Valve Index

Released

Jun 27, 2019

Category

PC VR

Valve / PC VR / $999

Valve Index

The legacy PC VR benchmark: still loved for tracking, controllers, and high refresh, but now best for enthusiasts who specifically want a Lighthouse ecosystem.

76

TopVR score

Display

Dual LCD

Resolution

1440x1600 / eye

Refresh

Up to 144 Hz

Tracking

SteamVR Lighthouse

Input

Index controllers

Platform

SteamVR

Editorial read

Scorecard

10-point sub-scores

Tracking

9.4

Lighthouse tracking is still a gold standard for precision and accessories.

Visual clarity

6.8

The resolution and LCD panels show their age against modern pancake and micro-OLED headsets.

Comfort

7.7

The fit system and audio remain good, though the headset is heavy.

Value

6.5

At full-kit pricing, newer headsets often make more sense unless you need the ecosystem.

Full specification

Specs by Section

Overview

Device type
PC VR headset
Platform
SteamVR
Release date
June 2019
Full kit price
$999 class

What We Like

  • + Excellent SteamVR tracking
  • + High refresh rates up to 144 Hz
  • + Best-in-class Index controllers for many PC VR games
  • + Large SteamVR library

Watch-outs

  • - Resolution is dated next to modern PC VR headsets
  • - Base stations add setup friction
  • - Check stock before planning a full-kit purchase