
Valve Index’s ergonomic design is also awe-inspiring and beats the HTC Vive. However, Valve Index & HTC Vive – both VR can’t be used wirelessly. The Index & HTC Vive – both have adjustable lenses.
HTC Vive has an OLED/AMOLED display, which is an advantage. However, when it comes to resolution, FOV (field of view), and RR (refresh rate) Valve Index beats the HTC Vive.
The Index also has an LCD display with three subpixels per pixels and also has an IPS screen, which enhanced the experience. Valve Index & HTC Vive – both VR have no external memory slots because they require none. After all, the PC will do this work for them.
However, when it comes to tracking, Valve Index & HTC Vive – both headsets can track your head movement, have a gyroscope, a position tracking, an accelerometer, can track 360-degree head movement, has to gesture remote control, has an infrared sensor, and has a laser tracking system.
Furthermore, The Index & HTC Vive – both headsets don’t offer gaze and eye tracking and don’t have a compass. The Index & HTC Vive – both VRs have no USB type-C and are not DLNA-certified.
The Index & HTC Vive – both VR have a socket for 3.5 mm audio jack, a stereo speaker, integrated audio, and offer touch controllers. On the other hand, HTC Vive has two game controllers included; however, The Index has a remote control and supports a remote smartphone.
Buy Valve Index if you want;
Buy Vive if you want;
Valve Index
HTC Vive
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