Sensor v2
Here's a breakdown of how the TrackHat sensor V2 compares against naturalpoint's 20 year old TrackIR point tracking system.
TrackIR Alternative
TrackHat Sensor v2
Naturalpoint
TrackIR
Tracking Type: Machine learning based infrared illuminated head tracking
Tracking Type: Infrared point tracking
The Sensor V2 uses machine learning to detect your head motion for your game or simulator. As a result, no clip or cap needs to be worn, and any combination of speakers or headsets can be used.
The TrackIR uses an extremely dated form of infrared point tracking, essentially following the dots on the required headset or baseball cap, which cannot be removed or blocked during gameplay.
Software: Free, and open source forever <3
Software: closed source software
TrackHat has long supported the development of the Opentrack software program, and we're proud to offer 100% free software. And by free, we just don't mean price, we mea you're free to hack, crack, modify and re-distribute our software however you like.
Naturalpoint has a long history of predatory closed source software, and for many years attempted to monopolize head tracking by locking it's proprietary protocol behind closed doors, and forcing game developers to adopt it.
Prices: starting at £110, everything included!
Prices: £175 to £225 (At Nov 2026)
We sell our products direct to gaming and simulator enthusiasts. No one else gets a cut, and we get to keep our hardware as affordable as possible.
TrackIR's prices have fluctuated drastically, but remain over £150, despite the product now being 20 years old! The worst part? that price doesn't even include the active IR emitter, which TrackIR users agree is required for a half-decent head tracking experience. With the emitter, you're looking at a total cost of £225!