Last Updated: November 24, 2018 (Refresh Now)
HTC VIVE Virtual Reality System
Last Updated: November 24, 2018 (Refresh Now)
8.3
SCORE
/10
Total Reviews
900
Old Reviews
75
Unverified
261
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180 meters
SIZE
Review Analysis - 564 recent, verified reviews
Detailed Mode
Gaming
163game, vr, vive, steam, oculus
+94%
-6%
" ... You really will feel like you are in the game ... "
" ... I spent $3k on a gaming computer that is more than capable of handling VR. ... "
" ... You will need a juicy gaming system to prevent lag. ... "
" ... I've gamer most of my life. ... "
" ... Comes with free games too! ... "
" ... I love the vr and am so immersed playing all these games, better than the oculus rift and would definitely give it 5 stars but I'm giving it 4 for not living up to the promise of the free preorder of fallout 4 vr with the purchase of the vr. ... "
" ... Love the games built for it from Valve. ... "
" ... Loving the room scale and free fallout 4, currently playing all the serious sam games and dead effect as I wait for doom then fallout 4! ... "
VR Box
66experience, headset, vive, htc vive, oculus
+98%
-2%
" ... I spent $3k on a gaming computer that is more than capable of handling VR. ... "
" ... If you are even slightly interested in VR and have a computer that's able to use it. ... "
" ... Best VR experience so far .well done ... "
" ... The experience is so much more with the VR headset. ... "
" ... Still, for the VR aspect, the system as a whole is well worth it to me and mindblowing. ... Finally, you might want to keep in mind that HTC is releasing a new Stand Alone VR headset, supposedly by or before the end of this year (2017) which will be self-contained so you don't need and expensive PC to run it. ... "
" ... If your system is close or better, you're ready for VR!!! ... "
" ... Holy cow, if you haven't tried VR, try VR. ... "
" ... It outperforms the oculus or any other VR system currently on the market. ... "
Setup
53easy to set, vive, steamvr, initial setup, told
+87%
-13%
" ... + Easy to set up and play ... I will have to pay to ship it to them, but the second support person I talked with was very helpful and explained everything well. ... "
" ... Setup was overall pretty easy, though it took me a while to get supersampling and quality/performance settings set to a proper level for my rig where HMD judder was completely eliminated, but adding a GTX 1080Ti to my rig helped with that a lot (I had a 1060, which really is the absolute minimum, but I found it couldn't keep up in some apps). ... "
" ... It was super easy to set up! ... "
" ... SET UP FAST AND EASY IMAGING IS CRYSTAL CLEAR """NO GLITCHES"""(((( YOU CAN WATCH YOU TUBE VIDEOS ON THIS TOO))) JUST SOME FRIENDLY FYI . ... "
" ... The initial setup was simple and straight forward. ... "
" ... Had a demonstration at a local library, and came home and ordered this immediately. ... "
" ... Setup is a breeze. ... "
" ... Setting up the headset is a little harder, but still not difficult. ... Once it's all set up, plugged into your computer, and powered it will quickly install some software to help you get into it. ... Setting up the play area using Steam is super easy and takes no more than 10-15 minutes, max. ... "
Comfort
46head, glasses, vive, controllers, straps
+70%
-30%
" ... +Very ergonomic and comfortable controllers ... "
" ... This is no real issue bc the Vive comes with some really nice EarPods, but I wanted to use my gaming headset which uses a usb cord. ... "
" ... The hand controller tracking is spot-on, even down to the pitch and yaw of your hands. ... "
" ... They are easy to accidentally squeeze too hard during tense gaming. ... ALWAYS USE THE WRIST STRAPS!!! ... "
" ... It's comfortable for relatively long sessions. ... "
" ... I play for hours and don't have any comfort issues. ... 2) Buy some spare face pads. ... You WILL have others trying it out and you don't want to pass around the headset with wet, smelly face pads. ... I find myself looking forward to the end of the day so that I can slip on the Vive and enter new worlds. ... "
" ... Comfortable for long periods ... "
" ... Also having a deluxe strap makes it easier to wear, adjust and remove the headset. ... "
Product Reliability
45years, controllers, error, ago, controller
+33%
-67%
" ... I bought this product and used it for about a week. ... After this I kept getting Error Code 208: Headset not Found. ... It's been a month. ... "
" ... Every time I sort out one error message, another replaces it. ... "
" ... I did have a few instances where the wands would disappear unexpectedly. ... "
" ... I would recommend this AFTER they fix the downloading error that has been going on for over a month . ... "
" ... Maybe I will purchase it again after few years. ... "
" ... Less than two months after purchase . ... after sending it off for repair, a month ago . ... "
" ... It has been weeks and they haven't responded to our emails. ... "
" ... it's not as if you fix the bugs and your off and running for months. ... "
Price
45money, worth the money, vive, 800, worth every penny
+87%
-13%
" ... Then this is an absolute buy. ... "
" ... I think it is worth the money to buy it, it has gotten me way more active while still enjoying the things I love to do. ... "
" ... If you are spending this kind of money you should have done a lot of research about this to know exactly what you are getting. ... If you have the money to spend and you are interested in this product . ... "
" ... Worth every penny, and it's even cheaper now than when I bought it. ... "
" ... totally worth it IMHO. ... "
" ... Just great totally worth the money. ... "
" ... Well worth the investment. ... "
" ... Buy one if you have the necessary support equipment and extra cash ... "
Capacity
31room scale, living room, family, play area, vive
+97%
-3%
" ... My wife and I had a dinner party at our house with a bunch of friends and family members. ... "
" ... The base station has spent almost as much time in the repair facility as in my front room!! ... "
" ... Then I played Rec Room. ... I played this for hours on end and didn't think I could have so much fun spinning around my living room. ... "
" ... When you come out it's crazy that the whole experience just happened in the living room. ... "
" ... This was very cool and I still love going to the room to look around and play with furniture, decorations and gadgets there. ... For other rooms, it should be pretty simple to do. ... "
" ... Room scale makes it the best option out there. ... "
" ... Make sure you have enough room !! ... "
" ... My friends and I can play co-op over the net and its like we are in the same room. ... "
Device Compatibility
29headset, vive, controllers, virtual, htc
+66%
-34%
" ... I wanted another monitor, and so I thought hey, I could buy another monitor for like $150, or a Vive for way more. ... Now I can boot up virtual desktop and have as many monitors as I want! ... "
" ... DR - With Elite I can never go back to using a monitor. ... "
" ... Still an amazing device. ... "
" ... Make sure you have a capable computer! ... "
" ... I have to connect them to the computer with the USB and them immediately disconnect them, that seems to work. ... "
" ... If it hadn't been, we probably would have purchased the PSVR since having to buy both the Vive and a new computer would have just been too expensive. ... "
" ... We have had more fun with this thing in the week since we received it than I can remember having with any other electronic device in the past. ... "
" ... This is the most amazing computer peripheral, feature, etc, that has EVER been made. ... "
Build Quality
29build quality, straps, feels, face, drywall
+66%
-34%
" ... Luckily it didn't break (so 10/10 on durability) ... "
" ... I set mine up in my basement so it was trivial to screw them into the exposed beams. ... "
" ... Great build quality ... "
" ... The system is great but at this price, they could have included additional foam padding (not just one) as after you play, foam is already soaking wet. ... "
" ... The side straps are easy enough to adjust, but the top one is under the cables making it difficult to get a good fit. ... "
" ... The device itself is very durable and well made. ... "
" ... All I need now, is for game developers to produce more material. ... "
" ... Many are free and very cheap. ... "
Ease of Use
28set, setup, easy to setup, vive, steam
+93%
-7%
" ... 3x3 meter area super easy to set up. ... "
" ... Very realistic environment and easy to set up. ... "
" ... + Easy to set up and play ... "
" ... It was super easy to set up! ... "
" ... Setting up the headset is a little harder, but still not difficult. ... "
" ... It is a bear to setup but once you get the system going it works fine from then on. ... "
" ... Some effort to set up. ... "
" ... The Vive ($800) 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. ... "
For Kids
26kids, playing, friends, whole family, loves
+92%
-8%
" ... Still, this thing is an amazingly fun toy. ... "
" ... My son bought this and all I can say is WOW. ... "
" ... Everyone in the family has enjoyed playing, as have our friends and visitors. ... "
" ... You do need a powerful PC but once we set it up my kids became nauseated by the games. ... "
" ... This is the type of device I have wanted since I was a little kid and loved it while it was working, and now, less than three months after getting it the controller stops working correctly. ... "
" ... Bought it for the eleven year old a birthday and the whole family is amazed with it. ... "
" ... After researching the Vive, Oculus, and PSVR, we decided on the Vive since it seem to allow for the most immersive experience AND my son's computer was VR ready! ... "
" ... My entire family loves this. ... "
For Fun
25much, tons of fun, fun to play, family, amazingly
+100%
" ... Still, this thing is an amazingly fun toy. ... "
" ... THE UNIT ITSELF IS LOADS OF FUN . ... "
" ... Soooooooooo much fun!!!!!! ... "
" ... But, asides from that, it's a breeze and tons of fun. ... "
" ... Tons of fun ... "
" ... VERY fun though. ... "
" ... OMG, This is so fun. ... "
" ... Anyway if you have the money and the time, buy this because what I've played so far was fun. ... "
Returns
24replacement, amazon, returned, send, return policy
+21%
-79%
" ... We contacted the manufacturer and sent the item for repair. ... The item came back and it wasn't fixed. ... We have attempted to contact the manufacturer again but they haven't responded back. ... "
" ... But are they going to send me a replacement while I send in the defective one? ... Any bets that the one they send back will not be the original and have a completely different serial number (I wrote down the serial number of the defective one)? ... "
" ... Amazon's return window is only 30 days ... "
" ... The first time was not long after I purchased the system so I returned it for a refund and re-purchased a system. ... "
" ... Will wait a few days for response from steam support then I'll return and refund it. ... "
" ... But, of course, it was past the return date so we just have to eat over $800!! ... "
" ... They didn't acknowledge receipt until 5/31. ... "
" ... Returned this product. ... "
Display Clarity
24text, noticeable, resolution, pixels, screen door
+67%
-33%
" ... Mostly due to having two screens right in front of your eyes, almost like putting your face right up to a TV. ... "
" ... As far as field of view goes, today’s virtual reality is pretty close to as good as it gets, but the display doesn’t cover your full FOV. ... Aside from this, the display is amazing. ... "
" ... You may be surprised what you enjoy in VR world as opposed to gaming on a flat screen. ... "
" ... I saw the screen door effect, look around and thought it was cool, but not 800 (what I bought it for, now it's 600) worthy cool. ... "
" ... The head mounted display does have a noticeable weight to it, but doesn't really detract from the experience. ... "
" ... The screen door effect is pretty noticeable but once you start focusing on the games and not the tech, it becomes less noticeable. ... "
" ... The screen door effect is hardly noticeable after Mabey 5min. ... "
" ... I went into this thinking its just a screen I'm putting on my face. ... "
Software Platform
21vr, vive, error, google earth, steam
+62%
-38%
" ... I work professionally with VR and currently own all three of the Oculus varieties (DK1, DK2, CV2), a second gen GearVR, Google Day Dream and development edition of Acer's Mixed Reality headset. ... Despite these difficulties, the easy of use and software accessibility through both Steam and the VIVE store make this a real contender in the modern home VR space. ... "
" ... Software and other content is a bit lacking at the moment but still very happy I jumped into VR ... "
" ... * Download OpenVR Advanced Settings Dashboard Overlay from matzman666 on Github. ... "
" ... I stood on a cliff in google maps and couldn't bring myself to jump, I knew floor was there but brain said a big F you. ... "
" ... Last night my family and I explored the earth with Google Earth. ... "
" ... Hopefully software developers release some good content soon and hardware manufacturers release the built-in headphone and wireless upgrades then this will be an amazing product! ... "
" ... Be patient and watch the update application screen for indication of when the firmware update has completed. ... "
" ... We have a 4k tv set up to my wife comp with a 1070 and kept getting error codes due to the monitor. ... "
Apps
21games, steam vr, vr, steam, software
+90%
-10%
" ... Comes with a handful of free games and software. ... "
" ... That being the case, I went up and down the steam VR store searching for all the freebie VR apps and software that go with it. ... "
" ... The immersion in most games and software ranges widely. ... "
" ... System works perfectly but HTC Vive online downloads are kind of glitchy. ... "
" ... (I was not alone in this experience as I discovered in the Vive community forums.) ... "
" ... * Download OpenVR Advanced Settings Dashboard Overlay from matzman666 on Github. ... "
" ... Of course, some games/apps are definitely better than others, but that has nothing to do with this device. ... "
" ... You can browse this and other applications available on SteamPowered.com. ... "
Marketplace
19shipping, expected, support, return policy, replacement
+53%
-47%
" ... Just as described. ... "
" ... Thank you for contacting Vive Support. ... Thank you and have a great day! ... "
" ... Great deal and support from amazon when necessary. ... "
" ... Well I finally decided to give this a go and bought one here at Amazon and from the first moment I got it set up "which was pretty easy and straightforward" and put it on my head my jaw dropped . ... "
" ... Everything I expected. ... "
" ... Me and another employee bought ours the next day. ... "
" ... I've since received the replacement, issues free. ... "
" ... Comes as advertised. ... "
Video Playback
18video, videos, watching, vr, vive
+100%
" ... This is the future of gaming, of spectating, of training, of watching movies, heck even of adult movies. ... "
" ... This truly is the future of video gaming ... "
" ... Watching videos of people playing VG games online pales in comparison to actually strapping it on and wandering around in VR. ... I am still absolutely loving playing video games again. ... "
" ... Watch some VR gameplay videos for the Vive to get an idea for what you're in for. ... "
" ... I was born in 1990 and I have watched video games go from the SNES to this. ... "
" ... Save it till your old and jaded and no longer like video games? ... "
" ... Forget every thing you thought you understood about playing video games. ... "
" ... It is possible to watch videos on it that you record yourself. ... I have to post process the videos with Wondershare Video Converter Ultimate, but once I do I can upload to YouTube or watch on the VIVE. ... I simply transfer the video file to the VIVE computer and watch it using Whirligig VR Media Player. ... "
Design
18technology, real, feels, developers, build quality
+89%
-11%
" ... Great build quality ... "
" ... It's so crazy real it looks. ... "
" ... Looking forward is fine but when you look up or down its gets worse. ... "
" ... Seriously, look up reviews about it. ... Go ahead, look it up. ... "
" ... The most common feeling you'll probably have is that you're playing a beta designed to show off a proof of concept, rather than a full game with story and character and emotional investment. ... "
" ... The future of this device looks very promising. ... "
" ... It feels totally real, and totally immersed. ... "
" ... You really feel like you are in a virtual reality. ... "
Storage
15requires, play, open space, larger, experience
+93%
-7%
" ... I bought this over the oculus because I am a valve fanboy and it has a larger max play space. ... "
" ... If you want to move around measure a good recommended space before you purchase. ... "
" ... Consumes lots of space ... "
" ... - requires a lot of space to play (12 x 12) ... "
" ... I found that my brain was quickly tricked into thinking that I was in a virtual space. ... "
" ... One thing that I came to realize though is that you need space(preferably larger than the recommended in my opinion). ... If you have more space, it will definitely be a much better experience. ... "
" ... IT'S SO GOOD, I am building a new PC for my garage, just to have plenty of open space. ... "
" ... but, you do need the space to set it up. ... "
Cables
14vive, wires, htc, cable management, wire
+57%
-43%
" ... When I got it out of the box I expected some sort of huge set up with a plethora of complicated cords going every direction and it's not at all that difficult. ... "
" ... The set up is easy as long as you already have your place cleared and have an outlet or extension cord where you can plug the two sync boxes. ... "
" ... The cable is also long enough to allow for a lot of moving around. ... "
" ... Believe me I tried several different adapters and cables and the mini-dp to dp was the ONLY thing that worked. ... "
" ... But, recently I bought a cable management system that has cables and pulleys, and it made a huge difference. ... This thing is just so amazing, I can't bring myself to ding it with this cable issue. ... "
" ... It's an inexpensive cable that I have never heard of. ... "
" ... Some people have found success extending their cord length with USB cables, HDMI cables, and power strips, but if you do not want to, you'll need the computer to be directly adjacent. ... "
" ... Using your own headphones would require an equally long cord for room scale. ... The headset cord for the Oculus is also considerably shorter than the Vive's at only 6 feet. ... "
Delivery
14arrived, shipped, packed, package, told
+50%
-50%
" ... When it arrived today I was eager to open it up to only find all the components were removed from their individual packaging and thrown together like you see in this photo. ... "
" ... I shipped it at my expense, as required (which was aggravating). ... and c) when the device gets shipped back to you. ... "
" ... I have to pay for shipping. ... "
" ... If it was delivered. ... My package states that it has arrived, but it has not. ... "
" ... Received a bad unit. ... "
" ... I purchased a new item and received a box that had clearly been opened and taped back up. ... Either way, I know it's not "new" if it's been opened. ... "
" ... There's a widespread issue with the lighthouses being broken out of the box: [ . ] ... "
As Gift
13gift, christmas, present, xmas, loved
+92%
-8%
" ... This item was a great gift. ... "
" ... It is a birthday present for my son and he is paying half of the cost. ... "
" ... My Son says it's just what he wanted and it's great. ... "
" ... It was a gift to my grandsons and they loved it. ... "
" ... My son and I received this as a joint Christmas present. ... "
" ... Great XMas gift, everybody loves it. ... "
" ... This was a Christmas gift for my son. ... "
" ... Received this as an Christmas present, it was all I wanted! ... "
Ports
13port, vive, usb, dp, cables
+92%
-8%
" ... I wanted another monitor, and so I thought hey, I could buy another monitor for like $150, or a Vive for way more. ... "
" ... The set up is easy as long as you already have your place cleared and have an outlet or extension cord where you can plug the two sync boxes. ... "
" ... 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. ... "
" ... I have to connect them to the computer with the USB and them immediately disconnect them, that seems to work. ... "
" ... Believe me I tried several different adapters and cables and the mini-dp to dp was the ONLY thing that worked. ... "
" ... I find that this approach is far more reliable and accurate than the camera-based Rift and PSVR and it doesn't consume much USB bandwidth. ... "
" ... Tips: You MUST use usb 3.0 for the headset, if you don't, the controllers and sensors won't work. ... "
" ... MSI Performance Gaming Intel Z270 DDR4 HDMI USB 3 SLI ATX Motherboard (Z270 GAMING PRO) ... "
Headphones
11headphones, headphone, jack, earbuds, vive
+82%
-18%
" ... Upgraded to integrates headphones. ... "
" ... Going to have to get the headphone upgrade. ... "
" ... Can't wait for the next gen headset. ... "
" ... 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. ... "
" ... I absolutely love this headset! ... "
" ... Really nice, but headphones are too small and cheap. ... "
" ... I bought myself my own pair of over-the-ear headphones to use with my HTC Vive. ... "
" ... Get yourself a good pair of surround headphones to accompany this. ... The earbuds supplied are less than adequate. ... "
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Specifications
Body
Size: 180 meters
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