Valve Index review and specs

What changes in the cockpit

The good part is the link: a native DisplayPort cable, so the PC picture arrives without the compression of a streaming headset. Refresh runs at 80, 90, 120 or 144 Hz, tied for the highest in our VR data, on LCD panels with full RGB subpixels.

The weak part is detail. 1440 × 1600 pixels per eye is the lowest resolution in our VR data, and Valve's current spec sheet gives no PPD figure, no field of view in degrees and no weight. Small labels and FMC text are where an older design shows its age.

What else you need

Valve states that a full set is required: headset, controllers and base stations. Base stations are not included, and Steam no longer offers a pair of controllers, only a replacement left controller. Starting from zero, that makes the low price a mirage.

Already have the kit from an older SteamVR setup? The headset works with SteamVR 1.0 and 2.0 base stations, and those same stations will track a Bigscreen Beyond 2 if you upgrade later.

Great if you…

• already own SteamVR base stations and controllers
• want a DisplayPort headset for the least money in our data
• want 144 Hz on a wired link

Skip it if…

• you're starting from scratch: the Meta Quest 3S is $49.21 less and complete in the box
• you want to read small cockpit text comfortably
• you want a product its maker still builds

What Valve promises

Points taken from the official manufacturer spec sheet.

• 1440 x 1600 LCD per eye with full RGB subpixels, selectable 80/90/120/144 Hz
• SteamVR Lighthouse tracking, compatible with SteamVR 1.0 and 2.0 base stations
• No longer produced: remaining headsets sold by Steam while supplies last; controllers and base stations sold separately

Connection, tracking and contents

PC VR headset (wired). Connection: DisplayPort 1.2 + USB 3.0 (5 m tether). Tracking: SteamVR Lighthouse (SteamVR 2.0 sensors, works with 1.0 and 2.0 base stations, not included). In the box: headset. Valve states that a full set of components (headset, controllers and base stations) is required to use Valve Index. The current spec sheet gives no PPD figure, no field of view in degrees and no weight.

Price and availability

US price checked on October 29, 2026: $499, on sale that day for $399.20. Steam lists the headset at $399.20 instead of $499 for the remaining stock. Base stations are not included ($119.20 each on the same page), and a pair of controllers is no longer offered there: only a replacement left controller. Valve no longer produces the Index (announcement of October 13, 2026): the remaining headsets are sold on Steam while supplies last. Linked merchant: Steam. The price at the merchant is the one that applies.

Better fit elsewhere?

For a complete kit, the Meta Quest 3 is $200.79 more and states 25 PPD, with controllers and no base stations. The Quest 3S is the cheapest entry in our data.

For the base station owner who wants a real upgrade, the Beyond 2 reuses them. The cheap end of the field is in the best budget VR headsets for flight sim, the rest in the best PC VR headsets.

The verdict

The Valve Index is a clearance deal, not a starter kit: $399.20 instead of $499 on October 29, 2026 on Steam, headset only.

If the base stations and controllers are already on your shelf, it's the cheapest DisplayPort cockpit view we list. Check what's left at today's price.

Official store