Is the Valve Index a Good Purchase in 2025? Our Straightforward Advice

For many years, Valve’s Index headset was at the forefront of PC VR headsets. Fast forward to 2025, and the big question is, does the Index still hold up as a worthy buy in today’s evolving VR market? Allow me to guide you through my straightforward advice.

After enjoying countless VR sessions with the Valve Index as my go-to device, I must confess that by 2025, spending $1,000 on the full setup isn’t something I would recommend. Sure, the headset offers fantastic features like its top-notch headphones, but when you consider its price, size, impending obsolescence, and the setup’s overall complexity, it seems less appealing for the majority of VR enthusiasts.

For those seeking a stellar PC VR experience, the Quest 3 stands out as my top pick. It strikes a perfect balance of affordability, ease of use, and impressive visual performance. The clarity and optimal viewing area of its lenses are among the best you can get. With higher resolution and reliable inside-out tracking, you can say goodbye to the hassle of external tracking systems that the Index requires. Pair the Quest 3 with a robust head strap like the ANNAPRO Battery Head Strap—it enhances comfort and comes with an extra battery to lengthen your VR adventures.

One of the best parts? Quest 3 eliminates the need for cords when indulging in PC VR. Thanks to Valve’s Steam Link app, accessing SteamVR games wirelessly is seamless. It bypasses the intermediary process of Meta’s Quest Link, taking you straight to your gaming library. And remember, Quest 3 isn’t just a powerhouse for PC VR; it’s also a fully independent headset. For games where visuals aren’t the key selling point, you can enjoy them freely and fully mobile with the headset.

For those considering the Quest 3, a well-optimized network is crucial for an optimal wireless VR experience. Make sure your gaming rig is wired to your router via ethernet. A router with at least Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) is necessary, but having a Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) is even better. If you’re thinking about upgrading your old router for wireless VR readiness, here’s our suggestion: keep the router as close to your gaming area as possible. It’s ideal if it’s in the same room, but it can work fine a room or two away.

In summary, while the Index had its time to shine, it’s clear that there are now better, more practical VR options on the market for 2025.