Valve Index

Wider field of view 'Knuckle' controllers Room-scale VR Great audio

Still uses base stations SteamVR has serious issues Lackluster game selection Glasses do get in the way

The Valve Index is the next-generation VR headset we’ve been waiting for, but the Steam VR platform on which the headset depends is still capricious, and painfully hard to troubleshoot. At $999 / £919 (about AU$1,425) for the full package, Valve’s...

Sharp, smooth display ; Comfortable, configurable design ; Controllers feel amazing ; Solid audio ; SteamVR Home and social features are solid

Tracking should be better ; No customizable safety barrier ; Lacks value beyond hardware ; Expensive

The Valve Index is arguably the most comfortable VR headset and offers the best controllers around, but it’s absurdly expensive and has subpar safety features.

Finger-tracking controllers ; Best-in-class display ; Fantastic audio

Few finger-tracking implementations ; Frustrating setup ; Expensive

Valve's Index is best VR headset available, but its steep price tag makes it difficult to recommend over the competition.