The two most popular VR headsets on the internet are the Oculus Quest and the Valve Index. If you are interested in getting into the VR world, these are the two names that you most likely have heard been recommended. So, you might be wondering, which one is the best for you?
We already compared the two headsets, but the Oculus Quest has been updated and replaced by the aptly named Quest 2, which means that our old comparison with the Index is no longer up to date.
So, let´s update the infographic and find if this new iteration of the Quest stacks up better than the old one.
Oculus Quest 2 vs Valve Index
In the end, not much has changed in the comparison. The Oculus Quest 2 is still a cheaper and more well-rounded headset, while the Index is the better option for PC gaming (as long as you don´t mind shelling out a thousand dollars).
The most important change between Quest 1 and 2 for regular users is that Facebook is now mandatory for log-in on Oculus platforms. We already explained what that means for you in another article, but the bottom of it is that Facebook will now get your play data when you use their headsets to give you more "personalized" ads.
If you want to opt for a more privacy-respecting VR platform, the Index is the ideal choice as long as you can afford it. Of course, nothing is (yet) stopping you from "cheating" the system by creating an empty Facebook account and using it for your Oculus Quest 2 if you don´t want to give Oculus your data but can´t afford to pay 1K dollars for a headset.
Before you buy any of the VR headsets...
I need to put a couple of small caveats, starting with the Oculus Quest 2. Remember that it is a standalone headset, it can´t connect to a computer on its own. To play Half-Life Alyx or any PC VR game with the Quest, you need to download the Oculus Link app (or the Oculus Air to connect with Wi-Fi) and have a USB 3.0 cable like this one.
With the Link app and the cable, you can plug your Quest to a computer just like if it was the Index or the Rift S, as long as your PC is up to it.
Speaking of computer requirements, the Index requires a Displayport to work. Not all modern computers come with DisplayPort and HDMI ports don´t cut it for Valve´s headset.
If your computer only has HDMI ports, then the Index will not be able to connect to it. If you have a USB type C Thunderbolt 3 port then you can buy an adapter like this one to make it work.
This is a problem because many desktop PC´s and old laptops don´t have either of these ports. If your computer already has some years behind it, try and find out if the Index will be able to connect to it.
A little side note about compatibility. You can use the Index´s controllers on all the other VR headsets that use the Vive´s base stations. The Oculus Touch controllers, on the other hand, are only compatible with Oculus headsets, so keep that in mind if you care about spare parts or are thinking about re-selling your VR platform online when you are done with it.
Which headset is better for you?
It depends on what do you want to do with the headset. If you only want to play Half-Life Alyx, then I would recommend the Quest (with the Link) over the Index, as it is way cheaper. For people looking to plunge themselves headfirst into the world of PC VR gaming, then the Index would be a better fit.
If you are interested in comparing other VR headsets, check out our infographics on the Quest vs the Rift S and the Rift vs the Go.