HTC · VIVE

VIVE Pro

Released April 2018

VIVE Pro is a PC VR headset with higher-resolution OLED displays, a rigid adjustable headband, integrated headphones and stereo front cameras. The original headset-only package reuses separately supplied SteamVR controllers and base stations.

Works: Needs a PC or console
Per eye: 1440 × 1600
Refresh: 90 Hz
Weight: 769 g

What reviewers say

PCWorld and Ars Technica praise clearer text and a better-balanced strap, but question the cost for a modest upgrade. Their audio verdicts differ: PCWorld finds the headphones adequate, while Ars praises their sound. PCWorld also finds the rear counterweight awkward with a high-backed chair.

From pcworld.com and arstechnica.com

Specifications

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Display

Resolution per eye: 1440 × 1600
Panel: OLED
Refresh rate: 90 Hz
Display details: Dual 3.5-inch AMOLED displays; 1440 × 1600 per eye at 90 Hz. HTC's stated 110° field of view has no specified axis.
Lenses: Fresnel lenses retained from original VIVE (Ars Technica); eye relief adjusts separately
Lens spacing (IPD): Physical lens-spacing knob with on-screen distance indication; manufacturer range omitted because not established

Tracking and input

Eye tracking: No
Hand tracking: Yes
Controllers in the box: No
Colour passthrough: Yes
Sensors: SteamVR Tracking 1.0 and 2.0 compatible; external base stations required. VIVE Hand Tracking SDK supports controller-free tracking in compatible apps. Original Pro has no built-in eye tracking; Pro Eye is a separate model.
Controllers: Original headset-only package excludes controllers and base stations; existing VIVE controllers and base stations can be reused. Later Full Kit includes Controller (2018) and SteamVR Base Stations 2.0.
Passthrough: Two front-facing RGB cameras; HTC's SRWorks SDK provides a stereoscopic see-through view and depth sensing. Camera software support was expanded after launch; use requires compatible software and enabling cameras in SteamVR.

Performance

Works: Needs a PC or console
Connections: Powered link box connects to PC over DisplayPort 1.2 or newer and USB 3.0; supplied DisplayPort and USB cables. Proprietary headset tether; optional VIVE Wireless Adapter sold separately.

Design

Battery: None (powered by a PC or console)
Weight (headset): 769 g
Audio: Removable on-ear headphones with built-in amplifier; integrated microphones. HTC also supplies Audio SDK support for alert and conversation modes.
Strap: Rigid adjustable headband, rear sizing dial and top strap; 769 g without cable measured by Tom's Hardware. Its complete headset and cable measured 1017 g.
In the box: Launch headset-only package has headset and cable, face cushion, cleaning cloth, earphone hole caps, link box, power adaptor, DisplayPort cable, USB 3.0 cable and mounting pad; PC, controllers and base stations separate

Pros and cons

Pros

Higher per-eye resolution than original VIVE
Integrated removable headphones and microphones
Supports SteamVR Tracking 1.0 and 2.0 hardware

Cons

Controllers and base stations absent from launch headset-only package
Requires a compatible PC with DisplayPort and USB 3.0
Headset remains tethered without optional wireless accessory

Closest rivals

Model	Works	Per eye	Refresh	Weight	Released
ValveIndex	Needs a PC or console	1440 × 1600	144 Hz	809 g	Jun 2019
MetaOculus Rift S	Needs a PC or console	1280 × 1440	80 Hz	561 g	May 2019
SonyPlayStation VR	Needs a PC or console	960 × 1080	120 Hz	610 g	Oct 2016

Sources

Photo: vive.com

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