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 explain the differences and similarities between the two premium VR headsets and provide a recommendation on which headset is right for which application.

While a few years ago you could choose between a handful of VR headsets, the market has now grown to the point where there are several different VR headsets available from multiple brands. Sometimes there are huge price differences between the headsets. For example, you can purchase a Meta Quest 2 from €371 exclusive of VAT (MSRP), while other headsets are available from €2500 (and even up to €11,500 exclusive of VAT like VRgineers XTAL 3). The Meta Quest Pro and the HTC VIVE XR Elite are priced at €1489 exclusive of VAT (MSRP, Meta Quest Pro) and €1156 exclusive of VAT (MSRP, HTC VIVE XR Elite) respectively. With these prices, the headsets are in the higher segment of VR glasses.

VR technology can also be used to identify risks and prepare for emergencies. The police, fire service, and ambulance service can use VR to create a virtual environment that resembles the location of an emergency. Based on this analysis, the security services can develop a plan to minimise risks and ensure public safety.

*This refers to the recommended retail price of the product at the time of publication.

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 biggest difference between these two processors is that the XR2+ dissipates heat a bit better. The processor gets less warm than the XR2. In addition, there is a small performance boost of the processor, however, this is hardly noticeable in practice.

Where the HTC VIVE XR Elite is significantly better 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 simply nicer and sharper on the VIVE XR Elite. However, the Meta Quest Pro does have a built-in eye-tracker with foveated rendering. This is something that the VIVE XR Elite currently lacks.

Looking at the storage of the headsets, the Meta Quest Pro comes standard with more storage. The headset is currently only available in a variant with 256GB of storage and 12 GB of RAM. The VIVE XR Elite comes standard with 128GB of storage and the same 12 GB of RAM as the Quest Pro. In practice, 128GB seems to provide enough storage for most, but it can still be handy to have more storage for storing multiple applications and files on the headsets.

Both headsets contain a battery that is integrated into the back of the glasses in the headband. This battery lasts about 2 hours when the headset is turned on and in use. With the Meta Quest Pro, the battery on the back cannot be removed or swapped without turning off the headset, but with the VIVE XR Elite, this is possible. When the battery is empty, you can replace it with a new battery without the headset going out ('hot swappable').

The design of the Meta Quest Pro is somewhat reminiscent of the popular augmented reality glasses from Microsoft; the HoloLens 2. At the front of the headset, there is a screen with a cap that sits against the forehead. Bands run along the side to the battery, which sits at the back of the headset. When wearing the Meta Quest Pro on the head, it sits comfortably, but some users experience that the glasses sit a bit loose on the face. Additionally, the Meta Quest Pro comes standard without a facial interface that blocks light. An interface that specifically prevents light from entering the screen must be ordered separately.

The design of the HTC VIVE XR Elite is completely different and also to be described as unique. The VIVE XR Elite is a combination of the previously released HTC VIVE Flow and the HTC VIVE Focus 3. The VIVE XR Elite looks from the front like a kind of large sunglasses. The headset consists of two large lenses that sit over the eyes. At the back of the headset, like the Meta Quest Pro, there is a battery in the headband. The VIVE XR Elite is a modular headset. This means that you can detach and replace the battery that sits on the back of the headset. When the battery is detached, you can also connect the headset to an external power bank to power it. This way, you can use the glasses without a heavy battery and a large headband on the back of the headset, making the form factor even smaller.

The weights of the headsets are not significantly different from each other. The Meta Quest Pro weighs 722 grams (without headband) and the VIVE XR Elite weighs 625 grams (without headband). However, this difference in weight is noticeably felt when wearing the glasses for longer periods of time. The VIVE XR Elite puts significantly less pressure on the face and can therefore be worn comfortably for longer than the Meta Quest Pro.

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