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HTC Vive Pro 2

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HTC Vive Pro 2
Basic Info
VR/AR Virtual Reality
Type Head-mounted display
Subtype PC VR
Platform SteamVR
Creator HTC
Developer HTC Vive
Manufacturer HTC
Announcement Date May 11, 2021
Release Date June 4, 2021
Price $749 (headset only), $1,399 (Full Kit)
Website https://www.vive.com/us/product/vive-pro2/
Versions VIVE Pro 2 Headset, VIVE Pro 2 Full Kit
Requires Gaming PC with DisplayPort
Predecessor HTC Vive Pro
Successor HTC Vive Focus Vision
System
Operating System Windows
Chipset N/A (tethered PCVR)
CPU N/A (PC-powered)
GPU N/A (PC-powered)
Storage
Storage N/A
Memory N/A
SD Card Slot No
Display
Display Dual RGB LCD
Subpixel Layout RGB stripe
Peak Brightness Not specified
Resolution 2448 × 2448 per eye (4896 × 2448 combined)
Pixel Density ~20 PPD
Refresh Rate 90Hz, 120Hz
Persistence Low persistence
Image
Field of View 120°
Horizontal FoV ~120°
Vertical FoV ~110°
Average Pixel Density ~20 PPD
Peak Pixel Density ~20 PPD
Foveated Rendering No (standard), Yes with VIVE Pro Eye sensors
Optics
Optics Dual Fresnel lenses
Ocularity Binocular
IPD Range 57-72mm (mechanical adjustment)
Adjustable Diopter No (glasses compatible)
Passthrough Yes (via front cameras)
Tracking
Tracking 6DoF outside-in (SteamVR Tracking 2.0)
Tracking Frequency 1000Hz
Base Stations Required (SteamVR 2.0)
Eye Tracking No (optional VIVE Pro Eye upgrade)
Face Tracking Via VIVE Facial Tracker accessory
Hand Tracking Via Leap Motion (third-party)
Body Tracking Via VIVE Trackers
Rotational Tracking Yes
Positional Tracking Yes
Update Rate 1000Hz (tracking)
Tracking Volume Up to 10m × 10m (with 4 base stations)
Play Space Roomscale
Latency <10ms motion-to-photon
Audio
Audio Integrated Hi-Res certified headphones
Microphone Yes (dual microphones)
3.5mm Audio Jack Yes
Camera Dual front-facing cameras
Connectivity
Connectivity DisplayPort 1.4, USB 3.0
Ports DisplayPort 1.4, USB 3.0, 3.5mm audio
Wired Video Yes (DisplayPort)
Wireless Video Yes (VIVE Wireless Adapter, reduced resolution)
WiFi Via VIVE Wireless Adapter
Bluetooth Yes
Power Link Box powered
Battery Capacity N/A
Battery Life N/A (tethered)
Charge Time N/A
Device
Dimensions ~200mm × 130mm × 130mm
Weight 850g (with strap)
Material Plastic, metal, fabric
Headstrap Deluxe Audio Strap (integrated)
Haptics Controller haptics
Color Blue/Black
Sensors Lighthouse photodiodes, IMU, proximity sensor, front cameras
Input VIVE Controllers or SteamVR controllers
Compliance FCC, CE
Cable Length 5 meters (to Link Box)


The HTC Vive Pro 2 is a professional-grade PC VR head-mounted display developed by HTC Vive, announced on May 11, 2021, and released on June 4, 2021. Priced at $749 for the headset only or $1,399 for the Full Kit with base stations and controllers, the Vive Pro 2 features industry-leading 5K resolution (2448 × 2448 per eye), a 120° field of view, and support for refresh rates up to 120Hz. Building on the original Vive Pro platform, the Vive Pro 2 utilizes SteamVR Tracking 2.0 with external base stations for sub-millimeter accuracy, integrated Hi-Res Audio certified headphones, and support for the VIVE Wireless Adapter for tetherless PC VR (at reduced resolution). The headset targets enterprise users, simulation enthusiasts, and VR professionals who prioritize visual fidelity and tracking precision over standalone convenience.

History and Development

Vive Pro Legacy

The original HTC Vive Pro launched in 2018 as a professional upgrade to the consumer Vive:

  • Higher resolution (1440 × 1600 per eye)
  • Integrated headphones
  • Improved comfort
  • Blue color distinction

Vive Pro 2 Development

HTC developed the Pro 2 to maintain leadership in professional PC VR:

  • 5K resolution marketing claim
  • Wide field of view emphasis
  • 120Hz refresh rate
  • Display Stream Compression (DSC) support

Announcement

Unveiled May 2021 alongside Vive Focus 3:

  • Pro 2 for PC VR enthusiasts and enterprise
  • Focus 3 for standalone enterprise
  • Complementary product strategy

Display Technology

5K Resolution

Dual high-resolution LCD panels:

  • Resolution: 2448 × 2448 per eye
  • Total: 4896 × 2448 (~12 million pixels)
  • Marketing: "5K" resolution
  • Panel Type: RGB LCD

Resolution Comparison

Headset Resolution (per eye)
Vive Pro 2 2448 × 2448
Valve Index 1440 × 1600
Original Vive Pro 1440 × 1600
HP Reverb G2 2160 × 2160

Wide Field of View

Expansive viewing area:

  • FOV: 120°
  • Wider than most competitors
  • Excellent peripheral awareness
  • Enhanced immersion

Refresh Rate

Multiple options:

  • 90Hz: Standard mode
  • 120Hz: High refresh mode
  • Note: 120Hz requires DSC-capable GPU

Display Stream Compression

Required for full capability:

  • DSC compresses video stream
  • Enables full resolution at 120Hz
  • Requires NVIDIA RTX 20 series or AMD 5000 series
  • DisplayPort 1.4 with DSC

Optical System

Fresnel Lenses

Dual-element Fresnel design:

  • Large sweet spot
  • Some god rays visible
  • Compatible with glasses
  • IPD adjustment: 57-72mm

Lens Comparison

Versus pancake alternatives:

  • Larger form factor
  • More god rays
  • Proven technology
  • Wide adjustment range

Tracking System

SteamVR Tracking 2.0

External base station tracking:

  • Accuracy: Sub-millimeter
  • Latency: Under 1ms
  • Update Rate: Up to 1000Hz
  • Coverage: Up to 10m × 10m (4 base stations)

Base Station Requirements

  • Minimum: 2 base stations
  • Recommended: 2-4 for full coverage
  • Compatible: 1.0 and 2.0 base stations
  • Wall or tripod mounting

Tracking Advantages

Over inside-out systems:

  • Higher precision
  • No occlusion issues
  • Better for professional applications
  • Consistent performance

Audio System

Integrated Headphones

Hi-Res Audio certified:

  • Over-ear design
  • Built into headstrap
  • Good audio quality
  • Convenient integration

3.5mm Jack

Alternative audio option:

  • Use preferred headphones
  • Higher-end audio possible

Dual Microphones

For communication:

  • Voice chat
  • Voice commands
  • Noise cancellation

Wireless Capability

VIVE Wireless Adapter

Optional wireless operation:

  • Intel WiGig technology
  • 60GHz wireless transmission
  • Battery pack required

Wireless Limitations

At Pro 2 resolution:

  • Reduced to 2448 × 1224 total
  • 90Hz maximum
  • Visual quality compromise
  • Still tetherless benefit

Controllers and Accessories

VIVE Controllers

Full Kit includes:

  • Two VIVE Controllers
  • Wand-style design
  • Touchpad and triggers
  • Haptic feedback

Alternative Controllers

Compatible options:

  • Valve Index Controllers
  • Any SteamVR-compatible controllers
  • Community favorite: Index controllers

VIVE Tracker

Body tracking accessory:

  • Full-body tracking
  • Attach to body parts
  • VRChat and social VR
  • Professional mocap

VIVE Facial Tracker

Face tracking add-on:

  • Lip and expression tracking
  • Mounts to headset
  • Avatar animation
  • Professional applications

Physical Design

Build Quality

Premium construction:

  • Blue color scheme
  • Metal and plastic materials
  • Professional appearance
  • Durable design

Comfort

Deluxe Audio Strap integration:

  • Integrated headphones
  • Dial adjustment
  • Weight distribution
  • Extended wear comfort

Weight

  • 850g (with integrated strap)
  • Heavier than consumer headsets
  • Balanced design

Connectivity

Link Box

Breakout box included:

  • Converts PC connections
  • DisplayPort and USB from PC
  • Proprietary cable to headset
  • Power management

PC Requirements

Demanding specifications:

  • For Full Resolution 120Hz:
 * NVIDIA RTX 20 series or AMD RX 5000 series
 * DisplayPort 1.4 with DSC support
  • Minimum: GTX 1070 / RX 5700

Display Stream Compression

Critical for full capability:

  • Without DSC: 90Hz at full resolution
  • With DSC: 120Hz at full resolution
  • Older GPUs: May require resolution reduction

Enterprise Applications

Professional Use Cases

  • Simulation and training
  • Design visualization
  • Medical applications
  • Architectural review

Enterprise Features

  • High-fidelity visuals
  • Precise tracking
  • Accessory ecosystem
  • HTC enterprise support

Pricing and Configurations

Configuration Price Contents
Headset Only $749 Pro 2 HMD (for existing SteamVR users)
Full Kit $1,399 HMD + 2× Base Station 2.0 + 2× VIVE Controllers

Comparison with Competitors

Feature Vive Pro 2 Valve Index HP Reverb G2
Resolution (per eye) 2448 × 2448 1440 × 1600 2160 × 2160
Refresh Rate Up to 120Hz Up to 144Hz 90Hz
FOV 120° 108° (up to 130°) 114°
Tracking SteamVR 2.0 SteamVR 2.0 WMR (inside-out)
Audio Integrated Hi-Res Off-ear speakers Off-ear (Valve)
Price (headset) $749 $499 ~$350

Technical Specifications Summary

Specification Details
Display Dual RGB LCD, 2448 × 2448 per eye
Total Resolution 4896 × 2448 (~5K)
Refresh Rate 90Hz / 120Hz (with DSC)
Field of View 120°
IPD 57-72mm (mechanical)
Tracking SteamVR 2.0 (outside-in)
Audio Hi-Res certified headphones
Wireless Via VIVE Wireless Adapter (reduced res)
Weight 850g
Price $749 (headset) / $1,399 (Full Kit)

See Also

References