Valve Index VR Kit: Most Impressive VR Headset Yet

At $999 for the full headset, controllers, and base stations package, the Valve Index is an expensive PC-tethered virtual-reality (VR) system.

- WILL GREENWALD

The headset itself, while capable, doesn’t do much to rise above the competition besides delivering a smoother 120Hz refresh rate. The controllers, though, wowed us with their individual finger tracking and much more natural, immersive feel than other VR controllers we’ve tested. They’re the stars of the show and the reason the Valve Index earns our Editors’ Choice award for tethered VR headsets. (Though if you already have a Vive headset with base stations, you can add the controllers for $279 and save a ton of money.)

The standalone Oculus Quest 2, another Editors’ Choice pick, is a much more affordable headset that’s simpler to use, lacks cables, and doesn’t require a PC or console to work. But the Index lets you enjoy smoother action, much more advanced graphics, and controllers that are a huge leap ahead of what Oculus uses. The Quest is a good entry-level, all-around VR headset; the Valve Index is for VR enthusiasts and dedicated PC gamers.

SOLID, STANDARD HEADSET

The Index is a fairly cookie-cutter PC-tethered virtual-reality headset, with a large face-mounted display connected to a sturdy adjustable head harness. The entire assembly is black and looks like a larger and more elaborate version of the Oculus Rift S. The front section is mostly matte-black plastic with a glossy-black front panel that comes off to reveal a recess with a USB port Valve calls the “frunk.” The frunk currently doesn’t have any official use, nor does Valve have any public plans for the compartment. In theory, it could eventually hold additional sensor modules, but right now, it’s effectively useless.

Valve Index VR Kit

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