A good gaming headset is necessary for Tarkov to hear important audio cues and enhance spatial awareness. The ability to distinguish sounds like footsteps can tr the difference between extracting successfully or losing all your gear to a Scav.
To find the best gaming headsets for Escape From Tarkov, we poured over reviews and specs to narrow down a list of headsets for in-house testing. Then, we hand-tested each headset’s audio quality, ergonomics, features, microphone, and more, to help you find the best headset for Tarkov.
Table of Contents
Best headset for Escape From Tarkov
- Wired pick: Logitech G Pro X
- Wireless pick: HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless
- Studio headset pick: Beyerdynamic DT 900 Pro X
- Wired runner-up pick: HyperX Cloud II
- Wireless runner-up pick: SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless
- Budget wireless pick: Logitech G435 LIGHTSPEED Wireless
Quick take
We reviewed 2,156 data points across 77 categories for 28 gaming headsets to find a shortlist of the best Tarkov headsets. We then tested 11 of the top models in-house to determine their audio quality, ergonomics, features, microphone quality, and more.
- Premium materials/build quality
- Detachable audio cable
- Quality detachable boom microphone
- Earcups clamp tighter than most headsets
At a glance
- Connectivity: Wired
- Design: Closed-back
- Compatibility: PC, Mac, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Switch, Mobile
- Drivers: 50mm
- Weight: 320 grams
- Frequency Response: 20-20,000 Hz
- Microphone: Detachable boom
The Logitech G Pro X boasts a sterling reputation in the esports community for being one of the most well-built and best-sounding gaming headsets. During our Escape From Tarkov play testing, we were blown away by how good the G Pro X sounded compared to other gaming headsets.
The first thing you’ll notice about the G Pro X when you take it out of the box is how sturdy the headset is. The frame is made from solid metal, and the leatherette headband feels premium to the touch. The headband twists and bends without objection, further than I would feel comfortable manipulating most headsets.
The G Pro X uses replaceable parts, making it more durable than similarly priced wired headsets. The 3.5mm audio cable is detachable, unlike the HyperX Cloud II, so you don’t have to worry about junking the headset if the cable breaks. The leatherette ear pads can also be swapped; we replaced them with the extra velour set that Logitech includes to achieve a more open soundstage and softer clamp on the head.
The Logitech G Pro X’s sound quality makes it the best wired headset for Tarkov. The G Pro X dampens the volume of environmental sounds, which makes it easier to hear footsteps on small maps like Factory. Directional audio for the G Pro X was also stellar. I could pinpoint Scavs walking around the Factory offices, even when they were above or below me, which other headsets struggled with.
The G Pro X comes with two different microphone options, a detachable boom mic for gaming and an in-line mic for talking on the go. The detachable boom mic replicated audio with superb clarity, perfect for making new friends over VOIP or giving callouts to teammates.
The G Pro X offers a winning combination of durability and audio quality. If you’ve been searching for a Tarkov headset to elevate your game, look no further than the Logitech G Pro X.
- 300-hour battery life
- Comfortable fit
- Excellent spacial audio
- Not compatible with all platforms
At a glance
- Connectivity: Wireless
- Design: Closed-back
- Compatibility: PC, Mac, PS4, PS5, Switch (docked)
- Drivers: 50mm
- Weight: 327 grams
- Frequency Response: 15-21,000 Hz
- Microphone: Detachable Boom
The Cloud Alpha Wireless blends HyperX’s legendary audio quality and comfort with the best aspects of wireless gaming. The Cloud Alpha Wireless is a masterclass in gaming headsets; It nails the important stuff without getting caught up in unnecessary features and gimmicks.
Have you ever wanted a headset that lasts for months on a single charge? Enter the Cloud Alpha Wireless, featuring an industry-leading 300-hour battery life that blows the competition out of the water. The Cloud Alpha Wireless ships with roughly 70% battery life, which we could barely dent during testing.
HyperX paid close attention to detail when they designed the Cloud Alpha Wireless. Small features like an LED mute indicator on the detachable boom microphone or a clear voice that conveys the headset’s status upon startup improve the user experience. The Cloud Alpha Wireless is one of the few wireless headsets that don’t require a user manual to operate, and we wish more models were like that.
Sound quality with the Cloud Alpha Wireless is top-notch, and the headset does an exemplary job reducing outside noises thanks to thick leatherette ear cushions. The headset’s dual chamber 50mm drivers produce a wide range of sounds, perfect for listening to the minor but critical audio cues in Escape From Tarkov.
The ergonomics of the Cloud Alpha Wireless will feel familiar to anyone who’s worn the Cloud II. The ear cups are spacious enough for the ears to breathe, and the leatherette headband provides just the right amount of cushion to support the headset’s weight. Overall, It’s one of the most universally-comfortable headsets for marathon gaming sessions.
If you’re a Tarkov player who wants to upgrade to a wireless headset, you can’t do much better than the Cloud Alpha Wireless. Check out the SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless review below if you want a wireless headset for Escape From Tarkov with Xbox compatibility.
- Balanced, high-quality audio
- Large, immersive sound stage
- Premium construction
- No microphone
- Earcups clamp tighter than most headsets
At a glance
- Connectivity: Wired
- Design: Open-back
- Compatibility: PC, Mac, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Switch, Mobile
- Drivers: 45mm
- Weight: 345 grams
- Frequency Response: 5-40,000 Hz
- Microphone: No
Studio headsets, like the Beyerdynamic DT 900 Pro X, have been growing in popularity with gamers because of the precision audio they produce. The DT 900 Pro X shines in games like Escape From Tarkov, where critical listening and the ability to discern audio cues can be the difference between losing your gear and a successful extraction.
The DT 900 Pro X is built to a standard worth its price tag. The headset is furnished with luxury leatherette, plush velour, and durable metal that spans the length of the headband into the arms. You can twist the headband without fear of breaking, and essential components like the audio cable, ear pads, and headband cushion are all replaceable.
Beyerdynamic describes the DT 900 Pro X’s sound as “spacious and transparent, enabling the precise localization of acoustic sources.” We found this description to be accurate when playing Escape From Tarkov. The headset naturally immerses you in the environment, making it easy for your brain to determine the location of sounds your ears pick up.
The DT 900 Pro X’s spacious sound is partly due to its open-back design, where slits on the ear cups allow air to pass through to the drivers. Open-back headsets like the DT 900 Pro X have a large sound stage, making audio feel like it’s happening around you instead of inside your head.
Most gaming headsets have sound profiles that make them suitable for hearing footsteps but sub-par for listening to music. This isn’t the case with the DT 900 Pro X since it’s intended for mixing and mastering audio tracks. Listening to my favorite songs with the DT 900 Pro X was an otherworldly experience– it felt like I was hearing music the way the artists originally intended.
The Beyerdynamic DT 900 Pro X will appeal to audiophiles passionate about gaming AND listening to music. Consider picking up a microphone to go with it, so you can still take advantage of VOIP in Tarkov.
- Comfortable fit
- Crisp, clear sound
- Easy to use
- No software included
- Virtual 7.1 surround sound is only available via USB 2.0
At a glance
- Connectivity: Wired
- Design: Closed-back
- Compatibility: PC, Mac, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Switch, Mobile
- Drivers: 53mm
- Weight: 267 grams
- Frequency Response: 10-23,000 Hz
- Microphone: Detachable Boom
The HyperX Cloud II is one of the most popular gaming headsets ever built, trusted by streamers and esports pros worldwide. The secret to the Cloud II’s success is a combination of audio quality and comfort that’s often imitated but never duplicated.
Gaming at a high level requires concentration, and nothing breaks a gamer’s focus faster than using gear that causes discomfort. The Cloud II is designed to be comfortable for all-day gaming, with lightweight construction and roomy ear cups that don’t cramp your ears. If leatherette ear pads aren’t your thing, HyperX includes a set of velour ear cushions, perfect for gamers wearing glasses or anyone who wants less heat buildup.
The Cloud II uses 53mm drivers, the largest of any headset we tested, that produce incredibly accurate sound for the price. Even though the Cloud II model has been in production since 2015, it still makes some of the most well-rounded gaming audio available. The Cloud II also has ultra-low latency since it’s a wired headset, even though we wish the 3.5mm audio cable was detachable like on the Logitech G Pro X.
The Cloud II’s volume and mute controls are on the in-line USB advanced audio control box. The USB control box features a 7.1 surround sound button and separate game and chat volume controls, which makes it easy to quickly balance between two audio sources. Unfortunately, the control box’s features can only be accessed with the USB plugged in.
The Cloud II has a detachable boom microphone that bends to find the perfect position. During our testing, the Cloud II’s microphone could reproduce voice with incredible accuracy while significantly reducing background noise.
The HyperX Cloud II has the comfort and audio quality to help you gear up in Escape From Tarkov. Take a look at the HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless if you’re interested in a headset with similar audio and comfort that also includes wireless capability.
- Loaded with features
- Includes base station w/ extra battery
- Premium-quality design and materials
- ANC housing could cause ear discomfort
At a glance
- Connectivity: Wired, wireless
- Design: Closed-back
- Compatibility: PC, Mac, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Switch, Mobile
- Drivers: 40mm
- Weight: 337 grams
- Frequency Response: 10-40,000 Hz (wired), 10-22,000 Hz (wireless)
- Microphone: Retractable
SteelSeries is known for manufacturing some of the best wireless headsets for gaming. The Arctis Nova Pro Wireless is SteelSeries’ flagship headset loaded with all of the brand’s best features, so expectations for testing were high. After playing Escape From Tarkov with the Arctis Nova Pro, we are pleased to say that the headset lived up to the SteelSeries name.
The first thing I noticed about the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless was its design, updated from the previous generation of Arctis Pro Wireless headsets. The Nova Pro Wireless features stylish metal plates on the earcups that detach with magnets to reveal a removable battery on one side and USB charging port on the other.
The Arctis Nova Pro Wireless uses SteelSeries signature suspension headband, which is my favorite headband design because of how it distributes weight evenly across the head. The suspension headband significantly reduces head fatigue, making you forget you’re wearing a 337-gram headset.
SteelSeries thought of every detail when they designed the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless. Is your room too loud? Activate ANC to block out the noise. Want to hear what’s going on around you? Double tap the power button to amplify outside sounds with Transparency Mode. Running low on battery? Swap it with the extra battery that charges in the OLED base station. With the features of the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless, you have a headset suited for any environment.
The Arctis Nova Pro’s killer tech can be enjoyed on any device thanks to compatibility via low-latency 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth, or a 3.5mm wired connection. Also, the OLED base station has inputs for multiple devices at once, so you can quickly swap between a console and a PC without missing a beat. Just make sure you buy the Xbox-specific version of the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless if you plan on using the headset with Xbox consoles.
Escape From Tarkov players know that gunshot sounds can be realistic and ear-piercingly loud in the game. The Arctis Nova Pro Wireless’ default sound mix allowed me to crank the headset’s volume without losing my hearing to a burst from an AK-74N. With the loud sounds reigned in, I could more easily hear audio that helped me win fights, like the sound of an injured foe bleeding out behind cover.
If you’re looking for a headset that doesn’t compromise audio, comfort, or features and are willing to spend a little extra, the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless is a sure bet. Check out the Cloud Alpha Wireless if you want a less-expensive, less versatile wireless headset with similar stellar audio for Escape From Tarkov.
- Lightweight
- Lightspeed wireless and Bluetooth connectivity
- Comfortable fit
- Economical build quality
- Not compatible with Logitech G-Hub
At a glance
- Connectivity: Wireless
- Design: Closed-back
- Compatibility: PC, Mac, PS4, PS5, Switch, Mobile
- Drivers: 40mm
- Weight: 165 grams
- Frequency Response: 10-20,000 Hz
- Microphone: Integrated
The Logitech G435 LIGHTSPEED Wireless is an ultra-light gaming headset with an impressive combination of form and function. The G435 was clearly priced and designed for a younger audience, but after testing, we think they’re an excellent option for anyone looking for a lightweight and inexpensive wireless headset.
The G435 is one of the lightest wireless headsets out there, thanks to a spartan use of materials throughout the headset. The headband is exceptionally minimal, consisting of thin fabric covering plastic arms with almost no padding. This headband design wouldn’t cut it on most headsets, but at only 165 grams, the G435 is comfortable without the thick memory foam you see on most headbands.
The earcups on the G435 are also simplistic yet comfortable, made mostly of plastic with memory foam ear cushions covered in stretchy fabric. The ear cushions are oval-shaped, with plenty of room to fit ears of all sizes. The G435’s stretch fabric ear cushions are also more breathable, heat-resistant, and less noise-isolating than most leatherette ear cushions.
The G435’s left earcup houses a unique integrated microphone instead of the bulky boom microphones found on most gaming headsets. The integrated microphone creates a more streamlined profile and makes the headset more suitable for taking conversations on the go. The G435’s microphone doesn’t have the same sound quality found on more expensive models, but it’s still serviceable for talking to teammates over voice chat or Discord.
The Logitech G435 sounded surprisingly balanced when playing Escape From Tarkov, and I had no problem determining the direction of sounds or distinguishing between audio cues. The headset can connect via LIGHTSPEED Wireless or Bluetooth, but LIGHTSPEED Wireless is the better option for gaming because of its low-latency capabilities.
For the price, the Logitech G435 LIGHTSPEED Wireless is one of the best-value gaming headsets you can find. If you’ve ever wanted to try wireless gaming but don’t want to break the bank, the G435 is a great place to start.
Test results
Below we compare the specs and test results of the best headsets for Escape From Tarkov. Subjective testing categories are rated on a scale of bad, poor, good, great, and excellent.
Audio
| Model | Driver Size (mm) | Wired Frequency Range (Hz) | Wireless Frequency Range (Hz) | Nominal Impedance (ohms) | Music | Directional Audio |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| G Pro X | 50 | 20-20,000 | n/a | 35 | Good | Excellent |
| Cloud Alpha Wireless | 50 | n/a | 15-21,000 | 62 | Good | Great |
| DT 900 Pro X | 45 | 5-40,000 | n/a | 48 | Excellent | Excellent |
| Cloud II | 53 | 10-23,000 | n/a | 60 | Good | Great |
| Arctis Nova Pro Wireless | 40 | 10-40,000 | 10-22,000 | 38 | Great | Great |
| G435 | 40 | n/a | 20-20,000 | 45 | Good | Good |
We tested the audio quality of the best headsets for Escape From Tarkov by observing directional audio in-game and listening to a selection of music tracks.
The Logitech G Pro X and Beyerdynamic DT 900 Pro X stood out for having the best directional audio for Escape From Tarkov. When playing condensed maps like Factory, both headsets greatly enhanced my spatial awareness, alerting me to the presence of enemies well before I could see them.
The Logitech G435 scored the lowest for directional audio because the sound was slightly more muddled than the other headsets. I still had no problem determining the distance and direction of sounds with the G435, although the audio was less crisp than some of the more expensive headsets on this list.
The DT 900 Pro X has the most well-rounded audio, scoring excellent marks for directional audio and listening to music. The DT 900 Pro X impressed me with its ability to create a high-quality music listening experience and a robust audio mix for Escape From Tarkov without EQ tuning or sound filters.
Connectivity
| Model | 3.5mm (wired) | USB (wired) | Bluetooth (wireless) | 2.4 GHz (wireless) | Dual Connectivity | Battery Life (hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| G Pro X | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | n/a |
| Cloud Alpha Wireless | No | No | No | Yes | No | 300 |
| DT 900 Pro X | Yes | No | No | No | No | n/a |
| Cloud II | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | n/a |
| Arctis Nova Pro Wireless | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | 44 |
| G435 | No | No | Yes | Yes | No | 18 |
The connectivity of the headset you choose will determine its compatibility with devices such as Xbox, Playstation, PC, Nintendo Switch, and mobile.
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless is the most compatible headset because it can connect via 2.4 GHz wireless, Bluetooth, or 3.5mm wired. This allows the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless to connect to almost any gaming device (as long as you buy the Xbox-specific version).
The HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless has by far the best battery life at 300 hours. The Arctis Nova Pro Wireless has two batteries, each with 22 hours of charge. Technically, the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless’ infinity power system never lets the headset die. The headset holds enough charge without a battery inserted that you won’t lose audio if you swap the batteries within 8 seconds.
Hands-On
| Model | Ease of Use | Adjustability | Stability | Build Quality | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| G Pro X | Excellent | Good | Great | Great | Good |
| Cloud Alpha Wireless | Excellent | Great | Good | Great | Great |
| DT 900 Pro X | Excellent | Good | Good | Excellent | Good |
| Cloud II | Great | Great | Good | Great | Great |
| Arctis Nova Pro Wireless | Poor | Excellent | Poor | Excellent | Great |
| G435 | Good | Good | Great | Poor | Good |
We got hands-on with the best headsets for Escape From Tarkov to get a feel for their build quality and ergonomics.
The G Pro X, DT 900 Pro X, and Cloud Alpha Wireless all scored excellent marks for ease of use since they are essentially plug-and-play headsets. The Arctis Nova Pro Wireless scored poorly in ease of use since its myriad of features and multi-function buttons take time and careful study of the user manual to learn.
Adjustability takes into account features like adjustable-length headbands and earcup swivel. The Arctis Nova Pro Wireless is the most adjustable headset because you can adjust the length of each arm, the length of the suspension headband, the earcups tilt up and down, and also swivel so that the headset lays flat.
The Logitech G Pro X started as the most uncomfortable headset, with ear cups that clamped too tight for my head. After a few days of wearing the G Pro X, the metal headband stretched out, reducing the clamping force of the ear cups and making the headset more comfortable.
Features
| Model | Active Noise Canceling | Talk-through | Channel Mixing | RGB Lighting | Haptic Feedback | Included Software | Carrying Case/Pouch |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| G Pro X | No | No | No | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Cloud Alpha Wireless | No | No | No | No | No | Yes | No |
| DT 900 Pro X | No | No | No | No | No | No | Yes |
| Cloud II | No | No | Yes | No | No | No | No |
| Arctis Nova Pro Wireless | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| G435 | No | No | No | No | No | No | No |
The Arctis Nova Pro Wireless is the only headset with ANC and talk-through capabilities on this list. The talk-through feature was handy during testing because the Nova Pro Wireless passively blocks a significant amount of outside noise. Talk-through lets you hear others in the room or listen to the sound on a nearby TV without removing the headset.
The HyperX Cloud II features in-line channel-mixing controls on the USB audio cord, with separate buttons to adjust the game and chat audio volume. I found these controls extremely useful while gaming and talking to friends on Discord, allowing me to quickly turn down the chat volume during intense EFT situations where extra focus was needed.
The G Pro X, Cloud Alpha Wireless, and Arctis Nova Pro Wireless are compatible with free software from the manufacturer that includes features like EQ presets, EQ tuning, mic tuning, surround sound customization, and more. While some of these software features can be helpful, none significantly enhanced my experience while using the headsets.
Microphone
| Model | Detachable Boom | Integrated | In-line | Flip-up | Retractable | Unidirectional | Omnidirectional | Clarity | Background Noise Isolation | Frequency Response (Hz) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| G Pro X | Yes | No | Yes | No | No | Yes | No | Excellent | Good | 100-10,000 |
| Cloud Alpha Wireless | Yes | No | No | No | No | No | Yes | Great | Excellent | 50-7,200 |
| DT 900 Pro X | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Arctis Nova Pro Wireless | No | No | No | No | Yes | No | Yes | Great | Good | 100-6,500 |
| Cloud II | Yes | No | No | No | No | Yes | No | Great | Great | 50-18,000 |
| G435 | No | Yes | No | No | No | Yes | No | Good | Good | 100-8,000 |
We tested the microphone quality of each headset by recording speech under ideal conditions and with a loud air purifier fan running nearby. We then compared the clarity and background noise suppression of each microphone.
The Logitech G Pro X’s microphone reproduced speech with the greatest accuracy, making it the best candidate for recording voice content or talking to chat while streaming. The boom microphone on the Cloud Alpha Wireless did an excellent job removing background noise during our testing, making it a solid option for the office or other loud environments.
The Arctis Nova Pro Wireless features a retractable boom microphone that sits flush with the ear cup when not in use. The retractable mic also has a red LED mute indicator on the tip of the microphone, similar to the Cloud Alpha Wireless, which I found extremely useful for checking the status of the mic.
What headset do Escape From Tarkov pros use?
Escape From Tarkov players prefer gaming headsets with an open sound stage that allows them to pinpoint the direction of sounds, like the Logitech G Pro X or the Beyerdynamic DT 900 Pro X. These headsets reproduce game audio with incredible accuracy, enhancing Tarkov players’ ability to more easily determine the location of enemies.
Honorable mentions
The Razer Kraken V3 Pro is a comfortable gaming headset manufactured with high-quality materials. The Kraken V3 Pro boasts impressive features like haptic feedback, customizable RGB lights, and a 44-hour battery life. The HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless is a similarly-priced headset with a 300-hour battery life that produces more crisp directional audio for Escape From Tarkov.
The Astro A40 TR is an open-back wired gaming headset that’s ultra-popular among Call of Duty Players because of its neutral sound profile and durable design. The Logitech G Pro X is less expensive and has a better sound mix for Escape From Tarkov.
The HyperX Cloud Stinger 2 is a popular budget headset that’s lightweight and features large 50mm drivers. We chose the Logitech G435 LIGHTSPEED Wireless instead because it’s in a similar price range, features better audio for EFT, and has wireless functionality.
The Logitech G735 is a great all-around wireless headset featuring dual connectivity, onboard channel mixing controls, customizable RGB lights, and a clean white exterior. The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless is a slightly better headset for Escape From Tarkov because of its superior directional audio and features like talk-through that the G735 doesn’t include.
The Razer Blackshark V2 is a lightweight wired gaming headset with comfortable ergonomics and an excellent detachable boom microphone. However, the HyperX Cloud II has a more durable design and superior audio quality for Escape From Tarkov.
