HTC Vive or Oculus Rift? Steam users are still pretty divided

Steam’s latest hardware survey has suggested that its users are pretty evenly split between the two biggest VR headsets, the HTC Vive and Oculus Rift, while Windows Mixed Reality headsets are trailing behind in third place. 

According to June’s survey, 46.26% of Steam users were using the Oculus Rift on the platform, while 44.56% used the HTC Vive, as reported by UploadVR. Windows Mixed Reality headsets were sitting in third place at 6.25%.

Related: HTC Vive vs Oculus Rift

Probably the most note-worthy aspect of the numbers is just how evenly matched the two headsets are, and if we’re honest that feels about right. Unless you’re shelling out for the much more expensive HTC Vive Pro the two headsets are very similar, although we’d argue the lightweight motion controllers and built-in headphones on the Rift give it a slight advantage.

However, it’s also interesting to note the slight lead that the Rift appears to be generating, which increased by 1% between May and June. The HTC Vive came with full Steam support at launch, while the Rift’s came much later.

Having only launched late last year, it’s unsurprising to see the Windows Mixed Reality headsets sitting back in third place, but the more competition they can provide the better.

Time for a shake up?

Aside from the recent release of the stunningly addictive Beat Saber, it’s been pretty quiet on the PC VR front recently.

The HTC Vive Pro is a little too expensive for most home consumers, and it launched without the second generation ‘knuckle’ controllers, and this year Oculus has been focusing on mobile VR with the launch of the Oculus Go.

Related: Best VR Headset

But it’s nice to see neither headset languishing, meaning both companies have an equal chance of making it into first place.

Which headset do you prefer to use with Steam? Let us know @TrustedReviews.