Steam is the most popular marketplace for PC games, which means it's also one of the best places to find virtual reality titles. Valve even offers its own free Steam app, SteamVR, solely to help you manage your VR games.
SteamVR runs using a universal software solution called OpenVR. When paired with a computer, SteamVR works with many popular VR headsets, including the Meta Quest 3S and Meta Quest 3. Gamers can also access SteamVR on a PlayStation VR2 headset with Sony's PC adapter.
Here's a list of the most popular VR headsets that Steam supports, along with some notes about how to get started with SteamVR.
Top VR headsets with SteamVR support
The Meta Quest 3 VR headset offers mixed reality capabilities and an upgraded processor that offers double the speed of its predecessor. Although pricier than the 3S model, this headset features a higher-resolution display and a wider field of view, delivering improved image quality.
The Quest 3S is Meta's most affordable VR headset. It has the same chipset and gaming performance as the pricier Quest 3, but its display isn't as sharp. This is an excellent option for casual users seeking a more budget-friendly entry into the world of VR.
The PS VR2 is a virtual reality headset built for the PS5. It also supports a PC adapter (sold separately for $60) that can pair with computers to play SteamVR games. This bundle includes a copy of Horizon Call of the Mountain.
All the VR headsets that work with Steam
SteamVR is built using Valve's OpenVR software, which means it should work with most VR headsets sold today. The main exception is the Apple Vision Pro, which does not officially support SteamVR. However, there are some workarounds (detailed down below).
Here's a list of some of the most popular VR headsets that are confirmed to work with SteamVR:
- Meta Quest 3
- Meta Quest 3S
- Meta Quest Pro
- Sony PS VR2 (requires adapter)
- Valve Index
- HTC Vive Pro 2
- HTC Vive XR Elite
- Pimax Crystal Sim
- Primax Crystal Light
- Pimax 5K Super
- Lenovo ThinkReality VRX
- Varjo Aero (requires SteamVR base station)
- Varjo XR-4 (requires SteamVR base station)
- Varjo XR-3 (requires SteamVR base station)
These older VR headsets also support SteamVR but are no longer available to purchase new outside third-party sellers.
- Meta Quest 2
- Oculus Rift
- Oculus Rift S
- HP Reverb G2
- HTC Vive
- HTC Vive Pro
- Samsung HMD Odyssey
- Samsung HMD Odyssey Plus
If the VR headset you're using isn't on one of these lists, there's still a good chance it works with SteamVR. But you should check with the manufacturer to make sure.
Does the PlayStation VR2 headset work with SteamVR?
Sony's PlayStation VR2 headset now supports SteamVR with the PS VR2 PC adapter, which launched in August 2024 for $60. With the adapter, PS VR2 owners can use a DisplayPort 1.4 cable to connect their headset to a compatible PC and run SteamVR.
Does the Apple Vision Pro work with SteamVR?
The Apple Vision Pro does not officially support the SteamVR app. However, some workaround solutions, like the iVRy app and ALVR app, allow users to stream some SteamVR games from a PC to a Vision Pro. This method has limitations as it relies on WiFi rather than a wired connection. As a result, you might not get the same quality you'd get from a headset that offers native SteamVR support.
The Apple Vision Pro is Apple's first take on the mixed-reality headset. It offers novel hand-tracking and remarkable VR/AR tech at a prohibitive price.
How to use VR on Steam
Before you can start playing Steam's VR games on your supported VR headset, you'll need to download and set up the SteamVR app. It's free, although you'll still need to pay for the VR games you add to it. The app is only available on a PC, so even if you have a stand-alone headset like the Quest 3, you'll still need to connect the headset to your computer to play SteamVR games.
Check out the SteamVR page for full details on PC spec requirements. And if you need a new computer to power your VR headset, be sure to read our guides to the best gaming PCs and best gaming laptops.
Once you have the necessary hardware, you can follow these steps to get Steam running on your VR headset:
- Launch Steam on your PC, head to the SteamVR store page, and click Add to Library.
- Install the app and launch it, then connect your VR headset to your PC.
- If you're using a stand-alone headset, you'll likely be able to connect it to your PC using the headset's charging cable. Some headsets also support a wireless option (like Steam Link), and others, like the HTC Vive Pro 2, use an adapter called a "link box."
- Follow the prompts inside SteamVR. These will differ slightly between headset models, but they usually involve fiddling with the settings inside your headset's menus.
- If you're using a Windows Mixed Reality headset, you'll also need to install and set up the free Windows Mixed Reality for SteamVR app.
Some headsets will require extra steps as well — for example, Meta Quests need to be paired with a smartphone app — so check the manual for your device for more details.
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