Whether you’re a seasoned sim racing driver or just getting started, choosing the right VR headset is going to be very important for your driving performance.
In this post, we’ll compare the HTC Vive Pro 2 and Valve Index to see which one is best for sim racing.
Spoiler alert: they’re both great options, but there are some key differences that you should consider before making your decision. To sum it up though, most sim racers prefer the Valve Index as it tends to perform better despite the lower price tag.
So without further ado, let’s get started!
We’re going to discuss the following aspects of each one so that you can make an informed decision:
- VR Headset Prices
- Graphics quality
- PC Requirements
- Device Compatibility
- FOV & Realism
So let’s get started with the first comparison aspect, prices.
Table of Contents
Prices
When it comes to prices, bear in mind that the HTC Vive Pro 2 is one of the most expensive headsets on the market. It’ll cost you around $800 compared to the $460 of the Valve Index.
Now, the Valve Index isn’t a cheap piece of equipment either. But given the fact that it offers so many great features and even 10° higher FOV and 20% more refresh rate, we can say that it’s a really good deal.
Graphics Quality
As for graphics quality, both headsets offer great resolutions. The Valve Index has a resolution of 2880 x 1600px, while the HTC Vive pro 2 goes up to 4896 x 2448px, which is nearly double!
That’s really impressive as it results in a more realistic and immersive experience. So if graphics quality is important to you, the HTC Vive Pro 2 is the clear winner.
On the other hand, the Valve Index has got a 20% refresh rate and has the ability to track a 360° head movement, while the HTC Vive pro 2 can’t match it.
PC Requirements
When it comes to PC specs, remember that all those extra resolution pixels will put a lot of stress on your graphics card. So if you’re looking to buy the HTC Vive Pro 2, you’ll need a powerful PC with a GTX 1070 or better.
Also in terms of RAM and CPU, you’ll want to have really powerful specs as they both need to be able to handle a lot of data.
Device Compatibility
Another key factor that you should consider is device compatibility. Even though both VR headsets are compatible with SteamVR which allows you to play with any major console and PC racing games.
Those include iRacing, rFactor 2, Assetto Corsa and ACC.
As you can see there are not any major differences here as both devices are compatible with pretty much the same sim racing games.
FOV & Realism
Last but not least we’ve got to analyze the FOV and realism of both devices. The HTC Vive Pro 2 offers a 120° FOV, while the Valve Index goes up to 130° which is quite impressive considering its much lower price tag.
Having a great FOV is key since it allows you to have a better sense of speed and situational awareness while driving.
Another factor that greatly increases realism is the head tracking feature. The Valve Index is able to track a 360° head movement, while the HTC Vive Pro 2 cannot.
This means that you’ll be able to look around in the cockpit and see things that you wouldn’t be able to see with the Vive Pro 2.
So in terms of FOV & Realism, the Valve Index is the better choice.
So what’s the best racing VR: the HTC Vive Pro 2 or the Valve Index?
The Valve Index. This VR headset has got a great FOV, higher refresh rate, head tracking and it’s compatible with all the major sim racing games. It’s also cheaper than the HTC Vive Pro 2 which makes it a really good deal.
So if you’re looking for the best VR headset for sim racing, the Valve Index is the one you want to go with.
Hope you’ve found this comparison helpful!
As always, happy sim racing! 🙂