VR Headset Showdown: Oculus Versus HTC

Anyone looking to buy one of today’s best VR headsets will no doubt have considered models from Oculus and HTC. But which manufacturer is the best, and why? Understanding and appreciating the differences and benefits of each brand requires a closer look at their respective top-selling products.

In this instance, that’s the Oculus Quest 2 and the HTC Vive Pro 2.

The Quest 2 is Facebook-owned Oculus’s advanced all-in-one virtual reality gaming headset. The wireless Quest 2 offers high-definition optics and three-dimensional positional audio built directly into the headset. Available with either 128GB or 256GB of built-in storage, the latest cutting-edge VR headset from Oculus, now in its second generation, starts at $299.

Crucially, the award-winning Oculus Quest 2 is PC optional, allowing buyers to enjoy advanced all-in-one virtual reality experiences with just their headsets, controllers, and smartphones. Simultaneously tracking the movements of users’ heads and bodies, the Quest 2 also offers what Facebook’s Oculus team calls six degrees of freedom. With that, every action is translated into VR with realistic precision, all with no external sensors required.

As an all-around option, it’s hard to argue with the Quest 2’s offering. More dedicated gamers may prefer the costlier HTC Vive Pro 2 — something we’ll discuss more in the next section. However, for most people, the cheaper Oculus unit is a fantastic option as far as VR headsets go, particularly at under $300.

Buyers can look forward to an outstanding selection of games coupled with an ever-expanding range of more socially-focused applications. Social tie-ins, of course, should come as no surprise when you consider that Facebook is ultimately behind everything that goes on at Oculus.

On which note, those adverse to using Facebook and its products may be unwilling to buy into the Oculus range as a result. But, other than that, genuine criticisms are few and far between. The only place that the Quest 2 does fall flat slightly is when it comes to battery life. Here, Quest 2 owners can expect between two and three hours of use between charges.

In contrast to the Quest 2’s three-hour battery life, the HTC Vive Pro 2 virtual reality headset promises best-in-class graphics and ergonomic comfort for as long as users wish. But, of course, this comes at a cost. Both figuratively and literally, the wired — not wireless — HTC Vive Pro 2 will set buyers back $1,399.

HTC’s best-selling VR headset, the Vive Pro 2, targets hardcore gamers and other serious, potentially professional users. Whereas the Oculus Quest 2 is a brilliant all-around option, the Vive Pro 2 from HTC sets out to appeal to gamers.

Shell out $1,399 on a Vive Pro 2, and there’s 5K resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate, and a 120-degree field of view to look forward to. There’s very little to criticize other than the sky-high purchase price of HTC’s best-selling VR headset.

The HTC Vive Pro 2 kit comprises the Pro 2 headset, available separately for $799, plus the necessary base station and controllers. Dollar for dollar, it’s hugely expensive when lined up alongside the comparable Oculus Quest 2. Ultimately, though, it’s an entirely different proposition.

The choice between the Oculus Quest 2 and HTC’s Vive Pro 2 will depend on your budget in most cases. For purely casual users, the wireless Oculus Quest 2 is the obvious choice. Yet, more serious users could find that the Quest 2’s overall offering limits them. In this case, the HTC Vive Pro 2 may be more fitting.

Add in a $349 wireless adapter for the HTC Vive Pro 2, and the overall package costs $1,750 versus the sub-$300 cost of the already-wireless Quest 2 from Oculus. Even then, the Vive Pro 2 with the necessary wireless adapter still only stretches to two or three hours of battery life – identical to the Quest 2.

While Oculus currently offers just the second-generation Quest, HTC also offers a range of other comparable virtual reality products. These products include the brand’s $899 Cosmos Elite package and $499 Vive Flow immersive VR glasses.

While HTC’s Vive Flow glasses are another proposition entirely, the Cosmos Elite may be a better Oculus Quest 2 alternative.

An extended warranty is essential for any virtual reality headset. Upsie offers various video gaming warranty solutions for VR headsets, gaming consoles, and more. These warranties safeguard against accidents, dead pixels, power failures, and all manner of other potential eventualities.

Best of all, by cutting out the middleman, Upsie’s prices are up to 70 percent lower than warranties from manufacturers or retailers. In addition, customers can make unlimited claims up to the purchase price of the device and have access to 24/7 claims representatives. If repairs don’t make sense on the first claim, Upsie will even replace the device.

For the best protection at the best price, choose Upsie.