For a long time, Valve’s Index headset was at the forefront of PC VR headsets, but now that we’re in 2025 and it’s nearing its sixth anniversary, is it still a smart purchase? Let’s dive into our straightforward advice.
Is the Valve Index Still a Good Buy in 2025?
Having used the Valve Index as my go-to PC VR headset for several years, I can confidently say it’s no longer a wise investment at its ‘full kit’ price tag of $1,000 in 2025. Though it still boasts unbeatable features, like its stellar headphones, the hefty cost, intricate setup, substantial size, and outdated specifications make it a less appealing choice for most users.
Photo by Road to VR
For anyone in search of a top-notch PC VR experience, I suggest going with the Quest 3. It hits the sweet spot with its reasonable price, user-friendly design, and impressive visual quality.
Quest 3 is equipped with the best lenses on the market when it comes to clarity and optimal focus areas. It offers a much higher resolution than the Index and features high-quality inside-out tracking, eliminating the need for cumbersome external tracking beacons. Do consider upgrading the standard headstrap to something like the ANNAPRO Battery Head Strap; it not only enhances comfort but comes with an onboard battery for a counterbalancing effect, letting you enjoy longer gaming sessions.
A great perk of the Quest 3 is its ability to run PC VR without any wires. The Steam Link app available on Quest 3 makes it easy to access SteamVR games wirelessly. You’ll bypass Meta’s Quest Link and dive straight into your SteamVR library. To top it off, you get a fully standalone headset with Quest 3; for simpler games, playing them in standalone mode on the Quest 3 is incredibly convenient and portable.
However, when opting for the Quest 3, setting up a robust network is crucial for a seamless wireless VR experience.
Ensure your gaming PC is connected to the router via ethernet. Aim for a router that’s at least Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), though Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) would be ideal. If you’re thinking of upgrading an old router to support wireless VR, here’s what you should aim for. It’s beneficial to have the router in the same room as your setup, but being a room or two away usually works just fine.
