Customers are delighted by the immersive VR experience, ease of setup, and precise tracking offered by the Vive Virtual Reality System. Many praise the system's impressive graphics and ease of use, making it fun and enjoyable. However, some customers express concerns about the high price point and lower resolution compared to competitors. A few also mention that the controllers could be improved.
This summary was generated by AI based on customer reviews.
The vast majority of our reviews come from verified purchases. Reviews from customers may include My Best Buy members, employees, and Tech Insider Network members (as tagged). Select reviewers may receive discounted products, promotional considerations or entries into drawings for honest, helpful reviews.
Page 1 Showing 1-20 of 163 reviews
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Amazin for anyone
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Posted . Owned for 3 months when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
This is the best thing I have ever bought I started to unbox it and I felt like a rich person and it was just all quality feeling I WOULD BUY AGAIN . DONT GET THE RIFT
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Setup
Cons mentioned:
Controllers
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Best VR if you have room to spare.
Posted .
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
The HTC Vive is my latest splurge in VR as I have the Gear VR, PlayStation VR, and Oculus Rift already. I can say without a doubt that getting any of them is absolutely worth it, it just depends on what you are willing to spend and what you are looking for.
The HTC Vive has the largest room-scale of any of the other current systems. There are some games that take full advantage of this and really add to the immersion. The Vive is also the easiest to set up and tear down in just about any location compared to the other tethered systems. You only need power for the lightboxes and the connection box has a separate power supply with HDMI and one USB needed from the PC. The cable is also long enough to allow for a lot of moving around.
Steam is the primary system for games and there is a huge selection of material. I now have over 100 games/applications/demos without making an additional purchase and some games have multiple mini-games that makes it feel like even more. However, some of those will surely disappoint you when you try them out, but worth at least a look. I have had more issues with games between Viveport and Steam than I have with others, requiring an occasional reboot of the PC. However, the Vive and Steam by default allow for more PC interaction and has an external camera to allow for some real world interaction with the headset still on.
This is the first generation of this style of VR and there is plenty of room for improvement. Some things I don’t like compared to the other systems are not necessarily something that would prevent me from recommending the Vive, just little quirks in comparison to the other major VR providers.
I really do not like the default head harness that comes with the Vive. The side straps are easy enough to adjust, but the top one is under the cables making it difficult to get a good fit. Switching between my big head and my kids little heads gets frustrating. This headset also does not come with built on headphones like the new deluxe audio strap or the Oculus Rift. However, it does come with earbuds and you can use any headset you want, like I enjoy my over-the-ear headphones instead of an on-the-ear set, so it is a toss-up.
The eye lenses on the Vive have noticeable ridges in them compared to others. Though it does not affect the normal view of playing, you can really notice them when there is light glare of something bright on a dark background. Though the glare is similar on others, you just don’t notice ridges on them.
The controllers for the Vive are big and a bit clunky. Though they work and only take a minute to get used to, I feel that I lose a little bit of immersion with them, especially when they show as controllers and not hands in many games as compared to the Oculus Touch. Some games take advantage of the touch pads and essentially convert it into 4 additional buttons, but most just make it as one big button. The controllers disappoint me as they don’t feel natural and in some games your holding the wrong one in the wrong hand and you won’t know this till in the game. However, if you are just swinging a sword, they feel perfect.
As I stated in the beginning, it depends on what you are looking for. If you already have a PS4 and want to have a cheap way into immersive VR in gaming and family fun, PlayStation VR is your best bet, but just know it is not the best in tracking and you have to be directly in front of the one camera. The PC systems obviously require a powerful enough computer and the Oculus Rift with Touch is the next in price range. However, it requires a third camera (separate purchase) to get the best accuracy for small room-scale playing, but feels high quality with the natural feel of the Touch controllers. The Rift is more of a once installed, play in place type system. The Vive is by far the easiest to set up and I can easily take the Vive down and set it back up in another location with minimal effort. Other systems just seem a bit more finicky as they require cameras instead of light boxes and require some precise positioning to get the best effect. So, if you are like me and want a system that you can pack up and take to a friend’s party, the Vive and a laptop is the way to go.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Setup
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Simply amazing
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
This is a great unit. I have never been much of a gamer, as I felt it missed the level of immersion I desired. The HTC Vive gives that true sense of immersion with full room tracking. The initial setup was easy.
I made it a bit more complicated by having the system in another room from my computer. However, the setup works great if you allow for active HDMI and USB over Ethernet.
Your installation may be much easier if you have room in the same place as your PC.
I would HIGHLY recommend the investment into the new head strap with the built in headphones. They sound really good and the unit is SO much easier to put on and remove.
I like the vive much more that the Oculas Rift and have tried both. The Vive just seems more solidly built and a better full room experience.
Your mileage may vary.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Tracking
Cons mentioned:
Controllers, Price, Resolution
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
VR at its best
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Great VR system if you have the computer to handle.
I would recommend this to a friend
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
Requires you to stand a lot
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Posted .
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
I chose this over PSVR because it had higher specs. However after testing it out at home, I quickly realized this VR headset is not for me. I read before I bought it that not only can you move around while playing, but if you choose to you can sit and play like Rift and PSVR players can. You can sit and play, technically. But not for games like Vivecraft. You have to get up and move around in those games regardless of which locomotion setting you choose. That's not for me. I returned this and ordered a PSVR. If moving around while you play doesn't bother you, this is the perfect headset for you and I would highly recommend it. It's just not what I'm looking for.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Vr
Cons mentioned:
Motion sickness
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
This is the future of gaming and computing
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
I was going to get the Oculus but since my son wanted the Vive, I got it. I built my own PC with 2 980s and a i7 six core processor with 32GB of RAM. It runs most VR games and apps just fine, but I am wanting more. Can't wait for the Vive Pro to drop in price. In VR games where you have to move, there is still the issue of motion sickness so most games give you the ability to teleport. But overall, being able to experience what it is like to actually be up in space like an astronaut is really cool! Get one!
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Vr
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
HTC VIVE VR SYSTEM IT'S AN EXPERIENCE!!
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
It was a hard decision to pick between the HTC VIVE or the OCULUS RIFT. I eventually picked the HTC VIVE due to the exclusive games for it. Though the RIFT was cheaper. Also the RIFT is more stand still and the VIVE is capable of walking around a VR environment. I love the HTC VIVE. I love the experience and the games available. The above mentioned is the main 3 differences between the two systems. Either one you choose will make your day. But, for a truly immersive experience go with the VIVE that is IF you have the room to utilize for it. If you don't have the space available get the oculus. Note there are a lot of wires to attach it to your PC and I recommend having a properly powered PC to support it so you don't experience any lag.There are TWO (2) wired tracking blocks that you need to hook to your PC and if you have a large room you'll need to purchase longer cables in order to connect them. But, they can be connected and function properly with being only 2 1/2ft high and only 2 1/2 to 3ft apart. However to utilize a room larger than 8ft X15ft you'll need longer cables to connect it to your PC. No matter which VR system you choose it is an experience and I highly recommend it.
I would recommend this to a friend
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
VR at its affordable best
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
I have both the Vive and the Vive Pro. I also used to have an Oculus Rift, so I'm able to compare the 3 major products side-by-side.
Of course the Vive Pro is the best VR system on the market. But, at $1400, it's not really in the same league as the Vive or Oculus Rift, so it wouldn't be fair to compare either one against the Vive Pro.
So, when comparing the Vive with the Oculus Rift, there's really no comparison.
The Oculus Rift is:
1. Very small (I can't ware my glasses with it, so I had to have lens insert made)
2. Looks and feels like it's made out of paper (really poor construction).
3. Very uncomfortable. Could only ware it for 5-10 minutes at a time before taking it off from a face full of sweat.
In short, the Oculus Rift is a cheap piece of junk.
In comparison, the HTC Vive is:
1. Big enough to easily fit my face with glasses
2. Solid construction. Looks and feels like a quality unit
3. Very comfortable IF you get the optional Audio Strap. The standard unit is front heavy so can feel strained if warring too long. With the strap, it feels almost as good as the Vive Pro.
If you're deciding between the HTC Vive and Oculus Rift, and you don't want to spend $1400 for the HTC Vive Pro, than IMO you should spend the extra $100 (compared with the Oculus Rift) and get the HTC Vive.
You won't regret it and you won't have to put you Oculus Rift on craigslist like I did a month after you bought it.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Setup, Tracking
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Vr is awesome
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
I have both the rift & vive. The rift has much more comfortable hand controls (but the buttons also break easily) where the vive is just the better overall package with better tracking and easier setup & you only need one usb port. The camera is a lifesaver especially if you have a little bit of a smaller space to use. There are a number of aftermarket accessories. I bought the leather memory foam face padding & it's nicer to put back on after sweating.
If you are only going to play beat saber get the rift because I always inadvertently hit pause & the control ergonomics make fast transitions difficult. For shooters & everything else, I like the vive controller better.
I would recommend this to a friend
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Its magic
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Transport yourself to other worlds.
Escape from your mundane reality and experience the virtual. Addicting!
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Tracking
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
Cons aside, I'm impressed HTC.
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
As an Oculus and Windows Mixed Reality user, I was definitely expecting a difference with this system. And I was right. Been using this for about a week consistently with a Ryzen 7 2700 and RTX 2070 Super, and here's what I found:
First, the pros:
- Modularity (can swap to original cosmos and other models).
- Upgrade to Index or its parts down the line, if you so wish.
- Beautiful and almost crystal clear display.
- Looks fantastic and very good build quality.
- Tried and true SteamVR tracking and higher refresh rate (90Hz), making for a buttery smooth and precisely tracked VR experience.
- Very comfortable headset. Almost on par with the Rift S.
Now for the cons:
- Very VERY small sweet spot. Took me about half an hour of adjusting to get that crystal clear image.
- The included Vive controllers. Didn't use them before, but I'm not a big fan. The button placement and trackpads made some in-game features an annoyance. Reminds me too much of the WMR controllers.
- Headset bobbing (if that makes sense). May just be a software bug and only ran into it one day, but when I fired up Pistol Whip and Beat Saber the game itself moved with the headset when looking around the room despite tracking smoothly. This issue was not only a nuisance for me but was also very nauseating. I did have high settings when recording with OBS so the issue may have just been a bottleneck.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Vr
Cons mentioned:
Motion sickness
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Totally better than any other VR Headset on Market
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
I have used different VR headsets including the Samsung Gear VR, and when I used this vive it blew them all away. It is so realistic and accurate when you use it, it also does not really make your dizzy or sick when you use it. It is a lot of stuff to setup if you plan on taking it to friends houses, but if you have a dedicated area to leave it in your house it’s perfect.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Setup
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
If your ready for VR then this is a must
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
The HTC VIVE is phenomenal. Lightweight, high resolution, bright, immersive viewing experience, in a well made piece of high tech gear. Add the HTC Audio component and feel like they are in the room with you. Easy setup. All the cables you need are provided. And this is made by the only company that makes commercially licensed VR Gear!
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Ease of use, Graphics
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Good gaming device
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Ultimate in virtual reality easy to install and user friendly. The best in the market and with online steam games are not expensive like for Xbox or PlayStation. The graphics stand out and easy to play. Overall this gaming device is top notch
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Vr
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Fabulous!
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
I bought this for my son to use in a VR class at college. Wow is all I have to say.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Graphics
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Great item
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Bought this for my don for Christmas and he loves it. Great all around graphics.
I would recommend this to a friend
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Awesome experience
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Nice way to expand your fun time and enjoy some immersive experiences!
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Graphics
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
My HTC hive
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Great VR , it has good graphic , great sound and great games
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Vr
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Great VR
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
The HTC Vive is an awesome VR. I highly recommend it.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Ease of use, Setup
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Great introduction to VR
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Very nice product, fun, easy to use, well constructed, and simple to set up and get started with. The tutorial alone is worth getting started in the world of virtual reality.