Valve Index Vs Oculus Rift S – Which is Best?

Would you love to enjoy virtual reality gaming at home? Investing in the right technology is going to be the key to enjoying your gaming experience. But if you are new to this type of gaming, you might not be sure where to begin.

We have chosen two popular virtual reality gaming headsets to get you started. They both have a lot to offer in different ways. Let’s take a look at the Valve Index versus the Oculus Rift S.

Valve Index

If you are interested in virtual reality and its development, you have probably heard of the company called Valve. They certainly helped in its development and they eventually released their own hardware for the public to enjoy. In particular, we are talking about the Valve Index.

The first thing you should be aware of with this headset that it is quite expensive. Of course, you do get a lot of value for your money with this gaming system. But you should be aware that it has a high price tag compared to some other options out there, including the Oculus Rift S. In addition, you have to make sure that you have a gaming personal computer and wired connection in order to enjoy the Valve Index. But we are talking about enjoying realistic graphics and a very enjoyable experience.

When it comes to the headset, you can enjoy comfort. There is a lot of padding and you can adjust the headband. You will find that the headset is slightly heavier than you imagined. So, you might start to notice this after a lot of gaming. But a lot of people get used to it. You can adjust the focus on the lenses for the best image and there are built-in speakers so that you can feel like you are in the game. So, there are no headphones that you have to use. There are two cameras for operating the system.

The Valve Index has second-generation base stations when it comes to room tracking. You can enjoy a wide view and a cool experience. But be aware that it can take some time to set up this system. When it comes to the controllers, they are going to strap onto your hands. They feel secure and you do not have to worry about dropping them. There are lots of sensors on them so it can deliver a fantastic gaming experience.

Oculus Rift S

Next, let’s take a look at the Oculus Rift S. This is the second generation of this model and you will notice that it is more affordable than the Valve Index. But this should not make you assume that it does not have a lot to offer. Indeed, the Oculus Rift S might be the best choice for you.

There is a decent amount of comfort when it comes to the Oculus Rift S. The headset was created by Lenovo but you may be surprised to hear that it is quite basic in design. In fact, some people comment that it is unattractive. This is certainly true when you compare it to the Valve Index. Unfortunately, you cannot adjust the lenses and this headset has a narrower field of vision for gaming. But, for example, if you have glasses, you can move the screen backward and forwards. There are built-in speakers for a realistic experience just like the Valve Index. But the good thing is, you can always choose to use your own headphones if this is something that you would prefer. This model is lighter than the Valve Index at 1.2 pounds.

When it comes to tracking, the Oculus Rift S operates differently to the Valve Index. Instead of base stations, there are five built-in cameras. This means that you can enjoy a wireless system. Thus, there are two cameras on the front of the headset and one found on the top, as well as the two cameras being on the side. You will sit have to be hooked up to your gaming computer. But there are fewer cables.

The Verdict

There is no doubt that Valve Index and the Oculus Rift S can provide you with an enjoyable gaming experience. But there are differences between the two systems that can be persuasive when you are trying to choose the best one for you.

First of all, price is a huge factor for a lot of people. Indeed, the Valve Index is more expensive than a lot of virtual reality gaming systems. This means that it is often only the serious gamers that purchase this model. Indeed, the Oculus Rift S is the more affordable option and this might be better for you if you are on a budget.

But if graphics and an amazing gaming experience are important to you, the Valve Index is going to be great. It has a better resolution for each eye at 1440 x 1600. This is compared to 1280 x 1440 on the Oculus Rift S. In addition, there are better refresh rates at 80, 90, 120 and 144 Hz, compared to just 80 Hz with the Oculus Rift S. The field of view can be adjusted by up to 130 degrees too. However, when it comes to tracking, a lot of people prefer the Oculus Rift S compared to the Valve Index. It does not have several base stations and instead, it enjoys five built-in cameras.

On the comfort side, the Valve Index wins. It has a lot of cushioning, crated from foam covered with soft microfiber. The Oculus Rift S has soft foam on rubber. But the Valve Index is slightly heavier at 1.78 pounds and this might mean long gaming sessions become hard work after a while.

Ultimately, the best virtual gaming headset will be down to you. If you love games and expect the best graphics, you may be better with the Valve Index. But if you are watching your money and have a budget, you will still love the Oculus Rift S.