OpenXR vs SteamVR: Which VR Standard Should You Care About?

What are OpenXR and SteamVR?

OpenXR is an open, royalty-free standard developed by the Khronos Group. It defines a common application programming interface (API) that allows a VR application to work with any headset that implements the standard, without the developer writing separate code for each device. Think of it as a universal translator: a game built for OpenXR can run on any headset that supports OpenXR, whether it is a standalone headset, a PC VR headset, or a mixed reality device.

SteamVR is Valve's proprietary platform and API for virtual reality on PC. It is the backbone of the SteamVR ecosystem, which includes the Steam store, the SteamVR runtime, and support for a wide range of headsets. SteamVR provides its own API (the OpenVR API) that developers can use, but it also supports OpenXR. Most PC VR games on Steam use SteamVR, and headsets like the Valve Index are designed around it. SteamVR handles tracking, input, and rendering for compatible headsets.

How they affect headset compatibility

The main difference between OpenXR and SteamVR is how they connect a headset to software. OpenXR is a cross-platform standard: if a headset and an application both support OpenXR, they work together regardless of brand. This reduces fragmentation in the VR market. SteamVR, on the other hand, is a platform that requires a headset to be compatible with its runtime. Many PC VR headsets are SteamVR-compatible, but some may only work through OpenXR or a separate driver.

For a buyer, the practical impact is on which games and apps you can run. If you buy a headset that only supports OpenXR and not SteamVR, you may not be able to play many SteamVR games directly. Conversely, a headset that supports SteamVR can run the vast library of SteamVR titles, but may not work with OpenXR-only applications unless the headset also supports OpenXR.

Most modern PC VR headsets support both. For example, the VIVE Focus Vision is described as a hybrid standalone PC VR headset that can connect to a PC and run SteamVR games via DisplayPort mode. The PlayStation VR2 can be used on PC with a separate adapter to access Steam games. The Valve Index is built for SteamVR and includes Half-Life: Alyx. Pimax headsets are designed for PC VR and work with SteamVR.

• OpenXR: broad compatibility across brands; future-proof for new apps.
• SteamVR: largest library of PC VR games; required for many popular titles.
• Many headsets support both, giving you access to the best of both worlds.

Which headsets support which standard

The support for OpenXR and SteamVR depends on the headset's design and the manufacturer's choices. Here is how the headsets from the source pages align:

The VIVE Focus Vision works as a standalone headset and can also connect to a PC for SteamVR gameplay. Its page states it delivers 'low-latency SteamVR gameplay' and supports DisplayPort mode for a wired PC connection. This means it supports SteamVR when tethered, and likely OpenXR for standalone apps.

The PlayStation VR2 is primarily a console headset for PS5, but with the PlayStation VR2 PC adapter, it can access Steam games on a PC. This gives it SteamVR compatibility via the adapter, though it is not a native PC VR headset.

The Valve Index is a native SteamVR headset. It requires base stations and a PC, and it comes with Half-Life: Alyx. It is fully integrated into the SteamVR ecosystem.

Pimax headsets like the Crystal Light, Crystal Super, and Dream Air are PC VR headsets that work with SteamVR. They are marketed for flight simulation and sim racing, which are popular SteamVR titles.

OpenXR's role in cross-platform development

OpenXR was created to solve the problem of fragmented APIs. Before OpenXR, a developer had to write separate code for Oculus, SteamVR, Windows Mixed Reality, and other platforms. OpenXR unifies these into a single API. This means a game or app written for OpenXR can run on any headset that supports the standard, from a Meta Quest to an HTC Vive to a Pimax headset.

For consumers, this translates to a wider selection of compatible software. As more developers adopt OpenXR, you can buy a headset without worrying whether your favorite apps will work. The standard is supported by major players including Meta, HTC, Valve, and Microsoft. It is also the basis for many mixed reality applications.

SteamVR itself supports OpenXR. When you launch a SteamVR game, it can use OpenXR under the hood if the headset and game support it. This means that even if you are in the SteamVR ecosystem, you still benefit from OpenXR's cross-platform compatibility.

What to consider when buying

When choosing a VR headset, ask yourself which ecosystem you will primarily use. If you already own a gaming PC and plan to buy games from Steam, a headset with strong SteamVR support is essential. Most PC VR headsets, including those from HTC, Pimax, and Valve, are designed for SteamVR. The VIVE Focus Vision also offers SteamVR connectivity via DisplayPort.

If you want a standalone headset that can also play PC VR games, look for a hybrid model that supports both standalone apps and SteamVR when connected to a PC. The VIVE Focus Vision is one example. Meta Quest headsets also support PC VR via Link or Air Link, though they use a different runtime (Oculus runtime) that can interface with SteamVR.

If you are buying a headset for a PlayStation 5, the PlayStation VR2 is your only option. It can later be used on PC with an adapter, but its primary ecosystem is PlayStation.

OpenXR is less of a buying factor today because most headsets support it indirectly. However, if you plan to use specialized software or future applications that may rely on OpenXR, choosing a headset that explicitly supports OpenXR can give you more flexibility.

What to pick for your situation

Questions

Do I need to choose between OpenXR and SteamVR when buying a headset?

No. Most PC VR headsets support both. SteamVR is the dominant platform for PC gaming, and OpenXR is a standard that many headsets and games use under the hood. You can buy a headset that works with SteamVR and still benefit from OpenXR compatibility.

Can a standalone headset use SteamVR?

Yes, if the headset can connect to a PC. For example, the VIVE Focus Vision can be tethered to a PC via DisplayPort to run SteamVR games. Standalone headsets like Meta Quest can also stream SteamVR games wirelessly or via a link cable.

Does PlayStation VR2 support SteamVR?

Yes, with the PlayStation VR2 PC adapter. The adapter allows you to connect the headset to a PC and access Steam games. The headset is primarily designed for PS5, but the adapter adds PC VR functionality.

What is the advantage of OpenXR over SteamVR?

OpenXR is an open standard that works across different brands and platforms. It reduces fragmentation, so a game written for OpenXR can run on many headsets without extra work. SteamVR is a specific platform with a large game library but is tied to Valve's ecosystem.

Will all future VR headsets support OpenXR?

Most major manufacturers have adopted OpenXR. It is likely that future headsets will support OpenXR, but some may also include proprietary APIs. Check the headset's stated features to confirm OpenXR support.

Can I play SteamVR games on a headset that only supports OpenXR?

It depends. If the headset supports OpenXR and the SteamVR runtime can interface with it, you may be able to play SteamVR games. However, many SteamVR games expect the SteamVR runtime. A headset that explicitly supports SteamVR is safer for playing SteamVR titles.

Does the Valve Index support OpenXR?

The Valve Index is a SteamVR headset. SteamVR itself supports OpenXR, so applications that use OpenXR can run on the Valve Index through the SteamVR runtime.

What about mixed reality headsets and OpenXR?

OpenXR includes extensions for mixed reality features like passthrough and spatial mapping. Many mixed reality headsets, such as the VIVE Focus Vision, support OpenXR for both VR and MR applications.