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.

Doesn't require ultra powerful GPU ; Excellent tracking ; Good value

Needs external sensors ; Must buy controllers and sensors separately ; Poor glasses compatibility

View at Valve

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.