A Comprehensive Review Of 2019 And 2020 VR Headsets
Most of the specs for the Quest are actually the same as the Rift S[8], which we’ll get to in a bit. The big difference between the Quest and the Go is that the Quest can handle the advanced tracking that allows more immersive VR applications.
VIVE Focus
As we’ll see in the next section, HTC’s VIVE line focuses on models that require a computer. They don’t have as many standalone offerings as Oculus and the VIVE option is, as one can expect, a bit more expensive and a bit more luxurious.
The VIVE Focus Plus[9] comes in at $800 – more than anything made by Oculus. So why the price jump?
The VIVE Focus Plus was introduced as the enterprise version of the consumer VIVE Focus. Due largely to the next-level software, including eye-tracking, the Plus eclipsed its colleague and VIVE discontinued the standard Focus.
Wireless
Most PC-based VR headsets require a cable connection to their PC but wireless headsets don’t. They have all of the power of tethered headsets without a cable to get in the way.
VIVE Pro
HTC’s VIVE is lining itself up as the Cadillac of VR headsets. VIVE Pro[10] is the only entirely wireless PC-based headset. As we’ll see, the VIVE Cosmos has a wireless adapter, however.
The full kit will cost you a grand more than the Oculus Quest. It’s one of the most expensive VR headsets around and the only one in its class. The link above will take you to the page for VIVE Pro so that you can read their full specs. Quickly, my favorite thing about VIVE Pro is that external sensors can be linked together to scale-up the space. “Out of play area?” Not likely.
Tethered
Most serious VR headsets have a wired connection, or “tether” to an external computer. That gives them more storage potential and the ability to run more advanced programs. The only downside is the tether. However, the tether is usually directed to run down the back so it’s out of the way.
VIVE Cosmos
The VIVE Cosmos[11] is a good place to start the discussion of tethered headsets. It has a tether but VIVE also pioneered a wireless adapter that works with Cosmos.