Over the past few years, the popularity of virtual reality headsets has skyrocketed. Sony’s PlayStation VR and VR2, the recently launched Samsung Galaxy XR, and the revised Apple Vision Pro are key examples. These leading tech firms, along with Meta, are generating formidable competition in the AR/VR sector.
Valve has unveiled a new virtual reality headset, the Steam Frame, which serves as a successor to the 2019 Valve Index headset. Valve also introduced additional Steam hardware. The Steam Frame is crafted for a streaming-first experience, fully compatible with the complete Steam library, including both VR and non-VR titles. How does it stack up against other headsets? Let’s find out.
Before we delve into detailed comparisons, let’s look at the specifications of each headset. If storage or RAM isn’t a priority for you, feel free to advance.
The Steam Frame is set to hit the market in 2026. For now, we can only examine its specifications:
– **Processor:** 4 nm Snapdragon® 8 Gen 3, Architecture: ARM64
– **RAM:** 16GB Unified LPDDR5X RAM
– **Storage:** 256GB / 1TB UFS storage choices, microSD card slot
– **Resolution:** 2160 x 2160 (per eye)
– **Refresh Rate:** 72-144Hz refresh rate (144Hz experimental)
– **Battery Capacity:** 21.6Wh
– **Field of View:** Up to 110 degrees
– **Eyetracking included:** Yes
– **Price:** TBA
Apple’s latest Vision Pro headset, which debuted in October, resembles the original 2023 version but now incorporates M5 silicon. Here are its specifications:
– **Processor:** Apple M5 chip
– **RAM:** 16G
– **Storage:** 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
– **Resolution:** 3,660 × 3,200 (per-eye)
– **Refresh Rate:** 90Hz, 96Hz, 100Hz, 120Hz
– **Battery Capacity:** Up to 2.5 hours of general use, video playback up to 3 hours
– **Field of View:** ~100 degrees
– **Eyetracking included:** Yes
– **Price:** $3,499
The specifications for Meta Quest 3 are as follows:
– **Processor:** Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2
– **RAM:** 8GB
– **Storage:** 512GB
– **Resolution:** 2064 x 2208 (per eye)
– **Refresh Rate:** 72Hz, 90Hz, 120Hz
– **Battery Capacity:** 19.44Wh
– **Field of View:** 110 degrees horizontal and 96 degrees vertical
– **Eyetracking included:** No
– **Price:** $499.99
In terms of gaming, the Steam Frame holds a significant advantage, as it encompasses the entire Steam library. In contrast, Meta Quest 3 and Apple Vision Pro only accommodate games specifically developed or ported for their respective platforms. Quest 3 provides a satisfactory game library, while Vision Pro is not primarily tailored for gaming.
The Steam Frame can work alongside other Steam hardware, such as the Steam Machine, Deck, and controller, enhancing its versatility.
Virtual reality immerses users in fully constructed virtual environments, while augmented reality enables interaction with the real world. AR headsets like Vision Pro also facilitate VR experiences, blurring the distinctions. The Steam Frame is unmistakably in the VR category.
The Steam Frame comes equipped with monochrome passthrough cameras, whereas the Apple Vision Pro and Meta Quest 3 feature colored passthroughs, supporting augmented and mixed reality. This categorizes the Steam Frame as a pure VR headset; however, it includes a “user accessible front expansion port” for potential future upgrades, including color passthroughs.
Valve has not yet revealed the price of the Steam Frame but intends for it to be under $1,000, comparable to the Valve Index headset. Meta Quest 3 remains the most economical at $500, while Apple’s Vision Pro stands as the priciest at $3,500, delivering premium design and advanced AR functionalities.
The Steam Frame is anticipated to be released in early 2026.