HTC Vive Pro 2 vs. Oculus Quest 2 is quite an intriguing battle when it comes to VR headsets, especially when you consider that they are two of the best VR headsets money can buy today.
There are some key differences between the pair of them, which we'll get into in due course, but if you've been weighing up which one to go for, we're here to help you decide once and for all.
Let's take a look!
HTC Vive Pro 2 vs Oculus Quest 2
When it comes to deciding which headset to go for out of the pair, there's definitely a lot to think about, including their specs, how easy they are to set up, and the games they can play.
To help you out, we've broken down what we think are the most vital points to demonstrate which headset wins at which points.
HTC Vive Pro 2 vs Oculus Quest 2 Specs
To start things off, let's take a look at a side-by-side comparison of the two headset's spec sheet which you can check out below:
| HTC Vive Pro 2 | Oculus Quest 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution (per-eye) | 2448x2448 | 1832x1920 |
| HDR | No | No |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 72Hz/90Hz/120Hz |
| Panel Type | LCD | LCD |
| Tracking Type | 6DoF (marker-based) | 6DoF (Inside Out) |
| Hand Tracking | No | Yes |
| Eye Tracking | No | No |
| Finger Tracking | Yes (when used with Index controllers) | Yes |
| Field Of View | 120 degrees | 97 degrees |
| Audio | USB-C headphones | Headphone Jack |
| Mic | Yes | Yes |
| Wired/Wireless | Wired | Both |
Compared with the Quest 2, there are some elements where Pro 2 could be considered to win and be more powerful as such including its resolution and displays in general, which we're going to get into more detail on below.
HTC Vive Pro 2 vs Oculus Quest 2 Resolution
In terms of their resolution and the displays on offer in both headsets, it's fair to say that there is a bit of a difference between the Vive Pro 2 and the Quest 2.
For reference, the HTC Vive Pro 2 utilises a 5K total resolution which equates to 2.5K per eye, or a resolution of 2448x2448, on an LCD panel. The Oculus Quest 2 employs a resolution of 1832x1920, also with an LCD panel.
In short, the higher resolution on the Vive Pro 2 will allow for more detailed imagery, although both headsets should offer similar colours, given the fact they both use an LCD panel.
Some headsets, such as the upcoming PSVR 2 will make use of OLED panels, or the Meta Quest Pro with its rumoured Mini LED displays are likely to offer a better contrast ratio with more accurate and deeper colours.
click to enlarge
+ 3HTC Vive Pro 2 vs Oculus Quest 2 Refresh Rate
As much as the displays of both the headsets differ in some ways with their resolution, their refresh rates are, in an instance the same.
The Vive Pro 2 natively outputs at 120Hz, whilst the Quest 2 originally shipped with a 72Hz refresh rate which, thanks to a series of software updates, has been uprated to 90Hz, and then 120Hz that can be enabled in select games.
HTC Vive Pro 2 vs Oculus Quest 2 Price
Perhaps the starkest difference between the two headsets arises not in the tech inside them, but in their respective pricing.
The Vive Pro 2, for the headset only, carries an RRP of $799 for just the headset itself, and $1399 for a bundle that includes the headset itself alongside two controllers and two base stations.
By contrast, the Oculus Quest 2 retails for $299 or $399 dependent upon whether you'd like 128GB or 256GB storage. Do note though, the Quest 2 doesn't have expandable storage, so if you do go for it, you'll have to choose what capacity you'd like wisely.
click to enlarge + 3HTC Vive Pro 2 vs Oculus Quest 2 Setup
For both headsets, the setup process looks to be pretty simple, although because of their differing use cases, certain elements may be a little different.
Getting the HTC Vive Pro 2 working is as simple as downloading the Vive software to your PC, plugging the headset in, and then following the on-screen prompts.
For the Quest 2, things can be a little different depending upon how you want to use the headset.
It is, first and foremost, a standalone device that can be used without a PC, and a first-time setup involves connecting up a Facebook account and the Oculus app on your phone.
It's worth noting though that even if the Quest 2 doesn't need a PC in order to run, you can use it as a tethered headset and connect Quest 2 to a PC, which then requires you to download the Oculus app also.
HTC Vive Pro 2 vs Oculus Quest 2 Games
It's on the games front where the Quest 2 arguably wins, given its double-sided use case as both a tethered and standalone headset.
With its internal storage, you can download some of the best Quest 2 games directly from the Oculus Store including plenty of the best VR indie games that includes fan-favourites like Superhot VR and Beat Saber, or some of the best VR horror games like Blair Witch VR.
In addition, the Quest 2 can play Steam games when connected to a PC, like the HTC Vive Pro 2, which opens you up to some of the best VR games full stop, including the likes of Sniper Elite VR and Half-Life: Alyx.
As the Vive Pro 2 is simply a tethered PCVR headset, you're limited to games within storefronts such as Steam, but given the practically endless choice available, you're sure to find plenty of titles to enjoy.
click to enlarge + 3HTC Vive Pro 2 vs Oculus Quest 2 Design
When it comes to design, there is a fair bit to pick between both of these fantastic headsets.
The Vive Pro 2 is arguably a little bulkier than the Quest 2, weighing in at 850g, whilst the Quest 2 offers a mass of 503g, and could be seen to look a little sleeker and perhaps more modern.
It is worth noting that the Vive Pro 2 is a fair bit more powerful and therefore may need to be a little bigger to fit in those 5K panels for a start.
Read More: Should I Wait For Meta Quest 3?
Both headsets do also have some decent accessories to go with them that can unlock additional features. For instance, the Vive Pro 2 is compatible with the Valve Index controllers that allows it to have finger tracking.
In addition, some of the best Quest 2 accessories can range from a handy charging dock for the headset and controllers to a strap with an additional battery within it, and these may be worth picking up as convenient added extras.
Which Headset Should You Go For?
In conclusion, we'd say that the decision for which headset to go for is in your hands, but if we had to go for one, we'd probably say the Quest 2 is a better bet for most people.
This is due to its versatility as a device that can be used with and without a PC, and also down to price when you consider that even the 256GB model of the Quest 2 at $399 is a quarter of the price of the HTC Vive Pro 2's bundle with controllers and base stations.
However, if you do have money to spend and more integrally, a powerful gaming PC to hand already, there's no reason why you shouldn't go and pick up the Vive Pro 2.
It's a beast of a device, and if you're specifically after the best PCVR experience possible, then this is the headset to go for.
All in all, though, both headsets are amazing in their own right, and the bottom line is to go with what your needs are and what you prefer.
Be sure to check back in with us for more VR guides, news and info, especially as 2022 looks to be a fantastic year for virtual reality with the potential release of devices such as Project Cambria and games like Lost Ember VR.
Read More: HTC Vive Pro 2 vs. Oculus Rift S: How Do They Compare?