Gaming headsets are an essential tool for competitive fps players. Headsets act as a second set of eyes, relaying information that isn’t visible on-screen. In Valorant, listening to audio cues and determining the location of sounds is crucial to success.
The best headset for Valorant must have clear directional audio, balanced sound, and uncompromising ergonomics for long gaming sessions. But with so many brands, models, and styles on the market, how do you know which gaming headset to choose?
We subjected the most popular gaming headsets to rigorous in-house testing to determine the best headsets for Valorant. Below, we detail our experience with the top models, provide comparisons based on specifications and testing, and discuss tips for buying a Valorant gaming headset.
Table of Contents
The best headset for Valorant
- Top overall: SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless
- Wired pick: HyperX Cloud II
- Wireless pick: HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless
- Esports ready pick: Astro A40 TR
- Dual connectivity wireless pick: Logitech G735
- Open-back pick: Beyerdynamic DT 900 Pro X
- Budget pick: HyperX Cloud Stinger 2
Quick take
We reviewed 2,156 data points across 77 specs categories for 28 gaming headsets to compare each model and narrow down our shortlist picks. We then purchased and tested our narrowed-down picks in-house, paying particular attention to audio quality, build quality, ergonomics, connectivity, microphone, and features.
- 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
I had high expectations for the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless, and it delivered everything you’d want from a premium gaming headset. SteelSeries has been manufacturing premium gaming peripherals for over 20 years, and the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless is their flagship headset.
The Arctis Nova Pro Wireless comes equipped with a laundry list of technology. Other manufacturers offer features like ANC, talk-through, multi-system connect, hot-swappable batteries, and a wireless base station. Still, none combine them into a complete package like the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless.
The Arctis Nova Pro Wireless’ sleek gunmetal design and suspension headband have become synonymous with SteelSeries headsets. I’ve advocated for suspension headbands since I purchased an Arctis 3 in 2017. SteelSeries’ suspension headband design does an excellent job distributing weight evenly across the head, and that’s important to reduce fatigue for those all-night Valorant sessions.
When playing Valorant with the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless, I was immediately struck by the quality and clarity of the audio it produced. Audio cues like footsteps and abilities came through clearly, and I could easily determine the distance and direction of sounds. The headset made me feel like I had an unfair advantage, seemingly hearing sounds that other players could not.
The Arctis Nova Pro Wireless offers premium design and features for a premium price, and after spending time with the headset, I can confidently say that it nails the former. If you’re looking for the best gaming headset for Valorant that money can buy, you won’t be disappointed with the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless.
- 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
HyperX released the Cloud II back in 2015, and it’s still one of the most-used gaming headsets by professional Valorant players we track at Setup.gg. It was initially unclear why the Cloud II is popular because the specs and features don’t stand out on paper. After testing the Cloud II, it was easy to see why the headset is a favorite among professional Valorant players.
When wearing the Cloud II, you’ll first notice the soft leatherette ear cups and headband. Many headsets, like the Logitech G Pro X, take their design cues from the Cloud II, but none of the comparable models we tested could match the comfort and fit of the Cloud II.
The Cloud II pairs thoughtful ergonomics with an esports pedigree, and if you’re serious about climbing the Valorant ranked ladder, the Cloud II has the chops to get you there. The wired headset’s braided cable delivers low-latency audio over dynamic 53mm drivers– the largest drivers of any headset we tested.
The wired version of the Cloud II we tested is incompatible with the HyperX NGENUITY software, which may disappoint those hoping for features like EQ tuning or microphone customization. However, the Cloud II has excellent gaming audio out of the box, and we never felt like the headset needed tuning while playing Valorant.
The HyperX Cloud II exists in a fiercely competitive price range for gaming headsets. Still, there’s a reason that it continues to be the favorite of serious gamers and esports professionals. The Cloud II delivers quality audio and comfort at a price that’s difficult for other manufacturers to replicate.
- 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 is the cord-free version of the popular Cloud Alpha headset that HyperX introduced in 2017. After spending time with the Cloud Alpha Wireless, it’s evident that HyperX had a clear vision of what the perfect 2.4 GHz wireless headset should look like. The Cloud Alpha Wireless masters the things it does well and doesn’t get caught up in unnecessary features or gimmicks.
The first thing that jumps off the page when looking at the specs of the Cloud Alpha Wireless is its 300-hour battery life. That’s over 15x the Logitech G Pro X Wireless battery life and 10x more than the HyperX Cloud II Wireless. It’s stunning that advancements in battery technology have led to headsets like the Cloud Alpha that only need charging every few months or less, depending on how much you play.
Another overlooked aspect of gaming headsets that HyperX nailed with the Cloud Alpha Wireless is sensory feedback. After holding down the power button to turn on the headset, you’re greeted with a clear voice that conveys the headset’s status and the battery percentage. It’s a minor feature, but none of the other headsets we tested included this, and we wish they did.
The detachable boom microphone on the Cloud Alpha Wireless includes a red LED status indicator that lets you know when the mic is muted. It shows that HyperX understands gamers. Removing your headset to check the status of your mic is the last thing you want to do during a round of Valorant.
Speaking of the Cloud Alpha’s microphone, it sounded ultra-clear when listening back to a voice recording, and it did a near-perfect job of removing the noise of an air purifier running full blast in the background. The quality of the Cloud Alpha Wireless mic makes it a strong choice for communicating with teammates over game chat or Discord.
HyperX demonstrated value in simplicity when they designed Cloud Alpha Wireless. While other manufacturers spent time adding unnecessary features, HyperX focused on perfecting the ones that matter.
- Wide, open soundstage
- Pinpoint directional audio
- Replaceable parts
- No onboard controls
At a glance
- Connectivity: Wired
- Design: Open-back
- Compatibility: PC, Mac, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Switch, Mobile
- Drivers: 40mm
- Weight: 369 grams
- Frequency Response: 20-20,000 Hz
- Microphone: Detachable boom, flip-up
The Astro A40 TR (Tournament Ready) is a dedicated esports headset to meet competitive gamers’ high standards. During our testing, we found that the A40 TR has the performance to win esports competitions while still being comfortable enough for everyday gaming.
Playing Valorant with the A40s was delightful, thanks to the open-back design and cloth ear cushions. This helps give the A40 TR an expansive and immersive sound stage, perfect for pinpointing sounds across the map. Open-back headsets like the A40 are ideal for competitive gaming, so long as you don’t have too much background noise.
The A40 TR can also take a beating and still get back up. The headset features a mostly-plastic construction with adjustable aluminum arms, which helps the A40 TR bend and twist without fear of breaking. Also, the detachable audio cable, microphone, and headband cushion increase the headset’s potential lifespan.
The ear cushions and speaker tags on the A40 TR are attached with magnets and can be hot-swapped in seconds. Astro sells a mod kit, with leatherette ear cushions and sealed speaker tags, that turns the A40 into a noise-isolating closed-back headset, ideal for transitioning from a quiet to a loud gaming environment.
The A40 TR’s microphone ensures clear communications even in the loudest environments. The bendable boom mic did an excellent job reducing background noise during our testing, so you can be confident your callouts will be heard.
Esports competitors need equipment that won’t let them down, and the Astro A40 TR’s combination of performance and durability makes it built to last the entire journey from novice to pro.
- Dual-connectivity
- Channel mixing
- Lightweight
- 3.5mm audio cable not included
At a glance
- Connectivity: Wireless, Wired
- Design: Closed-back
- Compatibility: PC, Mac, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Switch, Mobile
- Drivers: 40mm
- Weight: 273 grams
- Frequency Response: 20-20,000 Hz
- Microphone: Detachable boom
The new Logitech G735 headset is a product of the Aurora Collection, an all-white line of gaming peripherals. The G735’s icy white exterior may be polarizing to some, but look past the surface, and you’ll find a cutting-edge wireless gaming headset with impressive hardware.
The G735 is versatile. The headset connects via Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz wireless, and 3.5mm wired, although you’ll have to find your own 3.5mm cable because Logitech doesn’t include one.
Multitaskers will appreciate the G735’s ability to connect to multiple devices simultaneously, and onboard channel mixing controls make it a breeze to balance the volume between two audio sources. I adored quickly mixing game and chat audio with a press of a button instead of fumbling through applications to adjust each source individually.
The versatility of the G735 continues with the headset’s design, which after detaching the boom microphone and disabling the RGB lights, could easily pass for a pair of regular listening over-ears. Bluetooth connectivity and a lightweight fit allow you to take Zoom calls at the office, listen to music on the train ride home, and game Valorant through the night without missing a beat.
Playing Valorant with the G735, I never felt like I was compromising audio quality by wearing a wireless headset. Game sounds like the snap of a Marshall in the distance were crisp, and I found it easy to locate enemy positions based on audio cues.
The Logitech G735 is a solid option to consider if you’re in the market for a versatile wireless headset, and if you already have an iced-out gaming setup, it becomes a no-brainer.
- 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
The Beyerdynamic DT 900 Pro X is an open-back studio headset that, according to their website, was designed for critical listening, mixing, and mastering. Since it wasn’t intended for gaming, why do so many esports professionals choose some version of the DT 900 Pro over a dedicated gaming headset? The secret is the DT 900 Pro X’s studio-quality audio that’s unmatched by similarly priced gaming headsets.
The DT 900 Pro X arrives in a plain black box made from 100% recyclable paper and cardboard. The discreet packaging lowered my expectations, but I was blown away after experiencing what the DT 900 Pro X offered.
Playing Valorant with the DT 900 Pro X is a unique experience if you haven’t tried a pair of open-back headphones before. The open-back design facilitates an expansive three-dimensional soundstage that increases spatial awareness, and the impressive 5-40,000 Hz frequency response allows a broader range of sounds than any other headset we tested.
A professional-quality matte-black exterior and plush velour earpads compliment the DT 900 Pro X’s internal performance. We also appreciated the detachable audio cables that Beyerdynamic included, thicker than any others we tested, which should prevent tangling and deformation over time.
Listening to music with the DT 900 Pro X was a completely new affair, and it felt like I was hearing all my favorite tracks again for the first time. The DT 900 Pro X’s unlocked unfamiliar levels of classic anthems like ‘Blinding Lights’ by The Weeknd, and halfway through James Blake’s ‘Limit To Your Love,’ I excitedly handed the headset to my fiance, exclaiming, “You gotta hear this!”
The DT 900 Pro X is limited because it’s not a gaming headset, which can be remedied by purchasing a microphone like the Shure SM7B– the most popular gaming mic on the market. Also, the DT 900 Pro X’s velour earpads clamp tighter than most, which may become an issue for those with average to large-sized heads.
If you’re a competitive Valorant player who demands top-tier sound quality, the DT 900 Pro X might be the headset you’ve been looking for. Just remember to mute Spotify when you’re clutching that 1v3 defuse, OK?
- Large 50mm drivers
- Good spacial audio
- Lightweight
- Durability
- 3.5mm cable is non-detachable
At a glance
- Connectivity: Wired
- Design: Closed-back
- Compatibility: PC, Mac, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Switch, Mobile
- Drivers: 50mm
- Weight: 272 grams
- Frequency Response: 10-28,000 Hz
- Microphone: Flip-up
The HyperX Cloud Stinger 2 arrived on the scene in mid-2022 to replace the esteemed Cloud Stinger that’s been in service since 2016. The Cloud Stinger has a sterling reputation as a budget gaming headset, and we tested the Stinger 2 to see if the sequel could be as good as the original.
Every budget headset has to make tradeoffs to be offered at a low price point. Tradeoffs for the Cloud Stinger 2 materialize in the durability and construction of the headset, which are lacking compared to its more expensive big brother, the Cloud II. Plastic joints and an attached audio cable are potential weak points for the Cloud Stinger 2, and it makes us wonder how the headset will hold up over time.
The Cloud Stinger 2 started to shine after we plugged in the 3.5mm audio cable and fired up Valorant. It was immediately apparent that HyperX’s priority for the Stinger 2 was sound quality, which was unexpectedly good for a budget gaming headset. The Cloud Stinger 2’s produced an open soundstage with more precise spatial audio than other budget options we tested, like the Logitech G435 Lightspeed Wireless.
The mostly-plastic construction of the Cloud Stinger 2 does contribute to weight-saving, and the leatherette-covered memory foam earpads provide ample cushioning for long periods of use. I like how this iteration of the Cloud Stinger looks versus its predecessor; the slight design choices that HyperX made keep the headset from feeling outdated.
The flip-to-mute microphone on the Cloud Stinger 2 is passable for communicating with teammates in Valorant, but we did notice that it picked up a decent amount of background noise during our tests. Upgrade to one of HyperX’s more expensive models if recording quality is your priority.
The HyperX Cloud Stinger 2 met or exceeded most of our expectations during testing, and it adequately fills the role of an entry-level gaming headset for Valorant. Check out the Logitech G435 Lightspeed Wireless if you’re willing to sacrifice audio quality for the freedom of a wireless gaming headset.
Valorant headset test results
We put together comparisons for the best Valorant gaming headsets, including our test results and specifications from the manufacturers. Subjective testing categories were rated on an excellent, great, good, poor, and bad scale.
Audio
| Model | Driver Size (mm) | Wired Frequency Range (Hz) | Wireless Frequency Range (Hz) | Nominal Impedance (ohms) | Music | Directional Audio |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arctis Nova Pro Wireless | 40 | 10-40,000 | 10-22,000 | 38 | Great | Great |
| Cloud II | 53 | 10-23,000 | N/A | 60 | Good | Great |
| Cloud Alpha Wireless | 50 | N/A | 15-21,000 | 62 | Good | Great |
| Astro A40 TR | 40 | 20-20,000 | N/A | 48 | Poor | Great |
| Logitech G735 | 40 | 20-20,000 | 20-20,000 | 38 | Great | Great |
| DT 900 Pro X | 45 | 5-40,000 | N/A | 48 | Excellent | Great |
| Cloud Stinger 2 | 50 | 10-28,000 | N/A | 32 | Good | Good |
We tested the audio quality of the best Valorant gaming headsets by observing directional audio while playing Valorant and listening to music.
Directional audio was one of the most important categories to test since determining the distance and direction of audio cues like footsteps is crucial for success in Valorant. The Arctis Nova Pro Wireless, Cloud II, Cloud Alpha Wireless, A40 TR, G735, and DT 900 Pro X all exhibited exemplary directional audio for Valorant.
Pro tip
Don’t forget to use the best Valorant audio settings to maximize your gaming headset’s directional audio.
The DT 900 Pro X emerged as our favorite for listening to music. The headset produces sound across a wide 5-40,000 Hz frequency range, and the open-back design maintains audio fidelity with the volume cranked up. The Arctis Nova Pro Wireless comes in second place for listening to music, and Bluetooth connectivity makes it easy to listen on the go.
Connectivity
| Model | 3.5mm (wired) | USB (wired) | Bluetooth (wireless) | 2.4GHz (wireless) | Dual Connectivity | Battery Life (hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arctis Nova Pro Wireless | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | 44 |
| Cloud II | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | N/A |
| Cloud Alpha Wireless | No | No | No | Yes | No | 300 |
| Astro A40 TR | Yes | No | No | No | No | N/A |
| Logitech G735 | Yes | No | Yes | yes | Yes | 56 (RGB off) |
| DT 900 Pro X | Yes | No | No | No | No | N/A |
| Cloud Stinger 2 | Yes | No | No | No | No | N/A |
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless and Logitech G735 have the most connectivity options, making them compatible with the broadest range of devices. The Arctis Nova Pro Wireless version we tested was made specifically for Xbox and sports an Xbox-specific USB port on the back of the base station.
The HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless has an outstanding 300-hour battery life, leaps and bounds more than any other headset we tested. According to the HyperX website, the Cloud Alpha Wireless can replenish its battery in 4.5 hours via the USB charging cable. However, we have yet to approach low battery during our testing.
The Arctis Nova Pro Wireless includes two batteries and the wireless base station charges whichever battery is not used. This system ensures you’re never stuck with a dead headset so long as you keep the extra battery charging in the base station.
Hands-On
| Model | Ease of Use | Adjustability | Stability | Build Quality | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arctis Nova Pro Wireless | Poor | Excellent | Poor | Excellent | Great |
| Cloud II | Great | Great | Good | Great | Great |
| Cloud Alpha Wireless | Excellent | Great | Good | Great | Great |
| Astro A40 TR | Excellent | Great | Good | Great | Great |
| Logitech G735 | Good | Great | Good | Excellent | Great |
| DT 900 Pro X | Excellent | Great | Good | Excellent | Good |
| Cloud Stinger 2 | Excellent | Great | Poor | Poor | Poor |
The Arctis Nova Pro Wireless scored poorly in the ease of use category because operating the headset can be tedious between the onboard controls, wireless base station, and included SteelSeries GG software. Since the Arctis Nova Pro is loaded with features, it took time, and multiple read-throughs of the instruction manual, to learn about everything the headset had to offer.
All the headsets we tested featured great adjustability, which in this context is how easily the headset conforms to the shape of your head. The Arctis Nova Pro Wireless scored a notch above the rest since its suspension headband added an extra layer of adjustability.
Head stability is lacking for many gaming headsets, especially those heavier than 300 grams. The stability shouldn’t affect day-to-day use as long as you don’t wear the headsets to the gym or during physical activity.
Comfort was rated based on each headset’s headband, ear cup pads, weight, clamping force, materials, and overall fit.
The Cloud Alpha Wireless could have scored higher in comfort if it included a set of cloth ear cup pads like the ones that come with the Cloud II. Cloth or velour ear pads could have reduced some heat build-up during long gaming sessions.
The Astro A40 TR’s earcups are large and accommodate various ear sizes. The A40’s spacious fit helps it feel comfortable and liberating compared to more compact designs.
The Arctis Nova Pro Wireless has a protrusion in the middle of each speaker, part of the ANC system, which comes in close contact with your ears. It didn’t bother us much while testing the headset, but it could significantly reduce the comfort of the headset depending on the size and shape of your ears.
Other features
| Model | Active Noise Canceling | Talk-through | Channel Mixing | RGB Lighting | Included Software | Carrying Case/Pouch |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arctis Nova Pro Wireless | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Cloud II | No | No | Yes | No | No | No |
| Cloud Alpha Wireless | No | No | No | No | Yes | No |
| Astro A40 TR | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Logitech G735 | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| DT 900 Pro X | No | No | No | No | No | Yes |
| Cloud Stinger 2 | No | No | No | No | No | No |
The Arctis Nova Pro Wireless is the only headset we tested with active noise canceling. However, the Cloud II, G735, and Cloud Alpha Wireless have good passive noise canceling due to their thick foam ear pads covered in leatherette and a closed-back design.
A quick button press on the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless enables Transparency Mode, a feature where microphones on the outside of the headset listen to and amplify outside sounds. We found this convenient for communicating with others in the room without removing the headset.
Included software for the G735, Cloud Alpha Wireless, and Arctis Nova Pro Wireless adds features like EQ presets, EQ tuning, mic tuning, surround sound customization, and more. The G735 also touts the ability to modify its RGB lights using the Logitech G HUB app.
None of the gaming headsets we tested included carrying cases; only a few arrived with a drawstring pouch. The Beyerdynamic DT 900 Pro X had the most substantial pouch, made from a thick moisture-repellent neoprene material.
Microphone
| Model | Detachable Boom | Integrated | Flip-up | Retractable | Unidirectional | Omnidirectional | Clarity | Background Noise Isolation | Frequency Response (Hz) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arctis Nova Pro Wireless | No | No | No | Yes | No | Yes | Great | Good | 100-6,500 |
| Cloud II | Yes | No | No | No | Yes | No | Great | Great | 50-18,000 |
| Cloud Alpha Wireless | Yes | No | No | No | No | Yes | Great | Excellent | 50-7,200 |
| Astro A40 TR | Yes | No | Yes | No | Yes | No | Great | Excellent | Unknown |
| Logitech G735 | Yes | No | No | No | Yes | No | Great | Great | 100-10,000 |
| DT 900 Pro X | No | No | No | No | No | No | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Cloud Stinger 2 | No | No | Yes | No | No | Yes | Poor | Bad | 100-15,600 |
We tested each headset’s microphone by recording a phrase under ideal conditions and one with a loud air purifier blasting 2 feet away. The Arctis Nova, Cloud II, A40, G735, and Cloud Alpha mic tested similarly for clarity, but the Cloud Alpha and A40 did the best to block out the sound of the air purifier’s fan.
The Cloud Stinger 2 had the worst microphone, with noticeable background static even during the ideal conditions test. We recorded our test speech in the free recording software Audacity to get an authentic feel for the sound of each mic. Some chat apps like Discord have settings to reduce background noise, which could improve the sound of the Stinger 2’s microphone.
Valorant headset buying tips
Below, we break down some of the most important factors to consider when buying a new gaming headset, so you can find one that best suits your needs.
Wired vs. Wireless
There are two types of gaming headsets: wired and wireless.
Wired headsets usually transfer sound via a 3.5mm AUX or USB cable plugged into a device. Wired headsets rarely require batteries and have little to no latency.
Wireless gaming headsets operate via Bluetooth and/or a 2.4 GHz connection and don’t require cables. Headsets with a 2.4 GHz wireless connection, like the HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless, require a small USB transmitter to send and receive signals.
A 2.4 GHz wireless connection typically has significantly less latency than Bluetooth, making 2.4 GHz the preferred option for wireless gaming.
Pro tip
Don’t forget to use the best Valorant audio settings to maximize your gaming headset’s directional audio.
Closed-back vs. Open Back
The two styles of gaming headsets you will encounter while shopping are closed-back and open-back. Closed-back headsets have coverings over the back of the drivers, while open-back headsets allow air to pass through to the back of the drivers.
Closed-back headsets are better at isolating game sound and reducing background noise. They have less sound leakage, so you won’t disturb your neighbors when listening in a crowded space.
Open-back headsets often have a broader sound stage and a more natural sound, don’t block out background noise, and leak audio out the back of the headset. Open-back headsets are fantastic for increasing immersion, especially when paired with the best gaming monitors for Valorant.
Dual connection & channel mixing
Dual connection headsets, like the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless, allow connection to multiple audio sources simultaneously. This handy feature lets the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless seamlessly take a phone call over Bluetooth while gaming on a PC via 2.4 GHz.
Some headset models also offer channel mixing, which lets you adjust the volume between two audio sources. Gaming headsets like the Logitech G735 have an onboard mixing button to quickly balance the volume between chat and game.
Surround Sound
Virtual surround sound is advertised by manufacturers as a way to improve spatial audio. Almost all gaming headsets have stereo audio by default, with sound split between left and right speakers. Virtual surround sound uses post-processing to recreate the experience of listening to multiple speakers arranged around your head.
Microphone
Headset mics have a unidirectional (cardioid) or omnidirectional polar pattern. Unidirectional (cardioid) mics pick sound from one direction and are better for reducing background noise. Omnidirectional mics pick up sound in multiple or all directions equally.
Some gaming headset microphones reduce background noise with a foam pop filter over the microphone or noise suppression software.
What headset do Valorant pros use?
The 32% is the most popular gaming headset professional Valorant players use. In fact, HyperX Cloud II (wired) of pro Valorant players and streamers tracked on Setup.gg use the 32%.
Honorable mentions
We tested numerous gaming headsets for Valorant that didn’t make our final list. Below are some honorable mentions you should consider when shopping for a gaming headset.
The Razer Kraken V3 Pro is a wireless gaming headset that includes unique haptic feedback technology, premium materials, and a comfortable fit. We chose the Steelseries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless instead because of features like talk-through, Bluetooth connectivity, and active noise cancellation.
The Logitech G Pro X is one of the most popular gaming headsets among esports pros we track at Setup.gg. Although the G PRO X has an excellent microphone and sound quality, the HyperX Cloud II and Astro A40 TR have more comfortable fits.
The Razer Blackshark V2 is a lightweight, comfortable gaming headset compatible with most devices. We found that directional audio was more precise in the HyperX Cloud II, and the Blackshark’s thin metal ear cup arms raised concerns about durability.
The Logitech G435 Lightspeed Wireless is an ultra-light, budget gaming headset that’s comfortable to wear and an insane value for the price. The HyperX Cloud Stinger 2 had better sound quality while playing Valorant, but your choice may hinge on a preference for wired vs. wireless.
