HTC Vive XR Elite with Deluxe Pack — Mixed Reality and PC VR Headset + Controllers

I’ve always been intrigued by virtual reality but never took the plunge—until now. I entered the HTC Vive XR Elite, my first VR device.Unboxing and Initial ImpressionsUpon unboxing the Vive XR Elite, I was immediately struck by its sleek design and well-organized packaging. The headset felt lightweight and high-quality, which comes with overhead strap. The battery cradle can be easily connected with the glass.Comfort and FitAs a VR novice, I worried about the comfort and fit of the headset. Thankfully, the Vive XR Elite is designed with comfort in mind. The battery cradle acts as a counterbalance, while the overhead strap alleviates pressure from both the front and back of the head. I experimented with the glasses mode by removing the battery but quickly realized it's best for stationary use.Visual Clarity and PerformancePutting on the headset was like stepping into a new dimension. The dual 1920 x 1920 displays running at 90Hz offered stunning visual clarity. The glasses comes with diopter dial that allows to get a clear, sharp view in VR. The fact that it doesn’t allow to adjust for astigmatism doesn’t bother me much. The high refresh rate provided a smooth, immersive experience.Immersed and Engage: Productivity BoostersThe first app I tried was Immersed, which allows you to work on multiple virtual monitors. Syncing my MacBook Pro with the headset required some effort, involving a pairing code and a companion app, but the result was worth it.With multiple virtual windows open, I could arrange my workspace just the way I liked it. The hand tracking feature was particularly impressive, allowing me to navigate the VR environment with simple gestures. This seamless interaction between typing and controlling the virtual monitors greatly enhanced my productivity.Using Engage took my productivity to the next level. Engage enables virtual meetings, presentations, and collaborative sessions in immersive 3D environments. It made remote teamwork feel more connected and interactive, significantly improving my workflow.Exploring Gravity SketchNext, I explored Gravity Sketch, an app that showcases VR’s potential in visual creativity. Manipulating objects in a 3D space was intuitive and enjoyable. The precise tracking of the Vive XR Elite made the experience smooth and engaging. I spent hours immersed in experimenting and sketching my ideas.Battery Life and PortabilityThe battery life is about two hours of use per charge as HTC claims, which is sufficient for most of my applications. For extended sessions, tethering the headset with a USB-C cable worked perfectly.Portability is crucial for me. The Vive XR Elite excels in this area. It can be packed into a small carrying case, making it easy to carry around. Compared to Meta's Quest Pro, the Vive XR Elite is noticeably lighter and more compact, making it the perfect companion for frequent travelers.

I bought this with the intended propose of content creation as well as an upgrade from my old clunky HTC Vive Cosmos. While the fit is much more comfortable and lightweight I would still rather use my old headset. Assembly and setup was very straightforward but my number one biggest issue with this thing is the horrible battery life when using the full face tracking (sold separately!) which is super disappointing as the face tracking was the main reason for buying this. I initially thought the issue was with the battery so I bought another one off of the HTC website and it wasn't much better. The battery life lasts about 30 minutes and the one it came with stopped working completely! I used the recommended voltage to charge it so that is not the issue. The standalone performance is also quite sub-par, and was honestly better on my og quest. For full body tracking features you need to purchase a dongle (which I did, also sold separately!) which is only compatible with the ultra expensive Vive Ultimate Trackers that I don't own! Unless there is a way to jump through some hoops to use the 3.0 Vive trackers, this also defeats the propose of me buying this thing in the first place. Overall I wish I had spent all this money on something else

I recently got my hands on this HTC VR headset. While there are some impressive aspects, there are also a few drawbacks worth mentioning.As a first-time VR user, I found the setup and usability to be straightforward, and the performance of this headset is indeed top-notch. The visuals are smooth, which enhances the immersive experience.One of the standout features is the Mixed Reality experience. It seamlessly blends the real world with the virtual, creating a captivating environment. Whether gaming or exploring virtual worlds, the transition feels natural and fluid.Comfort is another major plus. I was concerned about feeling weighed down or uncomfortable during extended use, but the ergonomic and well-balanced design allows for hours of wear without discomfort, which is great for long gaming sessions.However, the price is a bit higher than other AIO VR headsets available on the market. While the comfort and performance are excellent, this headset is a costly investment. My recommendation is for those who are willing to pay more for added comfort and an impressive Mixed Reality experience.Overall, this HTC VR headset offers solid performance and comfort, but the high price tag might not be justifiable for everyone.

The HTC Vive XR Elite, while a promising concept, falls short in several crucial areas that make it a difficult sell at its current price point. The mixed reality pass-through, while functional, lacks the depth and realism of true 3D mixed reality due to its single camera setup. The color accuracy and overall image quality are decent, but the small lenses and blurry peripheral vision significantly detract from the immersive experience.Ultimately, the HTC Vive XR Elite is a headset that struggles to justify its premium price tag. While it offers some interesting features, the subpar performance and limited capabilities make it a difficult recommendation. It's definitely not worth the almost 1000 price tag.