SteamVR support alone does not guarantee that a headset can track every SteamVR controller. Compatibility depends on whether the headset supports SteamVR Tracking, which base stations and controller revisions you have, and whether SteamVR can pair the controller. Valve names the Index, HTC Vive, and HTC Vive Pro as compatible with Index Controllers; its documentation also lists Vive and Vive Pro Wands as compatible with Index.
What determines whether a SteamVR controller works?
Separate three questions: can the headset track the controller, can SteamVR pair it, and does the game have usable controls for it? A headset may run SteamVR without having the tracking hardware or receiver path required by a lighthouse-tracked controller. Valve specifies that Index Controllers work with headsets featuring SteamVR Tracking and names the Valve Index, HTC Vive, and HTC Vive Pro. That list is not a guarantee for every headset that supports SteamVR. See Valve’s Index Controller compatibility listing and Index system requirements.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
For an unlisted headset, verify its manufacturer’s exact controller and tracking compatibility before buying. Check the specific headset revision, controller revision, and any required tracking accessory; a broad “SteamVR compatible” label is not enough.
Which documented headset and controller combinations work?
| Combination | What the manufacturers document |
|---|---|
| Valve Index headset + Index Controllers | Supported. Index requires at least one base station; Valve recommends two. See Valve Index system requirements. |
| Valve Index headset + Vive or Vive Pro Wands | Valve lists both Wand types as compatible with Index. Station-generation limits still apply. See Valve Index system requirements and base station guidance. |
| HTC Vive headset + Index Controllers | Valve names HTC Vive as a SteamVR Tracking headset compatible with Index Controllers. Check station generation, especially for original Vive hardware. See the Valve listing. |
| HTC Vive Pro headset + Index Controllers | Valve names HTC Vive Pro as compatible. Confirm the exact kit and base station generation. See the Valve listing. |
| Original Vive headset or original Vive Wands + Base Station 2.0 | Not supported by Valve’s guidance. HTC also lists the original Vive headset and controllers for 1.0 stations only. See Valve’s base station page and HTC’s compatibility table. |
| Index headset + Base Station 1.0 or 2.0 | Either generation is supported with Index, but do not combine generations in one setup. See Valve’s base station page. |
| Vive Pro, Pro Eye, Pro 2, and specified Cosmos models + stations | HTC lists these models for both station generations. Cosmos compatibility requires the External Tracking Faceplate where specified. Check the exact model in HTC’s table. |
Base station generations are a separate compatibility check
Base Station 1.0 and 2.0 are not interchangeable within one VR setup: Valve says HTC-branded 1.0 stations and Valve-branded 2.0 stations will not work together. Index supports either generation, but the original Vive headset and original Vive Wands are the important exception to 2.0 compatibility. Vive Pro-family products have broader compatibility, but check HTC’s model-by-model table rather than assuming every product with “Vive” in its name behaves alike.
#1 Best Overall
- Lets you wirelessly interact and play with the virtual world.
- Features 24 sensors, multi-function trackpad, dual-stage trigger, HD haptic feedback and a rechargeable battery.
- Includes one controller, lanyard, micro-USB cable and power adapter.
- Battery capacity: 960 mAh.
- Compatible with Base Station 1.0
How to pair and check Index Controllers
- Confirm tracking support and station generation. Make sure the headset supports SteamVR Tracking and that your stations are compatible with every device in the setup. Do not mix 1.0 and 2.0 stations.
- Place the base stations. Aim them toward the play area and keep tracked devices visible to them, as Valve recommends in its Index setup guidance.
- Pair the controllers in SteamVR. Open the SteamVR status window and select Devices > Pair Controller, then follow the prompts. Valve notes that a blue controller LED means the controller is powered but not paired.
- Check readiness and complete Room Setup. Confirm the devices appear green in SteamVR’s status window, then complete Room Setup if needed. Valve’s setup guide treats a green device icon as ready for use.
- Check the game’s controls. Pairing and tracking do not ensure that every title has native Index Controller support. Valve says titles without native support should map existing control schemes automatically; if a layout does not suit the game, adjust it in SteamVR’s controller bindings.
Check the headset and PC requirements too
Controller compatibility does not establish that the headset will connect to your computer. For example, Valve lists DisplayPort and USB requirements for Index separately from controller compatibility. Check the headset maker’s connection and computer requirements for your exact model, in addition to confirming tracking support and the required stations.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Includes HTC Vive SteamVR Controller with 24 sensors, multi-function trackpad, dual-stage trigger and HTC Vive Tracker for full body tracking (3 trackers needed).
- The HTC Vive SteamVR Controller features a rechargeable battery with capacity of 960 mAh, HD haptic feedback and is compatible with Vive and Vive Pro.
- The HTC Vive Tracker offers accessory and body tracking with sub-millimeter accuracy powered by SteamVR tracking technology.
- HTC Vive Tracker battery life up to 7.5 hours of continuous use.
Rank #4
- Includes One base station and one power adapter per order
- Fits standard threaded mounting points
- Cord: 8' 2'' L
- Compatible with Vive Pro, Vive Pro Eye, Vive Pro 2 and Vive Cosmos Elite headsets
Rank #3
- HP Reverb G2 VR Headset Controller LEFT and RIGHT Virtual Reality Motion Handle Package included: Left controllers, batteries are not included.
Rank #2
- Lets you wirelessly interact and play with the virtual world
- Features 24 Sensors, Multi-Function trackpad, dual-stage trigger, HD haptic feedback and a rechargeable battery
- Compatible with Vive and Vive Pro
Quick decision checklist before you buy or swap controllers
- Tracking: Does the exact headset support SteamVR Tracking, rather than only its own inside-out tracking and controllers?
- Generations: Are all base stations in the setup the same generation, and is that generation supported by the headset and controllers?
- Revisions and accessories: Have you checked the exact headset and Wand revision? For Cosmos, is the required External Tracking Faceplate included?
- Pairing and controls: Can SteamVR pair the controller, and does the game provide native or configurable bindings?
- Physical setup: Can the stations see the tracked devices, and does the headset meet your PC’s port and system requirements?
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
