Should You Buy the Valve Index in 2025? Our Straightforward Advice

For several years, Valve’s Index headset stood as a top contender in the realm of PC VR headsets. Fast forward to 2025, and you might wonder if it’s still a worthwhile investment given its age. Let’s dive in to give you some straightforward guidance.

Is the Valve Index a Good Buy in 2025?

Having extensively used the Valve Index as my go-to for PC VR experiences over the years, I’m confident in saying that shelling out $1,000 for the complete ‘full kit’ today isn’t the best decision. Sure, it has perks like top-notch headphones that other headsets haven’t surpassed yet, but its hefty price, cumbersome setup, bulky design, and older technology make it hard to recommend for the average user today.

In the current market, I’d suggest considering the Quest 3 instead. It’s a more appealing option for those seeking quality VR experiences without the fuss. The Quest 3 wins points for its great pricing, user-friendly design, and impressive visuals.

One of the standout features of the Quest 3 is its lenses, which are unrivaled in terms of clarity and focus area. It also boasts a much higher resolution compared to the Index, and its efficient inside-out tracking eliminates the need for external tracking stations. For improved comfort, think about upgrading the head strap. The ANNAPRO Battery Head Strap is a good pick, offering both comfort and a built-in battery that helps balance the headset while extending your playtime.

Another big advantage of the Quest 3 is its wireless capability. Thanks to the Steam Link app, playing your SteamVR games without a cable is simple and seamless, bypassing the usual steps involved with Meta’s Quest Link. Plus, with Quest 3, you get a complete standalone system, which is ideal for less graphically demanding games, allowing for a more convenient and portable VR experience.

However, if you lean towards the Quest 3, setting up your network properly is crucial for smooth wireless VR. Make sure your gaming PC is hardwired to your router using an ethernet cable. Your router should be at least Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), but upgrading to Wi-Fi 6 or 6E (802.11ax) can significantly improve performance. While having the router in your gaming room is ideal, being a couple of rooms away should still deliver decent results.