Vive XR Elite review: is this the ultimate VR experience of 2025?

After achieving relatively decent success producing high-quality smartphones on a budget, HTC somewhat disappeared from the tech scene, but now they’re back, big time. Their latest strategy is to enter the VR market and tackle the Meta Quest Pro and similar devices with Vive XR Elite.

I have to say I had my doubts with this one, considering its slightly higher pricing. However, features like dual diopters for prescription glasses wearers make a huge difference for all users who couldn’t really enjoy VR games to their fullest. It comes with a neat setting dial for each eye, making it easier for you to adjust the visuals to your prescription.

It also has a proximity sensor, a two-hour estimated battery life, and a mighty Snapdragon XR 2 processor. It was enough to make me take a more detailed look at it, and in this guide, I’ll share all the key quirks and features to help you decide if it makes a good option for you.

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Vive XR Elite: performance and specs

In terms of overall performance, Vive XR Elite ranks pretty decent. Starting with the 1920 x 1920 resolution per eye, it features a great resolution, but it’s not really 4K as advertised by HTC. On the other hand, the 110-degree field of view is great for multi-room usage and a perfect fit for a wide variety of games.

I’d also point out the 90Hz refresh rate, which is just enough for avoiding motion sickness and providing you with a seamless gaming experience. As for compatibility, you can use the integrated streaming option to connect with your PC and use SteamVR to play your favorite games. Here’s a complete overview of the key Vive XR Elite specs:

Vive XR Elite: design

The design of Vive XR Elite is certainly something worth mentioning, as it’s among the best in class in my opinion. Though nothing too fancy, it suits its purpose perfectly. The adjustable strap at the back makes it a good fit for every user, and it’s very easy to configure.

It’s also perfectly balanced, considering that the battery pack is at the back of your head, and the display with all the proprietary functions is at the front. Vive XR Elite also stands out with its detachable battery pack. It makes the headset compatible for different applications.

For instance, you can use it as it is when gaming or remove the battery pack and go for an external power source to basically get a pair of VR goggles. So, whether you intend to use them for work or just for gaming, you’ll be able to optimize the style and weight according to your preference.

Vive XR Elite: price and availability

Back when it first came out a few years ago, the HTC Vive XR Elite came with a pretty demanding price tag. It was roughly $1100, so users who considered buying it had to compare it with similar devices in the same price range, like the Meta Quest Pro.

Thankfully, price cuts have now led to a much more appealing range, between $799 and $999. You can also get a basic version for $718.99 with the current discount, but I’m not sure how long it will be available.

You can buy it on Amazon or at the official HTC online store, with prices slightly varying for the US, Australia, New Zealand, and other countries. Plus, you can get additional Vive XR Elite accessories from the official HTC store, including more immersive trackers, dongles, straps, and controllers.

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Vive XR Elite: features and software

Having read numerous Vive XR Elite reviews, I was curious to see how the tool ranks in terms of software. Thanks to the wide Vive XR Elite FOV, you’ll get a great sense of depth, and the resolution quality is enough to render the most demanding gaming titles with ease.

I do have to point out that the device has received some backlash for its mixed-reality prowess. You won’t exactly find the gaming diversity of the Meta Quest Pro on the Viveport store, which is HTC’s native game store for this headset.

Sure, you can use the streaming capacity to connect with your PC and enjoy a few more titles by connecting with the Viveport PC store. However, that’s not the point of a headset capable of running virtual reality games on its own.

Either way, HTC is also glimpsing into the future with this product, as it has also integrated Wi-Fi and cloud streaming.

Vive XR Elite: battery life

Another segment where Vive XR Elite outshines the competition is the battery life. It’s rated at two hours of continuous play, with a few options to further optimize it depending on your needs. Although it’s a pricey addition, you can get an additional battery cradle from the official HTC store.

Still, it won’t be necessary if you can limit your sessions to two hours at a time, thanks to its fast charging capacity that helps you regain one hour of gaming in just 30 minutes of charging.

You can also use an external power source with the cradle detached, which is yet another feature that many gamers enjoy, especially given the lightweight form without the cradle. Either way, the battery life of Vive XR Elite beats that of the Meta Quest Pro, and there haven’t been any performance drops reported by frequent users.

How to set up your Vive xr Elite: step-by-step guide

Before I wrap up this HTC XR Elite review, I’ll give you a quick guide on setting up the device. It won’t take long, and you just need a brief manual and a dedicated app to start your first gaming session. Here’s an overview of the key steps:

• Unboxing and connecting components. Take out the headset, the detachable battery, and the strap.
• Adjusting the headset. Set up your Vive XR Elite either via the app or manually after turning on the headset. One way or the other (and especially if you’re doing it manually), you’ll start by adjusting the strap.
• Pairing controllers and configuring software. Make sure to connect the battery cradle as the power source, and the headset will turn on automatically. Follow the detailed setup guide for manual installation or download the Vive Manager app. It’s available for both Android and iOS, and you can pair it with your device and create a Vive account to access the game store. After that, set up your full-body controllers by connecting the dongle to the USB-C port and plugging it into the battery set cradle.
• Setting up the room boundaries. Configure your play area. In most cases, you’ll need at least 1.5m x 1.5m without any objects that could compromise your gameplay. You can do it all via the headset, from setting up your floor area to scaling the room with the Boundary settings.

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Final word on Vive XR Elite

Hopefully, this HTC Vive XR Elite review will help you make an educated purchase decision if you’re looking for a VR headset. Based on everything I’ve covered with the help of my Cybernews team, I can say it’s a great option, offering the biggest bang for your buck with the discounted price.

It truly manages to tackle the industry's staple headsets, like the Meta Quest Pro, and it even outshines them in some aspects. I’d give it an extra recommendation for all users wearing prescription glasses, thanks to its diopters that make it the most adjustable option on the market in that sense.

Plus, the detachable battery cradle lets you configure it the way that suits you the most, unlocking the full gaming potential with an external power source in a lightweight package.

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