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 compare the differences and similarities between the two premium VR headsets and provide advice on which headset is right for which application.

A few years ago, you could only choose between a handful of VR glasses. However, the market has grown so much that multiple brands have released multiple different VR headsets. Sometimes there are significant price differences between the headsets. For instance, you can purchase a Meta Quest 2 from €371 excluding VAT (MSRP), while other glasses 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 €1489 excluding VAT (MSRP, Meta Quest Pro) and €1156 excluding VAT (MSRP, HTC VIVE XR Elite) respectively. With these prices, the headsets fall into the higher segment of VR glasses.

VR technology can also be used to map risks and prepare for emergencies. The Police, Fire Brigade, and Ambulance Service, for example, can use VR to create a virtual environment that resembles the location of an emergency. Based on this analysis, the safety services can draw up a plan to minimize risks and ensure public safety.

The HTC VIVE XR Elite has a Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 processor. The Meta Quest Pro contains a slightly newer and more powerful version 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. There is also a slight boost in the processor's performance, but you notice little of this in practice.

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

Where the HTC VIVE XR Elite is clearly better is the headset's screen. 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 on the VIVE XR Elite look a bit nicer and sharper. The Meta Quest Pro does 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. Looking at the front, the VIVE XR Elite resembles a sort 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, a battery is incorporated into the headband. The VIVE XR Elite is a modular headset. This means that you can detach and replace the battery at the back of the headset. When the battery is detached, you can also connect the headset to an external power bank to power it. In this way, you can use the glasses without a heavy battery and large headband at the back of the headset, making the form factor even smaller.

When looking at the memory of the headsets, the Meta Quest Pro is standardly provided 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 a standard 128GB storage and the same 12 GB RAM as the Quest Pro. In practice, 128GB usually seems to offer sufficient storage, but it can be handy when you leave multiple applications and files on the headsets.

Both headsets contain a battery that is incorporated into the headband at the back of the glasses. This battery lasts for about 2 hours when the headset is on and in use. With the Meta Quest Pro, the battery at the back cannot be removed or replaced without the headset failing, 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 failing ('hot swappable').

The Meta Quest Pro's design is somewhat reminiscent of Microsoft's popular augmented reality headset, the HoloLens 2. At the front of the headset is a screen with a cap that sits against the forehead. On the side, a band runs to the battery that sits at the back of the headset. When you have the Meta Quest Pro on your head, it is comfortable, but some users experience that the glasses hang a bit loose on the face. Additionally, the Meta Quest Pro is standardly supplied without a face interface that blocks the light. An interface that does prevent light from entering the screen needs to be ordered separately.

The weights of the headsets don't differ much. 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 clearly noticeable when you put on the glasses for a longer period of time. The VIVE XR Elite clearly presses less on the face and can therefore be worn comfortably for a longer time than the Meta Quest Pro.

Both VR glasses are simply very good headsets with excellent 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 contains slightly more advanced sensors than the HTC VIVE XR Elite. But if you are looking for a virtual reality headset that you can comfortably wear for a longer period, 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.