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Valve’s Index headset earned a celebrated spot as a leader in the PC VR headset market for several years. However, as we look ahead to 2025, it’s fair to question whether this nearly six-year-old device is still worth your investment. Here’s a straightforward take on that.
The Case Against the Valve Index in 2025
Having relied on the Valve Index as my go-to for PC VR over the years, I can confidently report that, by 2025, its allure has faded. The hefty $1,000 price tag for the ‘full kit’ seems unjustifiable now. Sure, it retains some unique features—like those fantastic headphones—but when you weigh its cost, bulkiness, and aging specs, I’d advise most people to steer clear.
For anyone new to high-quality PC VR, my top pick would be the Quest 3. It strikes an impressive balance between price, convenience, and visual excellence. The lenses on the Quest 3 deliver unparalleled clarity and a sweet spot that’s hard to beat. Moreover, its resolution far outstrips that of the Index, and it offers excellent inside-out tracking. This means no more cumbersome external tracking setups.
One piece of advice if you’re opting for the Quest 3: invest in a better head strap than the standard issue. Consider something like the ANNAPRO Battery Head Strap. It enhances comfort significantly and comes with a built-in battery to help balance the headset better and let you enjoy extended gaming sessions.
A standout feature of the Quest 3 is its ability to operate without a tether for PC VR. Using Valve’s Steam Link app, you can easily enjoy SteamVR games wirelessly—bypassing Meta’s Quest Link altogether. This setup gives you a full standalone device with Quest 3, and for games where sharp graphics aren’t crucial, its portability and convenience transform your experiences.
However, should you choose the Quest 3 path, setting up your network correctly is crucial to enjoy a seamless wireless VR experience.
Make sure your gaming PC connects directly to your router via Ethernet. Your router should support at least Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), though ideally, it would be Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) for optimal performance. If you’re contemplating a network upgrade to gear up for wireless VR, this is a crucial consideration. Ideally, your router should sit in the same room where you game. If that’s not feasible, being in a nearby room should suffice.
