VR App Stores: Which Headset Connects to Which Store

What a VR app store is

A VR app store is the official place where you buy and download games, apps, and experiences for a headset. Each maker runs its own store, and the store is tied to the headset's operating system. For example, a Meta Quest headset uses the Meta Quest Store for standalone content, while a PC VR headset like the Valve Index uses Steam.

The store you use matters because it determines which games you can buy, how you install them, and whether you need a PC. Some headsets can access more than one store, especially when they connect to a PC. This article explains the main ecosystems for Meta, HTC Vive, Steam, and PlayStation, so you can match a headset to the games you want.

Meta Quest Store and SteamVR

Meta Quest headsets, such as the Quest 3 and Quest 3S, use the Meta Quest Store for standalone apps. This store is built into the headset and lets you buy games without a PC. You can also connect a Quest headset to a gaming PC with a link cable or wirelessly to play SteamVR titles, which expands your library beyond the Meta store.

The Meta Quest Store includes many popular VR games and apps, but some titles are exclusive to Meta. If you already own games on Steam, a Quest headset can still play them when linked to a PC. This hybrid approach gives you access to two ecosystems: the standalone store and SteamVR. For a full list of Meta headsets, see the best Meta VR headsets guide.

HTC Vive and the VIVE Store

HTC Vive headsets, like the VIVE Focus Vision, use the VIVE Store for standalone content. The VIVE Focus Vision is a hybrid headset that runs its own operating system and app ecosystem, and it can also connect to a PC to run SteamVR games. The VIVE Store offers a selection of VR apps, but many PC VR games are purchased through Steam.

When you connect a VIVE headset to a PC, you can access SteamVR, which is the largest PC VR library. This means HTC Vive owners have two options: the VIVE Store for standalone apps and Steam for PC VR. The choice depends on whether you want the convenience of standalone or the breadth of Steam. Browse the best HTC Vive headsets guide for more details.

SteamVR: the PC VR library

SteamVR is the VR platform on Steam, the PC gaming service. It works with many PC VR headsets, including the Valve Index, HTC Vive, and Pimax models. SteamVR gives you access to thousands of VR games, from indie titles to big-budget releases. It is not a store you buy a headset from; it is a store you use with a PC VR headset.

If you choose a PC VR headset, SteamVR is likely your main store. Some headsets, like the Valve Index, are designed specifically for SteamVR and require a PC. Others, like the VIVE Focus Vision, can use SteamVR when connected to a PC, but also have their own standalone store. For PC VR options, see the best PC VR headsets guide.

PlayStation Store for PS VR2

PlayStation VR2 uses the PlayStation Store on the PS5 console. You buy and download VR games directly from the PlayStation Store, and the headset connects to the console. The PS VR2 is not a standalone headset; it requires a PS5. The PlayStation Store has a dedicated VR section with games like Horizon Call of the Mountain.

Sony also offers a PC adapter for PS VR2, which lets you connect the headset to a PC and play SteamVR games. This gives PS VR2 owners access to both the PlayStation Store and Steam, but the PC adapter is sold separately. If you already own a PS5, the PlayStation Store is your primary ecosystem. The best VR headset guide includes PS VR2 options.

Pimax headsets and Steam

Pimax headsets, such as the Crystal Light and Dream Air, are PC VR headsets that rely on SteamVR for their software. They do not have a standalone store; they require a PC to run. This means your game library comes from Steam, and you use SteamVR to launch and play games.

Pimax focuses on high-end PC VR for simulation and social VR, and SteamVR is the standard platform for those uses. If you choose a Pimax headset, you should be comfortable with Steam as your store. This is similar to other PC VR headsets like the Valve Index. For PC gaming setups, see the best VR headsets for PC gaming guide.

Exclusives and compatibility

Some games are exclusive to a specific store or platform. For example, Meta has exclusive titles that only run on Quest headsets, and PlayStation has exclusives like Horizon Call of the Mountain. SteamVR games are generally playable on any PC VR headset, but some may require specific hardware or features.

When choosing a headset, consider which games you want to play. If a game is exclusive to Meta, you need a Quest headset. If it is on Steam, you can use a PC VR headset. The best VR headset guide can help you compare options based on your game preferences.

How to check store access before buying

Before buying a headset, check the maker's page to see which stores it supports. Look for words like "standalone," "PC VR," or "SteamVR" in the description. For example, the VIVE Focus Vision page says it works as a standalone headset and can connect to a PC for SteamVR. This tells you it has access to two stores.

Also check if the headset requires a PC or a console. A standalone headset does not need a PC, but a PC VR headset does. The best standalone VR headsets and best PC VR headsets guides can help you understand the differences.

What to pick for your situation

Your choice of headset should match the store you want to use. If you want the largest PC VR library, SteamVR is the way to go, and a PC VR headset like the Valve Index or Pimax is a good fit. If you want a standalone headset with a built-in store, Meta Quest or HTC Vive are options.

For console gamers, PS VR2 connects to the PlayStation Store. If you already own a PS5, this is a natural choice. The table below summarizes which headset type connects to which store, so you can pick based on your existing hardware and game preferences.

What to pick for your situation

Questions

Can I use SteamVR on a Meta Quest headset?

Yes, you can connect a Meta Quest headset to a PC with a link cable or wirelessly to play SteamVR games. The headset uses the Meta Quest Store for standalone apps, but SteamVR expands your library. See the best Meta VR headsets guide for compatible models.

Does PS VR2 work with Steam?

Yes, with a separately sold PC adapter, PS VR2 can connect to a PC and play SteamVR games. Without the adapter, it only works with the PS5 and the PlayStation Store. The best VR headset guide includes PS VR2 details.

What store does HTC Vive use?

HTC Vive headsets use the VIVE Store for standalone content, and they can also access SteamVR when connected to a PC. The VIVE Focus Vision is a hybrid headset that supports both. Check the best HTC Vive headsets guide for more.

Are there exclusive games on each store?

Yes, some games are exclusive to specific stores. Meta has exclusive Quest titles, and PlayStation has exclusives like Horizon Call of the Mountain. SteamVR games are generally available on any PC VR headset. For PC VR options, see the best PC VR headsets guide.