Meta Quest Pro vs. HTC VIVE XR Elite

The HTC VIVE XR Elite can be seen as a direct competitor to the previously released Meta Quest Pro. Both headsets support VR and AR/MR applications and are aimed at professional users. In this blog, we outline the differences and similarities between the two premium VR headsets and offer advice on the right headset for different applications.

A few years ago, you could only choose from a handful of VR headsets, but the market has grown so much that multiple brands have now released different VR headsets. Sometimes there are huge price differences between the headsets. For example, you can purchase a Meta Quest 2 from just €371 excluding VAT (MSRP), while other headsets are available from €2500 (and even rising to €11,500 excluding VAT such as VRgineers XTAL 3). The Meta Quest Pro and the HTC VIVE XR Elite cost respectively €1489 excluding VAT (MSRP, Meta Quest Pro) and €1156 excluding VAT (MSRP, HTC VIVE XR Elite). With this price, these headsets are in the higher segment of VR headsets.

VR-technologie can also be used to identify risks and prepare for emergencies. The Police, Fire Brigade, and Ambulance Services can, for example, use VR to create a virtual environment that mirrors the location of an emergency. Based on this analysis, the safety services can devise a plan to minimise risks and safeguard public safety.

The HTC VIVE XR Elite features a Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 processor. The Meta Quest Pro contains a slightly newer and more powerful variant of this, the Snapdragon XR2+ processor. The main difference between these two processors lies in the fact that the XR2+ can dissipate heat a bit better. The processor gets less hot than the XR2. In addition, there is a slight boost in the performance of the processor, however, you will notice little difference in practice.

*This is the recommended retail price of the product at the time of release.

Where the HTC VIVE XR Elite clearly excels is the screen of the headset. The resolution of the VIVE XR Elite is 1920 x 1920 pixels per eye, while the Meta Quest Pro has 1800 x 1920 pixels per eye. Both headsets support a refresh rate of 90 Hz, but images look a bit nicer and sharper on the VIVE XR Elite. The Meta Quest Pro does, however, have a built-in eye tracker with foveated rendering. This is something the VIVE XR Elite currently lacks.

The design of the HTC VIVE XR Elite is completely different and can also be called unique. The VIVE XR Elite is a combination of the previously released HTC VIVE Flow and the HTC VIVE Focus 3. When you look at the front, the VIVE XR Elite looks like a sort of large sunglasses. The headset consists of two large lenses that cover the eyes. At the back of the headset, just like with the Meta Quest Pro, a battery is integrated into the headband. The VIVE XR Elite is a modular headset. This means that you can detach and replace the battery that sits at the back of the headset. When the battery is detached, you can connect the headset to an external power bank to power it. In this way, you can use the headset without a heavy battery and large headband at the back of the headset, making the form factor even smaller.

When you look at the memory of the headsets, the Meta Quest Pro is standardly delivered with more memory storage. The headset is currently only available in a variant with 256GB storage and 12 GB RAM. The VIVE XR Elite contains standard 128GB storage and the same 12 GB RAM as the Quest Pro. In practice, 128GB usually provides enough storage, but it can be handy when you leave multiple applications and files on the headsets.

Both headsets contain a battery that is integrated into the headband at the back of the headset. This battery lasts for about 2 hours when the headset is on and being used. With the Meta Quest Pro, the battery at the back cannot be removed or swapped without the headset shutting down, but this is possible with the VIVE XR Elite. When the battery is empty, you can replace it with a new battery without the headset shutting down ('hot swappable').

The Meta Quest Pro design somewhat resembles the popular augmented reality headset from Microsoft; the HoloLens 2. At the front of the headset is a screen with a cap that rests against the forehead. On the side, a band runs to the battery that sits on the back of the headset. When you have the Meta Quest Pro on your head, it is comfortable, but some users find that the headset hangs a bit loose on the face. Moreover, the Meta Quest Pro is standardly delivered without a facial interface that blocks light. An interface that does ensure no light enters the screen needs to be ordered separately.

The weights of the headsets are not much different. The Meta Quest Pro weighs 722 grams (without headband) and the VIVE XR Elite weighs 625 grams (without headband). Yet, this difference in weight is noticeable when you wear the headsets for extended periods. The VIVE XR Elite presses less on the face and can therefore be worn comfortably for longer periods than the Meta Quest Pro.

Both VR headsets are simply very good headsets with excellent hardware and specifications. However, if you're looking for a headset that can do more with mixed reality applications, then the Meta Quest Pro is a better choice. This headset contains slightly more advanced sensors than the HTC VIVE XR Elite. But if you're looking for a virtual reality headset that you can wear comfortably for a long time, then the HTC VIVE XR Elite is a good choice!

Order the Meta Quest Pro or HTC VIVE XR Elite directly from Unbound XR. Click on the buttons below to go to the product pages of both products.