HP Reverb G2
| HP Reverb G2 | |
|---|---|
| Basic Info | |
| VR/AR | Virtual Reality |
| Type | Head-Mounted Display |
| Subtype | PC VR |
| Platform | Windows Mixed Reality, SteamVR |
| Developer | HP, Valve, Microsoft |
| Manufacturer | HP |
| Release Date | November 2020 |
| Price | $599 USD (launch) / ~$399 (current) |
| Website | https://www.hp.com/us-en/vr/reverb-g2-vr-headset.html |
| Predecessor | HP Reverb G1 |
| System | |
| Storage | |
| Display | |
| Display | LCD |
| Resolution | 2160x2160 per eye |
| Refresh Rate | 90 Hz |
| Image | |
| Field of View | 98° |
| Optics | |
| Ocularity | Binocular |
| Tracking | |
| Tracking | 6DoF (inside-out, 4 cameras) |
| Audio | |
| Audio | Valve-designed off-ear speakers |
| Connectivity | |
| Connectivity | DisplayPort + USB 3.0 |
| Device | |
| Weight | 1 lb (~500g) |
The HP Reverb G2 is a PC virtual reality head-mounted display developed by HP in collaboration with Valve and Microsoft, released in November 2020. The Reverb G2 features industry-leading 2160x2160 per eye resolution (9.3 million total pixels - 2.5x more than Oculus Rift S), Valve-designed lenses and off-ear spatial audio speakers, 98° field of view, and inside-out tracking requiring no external sensors. Compatible with both SteamVR and Windows Mixed Reality platforms, the Reverb G2 delivers exceptional visual clarity at an accessible price point, making it especially popular for simulation enthusiasts.
History and Development
HP announced the Reverb G2 in May 2020 as a collaboration between HP, Valve, and Microsoft. Valve contributed their industry-leading lens and speaker designs from the Valve Index, while Microsoft provided Windows Mixed Reality tracking technology. The headset launched in November 2020 at $599 and has since seen price reductions to around $399, making high-resolution PC VR more accessible.[1]
Design and Hardware
Display
High-resolution LCD panels:
- 2160x2160 per eye resolution
- 2x 2.89" LCD panels
- 9.3 million total pixels
- 2.5x more pixels than Oculus Rift S
- 90 Hz refresh rate
- 98° field of view
- Full RGB per pixel
- Excellent clarity
Lenses
Valve-designed optics:
- Valve-designed lenses
- Industry-leading clarity
- Wide sweet spot
- Reduced distortion
- Optimized for resolution
Audio
Premium spatial audio:
- Valve-designed speakers
- Off-ear design (10mm from ear)
- Spatial audio
- No headphones required
- Comfortable extended wear
- Index-quality sound
Tracking
Inside-out system:
- 6DoF tracking
- 4 tracking cameras
- Inside-out tracking
- No external sensors required
- Easy setup
- Room-scale support
IPD
- Mechanical IPD adjustment
- Physical slider
- Accommodates various eye distances
- Precise alignment
Build
Comfortable ergonomic design:
- ~500g weight (1 lb without cable)
- Flexible headband material
- Increased cushion size
- 6m headset cable
- Balanced weight distribution
- Extended wear comfort
Controllers
- 2x Windows Mixed Reality controllers
- Redesigned ergonomics
- Inside-out tracked
- Standard VR controls
- Haptic feedback
Connectivity
- DisplayPort 1.3+
- USB 3.0
- DisplayPort to mini-DP adapter included
- Power adapter included
- 6m cable length
Platform Compatibility
SteamVR
- Full SteamVR support
- Steam game library access
- SteamVR Home compatible
Windows Mixed Reality
- WMR platform native
- Microsoft ecosystem
- WMR game library
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | 2160x2160 per eye LCD |
| Total Pixels | 9.3 million |
| Refresh Rate | 90 Hz |
| FOV | 98° |
| Tracking | 6DoF (4 cameras, inside-out) |
| Audio | Valve off-ear speakers |
| IPD | Mechanical adjustment |
| Connection | DisplayPort + USB 3.0 |
| Weight | ~500g |
| Price | $599 (launch) / ~$399 |
Included Accessories
- 6m headset cable
- 2x motion controllers
- DisplayPort to mini-DP adapter
- Power adapter
- Setup guide
Reception
Praise:
- 2160x2160 per eye highest in class
- 9.3M pixels exceptional clarity
- Valve lenses industry-leading
- Valve audio outstanding
- Off-ear speakers comfortable
- $399-599 competitive price
- No external sensors simple setup
- SteamVR + WMR compatibility
- Great for simulation
- Mechanical IPD precise
Criticism:
- 98° FOV narrower than Index
- WMR controller tracking limited
- 90Hz vs 120Hz competitors
- Controller tracking zone smaller
- PC tethered only
- USB/DP requirements strict
- WMR software quirks
- No native wireless[2]