Stop Buying the Valve Index - 2024 VR Headset Quick Buyer's Guide

[@ivycomb]

I would like to make three amendments to this video to clarify a few of things: - If you can find a Valve Index for sub $500 USD as a full kit (this is possible sometimes if you're willing to wait or your area has them cheaper) it is still a decent headset and its audio is a real selling point for many people still. Brand new, the Index is a bad value, but if you find the right one used, and you intend on getting Full Body Tracking, it can still be a decent option. - Another alternative for enthusiasts or people looking for easy full body integration (on PCVR) is a Vive Pro 2 kit, and buying knuckle controllers. Used, you can find this whole kit for around $750 USD if you are willing to really stalk ebay. It doesn't have audio as good as index, but has phenomenal displays and is a very easy, hassle-free headset generally. - This video is NOT targeted at established enthusiasts. It is more meant to be for people who have never owned a VR Headset before and are looking for their first dive into it. That said, I have still read all of the comments and I take feedback to heart, so when I make a 2025 version of this, expect that the list will probably be more in-depth, with more options :) Thank you for all of your feedback fellow VR nerds!

[@MaFTB]

Just bought a full set off Facebook marketplace for $400 and found one for $300 (I wasn't fast enough though). Granted they were both 5-hour drives from me round trip (My fuel cost is extremely low at $20), but they're definitely starting to come down in price ALOT lately (could also be people trying to get liquid cash for the holidays).

[@areseverhart]

Index owner here, I do agree. It is quite unwieldy but only compared to modern alternatives. The main thing not mentioned here is that the most cost effective headsets are not compatible natively with full body tracking. So if you are looking for the "Full body experience" you will still need to purchase basestations which will increase that cost. If you get a headset that includes basestations, that cost is then fronted so you don't have to pay as much. I am sure there are other trackers out there that don't need basestations anymore like the vive ultimate trackers, but those are a bit proprietary unless the update for compatibility finally released. Haven't been keeping up.

[@ivycomb]

While this was true a while ago, I will be making a follow up video about full body tracking. Base stations are now no longer just "not required", but honestly I prefer inside-out tracking to base station tracking. Ultimate Trackers are viable now, and overall quite reliable (my last video on them is outdated) and SlimeVR is also a legitimate option, with lower cost, while also having some benefits that Vive Trackers & Tundra trackers *don't* have. Not to mention, you can get decent fullbody tracking with just a smartphone or webcam these days too (if you don't move around TOO much)

[@antocmartinaemz]

@@ivycomb I'm using the slimevr tracker ! But I don't see a good replacement for my valve index that works natively without having to install another program than steam and steamvr on my pc The plus side is on linux, I can have kde or gnome desktop in the vr headset with just the monado plugin, and not even steam or steamvr installed :p

[@Demmrir]

There are some pretty good IMU-based trackers (which don't require external tracking) at this point which can also be worn under clothing like hoodies et all. That said, just for comparison, the Index full kit is $1000. Just the base stations and $300, controllers are $280. That means the headset is $1000-300-280=$420. Compare that to the Beyond for $1000 which uses the same base stations and controllers and supports all the same trackers. If you can afford a $1000 headset, pony up the extra $580 for VASTLY a higher-resolution, vastly sharper, better-color, better-darkness, lower-persistence headset that is wildly more comfortable and works much better with rapid movements. I had an Index and upgraded to a Beyond and nothing would make me go back. It's so hideously blurry and heavy and wobbly after Beyond and the colors are so grey with no blacks in sight. I did pony up for the Beyond audio strap for $150 but if you have any gamer headphones (so don't use bluetooth for audio which has lag), those are a good alternative.

[@mrmolo70]

I personally love my base stations purely because I can play in the dark. Plus, it's a pretty simple set up for me. Plug in base stations, put on the trackers, turn on anything and it boots the whole system. We're good to go. I had to jerry rig a hot spot on my computer and go through at least 4 different steps including turning the wifi on and off and using cmd commands just to get the Quest 2 to play nice. It was a headache and on top of all that if I didn't keep the room lit, I'd lose tracking. I'm not sure if something like the Quest Pro has the same problems with lighting, but the steep price just for slightly better resolution and worse FOV with more setup turns me off. Plus, the Index's sound quality is top notch. There's just no 'killer app' headset yet that has everything I want without additional purchase or jank. I'm holding out for the unlikely event that somewhere in the future there's a PCVR headset that's base station based, has eye and face tracking, and allows for the Index controllers to pair without issue. Like I said though, unlikely. I'll die with my Index for now.

[@SargonDragon]

​@@ivycomb The FBT situation for Quest still isn't very good though. All of the options are hacky. Some of them are capable of performing well, but it takes additional effort and know how which tends to make these solutions only really accessible for technically minded enthusiasts who are willing to fiddle. This is the case because Meta for whatever reason has some sort of ongoing vendetta against legs in VR and continues to refuse to provide or support any form of FBT. Which means that third party solutions have to try to work around this, and it sucks. If you were to get a Vive XR Elite or Focus Vision instead of a Quest 3, then the Ultimate Trackers are directly supported, and you don't have to deal with the taking them off and doing the waving around in a figure 8 thing periodically. But the Vive headsets aren't necessarily the best in other aspects.

[@TheKavuShow]

You know its a trustworthy review when they look like they spend a lot of time wearing the headset and very little time in the shower. Thank you for your service.

[@ivycomb]

@@TheKavuShow LMAO

[@GoredonFreeman]

Bro, WASH

[@tytyguy1able]

Lmao tru tho

[@DeltaTheNardo]

Who's here in 2019?

[@MiningwithPudding]

I'm not sure how to tell you this, but it's 2024. You need to forgive yourself, it wasn't your fault. We need you to wake up.

[@Soarfloh]

​@@MiningwithPudding what are you talkin about, its 2019 we need to raid area 51

[@sveps8883]

Actual time traveler

[@A_pukei_named_lay]

I'm in 1970

[@Astrolyth]

Welp looks like I’m a few years too early, guess I’ll come back in 2019

[@MattTheElstiq]

Here in the unlisted civilization, most people never send "1st" comments, It is easier to go with elaborated and in-depth explained comments about the video.

[@maadneet]

first

[@sandmountainsam9287]

you will not survive the winter

[@hyenatron]

The Quest has 2 major downsides that make it incomparable: Inside Out tracking and it's a Meta product. That last part alone makes it a non-starter for me. You've not really made a good point for it other than monetary price, completely ignoring the price of giving meta access to all your data.

[@guidosaur7506]

Yeah, I was willing to get a used psvr2 over a quest 3 because it's cheaper, wired PCVR, OLED, and isn't a Meta product lol. I guess if I bought a used quest they wouldn't be getting money from me anyways, but still, I do not trust them.

[@WinterFlare]

does it really matter to you that much to make an account one time w/ a temporary email and then never touch any meta stuff again? besides, you're not holding any valuable data on your headset and you shouldn't be in the first place.

[@hyenatron]

@ if you have a meta account, anything you sign into with it allows meta to track it. The quests send TONS of telemetry data back. Yes, it matters. Not to mention zuck could stop making money right now and never need any more for hundreds or thousands of lifetimes. I’m hardly happy I use KZbin because I hate Google as much as meta, but there really isn’t an alternative to it for the kind of media I enjoy. There are plenty of alternatives to meta products.

[@maxwell_edison]

This. I am NOT buying a Meta product just like I'd never by an Apple product. Ever. The fact that there isn't much considered here is annoying to me. Makes the video feel like clickbait. Like WE ALL KNOW WHAT THE QUEST IS! I thought this would be NEW INFORMATION in the video, not.. stuff we all know. If people are buying Index instead of Quest, IT'S FOR A REASON, not because they don't know. It's bizarre.

[@somekindofentertain2175]

@@maxwell_edison vr isn't mainstream enough yet, absolute newbies will definitely need to know the basics of the most popular headset even if professionals already know the in and out of it beside valve is not a squeaky clean company like you're making it out, they were just caught allowing csgo gambling sites to keep running as those sites profit them from key sales.

[@xandermartinez9436]

Yay a nuanced and proper review, I like to do as much research I can on products before I buy and it’s nice to see a video that isn’t just a paid sponsorship

[@ivycomb]

we're so back

[@FusionRunestone]

How tf did you comment 15 hours before the video uploaded one minute ago??? I’m confused and curious

[@ModerationLabs]

@@FusionRunestonethe video was opened to the public just now, but they had access to it right when it was uploaded

[@Soarfloh]

Les goo

[@Rohokcom]

@@ModerationLabs Lies. Ivycomb is a time traveler.

[@SoapTigers]

please never wear glasses again 😭😭😭😭🙏🙏 at 1:20 you look so good without them, get contacts

[@ICEShredder31]

I also say if you are looking at the quest 2, maybe look at a quest 3s if you are ok spending for a newer headset with up specs, a quest 3s isn’t a bad option for newer headsets for new comers. If you already had a quest 2 or are really wanting a decent headset. Obviously as mentioned in this video the 3 is your better option.

[@LovecutV]

I can't believe ivy told me not to get a VR headset at all!!! (Note: They never once said this)

[@eyy_man1162]

so::: true

[@Nikonastra]

damn, and I had just invested $30,000 dollars into my innovative crypto generation project by using chimpanzee's and index controllers to physically mine up encrypted code to smelt down into bitcoins that would vulcanize the skibidi rizz industry and make me 3 infinity dollars over the next 20 years!! welp, guess ill just have to resort to throwing the headsets and index controllers at rich people and hoping they drop all their money like grandma told me to.

[@MudkizScug]

the skibidi rizz industry couldnt handle all the vulcanized bitcoin youd mine up. Youd crash the bored ape economy and trigger a world wide ape depression forcing everyone to instead invest in its cousin the excited chimpanzee

[@evakeva274]

here in SkibidiCoin civilization, most people never end up going with Excited Chimpanzee, It's easier to go for Bored Ape and crash the Rizzconomy

[@DesaKobold]

Great video! I am excited to see what the next generation of VR headsets will look like considering how good this generations are.

[@dinysk8]

cute pfp!

[@DragesNolya]

Kobold!

[@Idiotdragon8]

Prescription lens inserts are so useful. I really could use those for VR lol.

[@ivycomb]

I have some in my Quest 3 :) I love them very much

[@foughtwolf]

If you're like me and near sighted, theres some surprisingly good reader-grade lenses on Amazon for the Quests. Theres a little parallax at the outer most corners but they were 30 bucks and two days instead of 60 and two weeks. Even if you havent had a recent eye exam and know your strength, playing around with the reader glasses at a store will get you the info you need.

[@guii5041]

@@ivycombhow do you procure prescription lenses for vr?

[@drunkskunk00]

If you play serious VR games at all, you'll likely quickly find the Quest 2 and 3 controllers aren't competitive with the Valve's controllers, and for those who want full body tracking, Base Station trackers just work better. Also, a tether VR goggle running from the PC on something with more bandwidth than a USB cable is going to be able to do better graphics than a Quest 3 with the best USB cable you can find, and far better than using them stand alone. you can't stufff the equivalent to a computer graphics card into a headset. Sure, the Quest 3 image looks much better on low demand, low graphically intense enviroments, but only very casual gamers and VRchat mirror dwellers are going to prefer that over a much better interactive experience of an Index.

[@DisposalFur]

I was literallly just looking to see what I could buy for a new VR headset. I was gonna go with the Index, but honestly I don't know. I dislike Meta, and so I'll probably just get a Beyond, or pray Valve drops Deckard soon

[@hezvandermeij]

This! I strongly, like *strongly* dislike how meta works, both in the social bits as the headset as the gaming experience. Was hyped about the Valve but I'll just keep looking around or something..?

[@SparkyFluffles]

dang, your editing is so good on this one

[@smazajack]

peak guide fr fr :3

[@ominous_nominous]

So underrated bro. Glad with the advice

[@Fosten12]

Just bought the index

[@Bambim8]

Same, but I bought it just to sell it and cash out my Steam wallet. Now I can't figure out for what price I should list it.

[@BRZDR]

It's a lot of fun, don't worry about what people say. Alyx is awesome and the controllers are amazing. I first started on the Vive and the Index is the all around best of it's time, the customer support is also amazing.

[@lOctol]

could've used this advice 1 year in the future

[@NeithDollhouse]

I've used my index for over 6 years now, still works great, still has the best speakers and mic...zero problems with it. Yes it's $1k, but it comes with TWO base stations which are around $199 each separately which are needed for a lot of full body trackers. My index is perfectly comfortable, the padded gasket is easy to take apart, held by magnets, and wash and replace if you need new padding. In addition, the controllers (knuckles) are the best controllers out to this day IMO, very comfortable, padded adjustable straps, and you're never going to drop them by mistake. If you get a Quest 3, you are still paying a premium price that does not include PC support or base stations for full body tracking. Let's not forget that the Quest 3 does NOT come with a PC link cable, and they can be anywhere from $20-$80, plus the quest 3 itself is around $500 and also does NOT include base stations that will be needed if you want to eventually get into full body tracking. In addition, you will need to buy yet another separate part, an upgraded head-strap if you want the "comfort" that is mentioned and shown in this video... (another $35 dollars) Then there is the prison of being locked into a Meta account to even use it...I mean wow, talk about taking our choices away! The fact that you have to log into Meta, then buy an additional software ($25 Virtual Desktop) to not be harassed by Meta is laughable. Sorry but this review is not one I agree with at all, I think it's still worth getting the Index, that being said I do agree with folks looking for a used Quest 2 if they just want to try VR out and are undecided if they'll even stick with it.

[@avena7506]

I'm getting a new credit card and as a way to boost my brand new credit score and work towards the bonus flight miles on it, I'm finally getting myself my own headset after years of going to malls with friends and loving experiences, with me having glasses and wanting my own prescription lenses so I could fully experience the sensation, as well as wanting to spend not too much money, but a significant amount for the sake of my credit score, and the card arriving by the end of the month, I was already considering the Quest 3 heavily with the recent price cut, though I was still questioning if it was truly the right decision for me, as well as some of my friends giving it hate in favor of a Vive set, which I didn't want to bother with, as I don't know if my currently small room can fit base stations, and I want a casual experience where I can lie in bed and mostly move freely, and well, this video couldn't have come out at a better time, the reassurance is much needed, and I'm a lot more confident that my purchase decision is still very much up to date and well informed. So thank you, this video did exactly what it was meant to do, thank you for skipping the bullshit and telling me what I needed to hear. :)

[@snappa_tv]

I love standing in front of a mirror for 12 hours like a narcissist. It’s so much fun!

[@Marcelo-po1xl]

would love to see an in depth analysis of the pros and cons of quest 2 and 3 in games, perfomance and etc.

[@Abby_Maris]

considering I’ve recently wanting to get back into vr and my old old quest 2 is barely breathing this helps a lot. Thanks a bunch!!!

[@Jonny_bo1]

What a very informative video although I do wish valve released a new headset that was more competitive with the current VR market Also i shall be prohuman

[@MysticalShadowDragon]

part of em are propaply working on a wireless Headset.

[@Tarkuaf]

Eye+face tracking headset with no compromise from valve index. I was really hoping it would be the vive focus vision, but I guess I'm buying a quest pro even though it'll only be supported for maybe a few years as best from now haha

[@BardicRJ]

We're at a weird point in VR Tech. Basestation tracking isn't the way to go for the longevity of VR for most consumers but Inside out needs more time to cook but is getting them. I love my Ultimate Trackers and find them smother than my 3.0's. Just wish my Vive Focus Vision didn't have so many bugs with controllers and face tracking right now as the Wired/Wireless transition and battery swap is flawless and quick. It's the most interested I have been in any headset even with the bugs.

[@BrokoFankone]

if you find ultimates smoother than 3.0, then you definitely used the 3.0 wrong. There is nothing smoother than IR tracking.

[@BardicRJ]

@@BrokoFankone Ummm... bud. I'll be nice here. It's literally my job to work in VR and I have over 8000 hours in VRC. Used the 2.0's, 3.0's, and Ultimates. I think I know what I'm doing.

[@acacia27]

I was really hopeful for the Vive Focus Vision, but it released and reminded me that it was produced by HTC Vive without Tobii's involvement with face-tracking; I hope it gets fixed soon. I love my 3.0 trackers, but they are flawed and I have to use an extra tracker for my Headset to keep both playspaces 1:1, I would love ultimate trackers over 3.0 trackers but investing in another 8 trackers like that is just too much money for me when I have already invested into 9 3.0 trackers that work fine right now.

[@BlitzGruen]

havent bought a vr headset yet and kind of played with idea every now and then, this definitely helps if decide that its time to get one for myself

[@BFKalut]

I'm doing research for a purchase and had no idea about the Bigscreen Beyond, great video!

[@thisdudeBen]

Im now starting to get back into VR and i didn't expect you to make a VR related video tbh although i do only listen to your music and i don't really watch your videos.

[@A_very_cute_girl]

Yay your back

[@DracoTheBlack]

As a long time Index owner I am very interested in said face tracking video as that is the one feature I am looking for in a potential upgrade.

[@mattmurray1081]

I'm still rocking an $800 Vive set I bought myself for Xmas in 2016 with Razor haptic wireless headphones I added to my kit later.

[@hrodebertcoad9848]

What do you do for body tracking if you get a Quest 2 or 3 and how do the options for it compare to the lighthouse tracking of the Index?

[@emptyfueltank]

I'm really torn between used Quest 2, new Quest 3 or new Quest 3s. The prices in my country are: Used Quest 2 180-200€, new Quest 3 536/550/599€ (128/256/512GB) and new Quest 3S 390/536€ (128/256GB). I'll mostly be doing Sim racing and I don't think I will download many standalone vr games, probably will mostly use it for PC. What would you choose?

[@ShaolinDave]

I’m about to return my meta quest and replace it with an index. Meta sent my headset to the entirely wrong city, and didn’t tell me they did so until after it arrived. A month after I had to drive 80 miles to pick it up before it got stolen off a vacant houses porch, and they’re still dodging responsibility. Valve has consistently shown much better care.

[@Ur_local_bbu_artist]

This video helps so much so now I know what kind of vr headset would work! Thank you!

[@whispple]

man ivy thank you so much for this vid really made me consider buying a quest 3 here down the line with pcvr

[@MrWhite-jc2ri]

Between the Quest line and the Pico line, which one is actually better? Been absolutely curious about this for awhile now

[@IorekByrnison086]

Awesome video and tip. Thanks, will take your word. Keep up the awesome job.

[@puzzledmoa]

my only complaint with the quest 3 is that the trigger sensors are janky. for a while, it'll work, but then one of the controllers will just only work at certain points.

[@nobbyfirefly57]

I recently found out that travel mode lets you use controller tracking in the dark.

[@Phantom_diamond]

I have the quest 2 and I've had it since it came out what would you recommend for a budget upgrade.

[@Orion_TheProto]

as someone who's never used anything but a quest 2, it works pretty well for what it is. the pcvr capabilities can be a little clunky at times, but it still works about as well as when i got it after having used it pretty regularly for a couple years now

[@Lena_Okami]

Will say the index with a aftermarket strap and pad's (Mainly use the apache strap) is one of the most comfortable headsets I've used (Haven't touched a beyond yet) apart from how hot it can get sometimes, my real issue is what I want in my next headset is seemingly too much. I'd enjoy it to be compatible with base stations even if it's a part I need to buy separate like the Pimax crystal I want pancake lenses cause they are godly after spending years with fresnel lenses and even a slight resolution bump. Native face and eye tracking and somewhat comparable audio, I'd also prefer a way to use it wired to the pc for native rendering without compression and not having to deal with battery life unless it's breaking past 6 hour mark. That grouping of wants means some headsets sorta come close like the Pimax crystal but it's Pimax so the software is a nightmare to deal with and the audio fucking blows, the beyond looks comfy and has far better optics then the index but lack of face or eye tracking make me uninterested in paying such a price for it, the quest pro has the best face and eye tracking available but the battery life is disappointing though out of the options I've seen it is the one that comes closest.

[@KokouUwU]

what do you mean the BSB audio ?? It doesnt have any audio by default !!

[@Snowey]

I would say, if you want to get full body tracking eventually. Just buy the index kit, used if possible. But new is still ok. Audio is insanely good. I always recommend the Quest 3 if you don't want fullbody. If you do the math in most countries quest 3 plus 2 basestations is pretty much the same as the index kit

[@toastyboy6901]

Do I need virtual desktop or is steam link good?

[@swingly6061]

Not only does the Index have fresnel lenses, they're STACKED fresnel lenses. Gotta love internal reflections. Probably one of the reasons the Quest 2 lenses have less lens artifacting. (although it sacrifices FoV instead)

[@somestuffonweb]

OMG ITS YOUUUUU (I remember watching the clips of you using the bee avatar on streams)

[@JustaFloatingEye]

Sadly my first Index broke after 1 year internally. Nobody not even Steam support understood what happened, essentially the VR headset stopped functioning as a headset and instead functioned as a really bad monitor, no idea how that happened. 1 year of trouble shooting, support messages, and asking online later, Steam support offers to replace it, and I get it replaced for free. 1 year later the replacement breaks aand my warranty is out so I can't replace it. Goodbye Valve Index, I really wanted to like it because it was such a good headset but it kept breaking for no reason.

[@stagdragon3978]

Bigscreen beyond was a big deal 6 months ago last time I looked. Did nobody step up to the plate after them? I am reaching that point where I'm convinced based on my past experience that I'm going to buy the Big screen beyond and like a WEEK LATER they're going to come out with a new steam headset.

[@arvurebantra7639]

Does the Quest 3 have the ability to get insert lenses for those of us who need glasses? I have a set of prescription lenses for my index, I doubt they'll fit in any other set.

[@nobbyfirefly57]

Yeah, I’m pretty sure it does. You can either google which lenses you should use or look for a video about it like I did. However it also does fine for me without lenses, but vision is subjective to everyone.

[@nobbyfirefly57]

Yeah, I’m pretty sure it does. You can either google which lenses you should use or look for a video about it like I did. However it also does fine for me without lenses, but vision differs for everyone.

[@autobotzapof0002]

I still regret only getting a quest 2 last year. Definitely gotta see if my mom’d get me the quest 3 at this point. Plus she can finally get a dedicated headset and see why I like VR so much.

[@samflinn1723]

I own a reverb g2 and quest 2 and with the reverb getting discontinued, I was wondering what would be a good headset with similar or better specs to it. I've heard the Pimax Crystal Light is a decent option and also the Psvr 2. Any recommendations?

[@toututu2993]

Dpvr e4 It is more like a sidegrade though

[@TheSixteen60]

I'm still using my Rift S. You cannot stop me.

[@TheGloriousBingus]

One of the biggest reasons for getting a vive or index for exclusive PC use compared to the quest is there is no streaming latency or fuzzy compression artifacts.

[@drinnerd8532]

I came here because my Oculus Rift (the original black with cable attached) died yesterday... but not really, because it's just old. It's seems to partly be related to the issue that the newer Metaquest software having a VERY difficult time functioning with my headset. Either way, I am finding myself leaning much more towards the likelihood something like the Valve Index or even the Vive Pro 2 kit you mentioned, just for the simple fact that I absolutely HATE that I am forced to use a stupid facebook login in order to use my Oculus Rift... something I did NOT know when I purchased it. EIther way, I would much rather prefer just having to deal with my STEAM client then having log into my fake Facebook account just to use the VR.

[@endless_havoc123]

What about if I want stuff like face tracking/full body but bot wanting an index or to spend 1.4k

[@wubsi1518]

so i have a htc vive right now and i love the basestation tracking, i tried the quest 2 but i get motion sick but somehow never with basestation tracking idk why, what should i upgrade to? im willing to spend around 350€. i saw some indexes for around that pricepoint with controllers and i already have basestations so is it worth it?

[@sparky6757]

Out of curiosity, would you say the difference in quality between older and newer headsets makes a difference in the "friction" of actually choosing to use it? Conceptually, I think VR is really cool. I played my Quest 2 every day when I first got it. I've probably used it half a dozen times in the last year though, on account of the fact that - usually it's dead on the off chance I feel like using it (which granted is self-defeating, because I don't use it much it's not charged when I want to) - it's just kinda annoying to use because passthrough mode is terrible quality, and also the FOV is small - tracking feels kinda janky sometimes - when I actually get into a session, the battery only lasts like an hour and a half I know some of these things are objectively improved on newer models, but do those changes make it feel "more worth" using them? Like is there some tipping point where you'd be considering playing VR, and if you didn't have a Quest 3 you would opt for a flatscreen game instead? Not that I'm gonna buy a Quest 3 midway through its life cycle anyway, but I'm thinking about getting a Quest 4 when that inevitably releases

[@dragonsfire07]

I remember using a quest 2 through a link cable, it was good but steamvr and the oculus software did not like each other at all Not sure if it has changed since I used it 2 years ago but the quest 3 does look promising with a tracker strapped to it

[@aldo4926]

i dont know shit about vr you made this easy to understand thank you

[@luukgodschalk2573]

Would the quest 3 be a good headset for a first buy?

[@KonekoBarasket]

but i what if i want a index? (he probably already answered that in the video didn't he...?)

[@parzivalct9960]

God I can't wait to upgrade from my old quest 2. very well done video

[@toututu2993]

What I hate about VR headset market is that a lot of VR headsets are being disconntinued after only 2 short years so you will be stuck with very limited new headset option or dig deep into the web for a used one

[@Mari-pf8tm]

What i wanna know is simple: do i wait for valve to release a new headset or do i purchase one now?

[@zeripik]

Have to agree that Index is mostly valid for its controllers and audio, other than that the headset isn't a big plus for it. My biggest gripe with Index was just the obscene amount of QC issues it had on release that only seemed to be resolved a few years later finally (got a replacement controller a few months ago VS my few year old controller, and between those have they finally fixed their awful joystick quality and squeaky trigger / haptic pad issues). My original first headset arrived DOA, and all subsequent headsets always had horrid issues with creaking and squeaking with the final one before my warranty running out genuinely being unusable due to the sounds it makes by just turning my head overpowering the game audio. The sounds and tactile issues the headset and controller had may not be a total dealbreaker for some, but as I have autism and suffer from sensory issues it basically ruined the entire experience for me. Newer headsets and controllers seem to be of much higher quality (especially since it seems they are putting a different, higher quality joystick in controllers now), but the horrendous issues it had with so many aspects of it at launch wasn't a great experience.

[@bersiamarcorhia9835]

thank you a lot for this video, I've been dreaming to get into VR for YEARS, but I always that stress and doubt to what was the best headset to get for the first time of somehow who doesn't know anything about it

[@Thoriumplatypus5263]

I'm still using my original oculus quest, I use it exclusively for PCVR games like VTOL and H3. My ideal headset would be a cheap, modernized Rift S. Unfortunately, to my knowledge, there is nothing like that on the market. The main problem with my quest is that the right stick is drifting like mad, making impossible to competently fly every aircraft except the AH94, because it uses the left stick for targeting. I haven't been able to find any retailer that sells replacement quest 1 controllers or sticks, if anyone finds one I'd appreciate it.

[@kmemz]

Opinion on the PSVR2 post-PCVR? I got one and it's bloody fantastic as a more budget PCVR exclusive headset, something I was dead set on after my particularly awful experience with trying to use a Quest as a PCVR headset, somewhere between trying to dodge the account requirements, plenty of crashes, and some unsolvable latency issues that prevented me full stop from playing faster paced titles like rythm or shooter games despite having a perfect setup. PSVR2 solved all of those issues and looked better doing it.

[@Rockysbeats]

i wish there was a more basic modern none stand alone headset you can hook to a pc with a single wire just to have the VR environment with the floating screens to watch movies and play regular games (not VR games) most the new headsets are standalone and so advanced you cant charge and use them at the same time

[@DasherGamer]

One thing that personally is still keeping me on a Valve Index, besides the fact that i FINALLY got one this year. Its the fact of the goddamn headset battery.THAT is the BIGGEST downside for me and what deters me from ANY other headset. I am someone who DOESNT travel, i do not mind plugging a headset to the wall socket. THE ONE reason my Quest 2 failed on me was battery issues, and having to deal with the Meta/Oculus software was a heccin nighmare. Coming close to a year of using the Index i never notice the weight honestly its not as heavy as you mentioned, at least coming from someone who went from a Quest 2 to an Index Also things i love of the Index compared to a Quest 2 is how dark it gets and the FOV its WAAAAY better. Granted, i havent even tried a Quest 3, Quest Pro so i wouldnt be able to compare. But i still agree 1000$ for the index [or 1200$ with tax] still a lot..... even the headset alone is 700$ sheesh

[@ivycomb]

The Quest 3's FOV is comparable to the Index's in practice. Spec-wise the index is listed as having more, but they use different measuring metrics. That said, the Quest 3 can also be used fully wired if desired and uses newer battery tech. Part of why the Index might not seem that bad is that the Quest 3 is a similar *shape* to the Index, even if it's a lot lighter, and it will have a familiar feeling. The Index isn't downright uncomfortable on its own, but current generation headsets have just gotten a lot **more** comfortable, if that makes sense.

[@Tayro_AG]

I honestly just wish there were more PCVR headsets to choose from nowadays, mainly because of battery time. I managed to get myself a Rift S just before they stopped selling them and I'm perfectly happy with it, however a friend of mine is stuck with a Quest 2 that keeps running out of battery in the middle of VR sessions.

[@FrostyTheDragon]

Aw man, I had just put prescription lens inserts in my Index so I don't have to wear glasses with that headset on (which pinches like crazy). To be honest, I'm going to be sticking with tethered headsets for the foreseeable future as I've got a gaming rig I just built last year (that I hope to last me a decade, given the games I play - I went from a 1080Ti to a 4070 as graphics cards go) - and when I finally upgrade from my Index, I'll consider face tracking mandatory (I HATE the expressions stuff people put in VRChat avatars, specifically doing it with a controller). So I'm likely waiting for your face tracking video (and several upgrades of other pieces of non-VR hardware that are overdue - and maybe a different set of VR controllers in case I'm in something that doesn't take advantage of hand tracking) before I consider the next headset. I'm actually curious about something else tangentially related to VR. Do you know any places that will take really, REALLY old headsets? I still have my old Rift S boxed up and I'm not exactly in a super-high-tech area....

[@eazolan]

The big screen beyond looks very interesting, but the 102 degree field of view is concerning. Do you not have a problem with that when using it?

[@rynsuks]

I drove two hours and got a full index kit for $350 (used 4 times) left controller has stick drift but I’m replacing it soon. lol.

[@johneeveelution]

I've got an original HTC Vive. Ain't got great resolution or refresh rate, but I got it for ~$100. No built in audio, so I have to use headphones, but it isn't super heavy or anything. It came with two base stations and everything else needed to set it up, and it uses SteamVR. I don't have any good way to compare it though, as it is the only VR headset I've used.

[@emerablade2021]

Ive had a valave index sittong unboxed for four years, i fought tooth in nail for it :(. Should i get it replaced?

[@akarigaming6996]

Is it a good idea to buy a oculus quest 1 just for pcvr instead of quest 2 or 3 as I just want a cheap version of the index

[@CubXeeDude]

Just buy the quest 3 and buy an PCVR Quest link for it

[@mezzyvt701]

Don't buy a quest 1. It isn't supported.

[@COOLINNN]

DONT buy a quest 3, get a headset that only directly supports PCVR. Quest isn't that good when it comes for pcvr.

[@Razuel]

But Ivy, i bought my index full kit for 500 canadian fun bucks from a 2nd hand seller. It was a worthy upgrade from my old q1

[@ElLeon7x7]

Can you talk about how to get into face tracking for VR either using a quest 2/3/3s or if there’s a headset out there for less than 1k?

[@WhiteMousse1980]

Thank you so much for this. Regarding the Quest 3- are its controllers compatible with Half-Life Alyx? I'm a huge HL fan and so desperately want to play it. I'd rather get the Quest 3 if possible but I want to make sure the controllers can function properly within that software.

[@voidfalse]

Watched the whole video. Still not convinced to switch my OG Vive with wireless adapter and deluxe audio strap

[@nathan22974]

I bought this headset back in 2020 and still use it to this day and even though its been fantastic its kinda old and people should look at other headsets

[@andromeda7418]

sooo, quick question. What about the Pico headsets? I mean, they arent available in a lot of places but they are still worth noting for what they can do and their price point

[@coldmanmoran2322]

I have a Rift S and have been putting off an upgrade for years since the headset has taken the joy out of VR, it’s uncomfortable and has so many issues as time has gone on. I need to upgrade but it’s hard. The video hopefully helps a lot so thank you

[@IDEKYOUANYMORE]

I also have a rift s since launch, same issue. Im either going for the quest 3 or the quest 3s. what are you going for?

[@YKZKYEN]

4:42 dont get this. My experience with it is horrible, extremely laggy, only good for gtag which I dont play alot, and when playing vrchat it cant handle mirrors also it runs outta memory fast

[@WUMINAT]

It's your PC bruh

[@hispronounsaretheythem]

In my country you need VPN to update Meta Quest headsets, so Pico 4 Pro is a better option for me. And I'm not talking about the fact that it's just more comfortable to wear, more user-friendly, and it also has face tracking. I was thinking about getting a Quest Pro, but it turned out to be kinda uncomfortable to wear, comparing to Quest 3 and Pico 4/4 Pro

[@goodyule3335]

Any advice on trying to get full body tracking? I've been saving for it for a while now but am not too sure what options to go for considering, well, I haven't TRIED any of them yet-

[@coolduder1001]

Do you use glasses with the pancake lenses or did you have to pay for prescription ones?

[@ivycomb]

I use prescription lens inserts because I prefer them to having my glasses in the headset

[@King_Ddraig]

the only thing preventing me from getting a big screen is that I have to wear glasses, their prescription lenses do not go high enough for what my prescription requires unfortunately and I refuse to get an inside out camera tracked headset because I like my fbt with htc 3.0 trackers, so i'm sol and have to stick with the vive pro 2 for high resolution VR lmfao

[@SirKitKatLive]

anything indexy just get the controllers, god I love these things even if the trigger has gone limp, the top snapped, and the lil thing your fingers rest on somehow broke off and is being held together by tape and dreams... theyre real cozy ...the small price to pay for flipping people off and doing the ok hand

[@gaomondigiadicto]

Having a quest 2, is it worth it to upgrade? And please i need that face tracking video, its one of the topics im finding more confusing info on the internet

[@error3890]

I've spent several minutes trying to think of something to comment i gave up

[@Jocuro2]

Wild. I was just looking to invest in VR for VRchat when this shows up in my subs! I'm surprised to hear that you like the inside-out tracking. I was afraid it would lose tracking if your hands aren't in front of your body. Plus I have a gaming rig to run it on. So I was looking at the Vive Pro 2 with base stations, but am I really better off with the Quest 3?

[@ivycomb]

The hand tracking proximity thing you mentioned IS a real issue. If you want to alleviate it, you'd have to use Quest Pro controllers or get a base station setup for just the controllers. To be 100% honest, I think the Vive Pro 2 is also a decent option! I would highly recommend buying it used though, you can usually find them for half MSRP on ebay and whatnot. I love my Vive Pro 2 a lot more than my Index, its only main shortcoming in my usage has been the audio is not as good.

[@Jocuro2]

@@ivycomb Good point! There's a decent used market for them so I think I can find a deal on it if I look. Might be worth the audio tradeoff. Thank you for the advice!

[@quintuple_lained]

Ngl the main reason I’d still go for an index anyways is that I hate *hate* inside out tracking, I had a hp reverb g2 and hated its tracking, I had a pico 4 and hated its tracking, the og rift still has better tracking and I went back to it after selling the pico 4. I really wish there was an updated version of the index that wasnt as expensive as the big screen

[@Gamingwithry_1]

I can’t wait for the face tracking video

[@BudderShnarfGaming]

what about the psvr2 with pc adapter?