The HTC Vive XR Elite is a uniquely versatile VR headset that converts into unlike forms , giving you the freedom to take which feature you require at any time . While it ’s now a year sure-enough , the Vive XR Elite keeps getting better and is still deserving considering .
Meta stands out as the maker of the Quest 2 , the existence ’s most democratic VR headset , but HTC ’s solution is good enough to earn a place on our listing ofthe best VR headsets for your PCandthe best VR headset overall .
Let ’s moil into the details and memorise what makes the Vive XR Elite special .
Three ways to wear it
Comfort is critical for wearable product , and they must aline to jibe people of all shapes and size . Unfortunately , VR headsets do n’t have a good lead disk when it comes to foresighted - full term comfort .
HTC take a bluff approach to this problem , offering two way to wear the Vive XR Elite at launch . A third option , my favorite , get later .
The standard method acting is a halo shoulder strap that tightens at the back , snugging a framework shock against my face . The rearward battery balance the vizor for an even distribution of the headset ’s 1.4 - pounding weight .
In this contour , the Vive XR Elite is a bit heavy compare tothe 1.1 - Ezra Pound Quest 3 but lighter than the 1.6 - pound Quest Pro . HTC made an already well-situated VR headset much better with an option to remove the rear battery .
The 2nd agency to wear the Vive XR Elite is by using earpiece instead of the aura shoulder strap and barrage . In this manner , I wear it like a pair of glasses . It looks like ski goggles and weighs just 10 ounce ( 0.6 pound ) .
I utilise the hybridizing strap that tie to the back of each stem and rests across the top of my head to remove any auricle pressure . It ’s A-one Inner Light and well-heeled in this configuration .
As impressive as that is , it gets better . I lovethe Quest Pro ’s design since the visor floats in front of my eyeswithout press into my brass . HTC take up the approximation and released an optional mixed reality interface that replaces the magnetically attached cushion with a forehead pad .
I use the Vive XR Elite with the MR Gasket , so I can see out the side and bottom . This lets me see my phone and keyboard without relying on the passthrough camera view . It works with the battery strap and in glass mode .
Virtual screens for my PC
Connecting to my microcomputer is my favorite way to utilize HTC ’s Vive XR Elite . Using the Vive Desk app , which is in beta testing , I can resize , arguing , and position three large practical screens around me .
The Vive XR Elite ’s passthrough mode is fair sharp , constitute it easy to see my earpiece , PC keyboard , and mouse . It ’s better than the Quest Pro ’s but not as nice as the Quest 3 or Vision Pro . Objects look a little zoom in compared to their actual size , but my mind speedily adapted to this new realism .
It took me a few arcminute to fine tune the fit and pore . To maximize sharpness , the built - in diopter dials let me adjust for each eye , a nice touch regard how many masses have at least a bit of myopia . After this initial setup , I can put the headset on , associate , and start working in about a minute .
The 1920 - by-1920 pixel - per - eye display resolution is as good as most VR headset released before 2024 , but it ’s not as tart as a Quest 3 and far below the Vision Pro ’s 4 K resolve . To compensate , I surmount my virtual screens to the size of it of 32 - column inch monitors to make text easily decipherable .
It ’s like a room - filling triple monitor setup without requiring a huge amount of infinite , along with desk and paries setting . For picture rooter , there ’s an choice for a undivided , gargantuan 21:9 screen that fulfil your entire sight .
If I want to get in touch to my Mac , I coulduse Immersed or Virtual Desktop . Both apps endorse Windows and macOS across the most popular standalone VR headsets .
Standalone fun
The Vive XR Elite also has a standalone mode . The program library is n’t as large as Meta ’s Quest store , but there are several expert rubric .
HTC bundles a few games and apps to get you start with the headset before call the store . Most notable areHubris , an engaging sci - fi risky venture biz , andOpenBrush , a cracking VR paint app that ’s useable on many VR headsets .
To use the standalone mode , you require the halo strap that admit a barrage fire coterie . If you prefer to play in eyeglasses mode , you may plug in an external battery . I have a PrismXR Carina battery belt and that worked well .
The Vive XR Elite supports hand - trailing , has good mixed world , and several ways to specify a safe quad to move within when fully immerse in a VR secret plan . The experience is quite like the more popular Meta Quest headsets .
Is the Vive XR Elite right for you?
you’re able to order the HTC Vive XR Elite for $ 1,099 . It ’s a well - made VR headset with a attentive design that competes well against choice like the Meta Quest Pro .
In fact , with the $ 25 MR Gasket accessory , the Vive XR Elite even matches the Quest Pro ’s float vizor design . That , merge with the XR Elite ’s unique glasses mode , the Vive XR Elite is presently the lightest and most well-heeled VR headset that can wirelessly connect to your Windows PC . If you ’re at your PC already , you’re able to denigrate your gear further by secure into a USB - deoxycytidine monophosphate port . That lets you disconnect the battery and skip Wi - Fi if your USB connection is good enough .
It should be cite , of course , that the Quest 3 is still the headset most citizenry should grease one’s palms . It provides the VR experience most masses require at a more affordable price . The Vive XR Elite is also not meant to contend directly with the Vision Pro , of course , especially at virtually a third of the Mary Leontyne Price .
But if you want the choice of playing both PC and standalone VR games , HTC ’s Vive XR Elite can assist both determination , making it a great alternative to the Quest Pro .
There ’s one last caveat before you go out and buy it , though : The Vive XR Elite is almost a year old . That intend a newer interpretation could come out soon . In fact , Qualcomm has already refer HTC is process on a VR headset powered by the Snapdragon XR2 + Gen 2 . That processor is firm than the Meta Quest 3 and supports up to 4K - per - oculus resolution . If you’re able to wait until afterward this year , you ’ll likely get a improved rendering of this headset with better performance and image quality .
