Vr Face-off: Htc Vive Pro Vs Oculus Rift S - Which One Takes The Crown?

What to know

Both the Vive Pro and Rift S offer high-resolution displays, but the Vive Pro has a slight edge with its 2880 x 1600 pixel resolution per eye compared to the Rift S’s 2560 x 1440 pixels per eye.
The Vive Pro is part of the HTC Vive ecosystem, which includes a range of accessories and peripherals, such as the Vive Tracker and Vive Wireless Adapter.
The Oculus Rift S is part of the Oculus ecosystem, which includes the Oculus Quest standalone headset and the Oculus Link cable for PC VR.

In the ever-evolving world of virtual reality, two headsets stand out as the frontrunners: the HTC Vive Pro and the Oculus Rift S. Both offer immersive experiences, but which one is the better choice for you? To help you make an informed decision, we’ll compare the HTC Vive Pro and Oculus Rift S in terms of design, display, tracking, audio, and overall experience.

Design and Comfort: A Battle of Aesthetics and Ergonomics

The HTC Vive Pro and Oculus Rift S take different approaches to design. The Vive Pro boasts a more premium build, with a solid construction and adjustable head strap. Its Deluxe Audio Strap further enhances comfort by evenly distributing weight and providing a snug fit.

The Oculus Rift S, on the other hand, opts for a lighter, streamlined design. Its halo headband is easy to adjust and provides a comfortable fit for most head shapes. However, some users may find the Vive Pro‘s more robust build and adjustable head strap to be more comfortable during extended VR sessions.

Display: Resolution, Refresh Rate, and Field of View

Both the Vive Pro and Rift S offer high-resolution displays, but the Vive Pro has a slight edge with its 2880 x 1600 pixel resolution per eye compared to the Rift S’s 2560 x 1440 pixels per eye. This translates to sharper visuals and a more immersive experience, especially in games and applications that demand high visual fidelity.

Regarding refresh rate, both headsets offer a standard 90Hz refresh rate, providing smooth and fluid visuals. However, the Vive Pro has the potential to be overclocked to 120Hz, offering even smoother motion for fast-paced games and experiences.

The field of view (FOV) is an important factor that determines how immersive a VR experience can be. The Vive Pro offers a wider FOV of 110 degrees compared to the Rift S’s 94 degrees. This wider FOV allows for a more natural and engaging experience, especially in games and simulations where peripheral vision is important.

Tracking: Precision and Accuracy in Virtual Worlds

The HTC Vive Pro and Oculus Rift S use different tracking technologies. The Vive Pro employs a base station tracking system, which requires external sensors to be set up in the play area. This system provides excellent tracking accuracy and allows for room-scale VR experiences.

The Oculus Rift S, on the other hand, utilizes inside-out tracking, which relies on cameras mounted on the headset to track the user’s movements. This eliminates the need for external sensors, making the Rift S a more convenient option for those with limited space. However, inside-out tracking can be less precise than base station tracking, especially in larger play areas.

Audio: Immersive Soundscapes and Spatial Awareness

Both the Vive Pro and Rift S offer integrated audio solutions, but they differ in their approach. The Vive Pro features built-in headphones with active noise cancellation, providing immersive audio and reducing external distractions. The headphones can also be detached and replaced with third-party options if desired.

The Oculus Rift S, on the other hand, has built-in speakers that rest near the user’s ears. While these speakers provide decent audio quality, they don’t offer the same level of immersion and noise cancellation as the Vive Pro‘s headphones.

Overall Experience: Performance, Content, and Ecosystem

The HTC Vive Pro and Oculus Rift S offer comparable performance in terms of graphics and overall smoothness. However, the Vive Pro’s higher resolution display and wider FOV can provide a more immersive experience, especially in demanding games and applications.

When it comes to content, both headsets have access to a vast library of VR games, experiences, and applications. However, the Vive Pro has a slight advantage due to its compatibility with SteamVR, which offers a wider selection of VR content compared to the Oculus Store.

The ecosystem surrounding each headset is also worth considering. The Vive Pro is part of the HTC Vive ecosystem, which includes a range of accessories and peripherals, such as the Vive Tracker and Vive Wireless Adapter. The Oculus Rift S is part of the Oculus ecosystem, which includes the Oculus Quest standalone headset and the Oculus Link cable for PC VR.

The Final Verdict: Which Headset is Right for You?

Ultimately, the choice between the HTC Vive Pro and Oculus Rift S depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize image quality, immersion, and a wider FOV, the Vive Pro is the better choice. However, if you value convenience, ease of setup, and a more affordable price point, the Rift S is a solid option.

Beyond the Comparison: Additional Factors to Consider

Apart from the core features and specifications, there are a few other factors to consider when making your decision:

Price: The HTC Vive Pro is typically priced higher than the Oculus Rift S.

Setup and Ease of Use: The Oculus Rift S is easier to set up and use due to its inside-out tracking system, which eliminates the need for external sensors.

Room-Scale VR: The Vive Pro’s base station tracking system allows for larger play areas and more accurate room-scale VR experiences.

Content Availability: Both headsets have access to a wide range of VR content, but the Vive Pro has a slight advantage due to its compatibility with SteamVR.

Customer Support: Both HTC and Oculus offer customer support, but the quality and responsiveness of their support may vary.

Vr Face-off: Htc Vive Pro Vs Oculus Rift S – Which One Takes The Crown?