For many companies investing in immersive tech, choosing the best HTC XR headset isn’t as simple as it seems. There’s more to ensuring your investment actually pays off than just grabbing the latest device to hit the shelves. You’ll need to consider your specific use cases, deployment needs (PC-VR or standalone?), and feature requirements carefully.
After all, the wrong choice could mean you risk wasting time and money on systems that frustrate, rather than empower your employees. The good news is HTC offers a range of great headsets for various business use cases, from the streamlined and simple HTC VIVE Flow, to VIVE Focus 3 with best-in-class graphics.
Here, we’ll take a closer look at the key features and benefits of some of the top HTC XR headsets, to help you make the right choice for your team.
Choosing the Best HTC XR Headset: What to Consider
Before we examine some of the best HTC XR headset options (and the top use cases they might be ideal for), let’s take a look at some of the considerations that might need to guide your choice. If you’re not sure where to start when narrowing down your options, try thinking about:
- Use Case: What are you using your HTC XR headset for? For product design and development teams, the exceptional visual clarity of the VIVE Focus 3 might be a great choice. For collaboration, and field service teams, the hot swappable battery and advanced tracking capabilities of the HTC XR Elite might come in handy.
- Budget: If you’re looking for an extremely affordable headset with plenty of power, the HTC VIVE Pro series might be a good choice (although you may need to invest in a high-end PC). If you have a higher budget and want a standalone headset, the Focus 3 or XR Elite may give you more flexible options.
- PC-VR or Standalone: Do you want to draw on the power of your existing PC systems with the VIVE Pro series? Or do you need a standalone system that allows your team to move around freely when using VR and MR apps?
- Unique Features: If you need advanced spatial computing solutions and mixed reality features, options like the VIVE XR Elite could be ideal. Alternatively, if you need immersive spatial sound and exceptional comfort, the VIVE Focus 3 is a great pick.
Best HTC XR Headset: Comparing 3 Top Models
While there are actually a few different HTC headsets available today, we’re going to skip more outdated options (like the initial VIVE Pro), and simplistic VR glasses (like the VIVE Flow) here. Instead, let’s take a closer look at how the three most impressive HTC XR headsets stack up in terms of overall functionality and ideal use cases.
HTC VIVE Pro 2: Best for PC-VR
Building on the highly successful HTC VIVE Pro, the Pro 2 is a premium PC-VR headset, perfect for companies searching for high-fidelity visuals, and exceptional tracking accuracy. This headset offers a fantastic 120HZ refresh rate, 120-degree field of view, and 5K screen, making it fantastic for product design teams. It’s also compatible with a range of software solutions, from Unity to Autodesk.
One particularly great thing about the VIVE Pro 2, is how customizable it is. VIVE partners with independent software vendors who can actually create custom solutions and content for your XR use cases. Plus, you can still use HTC solutions like VIVERSE and VIVE Business+ for end-to-end device, app, and user management.
The downside of this headset is that it’s not a standalone solution, so teams remain tethered to computer systems at all times. You might even need to invest in higher-quality PCs alongside your headset. Plus, the HTC VIVE Pro is a little clunky (and heavy) compared to some alternatives. There’s also the need to invest in external base stations for tracking.
Pros:
- Exceptional 5K screens with 120-degree FOV
- Excellent 120hz refresh rate and strong processing power
- Options for connected tracking systems and accessories
- High-resolution audio and spatial sound
- Excellent, consistent performance (with PC tethering)
Cons:
- No standalone mode
- Potential initial setup complexity
- Limited advanced features without accessories
Best For: The VIVE Pro 2 is probably the best HTC XR headset if you’re looking for consistent performance and high-resolution visuals. It’s great for detailed design work and immersive simulations but lacks the flexibility needed by some teams.
HTC VIVE XR Elite: Best for Cost-Effective VR and MR
The VIVE XR Elite was initially introduced as a competitor to Meta’s “Quest Pro” – intended for enterprise users. This highly configurable headset supports PCVR and standalone modes, adapting to various workflows. It also offers a full XR passthrough and a host of built-in tracking features. Even without base stations, you still get four field-of-view tracking cameras and depth sensors.
There’s even built-in Skeleton-Level hand tracking, which could make this headset fantastic for training purposes and simulations. The VIVE XR Elite is ergonomic and comfortable, with a removable battery and numerous accessories. You can even experiment with a full Deluxe pack of add-ons, which include comfortable face gaskets and reinforced straps.
You can also access the VIVERSE portal for custom metaverse experiences and VIVE Streaming for enhanced standalone headset performance. However, the display and refresh rate are lower than that of the VIVE Pro 2, and there’s no eye-tracking built-in.
Pros:
- Excellent mixed reality passthrough features
- Hybrid PCVR and standalone functionality
- Comfortable and ergonomic design
- Impressive hand tracking and depth sensing
- Lots of add-ons and accessories available
Cons:
- Slightly lower visual performance
- Low battery life
Best for: The VIVE XR Elite might be the best HTC XR headset for companies looking for flexible, comfortable, and intuitive VR and MR experiences. It’s a versatile choice for training and simulation use cases and remote collaboration.
HTC VIVE Focus 3: The Premium VIVE VR Experience
Although VIVE has updated its “Focus” series of headsets with the VIVE Focus Vision, the Focus 3 is the more powerful headset in the virtual reality collection. It has a 5K resolution, a 90hz refresh rate, and an impressive 120-degree field of view.
You also get built-in spatial audio and dual microphones with echo cancellation, making this headset excellent for remote collaboration. Plus, the VIVE Focus 3 includes an active cooling mechanism for improved user comfort and flexible front and back cushions.
One great thing about the VIVE Focus 3 is its hot-swappable battery, which makes it great for remote teams who need to access XR experiences for longer periods. There’s also built-in hand tracking, but unlike the VIVE XR Elite, there aren’t any real mixed reality features. You also can’t add in extra trackers, like VIVE’s full-face and eye-tracking system.
Pros:
- Excellent standalone operation
- Ergonomic and comfortable design
- Powerful virtual reality capabilities
- Built-in spatial audio and hand-tracking
- Useful hot-swappable battery
Cons:
- No mixed reality features
- Fewer accessories available
Best for: We’d recommend the VIVE Focus 3 as the best HTC XR headset for in-depth virtual reality experiences. It’s excellent for immersive collaboration, but you might need to switch to the VIVE Focus Vision or XR Elite for spatial computing and mixed reality.
Deploying the Best HTC XR Headset: Quick Tips
Buying the Best HTC XR headset is just the first step – next comes implementation. Whether you’ve chosen the VIVE Pro 2, VIVE XR Elite, or VIVE Focus 3, here are some quick tips for a smooth deployment.
- Research the headset first: Find out what you’re going to need for your initial setup. If you’re using the VIVE Pro 2, for instance, you’ll need a compatible computing system and tracking sensors. If you’ve chosen the VIVE XR Elite, you might want to explore add-on accessories, like trackers, or comfortable straps and facial interfaces.
- Find the right software: Explore the VIVE app store for ready-made solutions for training and collaboration. Alternatively, consider using VIVERSE for business to create tailored environments. Remember, you’ll need an MR headset like the VIVE XR Elite or VIVE Focus Vision to take advantage of pass-through capabilities in apps.
- Invest in training: In-depth training will help your teams make the most of your new XR solutions. Run hands-on workshops or create video tutorials that teams can follow. Remember to gather feedback and insights from early adopters to fine-tune your approach.
- Master XR management: Use tools like VIVE Business+ to access end-to-end app, device, and user management, deployment, and tracking features. Experiment with content management tools and advanced features, like multi-user tracking.
- Get ready to scale: Monitor the impact your XR solutions have on your team and prepare to scale with additional headsets and software when necessary. Consider experimenting with add-ons and accessories, like robust tracking tools for the VIVE XR Elite.
Choosing the Best HTC XR Headset for Your Business
HTC VIVE has a range of great XR headsets that address various business use cases and needs. Ultimately, the right choice depends on what you want in an XR system.
If you need a powerful, reliable PCVR solution with excellent visual performance, consider the VIVE Pro 2. If you want ergonomic virtual reality for immersive collaboration, the HTC Focus 3 is a great choice. Alternatively, if you’re searching for state-of-the-art mixed reality and spatial computing solutions, we’d recommend either the HTC Focus Vision or VIVE XR Elite.
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